How impossibly hard is it for an American to fly airlines in Europe?

[SKC]

fxbat, I'm with Ryan Intl (not to be confused with Ryanair of Ireland). The -800s I speak of are owned by Futura (even though many carry Ryan/US registrations), and we sub-lease them during the winter season. We've also periodically picked up seasonal aircraft from Thomas Cook, Aer Lingus, and a few other European carriers.

 

[Say Again Over]

Just marry a Brit and take all the tests!

 

[WestHouston]

Hmm, sounds about like I figured... near impossible. Thanks!

 

[Kenny]

Wrong. Ryanair requires a JAA ATPL. Ryaniar does not "take care" of anyone's conversion or work visa. If you want to work at a base in Europe, you need an EU passport. Ryanair takes care of nothing, and your pay will be based on what you can negotiate. You may be considered as a direct-entry FO or Captain if you have 737 time, but otherwise you're paying for your type rating at one of their chosen schools, and that will set you back about 30,000 US. And the 14 exams are virutally impossible to pass without a lot of study. Good luck.

Actually, that's almost completely off the mark. I've just got off the phone with the contract agency that deals with Ryanair. IF you have the right to live and work in the EU, pass the interview and are willing to shell out the 23K Euros for the type, Ryanair will give you an Irish validation of your FAA ATP. It's valid for one year, during which time you are expected to get the JAR exams and flight training done. Because of the lack of FO's with the required 3000 hours, they are desperate for Captains and once you have the JAA license, they'll upgrade you.

But, you are right about the exams, they're a b!tch.

 

[fxbat]

SKC…

Futura
Check your tail skids and bulk heads when the airplanes come home.
“”Tail strike out of LBA with an emergency return today. This is the second time in a week that the airline has had to make an emergency landing at LBA.
After inspection by mechanics, the aircraft departed with passengers at around 18:00.””

 

[SKC]

Any chance of a tail #?

 

[fxbat]

No sorry, but you might be able to catch them on the FDM. Also check ASR/GOR reports there should be one for declaring an emergency.

 

[WestHouston]

So, looks like an instument student shouldn't concern themselves with the possiblity of doing any of this for about 100 years. Crap.