Career in EK or work for regional in the USA? Help me guys.

[neilki]

He has a Greencard

Originally Posted by bafanguy

fbi,

Correct but one does need enough to comfortably get him there. That number is a wild card but more is unquestionably better than less. Now, how to see that it's "more"...that's the question.

A Greencard is US Permanent residence. No need for a visa to live and work here.
US Majors do not look especially kindly on non US flying. There are plenty of ex Emirates & Cathy drivers siting right seat in RJs to build the 121 time the majors require. 135 time may help a little; but the easiest way is to join a regional.
Pay isn't too bad; joining bonuses can be >$20k. Live in base and there's plenty of money to be made.
I moved from a US regional to LCC in 3 years and couldn't be happier. Brand new Aircraft and great money compared to Europe.
Note as a G/C holder money earned in the sandpit is taxable in the US.. check with a tax pro.
PM for more..
Cheers!

[HVYMETAL]

Simple non sarcastic answer... Go to the US. 12,000 is money, sure, but it will be worth the investment. The QOL at EK is really rough and a lot of people get burnt out quickly, the money there also isn't as a good as you think it is. Regional Airline schedules flying long haul exist there, 120+ hours per month in the plane. The UAE just added a 5% VAT to basically everything in 2018 and wages didn't rise accordingly, so it's getting incredibly expensive there.

Fun country, I go there often and always enjoy it, but that's it, I wouldn't want to work for an airline there. Here in the US your quality of life will be so much better, pay will suck at first, but it time it will improve and you will be happy you sucked it up. When I go to the UAE it's for vacation to see friends, that's it.

A lot more to be said, but the only way I'd recommend EK is if you needed/wanted to live in the Middle East or Turkey. Then I would recommend it to avoid the crazy commute. Besides that? USA.

Good luck.

[Tinstaafl]

It shouldn't cost $12k to convert. you only need an FAA CPL + IR. The regionals will cover all the ATP costs, including accommodation and the CTP-ATP training that is now required before sitting the ATP theory exam. Regionals will also do the ATP checkride as part of the type rating.

Converting to CPL/IR is 'training as required'. Maybe several $k, but hardly $12k. Pick a small school at a small airfield with cheap rates and good availability. You may gave to do TSA insecurity bull**** (US citizens don't, foreigners do, but green card holders? No idea)

[A320 CURSED]

Aviator 35,
I went through the same, I moved to the US with a Green Card, no EK job offer and 3 kids.
PM me if you want an honest inside look.
I completely regret what I did, you have more going for you compared to my situation when i moved.
Taxes, health insurance on non legacies or high-end LCCs plus family with kids will suck you blood to the last drop if you do the regional thing.
If you are single or you wife work it is better.

[bafanguy]

Originally Posted by Tinstaafl

It shouldn't cost $12k to convert. you only need an FAA CPL + IR. The regionals will cover all the ATP costs, including accommodation and the CTP-ATP training that is now required before sitting the ATP theory exam. Regionals will also do the ATP checkride as part of the type rating.

Tinstaafl,

I may have misinterpreted your comments, but to my knowledge, if a person goes to the regionals taking Aussies, an FAA ticket isn't required. They take Aussies right off the boat with only CASA tickets and the training process gets them an FAA ATPL and type.

I'm assuming aviator35 would be handled the same way and only an assumption on my part. Of course, if he goes a non-regional route or a "non-Aussie" regional, the process will likely be different...and more expensive. The more knowledgeable can correct my understanding if needed.

The regional route restricts his list of potential employers. And, yes, regional life offers some lean years.

[MarkerInbound]

Originally Posted by Tinstaafl

Converting to CPL/IR is 'training as required'. Maybe several $k, but hardly $12k. Pick a small school at a small airfield with cheap rates and good availability. You may gave to do TSA insecurity bull**** (US citizens don't, foreigners do, but green card holders? No idea)

Green card holders are considered Aliens per TSA. And to get a FAA commercial you must hold a FAA private. A 61.75 counts but another hoop to jump through.

[ironbutt57]

Originally Posted by MarkerInbound

Green card holders are considered Aliens per TSA. And to get a FAA commercial you must hold a FAA private. A 61.75 counts but another hoop to jump through.

when did that come into being? we've had overseas pilots take the ATP written and then the check at the same time they did their type rating, none of them previously held any FAA certificate...

[MarkerInbound]

You can go straight to a FAA ATP as long as you hold a foreign commercial or ATP - 61.153. Tinstaafl's post talked about "converting" a commercial/IR. Then 61.123 applies.