Starting Late - USA or Europe?
 

Hello all,

I'll be turning 33 in a few months, and after 10 years in a different career I'm seriously considering a switch to flying. I got my PPL when I was 18 but just couldn't make the finances work back then, and took a 'safer' option. I'm lucky to have both a USA and a UK citizenship, and I'm considering how best to jump in and make a decent go at it. The options I'm considering:

1. United States

Enrolling in something like LIFT Academy or ATP flight school. It's 9-10 months of dedicated training, then 12-18 months as a CFI to build the 1,500 hours followed by a pretty good chance at a job in a regional carrier in the USA. The cost seems around $80k USD, and hope to be getting into FO at a regional within 2-3 years.

2. Europe

Enrolling in one of the integrated programs, ideally with a cadet partnership. I see programs like the Ryanair MTP program in Bartolini, or BAA Training with Wizz Air. Bartolini program costs about $80k USD. I could conceivably find myself in a 737 or A320 in 2-3 years following this type of program.

Pros/Cons:
For me the pros of the USA would be it's a bit less of a leap to the unknown since I'm geographically closer, and the chances of a regional job appear good given the environment in the US right now.

The advantage I see with Europe is those integrated programs show a path to the right seat and maybe eventually left seat of an A320 or B737. However there's a lot riding on some critical assessments at various stages, and a seemingly shakier industry environment in Europe right now.

I don't have family commitments, I'd put the next 6-8 years into trying to get myself on the right path in a new career. Anyone who has thoughts/advice/perspective I'd love to hear it.

You'll get paid far more in Europe compared to the US. Also the hour requirements aren't quite so high.

Thanks to the pilot shortage in the USA, the regionals are paying pretty high signing bonuses and higher salaries than they did in the past. Our school for example has a flow-through agreement with Skywest and Horizon (Alaska Airlines) and students can get up to $25k towards their training. Our graduates usually work as a CFI for 12-18 months, then go to Horizon, fly there for 2 years and then either become Captain at Horizon or move on to Alaska Airlines.