Canadian ATPL to JAA
 

Hello chaps. I am a British expat living in Canada. I have a Canadian ATPL with just over 2000 hours of experience. Just over half of that is single pilot IFR and I have an okay job in Canada flying a Travelair. However prospects in Canada are limited compared to Europe. That is why I am considering a return to the UK. I am aware of the expense and trouble one must go through to convert to JAA and I know only too well how expensive rip-off Britain can be in general. I was wondering if anyone has done this and whether or not they found it worth their while.

Cheers.

20 minuter

I'm considering the other way around any advise???

20 minuter, I did it back in 1990. Ca$h and time cannot be underestimated ! Nowadays though, the schools are set up a great deal better and are more in tune with the transfer of overseas candidates, however, life is a little more difficult in that the self improver element has been totally torpedoed under JAR.

You'll need to write to the CAA (If you elect to get a UK licence, I have heard that the Portuguese licence is supposed to be the easiet to get ????). They will give you an assessment - which, guess what, you will pay for. Get used to this early, you'll be doing it a great deal. Oxford Aviation have a good ATPL course, so I would go to them for advice on how to proceed. After you have seen their rates (and the CAA's exam rates), you may want to reconsider ! Anyway, other than that, it has changed so much that my advice is pretty much old hat. There are now schools in the US that you can get your JAA flight testing done at. Lots of stuff to follow up before you decide if you really want to do it. That said, with 2000 hours, Easy Jet would likely pick you up - after you have made some financial contribution to a B737 type rating.

After you have jumped through the circus hoops, been frustrated beyond belief at the banality of the CAA's methods, sat on the sidelines for a few years due to a recession and after you've spent your life savings (and then some) on your licence, you'll find Canadian registered A320's and B757's (with Canadian crews) operating out of the UK. Funny old world innit ?

But to answer your question, is it worthwhile, for me yes it was, I do not regret it at all, in fact I wish I had done it sooner. You have to ask yourself what will you do for your career ? Canada is going to be a cut throat employment market for a long time to come. A blip like 9/11 could bugger you up entirely (I was formerly at Canada 3000, some of my ex colleagues are still looking for flying jobs). I was fortunate enough to get work within two months using my UK JAA licence, making three times my C3 income ! Admittedly it wasn't in Canada, but if you're looking for variety, it is a plus. I also got a job flying a B757 in the UK with only 1400 piston hours - unheard of in Canada. But you have to decide if you want to take the risk. Let me know how you get on.

The average Canadian enjoys a life twice as good as the average Brit. The average Canadian aviator suffers twice as much as the average Brit pilot. Evens out. I say, at the end of the day, go where your family and friends are.

I second that!
Aviation is not a kind mistress.
She takes everything and leaves you without a kiss.