US Pilot Moving to Europe

J

Joe.genks

New Member
Hi Everybody,

I am a US flight instructor who holds a comm-mult with IFR with around 950 hours. I recently married a French citizen, and we plan on settling in Europe. I am in the process of converting all my licenses to EASA. I currently have an EASA PPL and took the first 4 exams of the ATPL, as well as obtaining an EASA 1st class medical. I am wondering if anyone has any experience looking for airline jobs in Europe coming from an FAA back ground. My plan right now is to get the ATP in the US and then convert it to EASA. From what I understand, most European airlines are looking for jet time for off-the-street hires. I would greatly appreciate any advice regarding what European airlines are looking for. I do have the right to work and live in the EU. Thank you for any help!
 
I'm not expert. Hope you can get some good advice. Maybe you can find an instructing job. Would probably have to speak the language. I'd get involved with sport flying and gliders. Get to know some people. Another thought was outside the EU the standards drop off, as does the pay and QOL, but you might be able to find something in like Romania and commute until you build quality experience. I guess you could do the same in the US but a harder commute.
 
There are near zero FAA opportunities in the EU. Converting helps, but as does right to work, languages etc.

I know Fedex used to have a German hub but they may have rationalised that in recent years.

You're much better off Stateside. I know some FAA qual French folks but they live in a Chateau...
 
The other issue with Euro land is you need a boatload of time in type for them to consider off the street hires. They much prefer "cadets" that are squirted right out of school with an MPL in whatever type they fly. Other than that, you're going to need a couple of thou in type to be a "direct entry".

With right to work in the US, I agree with the others, you're better off working stateside and commuting.
 
Get ready for seasonal work and abysmal wages even by European standards.

When I looked at it they were paying 10 months of salary over 12 months and it was less than I made as a regional FO in the US in 2007 (which was 25k a year).

Without speaking fluent French you’ll have trouble getting hired in France but could always go to Wizz/FR/U2 but your wife will need to be resident in the country you’re based in until you get French citizenship and commuting is decently rare.
 
Many pilots who have the right to work in America but live abroad have found a long-term home in ACMI airlines operating out of the United States. Many of these airlines operate on a home-basing model, flying the pilots positive space to wherever their trip happens to begin. Most of these airlines favor long blocks of uninterrupted days on and off, making them popular choices for commuters. My own airline, Kalitta, has quite a few internationally based pilots in Europe, Australia, Asia, and South America.

Compensation and work rules for these airlines historically lag behind prospects at legacy carriers, but are currently head and shoulders above what's available for European airline pilots. They are subject to the same ATP hiring restrictions as other FAR 121 carriers, so for now I recommend you include these places in your research as you work your way to that milestone. I'd be happy to answer any questions on DMs if you are interested.
 
FWIW, the language requirements on European Airline employment is being relaxed. That said, you would be better living in Europe commuting to a US Airline....
 
Seggy said:
Lufthansa City Airlines (would NOT work there). I know others are also looking into relaxing it
Click to expand...


Where do you see that?



Captain A220/A320 - type rated or non-type rated (permanent, all genders)

apply.lufthansagroup.careers apply.lufthansagroup.careers


Requirements​


In addition to your strong decision-making skills and ability to work in a team, you will need the following for this vacancy:

  • EASA ATPL(A)
  • A320 Type Rating preferred
  • Minimum 5000h total flight hours on CS-25 aircraft
  • Minimum 1000h PIC hours on CS-25 aircraft
  • Medical Class I
  • General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur/ Fachhochschulreife or equivalent qualification)
  • EU citizenship or unrestricted residence and work permit
  • Passport with unlimited validity (if no EU passport is available, there must be no stricter entry restrictions than with an EU passport)
  • Confident verbal and written language skills in English (at least ICAO Language Proficiency Level 4)
 
Cherokee_Cruiser said:
Where do you see that?



Captain A220/A320 - type rated or non-type rated (permanent, all genders)

apply.lufthansagroup.careers apply.lufthansagroup.careers


Requirements​


In addition to your strong decision-making skills and ability to work in a team, you will need the following for this vacancy:

  • EASA ATPL(A)
  • A320 Type Rating preferred
  • Minimum 5000h total flight hours on CS-25 aircraft
  • Minimum 1000h PIC hours on CS-25 aircraft
  • Medical Class I
  • General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur/ Fachhochschulreife or equivalent qualification)
  • EU citizenship or unrestricted residence and work permit
  • Passport with unlimited validity (if no EU passport is available, there must be no stricter entry restrictions than with an EU passport)
  • Confident verbal and written language skills in English (at least ICAO Language Proficiency Level 4)
Click to expand...

You actually proved my point about LANGUAGE requirements. Thank you.

But yes, more in Europe are looking to ease the native speaking requirement they may have.
 
I guess I mistook that, as in the language for American pilots to work in Europe as an airline pilot. In the context, the language of minimum pilot requirements.


Still need an EASA license and a right to live/work in the EU. That eliminates most American pilots. Who cares if they can speak German or not.
 
thepotato232 said:
The entire point of the thread was to answer questions from a pilot with French residency, right to work in the EU, and intent to obtain EASA licenses. You didn't fail to notice that in your rush to make yourself the main character of the discussion, did you?
Click to expand...

Please PM Derg for a refund.
 
I'm in this thread because a pilot in the formative stages of their career asked a question about the possible means by which he could align their personal and professional goals. Derg can deal with the thread however he likes. I'll just be hanging out at the Taco Bell.
 
thepotato232 said:
I'm in this thread because a pilot in the formative stages of their career asked a question about the possible means by which he could align their personal and professional goals. Derg can deal with the thread however he likes. I'll just be hanging out at the Taco Bell.
Click to expand...

I wrote a post that based on a misinterpretation of "language" for pilot requirements. You decided to take that mistake and turn it into a personal jab, about "making yourself the main discussion." Hence the refund comment, since it sounds like you took it personally.
 
What are the structural reasons for the US being more favorable to pilots than the EU? What is it about our unions and regulations vs theirs?
 
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