US Pilot seeking International

[flydoneerj]

Hello Everybody,

I am an active CFI, CFII, MEI, all piston time. 1500 hrs TT, 750 hrs ME, brand new FAA ATPL and 90% complete Bachelors degree in Aeronautics.

Things are starting to pick up a little bit in the US, but it is still very competitive with furloughed turbine pilots. I am really open to going overseas. I was born and raised in Korea, but I am 100% Caucasian. Problem is, I get online to look for jobs overseas, but I find myself with no idea what to do. I understand a little bit about Rishworth and Parc, but I'm really looking for information on where to get started. I like to learn new things, but feel like I need a little guidance. HELP!

Europe- can't afford to convert to JAA
Africa- no thank you, but everybody has their price.
Asia- absolutely
South/Central America- absolutely
Australia- absolutely

flydoneerj

[welliewanger]

Europe - Your experience will make you very employable.
Africa - As above and you'll get onto turboprops quickly.
Asia - I only know about Hong Kong. Just as many expensive hoops to jump through as Europe (at least there were for me when moving to HK license on a jet). China may be interested in you for instructing.
America - Dunno about the market. However visas etc. could be tricky.
Australia - Dunno.

[SloppyJoe]

I think you should stay put, if you are not an Aussie you can't work there. In Asia you would need to buy a type rating at least to get a job at the moment and with no time on type that is very unlikely even if you do get the TR. South America I think you need to be from there or have enough jet time on type. Your experience does not make you very employable in Europe as all piston and there are so many looking for work. Also need to be legal to work there. I think your best bet is to stay in the states and try to get some turboprop or jet time.

[SNS3Guppy]

With those times and experience, you'd best stay put. Colgan is hiring: they just announced 15 new Q400's, and their preferred minimums are 1,500 hours total with 200 multi. Your degree isn't particularly important to hiring at a regional, but it can't hurt.

Remember that hiring minimums are just that. Being competitive is another matter entirely. The international playing field sounds good at first blush, but you're probably far better staying where you are for now.

[beachbumflyer]

That's, I think you'd better stay in the US.
Good luck to you.

[NVpilot]

Usually to apply for an overseas position, it's because that country cannot produce enough experienced pilots to fill their own positions, so they generally will provide very little training, they hire trained pilots.

As others have mentioned, you have good experience to get started in the states, but you don't have the resume for an overseas position yet.

As an example, when you have 500 hours on the A320 and then get a type rating with no restrictions, then you can start knocking on doors.

[pilotusa]

Apply to Nova University Law School. Or go get an MBA. Get yourself a good backup career, and keep a hand in it as you pursue flying.

After 37 years of flying airplanes professionally, I totally "get it" that you are a pilot and you like to fly airplanes. I "get it" that you want to do it for a living. Benn there; done that; still doing it as a matter of fact. But please take the advice of a seasoned "old fart." Start "Plan B" now while you are young enough to have the energy and credibility to do it.

You will be amazed just how fast the "darling of the industry" can become the "perennial troubled carrier." In my case, it took about three years....and that was BEFORE 9-11. Once you have signed on to the "darling," moving elsewhere as a pilot means starting over and it's a difficult, expensive decision. With a good backup plan, you can ride it out come thick or thin and not worry about the fate of your airline career.

[galaxy flyer]

pilotusa :ok:

In that vein, get some training, education and/or experience in aviation-related fields--safety, security, maintenance, economics or dispatching, all areas that have opportunities, you can use to be something more than "just a pilot". A pilot with, say a safety background, can be a pilot and a flight safety specialist, or a pilot and industrial safety officer. That way, if your health becomes a problem, the transition is easy. I have seen a number of pilots selling cars or lumber when their health gave out or the industry tanked. Now is the best environment to gain this background.

The best advantage I got out of being military wasn't flight skills, it was training in safety and supervisory positions. Yes, sounds dull but pays the bills and makes one much more valuable as an employee.

GF