Taking it one step further in Asia

Cirriform

Cirriform

Welcome To The Jungle
Hello good people of JC :).

I made a post here once before, about getting a job in Asia, and I did actually get one, flying single-engine turboprops in SE-Asia.

Currently I have over 1500 hours, with about 700 turbine and 500 turbine PIC, with all the requirements for my ATP.

Now however, I'm trying to see if it is possible for me to move up the ladder somewhere.

The main problem I am experiencing in US-Aviation vs European/Asian aviation is that, in the US, the ladder is a continuous thing. You can qualify for the next job with experience from the previous job. You can get a job on a jet, with experience from a piston or turboprop.
For me however, not having a green card, so not being able to use that opportunity I'm kind of stuck with the European way.
For Europeans there are no continuous ladder that I have been able to find, one kind of has to either know someone, or contend with the chicken and the egg problem. Mainly how do you get the experience needed for the next job, when they require experience on their kind of operation.
So far, I haven't really seen any job postings where just turbine time on singles or high total hours qualify for anything.

So what it's boiling down to basically is this:
I am planning on taking an a320 type rating somewhere in the US. Why the a320? Mainly because it seems like every LCC in Asia flies them, and most of the bigger mainline carriers also have their own a320 fleets. I have a friend who has worked for a couple of a320 operators, and this was also his suggestion (also the FAA type rating is approved in Asia, and is a lot cheaper than a JAA one).

So what I'm looking at now are possible type rating schools in the US.

What I need help with is:
- Does anyone have any experience with any schools? I'm willing to pay a bit more for quality instruction, as I would rather leave with both a type rating and the required proficiency to be able to pass a sim check, than just a stamp in my logbook and something on my license (so I'm kind of ruling out Pan Am, as it seems to be very much a self study course).

- Does anyone have any good insight as to any operator in Asia that would hire someone with a type rating and my hours? I might have to show up personally, as they don't officially hire people without time on type.

- Lastly, any other tips or suggestions?


Hope someone can help me out a bit :).

Kind Regards
Cirri
 
Yea I know about Lion Air and Eagle Jet, but it's not exactly my cup of tea.
Paying for additional training is one thing, but paying to work is another animal
 
Pricewise I would look to do your type outside the US that still does FAA types. I think in Thailand there's a school that all the Indians use to get their types at. Not sure if it's been closed down or not. Also after you type if you're having trouble in SE Asia, there's always China. I've thought of this route while I was still flying in India but with no guarantee for work it was too much of a risk for me. A type without experience is kinda worthless and most places want time on type. There aren't many countries anymore accepting expat FO's either. Good luck.

=Jason-
 
It is indeed a small gamble, but right now I don't see any oppertunities for a European without jet time to move up.
I'll keep researching a bit, and keeping a lookout for other alternatives, as this is still some way into the future.
Thanks for the replies thus far though guys =)
 
I'd also be curious if there are any Asian carriers that hire western FO's. Lion doesn't count for obvious reasons. For all their pilot shortages, it appears the only jobs available to expats are for those with types and thousands of hours.
 
Europe is dead. No expansion and they only sell type ratings.

These last 4 years I have not seen any improvement. Instead unemployment is rising every month. What this tell you?

It tell me Europe is finished. Good for rich guys parking their millions $ boat in Monaco but for EU citizen u just good to pay your taxes for our African refugees....
 
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