Fly B737-200 in SA or CE208 in USA?

[BA737FO]

Folks, I have spoken to a few US pilots and the reaction has been mixed. I currently fly the B737-200ADV for British Airways/Comair in South Africa. Our airline is top-notch as we are audited and approved by British Airways Mainline (London) and meet very high standards. I am flying about 70 hours per month as a FO on this wonderful machine, but I have received a green card and dearly would love to move to the USA (anywhere) and eventually fly there -ESPECIALLY for SWA (the greatest!!!!). I have 3200 hours total with 600 on the B737-200 and plenty of turbine time having flown PIC on the Beech 1900. Also have a masters degree, so OK on that aspect.

I am 33, married with a 5 year old son. We love the USA having visited there before getting our green cards. Your way of life is wonderful! We look forward to making a positive contribution to your country.

My question is this: Do I stay on the B737 and continue flying for British Airways while applying to airlines in the USA, OR do I take the job that has been offered to me in Florida to fly a CE208. My feeling is that I may be making a bad career move by leaving a B737 right seat to fly a single engine turbine aircraft. But at least it is a job that allows me to move to the USA and get established and maybe something else will come along??????

Folks I need to make a decision soon and would really appreciate some feedback. Thanks in advance to all.

 

[1900cpt]

In my opinion, stay in the 73 and get more valuable time. You can still send out your apps to the majors that might be hiring and to southwest.

I dont think the move to the 208 would be wise, especially if you want southwest. Keep getting the 73 time. Are you typed in it? I would imagine that you are not since you are an fo....but i could be wrong.

If you dont have a problem living were you are now, stick it out until you get the call from southwest, then make the move.


1900cpt

 

[Boz]

Stay on the jet, when SWA does call you I am sure the stories you can share of flying in S.A. are more exciting than flying the SE C208. When you get the actual job you really want then go ahead and move! I certainly would not want to uproot my family and leave a great job just to make a move to the C208. What I might look into is applying to US airlines using a friend or faimilies US address, and use there place as you base of operation for obtaining your dream job in the USA. Good Luck young chap!

 

[falcondriver]

I would stay in the 73. The job market in the US is very unstable right now. The 208 job could vanish and then you would be searching again. Give it some time and find a better paying and stable job.
Good Luck
FD

 

[Texan]

Stay on the 73 until you can get an offer with southwest or maybe a regional airline. I dont think citizenship is more important than turbine time for you right now. I would seek other jobs in the US airline structure while waiting for SWA if that is your dream. It will be hard right now but a few are hiring. Atlantic Coast, Comair...?

Also I interviewed with a guy that flew for Air Lingis, on a 737 and he got hired, I dont know his citizen status though.

Good Luck

 

[FearlessFreep]

What's wrong with trying to get on with British Airways since your company is affiliatated with them? How about Ryan?

Why should anyone care about your marital status, age or how many children you have? Are you trying to drum up some validity so that you leave lucrative employment in JET aircraft to come to the United States?

There are many people here that would be envious of your situation. There are many U.S. citizens that are currently unemployed and/or furloughed. Are you implying that they should forfeit their jobs or opportunities because you have a master's degree and a couple or rugrats? Please get real.

I think that you will find that there is going to be less tolerance of allowing foreign nationals into to the US for the specific pupose of getting employment and never caring enough to become citizens. I am getting real tired of people coming here exploiting us and then insulting us for the opportunities that we give them.

Your post stinks of flame bait, hell I'll go for it!

 

[BA737FO]

To All those who have posted a reply to my question, I thank you. Your comments are constructive. I have been heartened by my NUMEROUS dealings with Americans over the past 5 years and that is exactly why I wish to EMIGRATE to the USA and eventually become a CITIZEN.

Specifically for the benefit of FearlessFreep:
I do not wish to be drawn into an ugly debate about foreigners coming to your country to poach US citizen jobs. I am for real and am committed to becoming a US citizen. As for my so called lucrative job, you are right when you say it is a great job, from the point of view of the fact that I am gaining jet time. You are very wrong if you think I am earning huge money - I am paid in rands and take home the equivalent of US$1200 (including per diems). While I am grateful to have a job and honestly feel for those out there who are unemployed, I simply want to take advantage of an opportunity to live in a great country. As for my age and my "rug-rat" I was merely attempting to illustrate my position in the aviation food chain where age versus experience is particulary relevant - in my case I am concerned that the number of hours I have is low compared with my age. As for my M degree - simply stating that I have one and therefore meet the 4 year degree requirement.

Since when does asking for career advice from a worldwide fraternity of folk who love to fly qualify as"I am getting real tired of people coming here exploiting us and then insulting us for the opportunities that we give them"??

If you have been offended, my humble apologies! Apart from that, hope your day improves.Excuse my ignorance, BUT what is flame bait?

 

[UALU30]

BA737FO,

First, congratulations on the green card. I ask that you not judge Americans too harshly by what you see on this board, especially the poster that is clearly in the minority. I'm pretty certain he isn't 100% Native American. Along with all the other advice there are some logistics questions. It sounds like you have an FAA conversion already, to get the 208 job. In order to apply to SWA, it's not only 737 time, but the actual 737 type rating. Hopefully they gave that to you in SA and you won't have to rummage for one in the US. Also, the mins. for SWA are 1000 PIC Turbine, so factor that into your plans.

Best of luck pursuing your dreams!

