I personally hope the US imposes protectionist policies, but I am not hopeful. I am also not worried about it, as there is nothing I can do about it.

The only constant in in the world is change. If the world's aviation industry changes to the same model as most other industries, there is nothing I can do about it but roll with the punches. It is us these airlines will have to hire.

I flew overseas for 4 of my 20 year commercial aviation career. They were by far the best years of my career. I can't wait to go back.

But not the sandbox. I supposed if they were the only ones hiring, and I really needed the job, I would. Hopefully neither of those scenarios will force my hand.

As far as taxes and competition, you don't know US tax law that well. "Income earned on or over international waters" is considered US income, subject to US tax. It cannot be excluded by the foreign income exclusion. So when Emirates if flying their shiny new 380 to JFK, competing with US legacy carriers, if the plane is full of US pilots, they will pay US income tax for a large portion of that flight.