Flying/Instructing in Thailand

[flyerr]

All,

I've been a silent member for a while now, keeping an eye on the forums and trying to soak up what knowledge I can. I haven't seen anything specifically addressing my questions, though, so I thought I'd ask here.

I'm a new flight instructor with a part-time job at a flight school in the US. I expect to have a hundred or so hours of instruction given before I move to Bangkok in the summer for work, and I want to continue flying. As my day job pays sufficiently, I'm not looking for WORK, per se, so much as an opportunity to keep current and stay in the air.

1) How does the conversion/validation process from US to Thai licenses work? The latest info I saw here was dated 2010, and it has likely changed, given the recent changes in government.

2) What opportunities are there for me to instruct there? I don't care about being paid - which might not be allowed anyway, under the terms of my visa - but I'm willing to spend my free time teaching if there will be an opportunity to do so. Obviously, I'll need either an N-registered plane or a Thai license.

3) How desirable, over there, is an FAA-certified instructor who speaks native American English? I speak passable conversational Thai, though I'm by no means fluent.

Thanks to all for reading.

[flyerr]

Still wondering...

I'd hoped someone with knowledge of flying in Thailand might be able to help me out - is there anyone with some insight?

Ideally, I'd like to instruct - but would be open to a partnership in an airplane, etc.

Thanks!

[grusa]

You would have to be very determined ever to fly here, never mind instruct. There is an active GA scene for resident foreigners, it is possible for visitors to fly as members of a club, Google Thai Flying Club. But to instruct: almost impossible. There are a couple of instructors employed to train airline pilots, but I suspect they are on Singapore contracts, so technically not working here!

[Droste]

Originally Posted by grusa

it is possible for visitors to fly as members of a club, Google Thai Flying Club. But to instruct: almost impossible.

I agree.

Flight Instructor vacancy reserved for the Thais.

[ZFT]

grusa

There are a couple of instructors employed to train airline pilots, but I suspect they are on Singapore contracts, so technically not working here!

There are more than a couple legitimately working here on local contracts with work permits.

[Captain Stravaigin]

Small Market

One idea to give you a wee bit of low cost flying is as an FAA Instructor conducting BFRs and IPCs. There are few FAA rated instructors in south east asia and you would be in demand amongst a small, but select group.

If you are flying an N reg and both with FAA licences I would think all would be legit and legal (although best to check of course).

By the way I am in need of an IPC anytime now...

[flyerr]

Grusa,

Thanks for the info - I've checked out the Thai Flying Club (as well as Nok Flying Club) and am looking forward to meeting their members! However, it's very expensive to fly there (compared to the US) and I'm hoping to get some work instructing. Does Thai law allow foreigners to instruct? I understand - but I'm not certain - that Thailand will not allow foreigners a commercial license validation, and that they'll only give private privileges?

Originally Posted by grusa

You would have to be very determined ever to fly here, never mind instruct. There is an active GA scene for resident foreigners, it is possible for visitors to fly as members of a club, Google Thai Flying Club. But to instruct: almost impossible. There are a couple of instructors employed to train airline pilots, but I suspect they are on Singapore contracts, so technically not working here!

[flyerr]

Droste,

Thanks for replying. What makes it so hard for foreigners to instruct?

Originally Posted by Droste

I agree.

Flight Instructor vacancy reserved for the Thais.

[flyerr]

Capt S,

I'm glad you mentioned that - it's actually one of the things I'd considered. I'm glad you think it would be in demand.

I've checked the regs, and I'd definitely be covered in an N-registered aircraft (FAA pilot, FAA CFI, FAA aircraft). I'm still trying to find an answer about doing it in a Thai or other aircraft, though. Is it easy to find N# planes there?

I'm happy to do your IPC, let me get settled and find an airplane!

Originally Posted by Captain Stravaigin

One idea to give you a wee bit of low cost flying is as an FAA Instructor conducting BFRs and IPCs. There are few FAA rated instructors in south east asia and you would be in demand amongst a small, but select group.

If you are flying an N reg and both with FAA licences I would think all would be legit and legal (although best to check of course).

By the way I am in need of an IPC anytime now...

[captjns]

Remember flyer, you are must comply with TSA requirements, regarding vetting students, prior to conducting instruction in "N" registered aircraft. Not required for flight reviews however.

A bit of a read from the AOPA.

http://www.aopa.org/Pilot-Resources/...light-Training

[Captain Stravaigin]

FAA & EASA BFRs

Hi Flyerr (sic)

Let me know when you are set up in TH, also if you are likely to visit KUL in the near future.
Incidentally I do something similar for EASA licence holders on SEPs in Malaysia.

Khob khun Krab and Good luck!

[BOBAKAT]

Many years ago, i meet a foreign pilot in thaïland who managed to have a 5 years instructor licence....But only for ultralight...

[spleener]

Flyerr,

I empathise with your situation, but kindly suggest that the Big World [and even Thailand] doesn't always work in our favour...

I think if you look at the list of approved employment at the Thai Immigration Office, you'll see that the only pilots eligible are "International" pilots. So, like many countries, no domestic flying visas available at this time....

[flyerr]

FAA CFI/CFII/MEI in Thailand

All,

I've finally gotten up and running in Thailand - thanks to all on here (and a few others in Thailand who aren't on the forums) for the help.

I'm available for BFRs, IPCs, and other instruction as needed - am located in Bangkok but may travel depending on the situation. If you're N-registered, or have PIC authority in whatever other plane you'd use, we're all set.

Please let me know if anyone's in the area and needs some help!

[Captain Stravaigin]

BFR IPC

Congrats on your move to TH. I hope it works out well for you.

I have no immediate plans to travel to BKK. But mId year is possible.

In t meantime my club has an N reg 172 if your travel plans were to include KUL.

Cheers

[Iwannafly2]

FAA CPL ME/IR living in dubai

Hey, i got my FAA cpl last summer in florida but havemt gotten a chance to fly again. I now reside in Dubai and still hold my license. Anybody know of somewhere i can get a N-registered airplane to maintain my instrument currency? I dont mind travelling even to the far east or flying dual, i just need to log 6 approaches. Please help😇. Thank you. My email is [email protected]

[namesiw]

Hello to all of you.
Who knows and can post a list of aviation company (with helicopter) of the South East Asia, including Japan Philippines ect. to send my CV for a new job?
Actually i am living in Bangkok.
Thank you in advance.

[lee_apromise]

Any FAA instructor available for IPC in South East Asia (preferably Malaysia) in July?

[Captain Stravaigin]

Originally Posted by lee_apromise

Any FAA instructor available for IPC in South East Asia (preferably Malaysia) in July?

If u find one let me know. We can share costs

[quagmiree]

Hi all, im looking for a FAA CFI and an aircraft to do a flight review for a FAA CPL in early June Bangkok or Malay. Kindly advise if you know anyone or any place that can do this.

Thanks.