What would you do?
 

After much research and consultations with USA Immigration Lawyers regarding the EB2-NIW option, I have decided to NOT pursue that route. $15k to $20k USD with no guarantee and subsequently nothing to show, just doesn't sit right with me as a 6000 hr ATPL(H) NVG and Instructor.

I'd rather have something to show than losing on a gamble. USA isnt that dreamy anymore. So, looking at alternative options, i.e. Licence Conversion and Im interested in what the Helo community here has to say...

Convert to British / Irish / Australian / New Zealand or EASA?

What would you do...?

I would leave out NZ as not a lot of opportunities here - quite a few high time pilots that have to work overseas to make a living.

Go to Antarctica and fly some penguins around. :cool:

Lawyer costs $5000. Half payable immediately, the other half is success based. I have one on the starting line after being contacted by a HEMS recruiter.

Where do you have a ‘right to work’ already?

Canada isn't too tough to immigrate to.

Thanks all so far for your input...much appreciated.

I can legally live in the UK, South Africa, Canada, Ireland and Cypress.

Canada and Antarctica (baa haa haa), I'm too old for cold. Done my bit in the High Arctic. Flying next to a beach and ocean was a dream...just should have been more specific about which ocean (who knew the Arctic was an ocean and had beaches). My past broken bones remind me all the time of historically bad and crazy decisions.

Maybe lining in the Jungles of PNG, conservation in Africa or Oil and Gas in the newly found reservoirs just found of the South America coastlines is the ticket! Ive heard compensation working with the Cartels in South America is a rush and profitable...NOT! Again, too old for that type of adventure and adrenaline rush. Can't say the Middle East really entices me. I'm not an alpha-dog persona, but I do stand my ground and known to man my own beat. But, all that subsides as you age.

I'm a mostly Multi-Engine ATPL HEMS type of pilot (139, 412, 212, 76er). Done my fair bit in the 204/205 and 206. Eurocopter has always evaded .me.

Civilian and Military flight Instructor. Done a whole bag of VFR low level and lining jobs. Not much at all in Off-shore. As mentioned, I'm a pretty good jack of many, not a master at all. Suppose I'm still trying to find how I really want to finish my flying career. Maybe the Caribbean is the answer.

It's nice having options, I can make quick decisions in the cockpit, but when my wife is the majority stakeholder in life decisions, well...Im damned if I do and damned if I dont.

Thanks again, rotor side up!

Don't you just turn up at the border and walk in these days? Free house, medicare etc

Why would you want to (legally) live up a tree?

CHC & PHI need a lot of pilots in Australia at the moment, touring positions so you can live anywhere you choose!

If you have the right to live and work in Australia and hold a CASA license

Interesting, will they employ and tour pilots who don't reside in Australia and don't have a right to work there? I doubt it.

If you interested in PNG

BK117/H145 Pilots - Bladeslapper

You are correct...in most CHC and PHI job ads. It states that they don't see a need to "Sponsor".