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Japanese trying to become a pilot

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Japanese trying to become a pilot

Old 24th Nov 2018, 12:41
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Japanese trying to become a pilot

Hi all.
So I am a 25 year old Japanese citizen living in Tokyo, trying to become a pilot overseas.

Little background about me:
-Born and raised here in Japan and was in American international school from elementary to high school
-Graduated university from America with an aerospace engineering degree
-worked for ANA as an aircraft mechanic mainly with Boeing aircraft
-I'm more comfortable speaking in English than Japanese (I'm fluent in English to the point that some people think I am from the States)
-I tried the jisa-yousei, Japanese cadet program, here in Japan but I always get weeded out at 1st stage (SPI Japanese Test)
-I recently went for pilot assessment and interview for Emirates Flight Training Academy and passed everything (Physics, Math, COMPASS test, Psychometric test) but training cost was too high and I wouldn't get any license like EASA so gave up
-This is nothing but flew 1.5 hours of Piper Warrior III in Buffalo, NY and 1 hour Piper Archer in Honolulu, HI.

I have been researching here and there, and still am but I just want some advice/help from fellow aviators out there on whether I have ANY chance of getting a job interview in any airlines overseas or even as a CFI. Or do I only have a chance in Japan?
I know that on the other thread, people were saying that JCAB only recognizes FAA PPL conversion and from there I have to work my way up to CPL in Japan to fly but just wondering if there is any opportunity to work overseas.

Last edited by Tendon Pilot; 26th Nov 2018 at 08:24.
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Old 24th Nov 2018, 13:34
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Main problem is the visa, probably the US is your best bet.
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Old 25th Nov 2018, 00:43
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-I recently went for pilot assessment and interview for Emirates Flight Training Academy and passed everything (Physics, Math, COMPASS test) but training cost was too high and I wouldn't get any license like EASA so gave up

Who the hell cares about EASA? It's not like EASA is more useful than other non-EASA licenses in non-EU countries.

I have been researching here and there, and still am but I just want some advice/help from fellow aviators out there on whether I have ANY chance of getting a job interview in any airlines overseas or even as a CFI. Or do I only have a chance in Japan?

One of many options are to go for F-1 visa route in US and get 1,500 hours as a CFI. Some US regionals are hiring F-1 visa holders. Whilst you are doing it, apply for a green card lottery next year.

I know that on the other thread, people were saying that JCAB only recognizes FAA PPL conversion and from there I have to work my way up to CPL in Japan to fly but just wondering if there is any opportunity to work overseas.

You can go to a flying school in Canada as well under a student visa. Once you complete CPL and FI rating, you get 2 years work permit. You can work in Canada as a pilot and once you reach 1450 hrs of working time (Pilot, Flight Instructor) including ground time, you can apply for Canadian PR as well. Then you can apply for jobs at Canadian regionals such as WestJet Encore, Jazz, SkyRegional or Porter etc etc.
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Old 25th Nov 2018, 02:01
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Visa is really a big problem for me. Applied for green card lottery program last month so will see how that goes.
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Old 25th Nov 2018, 02:04
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Didn't know that regionals hire F-1 Visa holders. This is the part I did not look into but is it possible to get 1,500 hours as a CFI before F-1 visa expires tho?

I was also looking into Canadian flight school but what I am worried is the weather. Of course it will depend on some areas but some Japanese pilot who went there for training said that the flyable months were roughly 3 months due to weather conditions.
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Old 25th Nov 2018, 17:32
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Originally Posted by Tendon Pilot
Didn't know that regionals hire F-1 Visa holders. This is the part I did not look into but is it possible to get 1,500 hours as a CFI before F-1 visa expires tho?

I was also looking into Canadian flight school but what I am worried is the weather. Of course it will depend on some areas but some Japanese pilot who went there for training said that the flyable months were roughly 3 months due to weather conditions.
If you work as a CFI in FL or AZ, I think it is doable. You wanna get 500 hrs jet before F-1 expires so that you can move onto somewhere like EVA in Taiwan.

