American in Paris... (flying in Europe)

[scramjet]

Well actually in Europe. I have Gershwin stuck in my head But anyhow, how hard would it be for an American to fly with a European airline? I would have to say that's my dream job as far as the airlines go. Is it absolutely impossible for a non EU citizen with say EU work authorization to fly for a European carrier? Just for grins and giggles, how hard is it to become an EU citizen?

On another note, I'm almost positive I remember a PBS interview or something similar with an American pilot flying with some Euro LCC...

[scramjet]

Well looking around I'm seeing some info I overlooked on this forum. Haha should have looked a little closer

But anyhow, how about flying in Europe as far as legally being able to work there? Any other way to get the dual citizenship besides marrying in?

[nabd30]

go to workpermit.com...it lists the only ways possible to get UK citizenship (both through marriage, and through their Highly Skilled Migrant Programme--a points based system).

You won't get work sponsorship with most airlines over there unless you have about 500 hours PIC on type/left-seat.

There are occasionally ads on a few jobs websites out there advertising for FAA-rated pilots to fly N-reg aircraft in Euro areas. I saw one for an FAA-rated CRJ FO/Capt in Luxembourg a couple weeks ago. Once again, though, you'll need about 500 hours on type in whichever seat you're applying for.

Essentially, they have to prove that they couldn't find 1) a local citizen or 2) another EU national with the same hours/experience as you. Having 500 hours in the left seat on a 737/Airbus/etc makes you rare enough to justify a permit.

France has a new immigration program which allows you to establish dual citizenship after 3 years residence if you complete a degree at a French University and pass a French language exam. I'm not sure on all the details, but I know this is something that works.

In terms of marriage, that's probably still your best bet--the second you get married, you can start applying for EU flying jobs, since you're considered "one" with your spouse, their work rights EU-wide are extended to you. Might be able to find a brit or frenchie who wants the flight benefits in return!!!

[NickH]

Will you marry me?

[scramjet]

Guess I'd better start looking for that French chick...

[nabd30]

Originally Posted by scramjet

Guess I'd better start looking for that French chick...

Actually, I hear it's easier to find Brits who want to get hitched. Either way, you might save money by: 1) doing us training, 2) marrying a eurobride, and 3) getting hired at a major euro LCC at 300 hours or so.

PS> You can marry ANY EU national, and then go and work in any other EU country, as long as the EU national spouse accompanies you to your new location. Of course as a pilot, this wouldn't present a huge problem, b/c you could commute from just about anywhere on the continent.

Either way, I can understand why you might like flying in the euro area better than the US--from my experience, airline pilots are much more highly respected in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East than they are in the US. Maybe that comes from the highly selective cadet programmes through which pilots are selected in those countries, but either way, people see pilots as the professionals they truly are, not just glorified drivers like some Americans believe.

[MAS]

Whats your experience level?

[IcarusGR]

Originally Posted by nabd30

Either way, I can understand why you might like flying in the euro area better than the US--from my experience, airline pilots are much more highly respected in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East than they are in the US. Maybe that comes from the highly selective cadet programmes through which pilots are selected in those countries, but either way, people see pilots as the professionals they truly are, not just glorified drivers like some Americans believe.

I'll agree with all the above, it is true.

Not to mention harder flying!! NDBs are ALL OVER EUROPE ... Go take the JAA IR test .. see how many NDB approaches they'll make you do!! A lot of the smaller countries have NDBs, it's not like the states where you get a visual or ILS APP most of the time.

ScamJet I might have some nice Greek Girls looking for an American citizenship ... you willing to do a trade off with them?

[scramjet]

Originally Posted by nabd30

Either way, I can understand why you might like flying in the euro area better than the US--from my experience, airline pilots are much more highly respected in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East than they are in the US. Maybe that comes from the highly selective cadet programmes through which pilots are selected in those countries, but either way, people see pilots as the professionals they truly are, not just glorified drivers like some Americans believe.

But other than that (and the main reason for wanting to fly in Europe) is that you don't have to wait that long before you are making a more liveable wage for flying, unless I am mistaken.

[scramjet]

Originally Posted by MAS

Whats your experience level?

Still training. I'm a student pilot and entering my college sophomore/junior year in the fall (very long complicated story there invloving unusual college schedules, etc). I'm going to be completing my PPL and Instrument Rating this summer. I guess that if I consider flying in Europe, I ought to do the rest of the ratings after IR at an academy specializing in dual FAA and JAA ratings (?)

[scramjet]

Originally Posted by IcarusGR

ScamJet I might have some nice Greek Girls looking for an American citizenship ... you willing to do a trade off with them?

haha, maaaybe my relationship status right now is "very, very complicated."

[IcarusGR]

Originally Posted by scramjet

But other than that (and the main reason for wanting to fly in Europe) is that you don't have to wait that long before you are making a more liveable wage for flying, unless I am mistaken.

It is true, I have a buddy who just got hired at BMI and is making 80,000 dollars first year F/O ....!

[scramjet]

Originally Posted by IcarusGR

It is true, I have a buddy who just got hired at BMI and is making 80,000 dollars first year F/O ....!

Very nice! What were his times?

[IcarusGR]

Originally Posted by scramjet

Very nice! What were his times?

No more then 250 hours!..

He went through the JAA scheme at Oxford .. its APP program, u are offered job with all the majors in UK.

[nabd30]

Originally Posted by scramjet

haha, maaaybe my relationship status right now is "very, very complicated."

dude...if I were you (i.e. still in University), I would go do my undergrad degree in France or the UK in English (i.e. there are degree programs in France offered entirely in English). You can start establishing residence towards dual citizenship now, meet foreign brides, and they both offer reduced naturalization timeframes for people who have completed degrees in their country...seriously...a University degree from Europe, since it's usually only like 500 euros per month course fees, ends up being cheaper than a US bachelor's even when factoring in the higher cost of living, and the necessity for private (not federal) loans.

[NC_BE300]

" There are occasionally ads on a few jobs websites out there advertising for FAA-rated pilots to fly N-reg aircraft in Euro areas. I saw one for an FAA-rated CRJ FO/Capt in Luxembourg a couple weeks ago. Once again, though, you'll need about 500 hours on type in whichever seat you're applying for. "

What website?

[Mike734]

Originally Posted by scramjet

Still training. I'm a student pilot and entering my college sophomore/junior year in the fall (very long complicated story there invloving unusual college schedules, etc). I'm going to be completing my PPL and Instrument Rating this summer. I guess that if I consider flying in Europe, I ought to do the rest of the ratings after IR at an academy specializing in dual FAA and JAA ratings (?)

I did it for 3 different companies on a short term contract basis. If you want a career in Europe, go to school there. Or get lots of experience and go the contract route. FOs are a dime a dozen. When they hire contract pilots, they need captains.