ATPL in Europe or ATP in USA, the 1500h or the zero hours contracts poison

[Aflies]

Hi!

I’m currently at the flight school stage, doing modular 0 to ATPL with a Polish school. Right now I hold PPL and night rating + 20 hours done towards time building, about to finish the ground school for ATPL and start the exams. I would appreciate a lot some advise on the EASA/FAA options.

For a full picture, I’m in my mid-twenties, EU passport, a degree in non-related field. Since I’ll be marrying an American, I have the option to legally work in the States, and I would like to move there at some point, preferably in 3/4 years, tops.

Initially, my plan was to finish EASA training and get a job in Europe, and after hitting 1500 hours, to start looking for a job in the States. In this scenario, I would most probably need to pay for the TR, as well as for the FAA license, and dedicate quite a lot of time to obtaining a new license.

Option 2, I began thinking of just transferring PPL, building as much time as I can in Poland and then doing commercial training in the States.

Option 3, getting MEPL, IR and CPL but ditching ATPL and transferring only those in the US, finding a job there to get to 1500 point.

Any folks who would like to share their experience? Thoughts and/or tips would be greatly appreciated.

[Chauderon]

I would recommend Option 1. It takes a while to get the Green Card so this way you are progressing your career during that time. If you are able to get an airline job in Europe, it's a good way of using the lower CPL requirements to build time and get to 1500. The job market in USA is becoming slightly more competitive again, so if you can turn up with 1500 hours of mostly jet flying - you're in a much better position than others will be. Finally, the EASA to FAA conversion isn't that bad so I wouldn't let that be so much of a factor in your decision making. Good luck.

[EC-KIY]

Given your situation, and assuming you and your suppose are willing to move to the USA (for you to get residency), at the moment the US path you describe in option 2 seems the most economical and successful one. Option 3 is also not that bad since eventually you might like to come back to Europe, but it cost the money of getting two licenses. I would add an option 4: same as option 2, but once you got a FAA ATP with 500h on type (most likely paid by your American employer), transfer it to EASA and thus be ready to jump back to Europe, in case you ever want; only drawback is that you will need to study again for the lovely 13 ATPL exams.

Plus never forget aviation is a dynamic career, 3~4 years is half economy cycle, thus whatever you plan, be ready to take alternative career paths. Sep/11 and COVID were good examples. So it's not bad to think on a plan B outside aviation to wait out the doldrums.