I think they essentially are, as long as certain prerequisites are met.

It appears that the E3 Visa requires either a Bachelors degree, or equivalent experience (That would add up to 12 years of relevant experience. i.e. 3 years for every year required to obtain a Bachelors).

If a prospective applicant had a Bachelors (or relevant experience) and the minimum hours required; that would leave the ATP Exam, ATP Flight test and CTP course to complete.

- The ATP written Exam can be completed in 3 days, including the study.

- Mesa has a training program already established that includes the CTP Course. The ATP Flight test will be covered by the Check ride at the end of training (the Type Rating ride).

With the exception of the ATP written Exam, it appears that Mesas training program would cover all of the remaining requirements. Unless I'm missing something ..... again ;)

N.B. Ahhh ..... The question is - will they require at least an FAA CPL to start the process ?

SFRA in DC
 

I have a trip coming up soon for a flight to BLT from PVD on VFR. I understand BLT is in the SFRA area, so do I have to file a different VFR flight plan into the area or I can just stay flight flowing with the same code all the way?

You're good to go. If you see a very powerful light shining in your eyes from atop a building. Wave.




Note - That was a joke. If you're talking about BWI and the SFRA around DCA, then I'd get you're flight planning instruction elsewhere

No extra amount of training at all to switch an Aussie license over, your type ride in the Sim is your FAA ATP ride. The only added requirement is the TSA approval for the sim training and the FAA letter of verification of your foreign license.

So essentially it's no different to any other new hire joining a regional training wise except for about or month of paperwork with TSA and the FAA prior to beginning training.

The only FAA certificate that can be acquired without testing is a single engine PPL with no Instrument rating. -

Are you assuming that they will allow a pilot to begin training with zero FAA certificates, or only a FAA PPL with no IR ? That may be the case, but Mesas page says a CPL is required. That cannot be done with a straight paper exercise.

The letter of verification allows a foreign pilot to gain a 'piggybacked' FAA PPL. With no Istrument Rating. If the pilot wants an IR added a written test is required (Instrument test for foreign pilots). That's as far as you can go license wise, without a flight test and further written exams.

havick is right, I just did this. Came to USA with NO FAA certificates, just a verified Australian licence.
Completed all training (within the company) with no FAA licence (not even an FAA PPL) then the type rating check at the very end is also the ATP flight test. The only written exam I had to do was the FAA ATP-MEL. I now have an FAA ATP-MEL with a CL65 type rating.
Not at Mesa so not sure how they approach this but why would anyone go there ?

Thats excellent news, and a great clarification. Congrats ! I'm pleasantly suprised by the streamlined nature of the transition. It all seems so logical, yet 'logical' doesn't always factor into the certification process.

Hope you have a great career.

JPJP,

Correct. But it's the prerequisites that aren't terribly clear from Mesa's ad. But, the logical assumption is that an FAA CPL is necessary until they make a clearer statement.

Mesa is the first regional I've seen publicly, specifically state they'll take Aussies; it's always possible I've missed something along the way.

I don't understand why the regionals wouldn't just say they're doing it if they actually are (some are and have been as mentioned by others)...and lay out the requirements in unequivocal language including what, if any, assistance with the E3 itself might be forthcoming from the airline. It seems that would be to the benefit of all concerned since those Aussies considering this move likely aren't very familiar with the bureaucratic gauntlet they face.

If regionals are in a position to need expats, why make the process of getting them any more difficult than it already is ? Just a rhetorical question...

I didn't have any FAA fixed wing certificates at all prior to starting training with Envoy. I just had to have my letter of verification in hand and TSA clearance and class 1 medical.

Envoy put me through the ATP-CTP course prior and I then had to take my ATP written prior to Indoc

Your type ride is your initial FAA license issue.

havick,

Yep, I understand. I wasn't very clear. I meant that an FAA CPL appears to be a "Mesa" requirement for E3s...not the FAA's.

I think the answers are thrice fold - The current political climate with regard to foreigners and jobs, Union stance, and Mesa copying and pasting stuff onto a web page without having a clue.

My guesses ;)

Found this on another forum. It might be a suggestion for a regional to join :

"On the latest Envoy vacancy bid, an April 2017 new hire was awarded CA. Some New York CA slots actually went unfilled. No company time requirement for upgrade, in fact the junior CA awarded is still on IOE as an FO. Just need the 1k 121 time as per FARs."

All true! I finished my IOE in march and now sitting on 400hrs part 121. I should upgrade as soon as I hit my 1000hours part 121 in about 6 months or so

**NEWSFLASH**

Envoy nor opening up the RTP course to civilian helicopter pilots. Limited slots to start with.