Sweet Home Alabama?????

[coloneldan]

I grew up in the Southeast US, and I agree with most of the posts here. There are more things to do than watch races or football games and shoot at burglers. Though, sometimes you might think not. There is quite a bit of culture there. You may have to go to Montgomery, Birmingham, Atlanta, etc... to find some of it. There is quite a bit of rural area in the Southeast, that is something you might not be used to. Small town life can be really nice. The people are generally friendly, but the sense of humor is different that of you Brits. You might want to try renting "Blue Collar Comedy Tour the Movie." It is 4 guys doing standup comedy. Just please realize, they are making fun of a small part our population.

As for the job prospects, I don't THINK, there is much corporate aviation in Montgomery. The fractionals might be your best bet, at least until you learn the area. Also, be advised, the pay scale for pilots in the SE is just about the lowest in the country. I'm currently living in Texas ONLY because the pay is better.

Oh, one more thing. We drink our beer cold here.

Best of luck.

 

[Lostdog65]

Having lived in the UK before...someone beat me to this...

holy sweet jesus are you in for a culture shock.

You're gonna stand out like a sore thumb. Hope you have a thick skin cause you're gonna meet a bunch of unintentional racism not because you're different but because you are!

Good luck...

Eric
(Maidenhead, 1975-76)

 

[dskflyr]

Moving to MGM

You'll do fine. Especially if your wife's job oppurtunity will fund your new Bass Boat and pickup. You'll also need a dog box and gun rack.
In reality, most people in the south are pleasant and "salt of the earth types". I've heard a lot of good things about Prattville. Just check out the schools before you choose. The one time I couldn't control where I lived (US Air Force did that) It cost me $600/ month for private school and I got off lucky. Hey, but that was Ohio!
good weather, good golf, good food. cheaper cost of living.

 

[sky37d]

There is a really good article, by Hal Stoen, about moving to the south. Mr. Stoen was a corporate pilot in the upper midwest for a very long time, and elected to move to the south.

Like much of his writings, this is a good read.
http://stoenworks.com/Southern%20Nights.html

 

[Huck]

I grew up in Birmingham, was graduated from Auburn University and currently live about 90 miles south of Montgomery.

I would definitely shoot for Auburn. Very nice college town. Not too far from Atlanta.

As for the redneck image - well, the Alabama Shakespeare Festival is in Montgomery: http://www.asf.net/index.aspx. Y'all don't let the facts get in the way, now.

Now Mobile - THAT is a redneck city....

 

[psysicx]

Any places that you could live on a lake?

 

[jaarrgh]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I would be happy to go there if people are like the respondants.
I will have about 2800 total time, 500 embraer 145 fo and 600 dash fo (with type ratings). I wont have the turbine command time but have plenty of instructing time. So who would be interested in me? Is it the regionals, or corporate, or anything really, I just dont think I can cope with regional year 1 salaries ($us1700/month? What is the pay after taxes?). But, I suppose, we are all in the same boat and you do what you have to do! Thanks again folks!

 

[av8rbama]

Culture shock, yes. The British accent will be a novelty for many people down here, but shouldn't be taken as derogatory. Prattville or Wetumpka would probably be my first choice if moving to Montgomery. My best friend grew up in Montgomery and I don't mind relaying any specific questions regarding schools or housing to him.

As previously mentioned, the Shakespeare Festival is in Montgomery... culture does exist outside of Alabama-Auburn football, deer hunting, and Nascar. There are a couple of glider clubs within about an hour's drive north of Montgomery so you can get an aviation fix away from work.

When asked "Alabama or Auburn" just reply "Alabama, 12 National Championships baby" and watch the jaws drop... you're not expected to know anything about it. Like I said, you'll be a novelty but let us be a novelty for you as well. We're generally fun-loving folks.

I grew up in Birmingham (Alabama not England) and seriously doubt we'll ever move out of the South.

Be prepared to not buy beer or liquor or wine on Sunday (even in restaurants), it depends on the county where you live. There are still a couple of dry counties around here.

You will likely get strange looks if you go into a restaurant and ask for bangers and mash.

 

[av8rbama]

Any places that you could live on a lake?

You'd have to find a job doing something besides driving a plane.