Originally Posted by Alotta Fagina

Hi everyone,

Long time lurker, first time poster.

I've read pretty much every post on every thread on this and the other main pilot forum and have questions.

To those Australian Pilots that have taken up the fantastic opportunity of flying with our brothers and sisters in the USA, how has the experience been for you ? I’m not an Aussie so can’t directly say.

How has your family enjoyed the experience ? see above

How have you found the training,
That will likely depend on your training background. Former RAAF pilots do very well on average. Don’t know any straight civilian pilots.

The coin ? Based on conversations with friends at Quantas, I’d say you could make more here if you can snag a green card and make it to a legacy or top tier cargo (UPS,FEDEX). The companies participating in the E3 visa program do not pay those rates. Although, I believe SkyWest has jacked theirs up considerably.

Is there the prospect of a solid future ?

Maybe, maybe not. If living in America for a few years is an attractive adventure for your family, go for it. If you don’t want to come here only to be forced home after several years, I’d pass.

Is there possible progression into training or managerial roles ?

It wouldn’t shock me if there was since you have limited opportunities to bail on an E3 visa.
Some US based Pilots in other areas of this forum have aired their dismay at the concept of Australian Pilots coming to fly in the USA on E3 visas, the usual childish taunting and names calling, nothing an adult would be concerned by, is this as bad as one should expect ?

Most pilots are professionals and can keep their personal feelings out of the cockpit. At my carrier (UPS) we have a significant number of expats. The only real grumbling I have heard is when accents make time critical communication hard.

Which Cargo Operators are offering commuting ? Not top tier, but many of the others do. You can make a lot of money with many of them, but you won’t see home much. Commuting from Australia may not be practical or acceptable.

Which Cargo Operators are employing Australian Pilots on E3 ?
Don’t know.
Thanks in advance to anyone that takes the time answers there questions.