HoboPilot

I've got a buddy who's doing a research project on becoming an airline pilot in Europe, more specifically Spain. He doesn't have a user profile so here's his question that I'm posting for him:

I was wondering if anyone knows how an American trained pilot just starting out in the industry would go about working for an airline in Europe. I know you have to get a JAA license but need to know exactly how to get one and what it will entitle.

Thanks a lot for the help guys, I appreciate it.

olympic

A **** load of motivation

Got my FAA certificates, did the CFI thing, went to Europe did my JAA ATPL Ground school (14 exams). Converted my CPL/IR 15 hours .. did military obligations for a country of the EU inorder to get my living and work permit. Bam and done, dual citizen and working for an airline.

good luck to your friend.

schone

which EU country was that?.... Greece?

which airline do u work for now?

FlyingViking

I was borne in Europe, did my flight training in the US, like most do. Decided to expand a little bit and finished four years at ER in DAB. Then headed to Europe and converted to CAA, (80% fail their first attempt, I got lucky and had a 95% average on my 14 exams) had enough of Europe and decided to get a DCA ATPL while I already was in the game of conversions. Now, older and wiser, will never leave the US permanetly and is very happy with the FAA and their way of thinking as well as being very happy with my current job here in the US - flying internationally. All that being said, the experience of flying overseas is something you will never forget. People and pilots are talking about bush flying here and in AK, well, they haven't seen the other side... Good luck converting and flying over there, it is a hassle but all worth it in the end.

olympic

Yes.............

HoboPilot

Olympic, how did you do your military time. how did you get in to it, what branch, how long and any thing else you can think of. also do you know of any thing on if an airline will sponsor you so you will eventually get your citizenship, i know some eu countries take around 7 years.

olympic

Hobo will send you a private message later on with all the answers.

icarosF1

The only companies in Greece now that are hiring are AEGEAN and Hellenic Imperial if i am not mistaken. As far as military obligations there are a lot of loop holes if you want to avoid them and who have to do them and who not.
I very aware of those issues and one thing you have to remember
'Every citizen of a country member of E.U has the undeniable right to leave and work in an other country member of E.U without changing his/hers citizenship'.
Alot of discussion on that

olympic

Icarus, what airline are you at?

SebastianDesoto

Here's a question concerning a pipe dream...how the hell does one get on with Singapore Airlines?