Originally Posted by
Toga10
I’m a 38yo dual US/EU citizen pilot living in Europe and currently flying the PC-12 on a commercial (officially) multi-pilot operation. I’ve got both EASA and FAA licences (FAA SE CPL (no ME), EASA ME CPL). I’ve got 2400 TT, of which 1050 PIC, 70 hours ME, 800 instructing.
Given the job market and the opportunities there I’m thinking about moving to the US with the ultimate goal of working for one of the majors.
I’ve been browsing the forum quite a bit and I’ve reached the following conclusions (please correct me if I’m wrong on one of them.):
- I’ve got 0 hour under part 121.
Several issues to address:
1. Foreign 121 equivalent does not count for US 121 upgrade requirements. So you cannot come in as a DEC.
2. "Normally" in the US your SIC time in a two-pilot operation does count *IF* the OPSPEC requires two pilots, which is common in US 135. Even if the plane itself is certified for single pilot ops. In your case I'm not certain since it's a foreign operation, you may need to actually get a written legal opinion from the FAA (search their website in case it's been asked before). If the FAA allows that time, it's total time, SIC, etc, etc. If they do not allow it, it's not loggable at all, basically an airplane ride.
Originally Posted by
Toga10
- only a few regionals are hiring 0-hour like me.
Regionals can only hire pilots eligible for an R-ATP or ATP. You'll need 1500 hours total, plus the other requirements. How many hours do you have exclusive of the PC-12 time, which may or may not be loggable for FAA purposes.
Originally Posted by
Toga10
- For revenue optimisation I should target regionals that don’t offer hiring bonuses before going to one that offers some once I get the hours (~500 or ~900 part 121-hours).
Depending on how long you think you need to stay, you may not want a multi-year obligation. Or just take the bonus and put it in the bank... if you leave early just pay back whatever they pro-rate.
Originally Posted by
Toga10
- It seems that when your application interest them you can get invited for interviews within a week or so, so I assume I should already be in the US before applying to any operator.
Or available to fly over on very short notice. But yeah probably better to be here. But ask around what the CURRENT timeline is from application to interview call at any regional you're going to apply to. That changes with their needs. Also I'm sure they'd let you pick a later interview date, unless they're only doing interviews that week or something.
Originally Posted by
Toga10
- which regionals are hiring 0-hour part 121 like me?
All of them are hiring zero-121 hour pilots, you dn't need 121 hours to be a regional (or any 121) FO. You need 1000 hours 121 to be a regional CA (some other types of experience also count but none of it foreign).
Originally Posted by
Toga10
- Are there part 135 PC-12 operations that would allow me to build part-121 recognised hours? I assume that with 1100 hours on the 12 I would attract at least some attention from some operators?
I'm sure there are, but with the high demand from the airlines almost all 91 and 135 operations are struggling to find pilots so you can definitely get a job flying something, probably later this afternoon if you apply right now. I'd shoot for twin turbine aircraft, even better if it's a jet. If you get 1000 hours in a jet I'm sure the LCCs will hire you, don't even need the regionals.
As a moderately experienced pilot with US citizenship, you definitely want to be in the US for career opportunities... it's way better than any place in the world right now, ease of getting hired, seniority progression, pay, and workrules.