Retirement and Fleet Expansion
 

with all the retirements and growth expected, why dont US airlines take canadian pilots?

??? They do "take" canadian pilots, I've flown with many.

Unfortunately for US pilots, anyone from any nation may work as an professional pilot in the US. This has been the case even when pilot jobs were very hard to find. As with any foreigner seeking to hold any job in the US, a green card (resident work permit) is required.

The flight training and airline industry have managed to BS congress into believing that there is a serious pilot shortage in the US, so it's also possible to get an H1B visa. This is a visa which is sponsored by your employer, and limits your rights to change jobs. The employer would have to be willing to sponsor you.

The reality in most european countries is far different...a US pilot trying to get a job at BA or Lufthansa would be laughed out the country. In fact, I think it's quite difficult, or impossible, for US pilots to get a job with canadian airlines. But the US government is much more generous with OUR jobs.

Exactly...... well said Rick. Personally I think fair is fair. If you want to fly for a US flagged carrier.... get citizenship.

i did my training in florida
i dont have a green card or citizenship
so i have no way of having a chance at employment?

I'm sure you have a good chance of a job in your country.

Wow! Lets remember what America is all about. It ****es me off to read Dumb @#ss comments like this. Most pilots that come to America aren't here for the jobs. Jobs outside the states are usually better.

You will need a greencard or a special work visa. I don't know the process, but they can't be that hard for canadian pilots to get.

Oh yeah? So what is America all about?

It's about Political-correctness, regulation, litigation, and the illusion of freedom!

So it's fair that I can't fly for Air Canada, but a Canadian can come down and fly for my airline? America must be about bending over and taking one in the rear, because it sure seems like we do it a lot.