 

[AlbieF15]

If you don't have 1000 PIC turbine, you aren't competitive for SWA, JetBlue, FedEx, or UPS. 3 are hiring now...and UPS is likely to start back up in next year or so if posts are indicative of the truth.

If you have 1000 PIC turbine...stay put and log 737 time. If you don't, and are going to be stuck logging FO time for forseeable future...well...tough call but Florida is nice and the 208 is turbine time.

As for coming to the states...welcome! There is always room for people who love freedom and respect the rights of others. Most of us just caught an earlier boat than you....

 

[Boeingman]

I would like to extend my welcome as well. Albie's last paragraph was pretty good so I cannot say anything better.

I have to agree with others that the job market here is terrible. With a family, if the 208 job tanked, you're going to be competing with thousands of pilots. Stay put, keep the 737 time.

Good luck

 

[Gumby]

Stay or go...

I would also stay on the 737, it's gonna be a bigger advantage in the future for SWA. Pay no mind to the "abused" children on this board...If you have a Masters..Good for you!!!

 

[shagadelic]

I have flown with a few Captains who are not US citizens and was a sim partner with a Dutch guy in training. Citizenship will not hold you back. You do need PIC mins, and the type. If you have that you are in the boat with the rest of these guys. Good luck!

 

[BA737FO]

Folks
Thank you one and all for all your feedback and advice. Just got back from another 4 hours on the B737 and will definitely be staying - its 100% pure unaldulterated fun. It would be difficult to revert back to van flying, even though the van is a wonderful aircraft that I spent many happy hours on in the bush where it proved its worth. I flew 1100 PIC hours on caravans in Angola and Sudan for the United Nations and then about 700 on Beech 1900s (600PIC) in the same areas for Medecins Sans Frontieres and the Red Cross. Also flew 1900s for red cross in Asia. Great memories, great experiences with wonderful guys from all over the world (including the USA) in some of the most incredible places. We flew supplies and humanitarian aid workers into the war zones and got to appreciate just how bad some people have it.

Folks I will heed your good advice and stay on the B737 and continue building those jet hours. Perhaps one day we will meet in a bar in one of the cities that SWA flies too. It will be amazing! As much as I am eager to settle in the USA ASAP, I am just going to be have to be patient.

Guys fly safe and remember that if there is anything I can do assist any of you in South Africa, drop me a PM. Would be happy to show you around. SA is a beautiful country, it is just unfortunately succumbing to the rot that has enveloped the rest of AFRICA. Come on over for a visit - the beer is cold and it is my round!!!!!

 

[Visceral]

BA737FO,
I don't think anyone answered one of your questions.
Flamebait is a post which seeks to inflame others with a highly controversial topic or opinion, and thereby draw lots of replies.

Hope you reach your goals of making it to the U.S. It goes to show how great this country is when people are lining up to get in instead of the other way.

 

[nightrider]

words of wisdom

My words are simple.

You are not an American citizen and we are already overstaffed with pilots - alot of them out of work.

Since we are not allowed to fly for British Airways or most other carriers around the world. I suggest you stick to your own country and not come over here to be a burden on our already overcrowded industry.

AMERICAN JOBS ARE FOR AMERICAN - NOT FOREIGNERS - STAY IN YOUR OWN COUNTRY !!!!!!!!!!


This is not a personal attack on you. It is just the facts as I see them.

N

 

[AlbieF15]

Nightrider,

Are you cherokee, seminole, Ute, Dakota, or perhaps Apache?

This young man will never be president, but other than that once naturalized has about as many rights as the rest of us.

 

[Clownpilot]

Your question is legitimate

If you have 1000 hrs turbine PIC time don't even think about giving up a 737 job.

Why is this on the majors board?

 

[ILS JNKY]

Who Are We

Is there realy any one in america that can truly say that they are Native Americans ????? Other that the native American Indians.

Hopfuly one day to Fly a 737 400/500 Super Guppy

 

[chillidawg]

welcome

Nighttider and FearlessFreep, you guys (or girls) make me shake my head. Please put your useless politics where they belong... in the trash. Whatever your response may be, if your choose to respond, it's useless on this thread. Where did your gradparents, greatgrandparents, etc. grow up? Think about it, please for once in your lives, think before you talk, or write. BA, welcome to the US, be it now or in the future. Oh, by the way, the most important things are 1000 hrs PIC turbine and a good personality. Typed in the 737 is a big plus also.
-CD

 

[BA737FO]

Hey Guys

Thanks again for the advice and support. I will be over in July to do the FAA B737 type (I have the SA type rating) and I have more than 1000 hrs PIC turbine. Look forward to flying with you folks soon! I did not expect this much support. Long live the positive US spirit. You folks are the best and are one of the main motivations for my decision to come live over there.

As for aviation here in SA, we have 5 major carriers (SAA, BA/Comair, Khulula.com, Nationwide and Sun Air). SAA flies internationally and regionally and has a range of aircraft from B737-200 to B747-400. The others collectively operate, B737-200s,BAC1-11s,B727 and DC9. The airline industry here is minute in comparison to the USA. Our two regional carriers SAX (Dash 8 and CRJ operators) and SA Airlink (J41 and ERJ operators) are in the process of retrenching and furloughing pilots. Times are tough all over! I guess the best the worldwide body of pilots can do is collectively "Keep the Faith" and stand together. The tide will turn.