US pilot working overseas
 

What if a US pilot want to fly for an overseas carrier? What would the pilot need?

US airlines will hire anybody, from anywhere, as long as they have not graduated from an approved al queda training camp in the last 5 years.

Some foriegn airlines, notably european, will only hire well-connected native born citizens (Lufthansa, AF, BA,etc).

A variety of Asian and middle eastern airlines have pilot shortages due to growth and lack of native pilots, so they are always hiring ex-patriates (Emrirates, Gulf Air, Varios Japanese, Chinese, and other Asian carriers). Some carriers hire ex-patriates permanently, others use contracts (typically 3-5 years).

Cathay Pacific out of Hong Kong is unique...it was founded by an australian and an american, and historically have hired aussies, americans, and brits. They also have the advantage of having cargo bases in five large US cities, so an american can eventually get back here. They hire a few very low-time pilots for international widebody flying, but those jobs are EXTREMELY competetive.

Most of the desireable jobs will require previous mainline (not regional) or military experience, but there are a few opportunities in Asia and Africa for experienced RJ CA's.