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Opportunities in the US

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Old 25th January 2000 | 18:30
  #21 (permalink)  
airsafetyreport
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All this info is great. Does anybody know however if anything like this applies to us engineers?
 
Old 25th January 2000 | 18:42
  #22 (permalink)  
abroad
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Cool

Not entirely sure about the engineer/lame licensing side of things over here airsafetyreport.
I assume there will be an email address on the faa website somewhere. A quick letter to them may do the trick, then again who knows, it is a government agency and we all know how helpful and caring they are!
 
Old 30th January 2000 | 16:17
  #23 (permalink)  
huntsman
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thanks abroad

hope to get there soon and the info has been most helpful
as you said previously it is quite hard to get a straight answer out of them
if that situation is relevant to me i'll be a happy chappy
 
Old 31st January 2000 | 05:25
  #24 (permalink)  
av8rx
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I am happy to see there are more people with the same questions that I have.
I hear from a lot of people that in the States a lot of pilots are needed.
I have 43oo hrs TT,of which 2500 MD-80 F/O.
Does anyone know how my chances are, for a major US airline to hire me?
Is that whole work permit thing still a big issue?What if I'm offered a job, is that not enough to get a temporary work permit?Can I get that myself,or does the company have to arrange things for me then?
Once I have a work permit, can I not apply for residency?Or get the Green card?
Hope somebody can answer my questions!
 
Old 31st January 2000 | 05:30
  #25 (permalink)  
av8rx
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Also I heard that the laws may change soon in favor of foreign pilots...Just wondering what the story is there...
 
Old 31st January 2000 | 12:06
  #26 (permalink)  
The Bullet
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av8rx,

I'm still learning a lot about the whole process over there, but from what I can gather they don't seem to want foreigners taking their jobs, which is fair enough I guess. I'm just going through the whole visa process at the moment. The company I have a job with has to "sponser" me and put in several forms. They all get looked at, then apparently the job has to be advertised for ten days. For any applicants that are knocked back a reason has to be given. The employer also has to justify why and American can't do the job just as well as someone for another country.

Fortunately I don't have to do much from here, but from what I can gather it's pretty involved. I've heard that if you have a job to go to over there then it's a bit easier. There's also that green card lottery or whatever they call it too. I think they basically draw names out of a hat and if you're the lucky one then away you go.

As I say I'm still learning a lot at the moment myself, and some of what I've said may not be totally correct, but that's my understanding of things at the moment. I've still got a long way to go yet before I'll know whether or not to book the ticket over!!

Hope this has been of some assistance. I'll try to answer any other questions you might have.

The Bullet!!
 
Old 31st January 2000 | 21:37
  #27 (permalink)  
JJflyer
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fish

You are correcto The whole sponsorship process is quite extensive and requires a lot of patience from the Employer and employee.
To make it easier to qualify for a sponsored workpermit you need to skils that no American does not have.
Fortunately for all you Wannabes hoping to fly in the US pilot reqruitment is speeding up all the time.
Major airlines not to mention the Commuters are lowering their hour requirments all the time, thus leaving the entry level airline jobs such as small parcel flyers ( Ie Ameriflight and Air Net) desperate for pilots.
If you are a US citizen or a Greencard holder why would you even bother to fly for some of the smaller pt135 outfits when you can get in to the airlines ( Majors ) with about a 1000 Total and 100 multi.

Hope this answered some of your questions.

JJ
 
Old 1st February 2000 | 06:14
  #28 (permalink)  
britavia
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av8rx:

I've heard of rumours regarding certain Regional Airlines looking into the possibility of hiring non-US citizens. However, if such a thing were ever to happen, I bet the INS will tie you to that one company which may not give you a good deal and in any case, it would bound to be a temporary arrangement.

But, if you're single and looking to marry...

 
Old 1st February 2000 | 09:45
  #29 (permalink)  
weasil
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I was in Las Vegas last week and the helicopter pilot who flew us around the grand canyon said they are desperate for pilots... this may well be an opportunity because the companies like HeliUSA may well consider sponsorships in order to get pilots. At the moment they are desperate.



------------------
"..You must ensure you don't cross his nose, give him a shot at you. That is critical!" Malan

 
Old 1st February 2000 | 17:02
  #30 (permalink)  
britavia
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Bullet:

Are you trying for an H1b? I had a job offer flying an Aztec for an aerial photography company in West Virginia in 1998. We tried to get an H1b but the biggest problem was the pay at $15,000pa and the State of WV said it should pay at least $27,000. Under the prevailing wage law, the company is bound to pay at least the minimum as determined by the State or it's no-go I'm afraid.

An effective way to prevent foreigners taking US jobs. There is no way that (or any) company would pay a US citizen the higher rate!

 
Old 1st February 2000 | 17:13
  #31 (permalink)  
britavia
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Opps..just re-reading my posts. I forgot to mention about the L1 Intracompany transfer visa. This is another work permit which may be wothwhile looking into if you happen to work for a US company in Europe or elsewhere.

