Taiwanese self-sponsored CPL prospects for EVA/CAL
 

Hi all,

I grew up in New Zealand and Taiwan and hold both citizenships. I've always had the passion for flying, and even went on to work part-time in the skydiving industry in the US as a coach/packer for a couple years after high school. I'm 22 now and decided to further that passion and become a pilot. I plan on enrolling in New Zealand's Massey University Bachelor of Aviation program to get all the ratings plus a degree. While there are many flight schools in New Zealand that are cheaper and faster, I need the bachelor degree because Taiwanese airlines (EVA Airways/ China Airlines) require it. Thus my plan is to graduate Massey with the BAv when I'm 25, head back to Taiwan and apply for EVA and CAL as a self-sponsored CPL holder.

First, AFAIK, EVA and CAL are still recruiting local fresh CPL holders. I'd like to have someone with real knowledge of either airline to confirm that. It seems too good to be true that someone with 250 hours will be in the RHS of a B777.

Second, besides EVA/CAL and their subsidiaries, there is absolutely no GA in Taiwan. If I don't get into either of them, I pretty much have to go back to New Zealand and work my way up GA, regionals, then finally legacy after perhaps 20+ years in the industry. Again, I'm asking someone who worked at EVA/CAL either as a local or an expat to provide some input as to how you got the job. Will a Cat-C flight instructor rating and another 100hr (~350tt) help my chances? Massey offers the rating (upon selection) during the 3rd year of the BAv degree.

Finally, is my plan worth a shot or not? I guess I'm lucky to have a Taiwanese passport so there might be a chance of flying jets early in my career. Hats of to the fellow NZ kiwis grinding their way up the ladder.

I appreciate any input given on the subject. If you had been in a similar situation, what did you do and how did it work out? And if you were to be in my shoes, what will you do?

Cheers mate :)

Your TWN passport may also work against you as they will ask you if you have done military service or not. If you haven't, they may be reluctant to take you initially. Helps if you know someone in either of the 2 companies. Keep in mind, you could be sent down to Uni or Mandarin as well. Since you grew up in NZ, consider the working culture here - it's not so simple as flying from A to B......

Give it a try and if all fails, go back to NZ and do it the traditional way. Your aviation career will be up and down and there is no guarantees of anything. Meet as many people as you can, don't burn your bridges and you'll be fine! Good luck!

There is GA in Taiwan, but not as much as you think and not personal private flying in small airplanes. There are a growing number of corporate jets and small aircraft used for other purposes. Some are B registered and some are N registered. So there are other options besides EVA and CAL.

There is also a flight school in Taitung:

https://www.apexflightacademy.com/

Thanks for the replies. I fortunately only have 4 months of mandatory military service. Though right now I plan on instructing in NZ for a year or two after graduation then apply for EVA/CAL.

I used to be an instructor in Canterbury Aero Club, worked at CAL before.

We have similar background, can PM me if you like.