Looking for a change!
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Montreal, Canada
Looking for a change!
Hello everyone,
I'm brand new to this forum as of June 13th. As a matter of fact, I can't even remember how I stumbled upon the site! In any case, I was born in the UK and grew up in Canada. I'm flying for Air Canada Jazz, known to the public as Air Canada Express, which is the second largest airline in the country, next to the mainline Air Canada. We're the main regional carrier for Air Canada. I fly the CRJ200's and 900's to destinations throughout North America. Lately I've been gving some thought to renewing my British passport and getting my JAA ATPL. I'd like to see what opportunities are over on the other side of the Atlantic! I've been flying for well over 20 years and have good experience. Can anyone give me an idea of what things are like over that side? Ideally, I'd love to come over and fly with BA, but somehow I don't see that happening! I've also been thinking about applying to Virgin Atlantic. First things first, I have to renew my passport, then look into getting the JAA ATPL. I'm not exactly sure what the requirements are for someone who's been flying as long as I have. I imagine there would be some recognition of my current experience, but how much I have no idea! Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Cheers to all and fly safe!
I'm brand new to this forum as of June 13th. As a matter of fact, I can't even remember how I stumbled upon the site! In any case, I was born in the UK and grew up in Canada. I'm flying for Air Canada Jazz, known to the public as Air Canada Express, which is the second largest airline in the country, next to the mainline Air Canada. We're the main regional carrier for Air Canada. I fly the CRJ200's and 900's to destinations throughout North America. Lately I've been gving some thought to renewing my British passport and getting my JAA ATPL. I'd like to see what opportunities are over on the other side of the Atlantic! I've been flying for well over 20 years and have good experience. Can anyone give me an idea of what things are like over that side? Ideally, I'd love to come over and fly with BA, but somehow I don't see that happening! I've also been thinking about applying to Virgin Atlantic. First things first, I have to renew my passport, then look into getting the JAA ATPL. I'm not exactly sure what the requirements are for someone who's been flying as long as I have. I imagine there would be some recognition of my current experience, but how much I have no idea! Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Cheers to all and fly safe!
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Pineapple under the sea
Hi and welcome
Really sorry to be negative straight from the off but I fear you may be disappointed in both your expectation that your experience will be valued by either the licensing authorities or the Airlines. You will need to complete all the relevant JAA exams to obtain a licence, and that's no small undertaking.
I dont think there are (m)any of your aircraft type in the UK and sadly obtaining employment in the UK market is largly dependent upon your ability to fund a rating.
I think you might also be the recipient of some hostility from the experienced unemployed on here who, far from fancying a change, just want a flying job to feed their families.
Peace.
Really sorry to be negative straight from the off but I fear you may be disappointed in both your expectation that your experience will be valued by either the licensing authorities or the Airlines. You will need to complete all the relevant JAA exams to obtain a licence, and that's no small undertaking.
I dont think there are (m)any of your aircraft type in the UK and sadly obtaining employment in the UK market is largly dependent upon your ability to fund a rating.
I think you might also be the recipient of some hostility from the experienced unemployed on here who, far from fancying a change, just want a flying job to feed their families.
Peace.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Montreal, Canada
Looking for a change
Hmm, its that bad over there huh? Well I can certainly feel for those searching for a flying job because I was once in their shoes! Yeah I kinda figured that it would'nt be much of an easy task getting the JAA equivalent. I guess the best thing would be to get in touch with the CAA to find out exactly what I would have to do. From there I can make a more informed decision! As for all those out there on this forum who have no work, my thoughts are with them and my only wish is that they can promptly return to doing what they love! Keep the faith everyone!
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 433
Likes: 0
From: in a dirty cockpit
Hi mate,
it's really impressive how everyone has different needs and often cross the opposite dream of someone else.
My dream is to move to and fly in Canada; Europe is going adrift and even if i fly in my country and on the aircraft i love on permanent position, I can't take it anymore here...
it's really impressive how everyone has different needs and often cross the opposite dream of someone else.
My dream is to move to and fly in Canada; Europe is going adrift and even if i fly in my country and on the aircraft i love on permanent position, I can't take it anymore here...
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 1,274
Likes: 0
From: Glen Prosen, Scotland
Download this:
LASORS: LASORS 2010 | Publications | About the CAA . It's quite big but it's free. Everything you need to know is buried in there somewhere. Be aware though that a lot will change in September this year, when you will want this:
CAP 804: Flight Crew Licensing: Mandatory Requirements, Policy and Guidance | Publications | About the CAA
Asking the CAA can sometimes help but as often as not they can give you duff info as they are all working on the EASA rubbish. Are you really sure you want to fly in Europe?
