US Expats
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US Expats
Hey all,
I'm a US pilot on my first flying job and I'm curious as to how many US pilots work overseas. I've read about carriers like Emirates and Cathay Pacific that tend to hire a sizeable number of expats... was wondering if many US pilots flew for such airlines.
Also, are there many US pilots flying in Europe? I know obtaining JAA certificates and the legal permission to work in the EU are neccessary, but it seems that most European carriers shy away from hiring outside their own borders.
Just wanted to see if such an undertaking is possible!
Cheers,
Chris
I'm a US pilot on my first flying job and I'm curious as to how many US pilots work overseas. I've read about carriers like Emirates and Cathay Pacific that tend to hire a sizeable number of expats... was wondering if many US pilots flew for such airlines.
Also, are there many US pilots flying in Europe? I know obtaining JAA certificates and the legal permission to work in the EU are neccessary, but it seems that most European carriers shy away from hiring outside their own borders.
Just wanted to see if such an undertaking is possible!
Cheers,
Chris
Join Date: Jun 2001
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Not many US pilots work for European airlines, some are indirectly employed as contractors through crew leasing companies. Many expats work in the middle east and far east, especially during the Hadj.
Typically, expats require significant heavy jet experience along with a type rating. Job Info More Job Info
Typically, expats require significant heavy jet experience along with a type rating. Job Info More Job Info
Join Date: Feb 2003
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Glueball has it about right. Most of us expats were hired through a recruiting agency. And, although many of us hold JAR licenses, in all of the flying I have preformed in the last 20 years in Europe, the employer was only interested in time on type. And, of course, that one held a license which did not come out of a box of wheaties. As for obtaining the right to live/work in the EEC, this is granted automatically, if you are working for an airline/company that bases you here. I would bet that if you applied to "whatever" governmental agency for this permit, you would reach retirement age before it ever happened. My best advice if you want to fly and live in Europe is to secure a job first, and the rest will easily fall into place. However, be advised that the competition for flying positions in Europe is much more competative than in the States. Good Luck!
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"However, be advised that the competition for flying positions in Europe is much more competative than in the States."
Sorry, eggplant but I TOTALLY disagree with your last statement! I have never had a "problem" getting an interview or job in Europe but ALWAYS in the US. The difference in recruitment practices is like chalk & cheese. In the US, they hide behind statements like ...."not competitive enough". And if you believe that B.S. about we are an equal opportunity employer & we do not discriminate according to age, sex, national origin etc.,...I think you get the picture.
When my last US airline went bust, I was unemployed for 16 straight months & during that time I pulled out ALL the stops - new type rating, networking, signing up with countless agencies, pounding the pavement, applying to those specific companies that operated the types I'm rated & experienced on. Despite getting a couple of apps, not a SINGLE interview in all that time - just a lot poorer as I watched my unemployment run out as I paid $100s to airline HR departments in "processing fees". I guess someone had a good Christmas party.
This is the 3rd time I have interviewed successfully with an EU carrier in 12 years and got a job. However, have had to leave family behind and that's not easy. The only question is of course, how come I can fly the heavy iron and international to boot here but apparently, I am not worthy of even an interview in my own country? In my experience, the EU carriers are much more black & white in their hiring practices; you don't need LORs nor to play games, just the ability to shine in an interview. Of course, if you are denied even an interview, then you have no absolutely no chance.
Outsourced U.S. Pilot
Sorry, eggplant but I TOTALLY disagree with your last statement! I have never had a "problem" getting an interview or job in Europe but ALWAYS in the US. The difference in recruitment practices is like chalk & cheese. In the US, they hide behind statements like ...."not competitive enough". And if you believe that B.S. about we are an equal opportunity employer & we do not discriminate according to age, sex, national origin etc.,...I think you get the picture.
When my last US airline went bust, I was unemployed for 16 straight months & during that time I pulled out ALL the stops - new type rating, networking, signing up with countless agencies, pounding the pavement, applying to those specific companies that operated the types I'm rated & experienced on. Despite getting a couple of apps, not a SINGLE interview in all that time - just a lot poorer as I watched my unemployment run out as I paid $100s to airline HR departments in "processing fees". I guess someone had a good Christmas party.
This is the 3rd time I have interviewed successfully with an EU carrier in 12 years and got a job. However, have had to leave family behind and that's not easy. The only question is of course, how come I can fly the heavy iron and international to boot here but apparently, I am not worthy of even an interview in my own country? In my experience, the EU carriers are much more black & white in their hiring practices; you don't need LORs nor to play games, just the ability to shine in an interview. Of course, if you are denied even an interview, then you have no absolutely no chance.
Outsourced U.S. Pilot
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alexb757,
I think the issue here is age vs. experience. For guys who have the heavy time, I agree with your comments; Europe is a much nicer playing field. And, I will aslo agree that the hiring practices of the various U.S. companies seems to be influenced by "other factores" and not based solely on the merits of the individual. However, for a young pilot looking for a start in aviation the States, in my opinion, is the place to be. The number of positions available each year in the States vs. Europe must be overwhelming when you consider that there would be almost no chance for a young American pilot to be offered employment from an airline like Air France or Lufthansa. All of my formative years of flying were in the States, how about yours?
I think the issue here is age vs. experience. For guys who have the heavy time, I agree with your comments; Europe is a much nicer playing field. And, I will aslo agree that the hiring practices of the various U.S. companies seems to be influenced by "other factores" and not based solely on the merits of the individual. However, for a young pilot looking for a start in aviation the States, in my opinion, is the place to be. The number of positions available each year in the States vs. Europe must be overwhelming when you consider that there would be almost no chance for a young American pilot to be offered employment from an airline like Air France or Lufthansa. All of my formative years of flying were in the States, how about yours?
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eggplant--If I get my JAR license and 737 type AND get hired by easyjet, they will set up the right to work in the UK? Or would it be more correct to say someone like Cargolux is more likely to assist in that?
Thanks for the info.TC
Thanks for the info.TC
