european pilots flying overseas

[buzzlightyear12]

I’ve been speaking to quite a few European pilots working outside of Europe recently, and a common theme keeps coming up: they say it’s becoming very difficult to get airline jobs in Europe even with experience and licenses.

Some of the reasons they mentioned were:

• Airlines wanting a very specific “profile”
• Age becoming a disadvantage
• Having turbine time but not enough jet time
• Struggling with aptitude/psychometric testing
• Heavy competition for limited positions

A few of them ended up looking for work in places like the Middle East, Asia, Africa, or the Caribbean instead.

I’m curious how true this actually is from the perspective of pilots currently in Europe or trying to get into the European airline market.

For those of you flying in Europe or trying to get hired:

• Is the market really that difficult right now?
• What are airlines actually looking for?
• Is jet time becoming almost mandatory?
• How much do aptitude tests matter nowadays?
• Have any of you had to leave Europe to find opportunities?

Would be interesting to hear honest experiences from cadets, low-hour pilots, and experienced captains alike.

[rudestuff]

Not European, but close. I left a decent job in the UK for the Middle East by choice for the weather, lifestyle and the money (lack of tax). I have no intention of going back any time soon. Ex colleagues in the UK say that they're getting so desperate for cadets that they're trawling flight schools looking for suitable candidates. Possibly Brexit related market conditions so I can't speak for Europe.