Originally Posted by
Starlifter
KDUA,
Why would you discourage others to try! It can be done. Olympic and myself have done it. I know there are others as well. We fully understand the work involved and the costs associated. We ALWAYS have stated that it is a lengthy, tedious and expensive process. However, if someone has the energy, money and the desire to try, I say go for it.
That being said we have also have recommended individuals to do much research if this is a goal.
While each person can research the requirements of the JAA, I suggest the research go one step further and look at any additional requirements required by the CAA in the country of choice. I know for a fact these vary from country to country. This may require travel to the country and meet face to face. I would suggest this anyways...
The work permit is a huge hurdle and probably should be looked at first. The foreign police in most countries can provide these requirements, again this probably would take a face to face meeting. Again, it can be done if one is creative. I'm not saying it can be done in every European country but some are less difficult than others.
Just my thoughts.
O what do you think? JNS?
Lifter
Lifter you are right.
Okay so let's step back and breakdown everything that has been said.
Below I will post what has to be done to convert the FAA license to JAA. Converting will be different for each pilot, depending on Total Times and of course PIC time.
AIRLINE TRANSPORT PILOTS LICENCE (ATPL)
First Option
If you hold 500 hrs multi crew experience on a JAR 25 or 23 (type as laid down in JAR FCL 1 section F), hold a type rating on that type (A second in command certificate as issued by the FAA is acceptable), and will be doing your ATPL skills test on that type you are exempt from the whole Type rating course and doing any type of training for the ground examinations, you can simply just enter and sit them without any help, then go and do the skills test. Typical training providers for the type rating course here in the USA are Flight Safety and Simuflight.
Orlando Flight Training in Florida says they will assist anyone who is looking for a training provider.
Second Option
There is an option for a restricted licence which will allow you to start flying in Europe quicker. However there are some restrictions and requirements.
REQUIREMENTS: A minimum of 3,000 hours as pilot of public transport aircraft over 30,000 kgs MTOW on scheduled international or similar routes, a minimum of 1,500 hours of which must have been as Pilot-in-Command.
RESTRICTIONS: The restriction is to fly UK registered aircraft only.
However, this may be removed if you go on to complete the remaining examinations within 18 months of siting your initial exams.
The course requirements are as for the first option, but you are only required to sit
two written exams, which are Human Performance and Limitations, and Air Law.
Due to the restrictions, many airlines will not actually accept this licence and so very few people attempt it. However, some have completed this and gone onto job in the UK.
Third Option
If you do not meet any of the requirements, you will be required to complete a Ground school course, pass the examinations, and pass a JAA Commercial check ride wither by sitting the full approved course, or by completing training as required if you already hold an ICAO CPL The Instrument rating can be done by conversion if you hold an ICAO IR. This is a 15 hr course which must be completed in Europe.
All options require you to attain a Class 1 Medical for the JAA licence. This initial licence must be done in Europe, but if you have a UK issued JAA medical, then it can be renewed in Florida.
I highlighted all the important points. But this is basically the process to get the JAA license. It is a easier process for anyone who has the Multi Crew time in a JET and of course the PIC Time.
Regarding the Working Permit, for me the process was MUCH easier because both my parents were born in Greece, this helped my paper work go through quicker, the downside was that I had to do Greek Military Service for a few months to get the FULL CITIZENSHIP and EU PASSPORT.
Lifter I think you should let everyone know how you got the Working Permit, you would be a better example then me.
Let's keep in mind, that there are a bunch of N registered aicraft in Europe, also some companies will sponsor you. Last I heard and I am still trying to get information is that RYANAIR still hires expats.
Hope this helped.
olympic.