I did not want to start a whole new thread so I hope it is OK to piggyback on this one as I have similar question (s).

44 1/2 and looking for a career change, or possibly early retirement with some part time work, or go full on into something else like flying.

I got my PPASEL about 19 years ago when I was in the Navy, stopped flying shortly after 9/11 and went back to school, have a BA degree. Only about 80 hours, and have not flown in 18 years!!

I have the funds to undertake any training and am located close to an airport in So Cal. No debt, no kids, not married.

Ideally would want to end up flying in Asia, from my previous job I ended up owning a place in Thailand very close to DMK, and knew a few foreign pilots who flew for Air Asia, Nok and some others, so would like to base there or possibly somewhere else in SE Asia/East Asia.

Research tells me that jobs are somewhat plentiful now but I see an oncoming recession that may be particularly nasty in the next 1-3 years.

Thoughts on getting licensed/time in the States and then getting hired by an LCC or similar in Asia?

To get hired as expat pilot requires PIC time in type—B737, Airbus. Foreign carriers use the right seat to grow local pilots. So, you’d have to work up to, at least, regional captain here, then look for a contract job. It’s a pretty long haul.

And then some!! After doing a lot of reading and research seems like lots of work for not much reward. So off to get caught up and refreshed with my private for now...

Or you could set your sights on cargo carriers (Kalitta etc.) with long blocks of days off to commute home. Lots of international flying.

Maybe, but if flying in Asia is the reward, it might be worth it to you and there's no sign that the demand for pilots over there will slow down any time soon. You should be able to upgrade and get PIC in a regional type fairly quickly, if you pick the right regional. Research what type ratings are more in demand where you want fly (ERJ, CRJ, Q400, etc).

Of you might decide just to stay in the US and try to benefit from the good times here (retirements and compensation).

Bear in mind that Asian medical standards tend to be more stringent than in the US.

That’s an understatement from what I hear.


GF