Yeah that 3-months comment is nonsene. Winter is bad for sure but there are many opportunities in Canada like medevac, charter, instructing etc etc.
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Old 26th Nov 2018, 07:50
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Thank you for letting me know the possible route. I just need to research which school can offer me F-1.

With what you said about Canada previously, now I am just thinking which pathway to choose.
It looks obvious to go for Canada but at the same time I feel like California, Arizona and Florida can get me to where I want quickly
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Old 27th Nov 2018, 08:28
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lee_apromise thanks for the private message! Just had a look at it. I cant reply to you because my message board says it's full.

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Old 28th Nov 2018, 21:22
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Cool Gambatte

Hi Tendon Pilot,

As I understand, you are still looking where to start your training. Let me give you some advices out of my own experience. Currently it is the best time for landing on a pilot job, compared to the resission few years ago and the desperate situation for new pilots at that time:

Start with this priority order:

1. Cadet Programs at Airlines which will sponsor your training (or partially sponsor it)... As I know, Cathay Pacific has one, ANA and JAL also for Japanese citizens. I know, you didnt pass at ANA, but can you apply again after a year?

The essential point here is not the training itself, but the the assured emplyment after the training. Try this website: https://www.flightdeckfriend.com/ it has an overview of the current programs world wide.

2. Reputed Schools with airlines reference.. Like some schools in Germany and the UK associate with major airlines like Lufthansa, Eurowings, British Airways or Easyjet. But here you should choose carefully, as you don't have the right to work in the US or the EU, but also you should supply the school with the sufficient funds for the training... For European airlines you should have a residency and work permit in Europe, not a visa for a short stay! So it is not worth the effort to do it in Europe. And who cares about the EASA license, if you are flying at a non EU operator!

3. Independent flight schools, and work on your hours towards your career from down the ladder till you land on a job at a local operator. Countries like the USA, AUS, and Canada do facilitate visas and work permits after the training to work as an FI or even at a local small operator to build up your hours.

But what I would like to know is why wont you start your training at Emirates school. You mentioned that you passed their assessment. If they will offer you a position at Emirates later on, then you can easily get a loan form the bank, that's not the big problem here. After you get employed you can easily pay it back. I think it has nothing to do with what kind of license, as you dont have a license yet. Banks will be happy to offer you the loan if you tell about the position at Emirates.

For more questions, just feel free to ask,
Anata gambarimas,
Gambate Tendon Pilot San

Mike Alfa 179
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Old 29th Nov 2018, 00:42
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Might give these guys a call. Probably not cheap but you will get all the training and 1500 hours with visa help.


https://www.pea.com/international-students/u-s-visas/

As far as I know the work visa being used at the U.S. regionals is the special issuance one for Australians only.
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Old 29th Nov 2018, 07:55
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Thank you so much Mike Alfa!

1. I cannot get into Cathay because their cadets needs to hold HK permanent resident. I cannot join ANA as well because I was told by the department that they will not hire ex-ANA employee once they quit. I do not know how much that is true but that is what I was told. Even though I can apply, I still will have to face SPI test which I am not confident at all.

And you are definitely right about the employment. That is what I have been worrying about and thought about it backward. For Japan, all I can get from the USA is FAA and convert it to Japanese PPL and work my way up to Japanese CPL. Now that is costly too and I REALLY prefer to work overseas than here in Japan.

2. I have checked CAE and L3. They are sure good school and sure it will cost but, even though other's get a chance with the interview, what is my chance of getting a job in EU? Probably slim chances because I do not have any right to work there... So that is out of my list.

3. This last one if my only hope. Some of the people here were really nice enough to tell me that I can become a CFI and build hours in Canada and USA. But for USA I need F1 visa to work as a CFI and only some school give out F1 visa so looking into Canada for more opportunity instead.

The reason why I decided not to stay in Emirates Flight Academy is because the license and cost was part of the issue but the biggest one was employment. They straight up told me there is no guarantee that student will get a job from Emirates and flydubai and those two airlines was just interested in the program. Really no official talk about flight academy student joining the airlines.

