American / Briton Abroad

[Cuban B.]

Hi Folks,

I have heard of many Americans going abroad to build flight hours, specifically in places like Africa, the Carribean, Northern Canada and even the South Pacific. The internet notwithstanding, how does a 300 TT FAA certified Commercial Pilot / CFI with 40 ME find these operators? I've found a few up in Canada, but elswhere not so much. Is this an option for a low time dude or is this just aviation mythology? Any advice would be greatly appreciated,

Cheers,

Cuban B.

 

[Southbound]

I'm not sure about someone with 300 hours but if you get more towards 1000TT and if you have the ability to move anywhere and have some tailwheel time check out www.dynamicaviation.com. They have BE-18T's in SoCal and BE-90's in lots of fun places. Good luck.

 

[typhoonpilot]

There are jobs out there for people willing to move. Historically the places you mention are possibilities, except Northern Canada ( unless you have a Canadian certificate ). I agree though that even 300 hours is too low for most jobs. You might want to wait until you have 500 total ( VFR 135 minimums ) and maybe 100 multi before looking too hard. Check out the thread on Freedom Air in this section for one possibility.

Africa would require a license conversion, not impossible, but something to consider. It would also entail physically going there because nobody is going to hire someone from the States over the phone. That stands true for most of these places.

You didn't mention Alaska ( although, maybe that is what you meant be Northern Canada ). There have been threads before on this board on that subject, do a search and you will find that information. There are some Alaska pilots on this board who might have some good ideas. LAB Flying Service maybe .

Hope that helps,


Typhoonpilot

 

[OhDannyBoy]

Caribbean

There are jobs in the caribbean that require as little as 500TT and 100 multi. Depending on which country, you can use your FAA ratings, but may have to 'validate' them with a written test/checkride. For example, The Turks and Caicos Islands are a British protectorate and require a CAA validation. The plus side is you can get a job there as PIC Charter pilot with 700/175. Just watch out for hurricanes.

 

[porra]

Try AIRSERV Intl.

Back in 89 I was low time as well +/- 400 and was able to get a flying job with them, flying B200's in Africa as f/o. The pay wasn't bad compared that I had no experience and they would give me a place to live and still get $1500/month tax free. I don't know what they're minimum requirements are these days...
Have you tried some relegious groups flying in south America?
Good Luck...

 

[Rick1128]

Overseas

While there are many pilots jobs available international, American pilots have a tough time getting a majority of them for several reasons. One there are many other nationality of pilots out there available and willing to work, much cheaper than US pilots. Plus there are also political considerations in some parts of the world. My employer, has aircraft in many parts of the world and our contracts require a certain level of experience. And for the FO it is well above 300TT.

Plus consider that your living conditions will vastly different than what you are use to or expect. Not everyone can handle it. We just had to replace a pilot and a mechanic that couldn't handle it. Also be careful as some operators' maintenance makes the worst US 135 operator's maintenance actually look good. And some operators are out and out crooks who will not pay you and/or otherwise rob you.

You need to give this step careful consideration. If they are willing to hire you at your current experience level, be very very careful. There are many places in the world where it is not safe to be a human, let alone an American.

Good luck