Howdy,
I've got an off-the-wall career question.
Do you know of any American pilots who have gone overseas looking for flying work?
Specifically, going overseas without a job offer already nailed down?
Knocking on hangar doors type of thing?
Have been trying to make the jump from Alaska flying to something else.
Me- 3500tt mostly day VFR Single engine AK time (floats and wheels), A+P, single, willing to live in challenging, very sunny places (spent 2006-2007 in the deserts of Iraq and Kuwait)(co-piloting a Humvee) and have all my shots.
Would like to get overseas again. I think.
I've spent a lot of time perusing the internet. Seems like there's lots of jobs outside of North America where, if I showed up with a type rating, I might have a shot at the right seat of something that burns jet fuel. I'd be okay with a Cessna 207 again though.
Have looked at Airserv/BW/Presidential/and a whole bunch of others but am wondering about the possibility of buying tickets and doing the legwork on my own in other areas. Not focused on the paycheck, but more the hope for more complex aircraft in an interesting environment. I do not have any problems that would keep me from using an overseas employment broker, but the advertised minimums and aircraft experience are outside of mine.
Wondering if just being there would help?
Mainly operations in relatively stable parts of Africa, Central and South America, India, Western Pacific? I understand the need for license conversions, and have no problem with converting, but also wondering if there are countries/operations where US certificates are valid?
Is this feasible? Crazy? Thoughts? I'm not looking for areas that involve high probabilities of RPG's, but am okay with the threat of intestinal distress.
Thanks in advance for your time,