Hello guys,

i was looking for some advice on getting work in the US and converting my licence.

im expecting to receive my green card in a couple months time and am planning to move over to live with my wife who has just moved back to Hawaii. I am late 20s, currently fly the 737 for a major Australian airline. I have around 1000hrs on the 737, 1500 hours B777 from overseas and around 4000tt, no degree, no jet or turbine PIC- command at my current airline is a decade or more away.

My plan was to convert my Australian licence to an FAA one privately, it would take a few weeks and set me back almost 15k USD with the 737 rating on it. I was then hoping to apply at Hawaiian with my wife living there. However with the current global climate who knows who will be hiring- I have 6 months to move once receiving the green card.

Alternatively I was thinking of joining a regional, it seems US regionals run you through the ATP-CPC and conversion which would save me some money, however all the bases are a long way from Hawaii and my wife is committed to working there for the time being.

i would appreciate any advice on converting my licence, where to start looking for work, and/or commuting to Hawaii. Alternatively I’m willing to put flying aside for a while if there is no other option. I understand with my hours I’d be looking at a regional first, or another corporate/cargo/GA job in Hawaii perhaps.

i hope I didn’t ask any silly questions- I am new to US aviation and trying to learn the way the game is played over there.

kind regards from down under!
boeingj1331