am111

I hope you’ve all got your crystal balls out and nice and polished.

In short which is more valuable, 1000 hours FAA Part-121 SIC time or 1000 hours EASA B737 PIC time?

In long - I’m a 31½ year old 737 FO in Europe. I have ~1850 hours total flying time and around 1680 on type. Wife is American so I am eligible for a green card and have aspirations to fly for United so that we can be based close to my in-laws.

For various tedious life reasons, the earliest I think we could even consider moving is probably around 18 months away. I’m thinking I can use that time to start the green card application and get my FAA tickets in order.

However my crystal ball is telling me I will very likely be due for command at my current airline in around 18 months time. (Approx 3000 hours on type.)

Am I correct in assuming I likely won’t be competitive at United at that time? I’m thinking I would probably apply to United at that point regardless on the off chance I’m successful.

So my question is, if I’m not successful, do I seek work at an American Part-121 LCC instead or do I take the upgrade at my current outfit and get me some PIC time in EASAland? I would like to avoid the regionals as it would be a significant cut to pay and QOL that would be hard to sell to the Mrs.

Side note: The total cost for me to do an ATP-CTP and then a reduced 737 type-rating course to get my FAA ATP looks to be about $10,000. Other than the regionals, would any other airlines foot this bill?

rickair7777

You're a little on the low side but most definitely apply as soon as you're eligible to work here. Go to job fairs, etc. CP meet-n-greets if you know anybody who can help with that. Squeaky wheel gets the grease sooner than another anonymous application.

I suspect airline TPIC will be more valuable than SIC, period. Even if it's from another country, as long as it's a "reputable" operation, which anything EASA should be.

ULCC upgrade should take several years, but you can go ask for specifics in their forums here. All US majors are losing new FO's to the big three right now, but I don't know how many of those have TPIC from previous gigs. I suspect most of them do. You might still get a legacy gig with on SIC, but that's harder to predict.

am111

Thanks rickair7777, that’s pretty much what I suspected but good to have insight from someone on that side of the pond.

Unfortunately I don’t know anyone in aviation stateside but I’ll look into job fairs when I think I’m ready. Obviously being based in Europe that’s easier said than done, and I’m hoping to have a job offer in hand before we make the final move across. And trans Atlantic staff travel is non-existent at my airline.

Another quick question, how much time in the left seat do you think I’ll need to be competitive assuming I upgrade at 3000 hours on type?

rickair7777

1000 hours TPIC should be plenty these days, might well get called sooner.

Since you're kind of off the grid over there, I'd probably get professional assistance for submitting your app and also for interview prep (for majors).

publius

Hi Rickair7777,

Where can I get those professional assistance?

thanks

tnkrdrvr

Cage Consulting, Spitfire, Emerald Coast, etc. Just Google Airline interview prep. Also, search that on this website. Lots to choose from.