stabapch

What’s more valuable for a potential expat?

I’ve noticed all the China offers ask for TPIC time, but I’ve read at some they might take you as an FO if you don’t have the TPIC, but hold the type rating they fly. I’ve also heard it’s a bad idea to accept an offer with Chinese carriers as an FO?

Regardless, in general though around the world, what is more valuable to have, TPIC or Type?

sigler

The majority of foreign airlines (especially in China) will not upgrade expats. So if you're happy being an FO for life, time in type would be the most helpful; if you want to fly (and earn) as a Captain, you will need TPIC time, most likely in the specific type flown by that particular airline.

If getting B737 or A320 PIC time is out of reach for now, I'd go for the type and try getting on with one of the airlines out there that do upgrade.

JohnBurke

A type rating without experience to back it doesn't mean much.

Experience does, though.

stabapch

I’m a regional FO with a EMB170/190 type. It’ll take about 1.5 to 2 more years to upgrade (0 TPIC), but I just got an offer from an LCC to take an A320 class in May. Currently, it’s taking 5 years to upgrade at that LCC.

I know of 2 China carriers that fly the E190 that are advertising very good pay for CA if you hold 500 TPIC. I’m not set on China though as I’m willing to go anywhere.

Do you know which airlines would upgrade an expat?

I have this gut feeling I shouldn’t turn down the offer, because I think the A320 type will benefit me more than the TPIC even if I stay domestic, but no facts to back that up.

wilco811

Airlines that upgrade expat FOs: air Japan ANA 767, EVA on the non type rated program for the 777. ANA is about a 5 year upgrade (maybe sooner for initial assessment) and EVA probably about 6-7 years. There are also expat jobs that transition you to a bigger airplane. For example, peach aviation in japan will make you a CA on the A320 if you have 1500 TPIC on a jet larger than 36,000KG MTOW which your Ejet qualifies for. Unfortunately most of the best paying China jobs require PIC time on the 737 or A320. I think the only good expat job for FOs is the ANA one because pay is decent for FOs and they actually upgrade the expat FOs like they promise. The LCCS pay well here now except 1st year pay and once you upgrade you probably will make more money than being an expat with a way more comfortable quality of life. I would personally recommend taking the LCC over staying at a regional. You’ll upgrade at the LCC sooner than advertised and if your goal is to fly for a legacy and that never happens you have the LCC to back you up. LCCs pay nicely now. Plus the LCC will set you up for expat a320 gigs the most lucrative of them all in case you want to expat later.

sigler

I think Hong Kong Express also upgrades.

If I were you, I’d go to the LCC. If your long-term goal is to be an expat, A320 SIC time will open more doors than Embraer PIC time.

jrmyl

As a current AJX captain who started as an F/O, I agree with the others. Take the LCC 320 job. Get the upgrade. Then reevalute your life at that point. I'm assuming you are fairly young so have a long career ahead of you. If so, take the time to get the experience. Once you are at the LCC you might like it enough to stay put and have a long, successful career there.

Sure you can chase the money as an expat but you will never have a long career doing that that provides you with the job security and retirement that a career in the States would.

There is more to life than a quick buck.

symbian simian

If by domestic you mean USA, I would disagree. Getting through 121 upgrade is more important than A320 type, if you want to get on with a legacy. If you want a better plan B because your regional doesn't have flow, take the LCC offer. As far as taking a foreign job, with the current market here, I really don't know why you would consider going abroad.

stabapch

So many different opinions. The regional I’m at has no flow (I don’t believe in taking that carrot), but we’ve had a good amount of guys going to SW and JB from the right seat along with a few to United from the right seat (non military). I still believe having a more ‘popular’ type rating could be more beneficial and make you more marketable than straight PIC, IF (BIG IF) your background checks in as well.

I’m not sure where I want to end up long term, but I do want to explore the expat lifestyle and I’m grateful to have a wife and kids that support that. A legacy would be great to finish the career, but I want more first hand world experience first.

AV8R72

How much time 121 time do you have? Just curious on what the LCCs see as “minimum”