Questions about FAA to JAA conversion and hiring?
 

I was wondering if anyone knows of places or programs to take the JAA written exams in the USA? And what books are out there to prepare for them?

Also, would flight training be necessary for a license conversion? I currently hold an FAA ATP, and have done all of my flying in the USA.

Lastly, for you European guys, how would my chances be at getting hired over in Europe if I do the conversion? I do have permission to work in the EU, and have over 4,000 hrs, but only slightly over 100 hrs. PIC multi-turbine 121. Although I have permission to work there, would not being a citizen basically exclude me?

Just trying to flesh out my options. Thanks for any info.

I'm not a Euro, but try Naples air center. They do JAA training in the states. That, as much of it that can be done based on individual experience levels.

Thanks for the info. Appreciate it.

When you say you have permission to work in the EU, what do you mean? If you're an EU citizen you can freely work in any member country, wheras if you're permission is country specific, you might run into problems.

I used to have the UK equivalent of a Green Card and that would only have allowed me to work in the UK, not the rest of the EU. Which would have ruled out all the other carriers outside of the UK.

There's another recent thread by a guy looking for info on doing the ATPL Theory, have a search for it.

PS, stay away from Naples for the theory, their notes are cr@p.

I believe this is true. I have the JAR license but I am a non-EU citizen, I have a work permit only for Czech Republic. It would be very difficult for me to get employment with a carrier outside of Czech (within the EU) without going through much @$$pain.

Lifter

Interesting. My situation is that my wife is a citizen of Spain and Italy. I thought this would allow me to work in any EU country, after the proper paperwork. Is this not correct? Would I be limited to only those two countries? Thanks for the info.

Yes, and I'm pretty sure most, if not all the EU airlines require you to have unrestricted access throughout the EU. The only way you're going to get around it is to apply for Spanish citizenship, which, if the Spanish are like the rest of the world, you'll need to live there a while before you're eligible.

If you've got Jet time, have a look at NetJets EU. They're based in Spain.

To my understanding, you can work in any EU country but your spouse who is a citizen must live there with you. I do not think (or know for that matter) if an airline will consider this unrestricted right to live/work in europe. My wife is also from Spain and eventually will come to this hurdle when the time comes.

As far FAA-JAA, you have to take all 14 tests (which can be long, especially if you sit through al the hours of class) and then take a few checkrides. Also, JAA does not count SIC hours on aircraft certified for one pilot aka King Air which are often flown with two pilots. Some countries have a faster way to get their country licence if you already have an ATP. Check out this article I found, it doesn't have all the answers but is pretty good.
http://www.bestaviation.net/art_jaa_conversion.asp

I would also check out some contractors, such as Rishworth Aviation, there are some others too, where you fly N registered aircraft. Let me know how things go. By the way, did you used to fly for American Eagle or something?

This may clarify a little. There is an official document somewhere but I am in a third world country with really slow internet connection at the moment.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Fr...ent_of_workers

Also, if you have a type rating on the ATR, I hear that they are begging for people with a type in Ireland, willing to sponsor you for a visa and convert to an irish license and everything. If your wife is mediterranean like mine, then Ireland may be a little on the cold side but it could be a step in the right direction if that's your goal, right? Check out Aer Arann, not sure if the deal is still going but worth checking out.
http://www.aerarann.com/about_us/jobs.htm

Thanks everyone for the replies. I will look into all of the suggestions. Hope to see you one day in the skies in Europe!

And to answer zondaracer, yes I used to work for American Eagle.