Training, hours building and first job prospects in America
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,081
Likes: 189
From: Redding CA, or on a fire somewhere
TrT
Sorry to burst the bubble---NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.....unless you have some exceptional skill that cannot be found here in the US already. And btw...I have about 10 resumes on my desk right now from US pilots with ATP, long line, fire and EMS experience and all have over 10,000 hours. There are also thousands of CFI's out here with instrument already, who are looking for work.
Not sure what to tell you....
I would need someone to be interested in hiring me to get a work permit?
Not sure what to tell you....
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
From: In the desert southwest
hmmm
Two EMS pilots flying at or near my base, one from Switzerland and the other from Australia are employed here in good old Wisconsin. Somehow, some way they managed it. Both in their 30's. Making in the mid 60's. Go figure.
Cheers
Cheers
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,081
Likes: 189
From: Redding CA, or on a fire somewhere
Grumpytroll...
Green cards maybe?..I am guessing that the EMS company did NOT sponsor them.
The point I am making is that I find it hard to believe, and have have heard it happen since the early 90's, that a helicopter company in this country will sponsor a foreign national to get a work permit....I am open to be proved wrong.
And that school you linked is still spouting the same "Vietnam pilots retiring, huge pilot shortage" line I see. They also need to learn to spell "aerial"....not too professional when you cannot spell that word......
Too funny
Green cards maybe?..I am guessing that the EMS company did NOT sponsor them.
The point I am making is that I find it hard to believe, and have have heard it happen since the early 90's, that a helicopter company in this country will sponsor a foreign national to get a work permit....I am open to be proved wrong.
And that school you linked is still spouting the same "Vietnam pilots retiring, huge pilot shortage" line I see. They also need to learn to spell "aerial"....not too professional when you cannot spell that word......
It is well known that the helicopter's unparalleled areal capabilities are being utilized by many industries.
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Here and There
Ok guys, the simple truth to this is that unless you are a US citizen or permanent resident you will not be allowed to work in the US of A. Yes there is a employer sponsored program (H1B visa etc…) but it does not apply to helicopter pilots it is intended to bring IT, medical, and education professionals (to name a few) to the States.
The process to obtain such a work visa/permit is rather lengthy, painful and not to forget expensive. I doubt a company would go through this if they have stacks of resumes from highly qualified US pilots on their desk.
Yes, there are “foreigners” flying for US companies, but trust me they are either permanent residents also called green card holders or US citizens. I’ve never met anyone on a employer sponsored work visa in my ten years in the industry.
The process to obtain such a work visa/permit is rather lengthy, painful and not to forget expensive. I doubt a company would go through this if they have stacks of resumes from highly qualified US pilots on their desk.
Yes, there are “foreigners” flying for US companies, but trust me they are either permanent residents also called green card holders or US citizens. I’ve never met anyone on a employer sponsored work visa in my ten years in the industry.
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
From: In the desert southwest
so in other words...
You have proven that it is possible to come here from another country and get a job flying a helicopter. Thats all I was saying. I have met many pilots from other countries who are now flying in the U.S. professionally. Here are a couple more examples: I went to army flight school with a guy who was born in Russia. He came here when in his teens and has a distinct russian accent. He is now retired. (CW4) I did my initial training at Northwest with a guy who escaped from Romania in the early 80's. He is currently a Captain on the A320 for Delta. He did all of his flight training in Florida, taught and then worked for a commuter for several years. By the way, a mispelled word on a website is no reason to completely discount the people who own the business. I own a business and we have a website that was created and is managed by a webmaster. If they misspell a word or use a bit of bad grammar, we fix it as soon as some nice person points it out. It doesn't reflect badly on me or anyone that works for me. Its just an honest mistake. Have have a good day!
Cheers
Cheers
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Here and There
you guys need to read up on US immigration and labor laws....
Ok then, why don't you go ahead and call AirMethods or another company's HR department and ask if they'll hire you?????
Only flight school owners and immigration lawyers tell prospective customers that you can get sponsoered by an employer. A couple of months and thousands of Dollars later the student finds out that it ain't so!
Canadian operators are known to sponsor foreigners and get them the proper work permit, not the US.
Only flight school owners and immigration lawyers tell prospective customers that you can get sponsoered by an employer. A couple of months and thousands of Dollars later the student finds out that it ain't so!
Canadian operators are known to sponsor foreigners and get them the proper work permit, not the US.
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 330
Likes: 0
From: St Johns, Newfoundland,Canada
Quote Imuny...
Canadian operators are known to sponsor foreigners and get them the proper work permit, not the US....Not anymore mate....the local boys got pissed off and took it to Mr Harper.......lots of threads on it go read...
