Working in the UK??

[shadowpuppet]

I was wondering if anybody here has any knowledge on working overseas as an American in the UK. I got a call from a friend who works for a British holiday charter airline in pilot recruitment who asked for a copy of my CV/resume. I was under the impression that a yank was not permitted to fly for a EU airline without converting their US licences to ICAO, and of course winning the blessing of the country they worked in for a work permit and appropriate visa. The friend works directly for the Chief Pilot and said she is having trouble finding pilots to staff the airline as they grow. I meet the minimums for new hire fo's, and I'm sorta hoping that being a US pilot wouldn't disqualify me for a job before I can even find out more about it. I figure flying in Europe for a couple of years while I'm single wouldn't be too painful??

 

[xdashdriver]

No such thing as converting your licenses to "ICAO". ICAO does not issue licenses. You would need to undergo training and testing for JAA licenses in order to fly aircraft registered in JAA-member states. A significant amount of this training can be done in the US. What you cannot do would probably be best done in the UK. Be prepared to do a LOT of ground study and fork out a LOT of money to do the flight training / testing.

As you rightly asked about, immigration would be more of an issue. You would need a UK work permit in order to fly for a UK airline. Although their airline employment situation seems to be improving a faster rate than the US, I think you would still be hard-pressed to get a work permit there. If your friend is as interested in you as you say, then she's the best person to help you get your work permit.

Ray

 

[shadowpuppet]

Thanks for the advice Ray, I've heard that getting JAA licences is a bit harder than the testing for the US equlivent. I guess I'll just send her a resume/CV and see if she can work a little magic for me. Again thanks for the info...........