Arigatougozaimasu Mike Alfa 179
Just doing a lot more search
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Old 29th Nov 2018, 07:57
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Thank you so much cappt! I did have a look at this school before! In terms of working, I might only have slim chance of getting hired as CFI in USA...
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Old 29th Nov 2018, 19:55
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I think you would have a very good chance at getting on as CFI with the school you choose to train at. You will finish out the visa term with 1500hrs, hopefully some multi engine time in there also. The question is what to do next?
U.S. route: U.S. regional or cargo-not likely due to visa restrictions=return to Japan.
Canada route: Train then regional or cargo=experience=go overseas and make $$. From the above post this sounds likely after being granted permanent status, with your education and training this should be no question but I’m not Canadian so..
Return to Japan route: convert to ppl and test for cpl, more money, will you be employable with 1500hrs in Japan?
What about China with FAA CPL multi & 1500hrs?
The wild card-go to U.S. for training, are you handsome and charming? (JK)

https://flyhaa.com/admissions/intern...dents/f1-visa/

Last edited by cappt; 29th Nov 2018 at 22:24.
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Old 30th Nov 2018, 04:03
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Yes, I am thinking of CFI route in Canada at this point.
If I do go to USA route (which I REALLY want to) there is only slim chance of me getting a job. Which means going back to Japan and only be able to convert my PPL into Japanese and work back my way up.
Canada might be give some chance and I have read that other Japanese have went there to train.
It will be nice to work for Jetstar Japan and all but the cost is just a biggest problem and I prefer to work in global company.
Hmmm... did not look into China...
I might be handsome and charming like those pilots on instagram haha JK Really really wild card is go to USA for sure.
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Old 30th Nov 2018, 23:52
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Hey lee_apromise! Sorry I could not receive your message because my inbox was full.

I guess new people cannot have a message storage?

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Old 2nd Dec 2018, 12:25
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Chances after 1500 hrs

After u reach 1500 hrs, and for any reason you have to leave USA / Canada, don't get frustrated, there are still many chances out there which will get you in a jet. Let me mention two:

1. Indonesia: Try to log as much Multi Engine and / or Turboprop time during your time in the USA/ Canada. Those hrs are more valuable than a Single Piston. Apply at operators like www.susiair.com and you'll increase your experience rapidly there with a great experience and sunny beaches. They will take care of our Visa and you'll upgrade to command on the Caravan C208 in 2 years. U can then change operator in Indonesia and earn 5000 USD in mountain flying, if this kind of operations suits your life style. But if you had enough from flying Turboprops, then at 3000 hrs, with 1000 hrs PIC, doors open for you at Airlines or at Corporate operators. Guys from Susi went to Cathay, Vietnam Airlines, Dragon Air, Qatar... and many many airlines after their C208 experience in Indonesia.

2. Africa, similar to Indonesia... many western guys there flying safaris and all that sort of operations... some more hrs on twin or turboprop and you'll be marketable at many airlines or corporate jets.

During your training, you'll get to know people, you will get advices, you will build your experience technically but also socially... don't give up. The first job is the most difficult one to get.

Let's know how things go,
Gambatte,

Mike Alfa 179
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Old 2nd Dec 2018, 14:11
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As long as you are will to bounce around for a few years (Aasia, Africa , ME ) to gain some good time things will open up for . Regardless of license, EASA only if you have the right to live and work in EU . Same applies to other countries, mostly!
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Old 3rd Dec 2018, 09:35
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Hey Mike Alfa 179
Thank you so much for another valuable information.

1. I will probably have to get a Multi Eng after my CFI in Canada. Have you worked for Susi Air before?? At this point I really do not mind Corporate as well! I am just hoping I win the green card lottery next year.

2. Did not know about Africa so maybe I can look into those too.

Again thank you so much. Will keep you updated too.
Arigatou Gozaimasu
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Old 3rd Dec 2018, 09:36
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fatbus, bouncing around for few years will be the key I guess! The visa status does throw these beginner pilot around for sure...
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Old 12th Dec 2018, 02:06
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Hey Tendon,

CX have a second officer program that might be of interest. You will need to have ATPL theory completed, MEIR and also 500 hours.
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