Must have been employed in current job for at least one year and have at least 3 years experience in that job. Visa is valid for 3 years I think and can be extended. Downside is you are only allowed to work in that job.

 
Old 1st February 2000 | 17:25
  #32 (permalink)  
britavia
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av8rx:

If you get a non-immigrant work permit, i.e. H1b, L1, J1 etc. you can "convert" it to an immigrant one (Permanant Residency "green card") by way of the company or school sponsoring you. It helps to have a lawyer involved and plenty of spare cash too!
 
Old 1st February 2000 | 19:28
  #33 (permalink)  
Bubbette
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It also takes several years to "convert".
 
Old 2nd February 2000 | 11:36
  #34 (permalink)  
The Bullet
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britavia,

To be honest I'm not sure what visa is being applied for. I do know they had trouble finding out what type of visa my position would come under. I really should try and find out more about it. I've got a gut feeling that it won't go through for some reason, though that could just be because of the fact it's dragging out and will no doubt continue to drag out!!

With regard to money. It's not the best. I'll only be paid per hour I fly, but I think there'll be a fair amount of flying. To be honest, a lot about the whole thing is a bit vague. Before I take the plunge and head over I'll have to get some definite details.

Thank you for your input anyway. I've got my fingers crossed!!

[This message has been edited by The Bullet (edited 02 February 2000).]
 
Old 3rd February 2000 | 03:10
  #35 (permalink)  
britavia
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Bullet:

A mate of mine got really lucky and landed a pipeline inspection contract job flying a C172 around half of Michigan. They even managed to get hin in on a I-140 visa which is an immigrant one!

However, he's now in Europe again, broke and about to give up the flying. Figures eh? ;-)
 
Old 3rd February 2000 | 14:01
  #36 (permalink)  
The Bullet
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britavia:

Sounds like aviation's the same everywhere. You have to slog your guts out getting paid next to nothing. I know plenty of people that have spent all the money to get licences and ratings and have just got sick of the whole industry and how it works, given up and never flown again.

Sad isn't it!! There's no other industry quite like it that's for sure.

I'm a bit concerned about being locked into one job for the duration when I get over there. I suppose it depends on what sort of visa I have does it?? I'm really hoping this job might be a foot in the door for bigger and better things. However I know how aviation is, and that may not be the case!! I guess I'll just have to wait and see what happens.
 
Old 3rd February 2000 | 18:08
  #37 (permalink)  
willbav8r
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Just read this thread for the first time. Can anyone help with my query?

I grew up in the US, left 10 yrs ago at age 15 but want to return, train and maybe work for an airline.

Soon to be leaving the UK (my nationality) with enough cash to train and support myself for 3 or 4 yrs.

Need to "ressurect" my Green Card.

Anyone else done something similar?

Thanks in advance for ANY info.
 
Old 5th February 2000 | 20:27
  #38 (permalink)  
Localizer
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About going to the US of A. It will cost you around 1500 US To do it, however, if you don't have the right to work there. Don't bother, it's a nightmare. I just got back from Florida, I planed to do the same as you, however, the licensing down there is a pain. And the jobs are only there if you "know someone" or your an American. See if you get a work visa there, you have to work for that one company, no other, and if you leave that company. And they call INS, and you're gone. Be careful. Get a FAR/AIM and make sure you do your homework before you buy your ticket. Also make sure you meet their CPL/IFR requirements. You need stupid stuff as far as certain multi flights and IFR requirments.

Be careful. Good luck.


Sam
 
Old 7th February 2000 | 03:02
  #39 (permalink)  
Ron e rocket
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What about the Diversity Visa lottery (otherwise known as the "Greencard lottery")?
It comes around every year, it's free to apply, and if successful will cost you USD500.

Commuters and regionals are not keen on people who are only on work permits as they offer no security (ie they may only have you for a year or part thereof)

Yes there are alot of jobs, but there are a ALOT of local pilots also and the environment is pretty competetive.

If you have enough time to qualify for an FAA ATPL (see FAR61 in the FAR/AIM or FAR61 on the FAA website, for minimums) and a current commercial and Command instrument rating in your current situation, then call the likes of ALLATP's who will do an ATP licence conversion for approx USD1500 (incl. written test prep, written test, 2 mock flight checks and the flight check it's self). If you have been through a couple of IR renewals in your current situation you won't find it a problem.

As far as job info is concerned you can't go past AirInc.(see their website) but it will cost you (approx USD 150).I learnt the hard way that this is the most efficient way to go.

Please don't see this reply as an advert for the various named establishments, they are just the outfits I have used and thought were good value.

If more detailed in info is required: [email protected]
 
Old 7th February 2000 | 17:23
  #40 (permalink)  
britavia
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Ron e Rocket:

The DV or Green Card lottery is great, but only if you happen to live in a country which has a low US Immigrant application ratio i.e. Outer Mongolia! Most European countries do not qualify, including UK. I know, I tried it! If you happen to have Irish or Italian relatives, it is more likely you will succeed. This is because a certain percentage is reserved for nationals from those countries all thanks to heavy lobbying by Irish and Italian pressure groups on Capitol Hill.
 


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