Jobs in the US for foreign national
 

Hi Everyone,

Im currently 34 year old with 7000 TT(6700 airbus jet) and currently have 2000 hours jet PIC(all on A320 and A330). I also possess a 4 year college degree equivalent and also hold a valid FAA ATPL and a class 1 medical. Im currently
working at big middle eastern national carrier. Im originally from Sri Lanka and will be getting my US Green Card within about 6 months. What are my chances of getting hired at a US Major ? My main reason to move to the US is the search for a better lifestyle especially in terms of time off. Money is not my biggest concern, however lifestyle is. What US carriers offer good roster flexibility ?

I would say that with those kinds of numbers and a Green Card, your odds are not bad. Focus on networking and getting your name out there, and you'll improve your prospects.

Do you have a college degree? It's nearly mandatory here. Schedule is dependent on seniority, you bid for everything-vacation, trips, plane, seat-so you can control what you bid and hold.

GF

The real question is: Do you have the legal right to work in the US?

I don't know that any US carriers will go out of they're way to sponsor you, but they def won't discriminate as long as you have the right to work here.

With that experience you should be pretty competitive, but equally as important as flight hours here, are who you know. All the "shortage" drama you hear about is for the $20,000yr regional FO jobs. All the mainline carriers are swimming in apps. Internal recommendations go along way, and for that reason you'll hear about guys with your experience and more who can't get a call. Then you'll hear about a 2500 hr RJ FO that lands his dream gig at Delta.

That said, throw your app in and go for it!

Also be aware, they may not fly you all the way from the ME to the U.S. to interview. What's a degree equivalent? US carriers require a degree from an "accredited" University, I'm not sure If many schools outside the U.S. and Europe are qualified.

Either way, Good Luck!

The real question is: did you read the post?

Seems to be a lot of that going around ...

You have as good a chance busboy as anyone else..., that being said! my recommendation is to get help in preparing for the interview process..., in the US. It is no longer about qualifications and piloting skills..., it is about playing the HR interview game and it is a difficult game to play, I know many very experienced pilots that were counting solely on their qualifications and experience and never invested in interview preps, only after failing the interview at a couple of majors is when they realized that they needed to get help in preparing for the interview process:ugh:

Good luck...!

Sorry but this is incorrect...! I know many pilots (including myself) that went to college in many other parts of the world, from Latin America to Asia to Africa, New Zealand, Oz..., that are flying for US carriers...., back in the day when I was flying in the US I never had anyone say anything about my degree being done abroad.

There is no requirement that your degree has to be from the United States. Once you have the green card you can apply to any or all of the airlines. The key point to remember that unless it's a start up or a non-union airline, you will start as an FO wherever you go. Lot's of hiring going on in the US especially at the regional levels. I would apply to the majors, and also target the operators that fly the Airbus (Jetblue, Spirit, Virgin America). If you get an offer from a regional, take it until some better comes along (it will). Best of luck. First year or two at any airline will be the toughest (10-12 days off a month, Reserve and poor pay). Once you have decent seniority you have a pretty good roster. With 6 years of seniority at a major I was able to get between 14-16 days off a month, flying 70-75 hrs.

Thanks everyone for the information. Much appreciated. Will get prepping for the HR stuff. My college degree is from the UK and has been accredited by US colleges. What kinds of lifestyle does companies like jet blue and virgin america offer ? Days off per month etc.

It all depends on the contractual agreements signed by the union and the individual airline. I would venture to say that while on RESERVE you will probably get 10- 12 days off a month on average. Once you are able to hold a line based on your seniority it may increase further depending on what your seniority can hold. I was able to get some months with 16-17 days off. Your quality of life while on RSV will be better if you live where you are based. In the States many people simply commute to work but that puts an added strain especially when on RSV. If you are on RSV and you are able to determine your potential "call up number" you can very easily have a somewhat normal day and not have to sit at home waiting for the phone to ring. Just get ready, keep your stuff in your car and be ready to report within an hour or two, depending on call up rules for your airline. I have spent many a RSV day on the golf course and elsewhere....

As far as lifestyle etc--you get salary,perdiem, days off, travel benefits (standby) and some will offer a retirement. Trips can be day trips, 2/3/4 day trips. Some cargo haulers (ACMI) have on for call for set number of days as flying is unpredictable. As you are coming from an A6 operator you will find that there will be no housing, utility, education allowance.i You will drive yourself to work!!

I suggest you look at Home | AirlinePilotCentral.com for profiles of different airlines, pay etc as well as projected time to command. Do not apply to any airline until you have the green card in your hand. One of the questions asked on the application is "Do you have the legal right to work in the US." If you fill out an app prematurely and answer YES, you risk getting a call and they will reject and blacklist you if you don't have the green card.

And by the way, don't be surprised or offended if you are asked often "where is Sri Lanka?"! My wife was once on a flight from DXB to ATL and the immigration officer asked her if she was carrying spices and goods from India(he was convinced Dubai was in India). So my wife (a U.S. school teacher) gave him a quick lesson in geography.

A job with any of the 4 majors and 2 cargo airlines in the US is like winning a lottery ticket