Malaria,...Anyone?
 

Howdy,
I've got an off-the-wall career question.
Do you know of any American pilots who have gone overseas looking for flying work?
Specifically, going overseas without a job offer already nailed down?
Knocking on hangar doors type of thing?
Have been trying to make the jump from Alaska flying to something else.
Me- 3500tt mostly day VFR Single engine AK time (floats and wheels), A+P, single, willing to live in challenging, very sunny places (spent 2006-2007 in the deserts of Iraq and Kuwait)(co-piloting a Humvee) and have all my shots.
Would like to get overseas again. I think.
I've spent a lot of time perusing the internet. Seems like there's lots of jobs outside of North America where, if I showed up with a type rating, I might have a shot at the right seat of something that burns jet fuel. I'd be okay with a Cessna 207 again though.
Have looked at Airserv/BW/Presidential/and a whole bunch of others but am wondering about the possibility of buying tickets and doing the legwork on my own in other areas. Not focused on the paycheck, but more the hope for more complex aircraft in an interesting environment. I do not have any problems that would keep me from using an overseas employment broker, but the advertised minimums and aircraft experience are outside of mine.
Wondering if just being there would help?
Mainly operations in relatively stable parts of Africa, Central and South America, India, Western Pacific? I understand the need for license conversions, and have no problem with converting, but also wondering if there are countries/operations where US certificates are valid?
Is this feasible? Crazy? Thoughts? I'm not looking for areas that involve high probabilities of RPG's, but am okay with the threat of intestinal distress.
Thanks in advance for your time,

I can only tell you that India is in a "contracting" mode - your chances here are small with your background. Unfortunately, there are plenty of guys with type ratings and no time. Now a couple of years ago ...

Central and South America look possible as far as SE ops- perhaps someone will chime in.

And thank you for your service to our country!

Kilgore -

You sound like a good candidate for Presidential Airways (check out the website if you haven't yet). Contract flying flying CASA 212s. They like fliers with background such as yours.

USMCFLYR

Thanks guys,
I appreciate your help on this. Do know a bit about the BW/Pres. gigs from acquaintances involved there but my lack of multi and turbine time puts me outside their hiring parameters..
For anyone who's wacky enough to be thinking along the same lines as I am as far as just buying tickets and handing in resumes in person in less contentious locations overseas-
I ended up finding some good info on overseas flying on the PPRuNe website http://www.pprune.org/
after seeing it mentioned on APCF.
Cheers,

You're perfect for AirServ...Air Serv international

Thank you Mr. Squarepants,
I appreciate your input.
I have not spent much time watching television lately, but I must tell you I've heard good things about you and my nephew loves your show!


And hey, check out the jet blast section at pprune, I think you'll like it.http://www.pprune.org/jet-blast-16/:)

Ive got a question... (Thats why I joined forum so that someone could
answer it.) Why is it I see that there are brokers/agents on a daily basis
looking for pilots in China and India, yes grant it they are looking for captains
on the 747 777 a320 but they only want a 100 to 500 pic on type, yet at the same time I read posts from pilots who are more than qualified ATP, Rating, Hours, Time on Type, age and willing to go anywhere etc.. saying they cant find a job! What gives? What am I missing here ? Thank you for any info

Orville,
It does seem there's a lot of opportunities overseas when you see all the foreign jobs that employment brokers advertise. Complex equipment, apparently decent pay, varying schedules. I think what you are asking is why are'nt these jobs snatched up quickly by pilots who meet the requirements?
I have to guess that's because going overseas is a big jump- especially for a lot of aircrew who have reached the point in their lives when they are qualified to fly that equipment. Many if not most will have families they want to be with and big responsibilities outside the airplane. I have a friend who works in a pretty crummy place- for great pay, but in order to do that he trades away roughly 2/3 of a year of relative freedom in the U.S., near family and friends, to be over there doing his job. Can be a tough trade when the romance of being overseas wears off.

Which other ones?
 

Kilgore,

What other contractors do you know of, besides Blackwater?

Sky Butler,
Don't want to sound all cloak and daggery but personally I don't feel comfortable answering that on this site. Too many bad feelings out there about PMC's and this site is not secure. If you search the net, you'll find other companies besides the ones you've heard about in the news. Are you prior service? If not, maybe you have some personal friends who are? They'll know about them. Sorry to be a jerk. If anybody feels the need to flame me on my take on this go ahead but please respect the people out there working worldwide in highly contentious circumstances.