In 2 more months, I'll finally start school at Middle Georgia State and its flight program, thus beginning my long journey from 0 to the majors. However, I always like to anxiously think ahead into the far future.

I am fully aware that the airline industry in the US is a very shaky business. I've been doing a lot of research over the past year and understand that, career-wise, flying professionally is not as glorious as it used to be.

However, I have also read a lot of articles regarding American pilots relocating to other countries (Asia, Europe) as expats to work for major foreign airlines such as China, ANA, Korean, Qatar, ect. I heard these foreign airlines are a true pilot shortage, looking for pilots from quality sources like the US, and they generally are more generous with the salary.

I would like to know how common and feasible is this option among US commercial pilots. If the American aviation industry continues to be unfavorable, is it a reasonable alternate option to take a pilot position in these foreign airlines?

 

In the past quite a few US pilots had to go abroad to fly and put food on the table. (Me included, Middle East and Far East)
Nowadays the pilot shortage is as real over here as over there.

It is a pain in the arse to get foreign licenses, much harder to sit for Korean or Japanese ATP exam than an FAA cram course and multiple choice test. (Took me 7 months in Japan to do a system ground school, sim course and an air law and radio law exam course. Already had 1,300 hours on type from the US)

 

Asia and ME3, yes. Europe, Oceania and South America, you’ll have to have the “right to work” in the country. Even Asia will get more closed in the future as the National CAA produces more local pilots.

GF

 

Yeah, another factor is the working permit.
If your country of choice is recruiting they will fix all that and contract with an agency to do the paperwork.
For straight money, China is probably king right now, $250k for a narrow body captain. Stay with Spirit for 4 years, get 1000 hrs in the left seat, then go to China.

 

Or get hired at a US legacy, kick back making $200K and enjoy QOL at home for ten years, then upgrade and make $300K.

Hell, even NK and F9 will probably have to pay something like that in ten years... unless they can somehow train rampers to fly jets.

To the OP... overseas flying is quite different, QOL usually sucks badly compared to the US, work rules can be draconian, no job protections, etc. In the foreseeable future you're better off in the US. It might make sense for a few adventurous, single RJ pilots, to see some of the world but I wouldn't do it for money... best bet there is stay in the US, pad your resume, and apply to legacies.

There are a few sweet deals in europe, but you won't be getting one of those unless you have EU right to work and your uncle flew tornadoes with the chief pilot of BA or LF. And their pay is not always equivalent to US legacies.

 

Lastx - your reading, while commendable, has lead you to a wrong conclusion. The number of expats is a trivial number compared to the number that stay in the U.S. And frequently that path was chosen, or became the best option, because it didn’t work out, at least at the time they left, in the U.S.

Ten to 15 years ago, while the U.S. airline business was struggling and the ME 3 were growing, several guys that I know went to the ME 3. They’ve all returned as the U.S. job market snapped back.

I’d focus on getting to a regional airline ASAP. With the new regulations you could get hired by 20-22. AA WO would give you s job st AA between 26-30. Less than 50 pilots under 30 at AA so you’d have a fantastic career. UA and DL would have similar advancement.

Good luck.

 

Ever shoot at moving targets? That's what you have looking 4-6+ years out. Yes, one should always be looking at options and having alternate plans.

Piloting is a job where one needs to be willing to move around some, especially when starting out. That could be worldwide.

Right now concentrate with getting your experience off the peg, schooling, hours, & a degree. There will be contact information, leads, and the rest at any school or placement office. Just saying, by the time you start filling out apps, the landscape will likely be shifted a bit.

Welcome.