Gordy. I am with you. We got lucky Matey and came to N .America when times were good.....not so easy now.....12,000+ me, 15,000+ you,least it wasn;t the N. Sea....
Have a good season matey....regards.
Canadian operators are known to sponsor foreigners and get them the proper work permit, not the US....Not anymore mate....the local boys got pissed off and took it to Mr Harper.......lots of threads on it go read...
Gordy. I am with you. We got lucky Matey and came to N .America when times were good.....not so easy now.....12,000+ me, 15,000+ you,least it wasn;t the N. Sea....
Have a good season matey....regards.
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,081
Likes: 189
From: Redding CA, or on a fire somewhere
Newfie...
Yes we did......And you too...I see you finally made it home for Christmas....on Christmas day.....ahhh the life of a utility pilot....Be safe out there. I leave on contract for 9 months tomorrow......
Gordy. I am with you. We got lucky Matey and came to N .America when times were good.....not so easy now.....12,000+ me, 15,000+ you,least it wasn;t the N. Sea.... Have a good season matey....regards.
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: ITALIA
american wives??
What about american husbands?
It happens too lately, with foreign girl pilots.
It doesn't sound that bad when you hear that she married a guy and got her green card!
It sounds a lot worse when he, the male pilot, is doing it!
Nevertheless I can count amongst my foreign friends in the US at least ten if not more who did exactly that move.
8 out of ten are now divorced but greencard holders if not already naturalized citizen and working in the industry.
Some of them cover already key position in their organization such as Chief Pilots or Director of Flight Ops, Company airman etc.
SO I wouldn't give up the idea.
The other way is to buy into some company and get a E2 investor visa which will let you work for that company for 6 years renewable.
I know a German guy who renewed already 4 times and is now ready to retire.
Talk to some schools they are usually always looking for investors and specially some with a clue of what to do with choppers, and can assist in the day to day operation to run the COMPANY.
It happens too lately, with foreign girl pilots.
It doesn't sound that bad when you hear that she married a guy and got her green card!
It sounds a lot worse when he, the male pilot, is doing it!
Nevertheless I can count amongst my foreign friends in the US at least ten if not more who did exactly that move.
8 out of ten are now divorced but greencard holders if not already naturalized citizen and working in the industry.
Some of them cover already key position in their organization such as Chief Pilots or Director of Flight Ops, Company airman etc.
SO I wouldn't give up the idea.
The other way is to buy into some company and get a E2 investor visa which will let you work for that company for 6 years renewable.
I know a German guy who renewed already 4 times and is now ready to retire.
Talk to some schools they are usually always looking for investors and specially some with a clue of what to do with choppers, and can assist in the day to day operation to run the COMPANY.
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Netherlands
From Netherlands to the USA
Would it be smart to go to the USA for my lessons and exams?
i'm living in the Netherlands at the moment, the price to get PPL and CPL will be like 90K to 110K euro!
that is:118.000 to 145.200 dollars!
and how long will it take till i can get back to the Netherlands?
I am 17 years old and next year i'm done with school!
i'm living in the Netherlands at the moment, the price to get PPL and CPL will be like 90K to 110K euro!
that is:118.000 to 145.200 dollars!
and how long will it take till i can get back to the Netherlands?
I am 17 years old and next year i'm done with school!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Iceland
Training Options in FAA land
Hi guy's,
Just wanted to share with you my experience from the states. I recently came back from doing hour building towards my commercial licence. After doing lots of research online I decided to go to a school in McMinnville Oregon called Jerry Trimble Helicopters.
I found everything to be spot on with them, good helicopters, good people and great rates.
I would strongly recommend this outfit to anyone interrested!
IceHeli
Just wanted to share with you my experience from the states. I recently came back from doing hour building towards my commercial licence. After doing lots of research online I decided to go to a school in McMinnville Oregon called Jerry Trimble Helicopters.
I found everything to be spot on with them, good helicopters, good people and great rates.
I would strongly recommend this outfit to anyone interrested!
IceHeli
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,081
Likes: 189
From: Redding CA, or on a fire somewhere
I have been going through all the posts and basically what you are saying is that there is no way for a foreigner of any kind (except Canadian) to get a job as a Helicopter Pilot in the US?
Kinda works the other way though too...right?
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: On the couch
Building night-time for Part 135
Coming from Australia where night flying isn't factored into your license, and (at least for myself) there wasn't much opportunity in the following years, building this time to qualify for a Part 135 operation in the US will be my biggest hurdle.
How have you gone about building your night hours? In the company where you work, or ferries or flying privately?
Thanks for your help.
How have you gone about building your night hours? In the company where you work, or ferries or flying privately?
Thanks for your help.