Any Gems of Advice

[Freight Doggy]

Hello Gents

I am a UK citizen in need of some ideas. I have been unemployed now for 18 months and I have knocked on doors in several countries (Dubai, Indonesia and Singapore) in an attempt to get a job. I stupidly payed for a TR on an NG in an attempt to become more marketable, but I keep coming up against the same old story...'we need 500 hours on type'.

Basically, Ive run out of ideas. I am happy to do anything just to get a foot in the door... something along the lines of,working in ops at a corporate gig to prove my worth, but anything anyone can suggest would be much appreciated.

I have the following for my sins...

FAA ATP B737 PIC
4100 TT
1100 Multi PIC
700 Multi Turbine (Beech 99)
Tons of instruction in the usual SE puddle jumpers.

Ideally I would like to get a flying spot, but if anyone knows of a good way to get into a company for another role, I would like to hear from them too. I know a little lateral thinking is needed in this economic climate and I would be interested to hear from anyone who has worked 'some magic' during this downturn.

Thanks for your time

[windypops]

Study for your EASA/JAR licence thingy

[Freight Doggy]

Thanks Windypops

My concern is my age with that. I know I have a bunch of hours, but in your opinion would that bar me from the possibility of getting hired by a UK airline. It seems that this low cost, pay for everything type deal for 25 year olds, is going to be the market trend from now on

How do you see the market here, turning out in the next few years ?

[BigNumber]

Freight Puppy,

Lyddair seem to have some openings for chaps like you.

FAA licence seems to be their thing.

I concur that the grinning, and paying, 20 year old has rather blocked your passage into a UK Airline anyway. I assume you need to be paid as opposed to offering to pay?

[Bealzebub]

I am a UK citizen.....FAA ATP

As obvious as it is, your licence doesn't well match the areas that you are likely to have the unrestricted right to live and work in. This is inevitably going to severely cut down the opportunities that might otherwise be available to you.

[BigNumber]

Actually in European GA the FAA ticket is as valid as the JAA.

[macdo]

Sadly, you are/have traveled down a well worn path of getting not-the-quite-right bits of paper. There are many of us that have done all or part of the same thing, usually regretting it later.
From my own, not dis-similar experience in the 1990's my best advice would be to keep current flying anything. No matter what job you finally get, it will be easier to convince the employer of your worth if you are in practice flying aeroplanes.
Secondly, never stop doing the rounds. Knock on the door of everyone, then when they say no knock on their door again in 8 weeks time, I have met countless 'lucky, right place right time' stories over the years. Do not be afraid to physically walk in and ask to speak to the Chief Pilot (or whoever), but make sure you know who they are and something about them and their airline.
Target the right airlines and be aware of their recruitment policy and current situation. There is little point in going head to head with the PTF cadets as you do not have the right qualifications. Some night freight business might bite your hand off. Research each airlines recruitment process.
If you are not 'age commensurate with experience' ask yourself if a jet job is achievable at this juncture.
Unfortunately, being prepared to re-locate is ever more part of the scene. Look at the less than major players abroard, particularly in the far east for a chance.
Everyone get a go eventually, but persistence is the best policy. Best of luck.

[fade to grey]

What the guys above said. However, word of caution - this knocking on doors malarky never worked for me, be aware it can backfire and get you noticed for all the wrong reasons.Especially if the relevant department is busy and doesn't want interruptions.

Sad truth is, nobody in the airlines really gives a toss about SE piston time.It's an irrelevance to them. Some of the forms I have been filling in for foreign airlines didn't even have space to fill it in anywhere....it was 'total jet hours', 'total jet command', 'total jet command on type'. I lost my 1800 odd hours on cessnas on several occasions.

Corporate operators may look unfavourably on your 737 rating.Cos if that's on your licence they know where your heart lies - airlines.

Best of luck, it's tough out there.

[macdo]

While knocking on doors runs the risk of alienating those you wish to impress, sitting on your butt trawling the net and sending out letters/ email which get filed under bin before they are read is equally fruitless. I was very lucky in that I got a whisper of the possibility of a job, went to the airline, politely asked to speak to the Fleet Manager, got lucky he could see me and got a place on a Course the next month. You gotta be bold, but not too pushy.

I know that you are not trying to bring this fellow traveler down, but telling him that every aspect of his CV is useless isn't really helping him, neither is it entirely true.

[windypops]

Your age and experience might slot quite nicely into a corporate job. With your FAA licence you could get on a VP, N or M reg (there might be some others), if you get an EASA licence that will obviously open up a few more possibilities.

Corporate operators may look unfavourably on your 737 rating

I'm not so sure, just convince them you are looking for a change.