Aeroflot pilot question
 

Hello
I am wondering if someone can give some suggestions.

Here’s the story.
My father in-law is a former Aeroflot captain. He flew TU 134 among other jets. Since the Soviet Union broke up he has been flying mainly for UN missions in Africa and Middle East. I know that he has a great amount of flight time under his belt as well as expertise in flying many different types of airplanes. He lives in Europe at this time and has never been to the United States. However, lately he has been thinking about moving here to be closer to his daughter. We live in the States (San Diego) and are trying to find some way to help him get a job as a pilot here. Possibly work for a company that would sponsor him. How should we approach this? I don’t know much about the industry and hope that someone can provide some constructive suggestions

Thanks
D

I dont know too much about this, but I think the first things he would need to do is to get the ability to permenately reside and work in the US, and he would have to transfer over his ratings to FAA ratings.

Two major considerations:

Immigration status - has to be a permanent resident (green card). It'll work for a regional, but it's very hard to land a job with a major. Have to have US Citizenship for that.
I have never heard of a company sponsoring an immigrant pilot (providing a working visa). I don't think it could make a case since there are so many pilots here. You have to be brilliant in a needed area with shortage of HR example: college math professor.


FAA Certificate - have to take commercial and/or ATP knowledge and practice tests. The flight time requirements could be met with previous experience, but have to get proficient up to PTS in an airplane the ride will be taken in.

The best way to go I'd say - a green card based on the status of his daughter, ATP and corporate flying.


Good luck!
Ex Tu-154 pilot