bpcw

Hi all,

as the title says. Is there any chance for a green card holder to get a job as a commercial pilot in the US?
All job offers I've come across required candidates to be US citizens.

Background:
For various personal reasons, I've been contemplating a transfer to one of the US locations of the company I work for, with the ultimate goal of eventually getting naturalized in the US.
My current job is not related to aviation, but due to my passion for flying I'd like to change my career and get into professional aviation as a pilot, at least part-time (from these forums I've learned that it's always good to have a non-aviation fallback).

Considering my already advanced age (turning 40 this year), the tight situation in the aviation business and the fact that I'd first have to acquire all ratings and licenses on top of my PPL (including JAA to FAA PPL conversion), I'm not expecting miracles. Still, I'd definitely want to get up to speed with a flying job as soon as possible. And that's where the US citizenship thing would kick in. Naturalization would take at least five years, hence my question what my pilot options would be in the time between.

Any input is highly appreciated.

P.S.
Sorry if that's the wrong forum section. I didn't know where else to post this.

Gajre539

Yes, you can get hired at any U.S. airline with a Permanent Resident Card (green card). You will be required to go through TSA's category 1 clearance before beginning any training in an aircraft with MTOW > 12,500lbs.

You will need to get TSA's category 3 clearance for your Instrument and Multi-engine training, and possibly your private.

What category do I qualify for?
Candidates seeking flight training are separated into one of four different categories. A brief explanation of the categories follows:

Category 1 - Candidates who seek flight training in the operation of aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight (MTOW) greater than 12,500 pounds, but who do not fall into Category 2.

Category 2 - Candidates who seek flight training in the operation of aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight (MTOW) greater than 12,500 pounds, and who:

Are employed by a foreign air carrier that operates under 14 CFR part 1546;
Have unescorted access authority to a secured area of an airport under U.S.C 44936(a)(1)(A)(ii),49 CFR 1542.229;
Are a flight crew member who has successfully completed a criminal history records check in accordance with 49 CFR 1544.230; or
Hold an airman's certificate that is recognized by the FAA or appropriate US military agency, with a type rating for a multi-engine aircraft that has a certificated takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or more.

Category 3 - Candidates who seek flight training in the operation of aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or less for the following training events:

Initial airman's certificate, including a private, recreational, or sport pilot certificate.
-- If a private and/or commercial license is the candidate's initial FAA license, it is considered an initial airman's certificate and is not exempt.
Instrument Rating (IR)
Multi-Engine Rating (MEL)
Each of these training events requires a separate training request. Clarification regarding Category 3 exemptions is covered in the next Frequently Asked Question.

Category 4 - Candidates who seek recurrent training in the operation of aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight (MTOW) greater than 12,500 pounds, and are current and qualified on the aircraft for which they are requesting training. These training requests are submitted by the flight training providers -- Candidates need to "Select Providers for Recurrent Training" from the AFSP Candidate account.

You can find more information at - https://www.flightschoolcandidates.gov

FYI - I have a green card and I have applied for 3 first officer positions in the U.S. I'm filing for U.S. citizenship next week.

bpcw

Gajre539,

thanks for your very helpful reply.

I had to undergo the criminal records and security check back here in Europe as well in order to get my JAA PPL. I've got a clean slate (not even traffic violations) so I guess I shouldn't have big problems passing the TSA screening.

Again thanks for all the information. Take care.

rickair7777

Should be no problem with a green card. US civilian employers cannot give higher precedence to citizens over green card holders, and I have not heard of any airline doing so.

HercDriver130

They cant but they should... the EU does it.... whats good for the goose should be good for the gander!!

bpcw

Well ... in the EU, it's up to each country how they deal with residence and work permits, so you'll find different models.

Where I live, employment law requires that non-citizens with a permanent residence and work permit be treated equal to citizens, so that seems pretty similar to the US situation.

Getting a green card is not an easy thing to do, even if you don't come from a country for which limitations apply and even if your background is flawless.
Those who finally make it through the tedious and nerve-racking multi-year process have probably paid their dues, kind-of