LASORS: LASORS 2010 | Publications | About the CAA . It's quite big but it's free. Everything you need to know is buried in there somewhere. Be aware though that a lot will change in September this year, when you will want this:
CAP 804: Flight Crew Licensing: Mandatory Requirements, Policy and Guidance | Publications | About the CAA
Asking the CAA can sometimes help but as often as not they can give you duff info as they are all working on the EASA rubbish. Are you really sure you want to fly in Europe?
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 0
From: Europe
With your CR9 flying you would likely qualify for Emirates, Qatar and the other large UAE carrier that must never be named. As a non typed pilot, you would likely have a training bond. If you want a big change, consider the Middle East given the growth (while Europe is contracting). Why not throw your applications in the ring? It might take awhile. Plenty of Canadians working in the region too. Certainly would be a change of scenery.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: UK
Hello mate, I did what you are proposing. I flew a CRJ in the USA and converted to JAA then got a job in the UK. Most of what is said below is correct ...however.
1. Get a JAA/EASA Medical Class 1 first before you start (it's not a guarantee pass), the CAA website will list overseas JAA/EASA Doctors BUT for your FIRST Class 1 you will have to come to Gatwick. It used to be called an extended renewal as they gave you credit for a foreign medical.
2. As you're already flying a transport cat airplane you do not need any formal training at all for the 14 JAA exams. There is a form on the CAA website which needs to be submitted for their approval but you are exempt any training, you just apply for the exams as you are ready with the proviso that once you start they must be all be done in 18 months.
I purchased the Oxford Books and subscribed to the Bristol GS question database, I worked fairly hard (whilst working as a regional pilot!) and took a year to do the tests with 3 separate visits to Gatwick.
3. You get an MCC credit by submitting another CAA form based on your experience, your company may need to sign it.
4. You need a UK RT Licence, you can get one from US based rt examiners, I got mine in Florida.
5. You will need an LST for the issue of an ATPL. This has to be done in a JAA CRJ sim, I did mine with Lufthansa CST in Berlin, they will most likely be aware of what is needed. You will need to have the test observed by a UK CAA Inspector (at huge expense to you) again there is a form to apply for this.
As another fellow mentioned ALL of this may be different come September. I specifically got mine done before EASA because it could be different...
I'd get the medical and get approval to self certify for the exams which should grandfather you in for the writtens...
PM if you need more info...
Cheers
1. Get a JAA/EASA Medical Class 1 first before you start (it's not a guarantee pass), the CAA website will list overseas JAA/EASA Doctors BUT for your FIRST Class 1 you will have to come to Gatwick. It used to be called an extended renewal as they gave you credit for a foreign medical.
2. As you're already flying a transport cat airplane you do not need any formal training at all for the 14 JAA exams. There is a form on the CAA website which needs to be submitted for their approval but you are exempt any training, you just apply for the exams as you are ready with the proviso that once you start they must be all be done in 18 months.
I purchased the Oxford Books and subscribed to the Bristol GS question database, I worked fairly hard (whilst working as a regional pilot!) and took a year to do the tests with 3 separate visits to Gatwick.
3. You get an MCC credit by submitting another CAA form based on your experience, your company may need to sign it.
4. You need a UK RT Licence, you can get one from US based rt examiners, I got mine in Florida.
5. You will need an LST for the issue of an ATPL. This has to be done in a JAA CRJ sim, I did mine with Lufthansa CST in Berlin, they will most likely be aware of what is needed. You will need to have the test observed by a UK CAA Inspector (at huge expense to you) again there is a form to apply for this.
As another fellow mentioned ALL of this may be different come September. I specifically got mine done before EASA because it could be different...
I'd get the medical and get approval to self certify for the exams which should grandfather you in for the writtens...
PM if you need more info...
Cheers
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 537
Likes: 0
From: The IMF.
....All of which sounds a huge hassle, in order to try and get a job which most likely doesn't exist (or if it does, others are better qualified to do it).
Good luck. But I'd wait for better times before committing to a career in Europe.
Yours,
A (well employed, no axe to grind Captain in UK) realist.
Good luck. But I'd wait for better times before committing to a career in Europe.
Yours,
A (well employed, no axe to grind Captain in UK) realist.
