Hello guys,

I need to give a decision about my career. Now I am working as a first officer in B737 and logged more than 2500 hours. I am living in Turkey. I succeed EK assessment and most probably I will get a job offer from them.

At the same time, I have a green card and eligible to work in the USA. In order to work in the USA, I need to convert my license to FAA equivalent which requires me to pass ATP/CTP course and a check ride (Actually it is similar for one who requires to upgrade its FAA CPL to FAA ATP). I quickly reviewed most of the regionals, they pay for ATP/CTP course and also give type rating for the FAA CPL holders. In other words, FAA CPL holders don't need to pay anything for conversion. I tried to apply some of the regional companies tried to explain my situation about the conversion process but they declined my application. They also informed me to convert my license first and then re-apply.

After a quick summary of my case. Here are my concerns;

If I want to fly in the USA I need to spend more than 12.000$ to convert my license and then I can only apply for regionals. Those jobs are not paying well (50-70K in a year.) and need to stay there at least 3-5 years before finding a seat for the legacies. Besides, I am not sure as a foreigner will it be difficult to find a job in the States. Living in the USA looks much better than living in the desert and the USA is the number one place to fly in the world. Lot's of things to learn. Even though initial cost for settlement into the USA looks much higher, it looks like providing better opportunities for the future (citizenship, children education, etc.)

On the other hand, flying for EK provides a better life of quality when compared to regionals. Enjoying 8300$ tax-free salary, living in a villa and paying barely anything for the utilities such as electricity, gas, etc. Flying all around the world, promotion to widebody captain position ( I don't know how many years required to upgrade to widebody captain position in the legacies 20-25? ). Flying all around the world.

I am 29 years old. I am about to get my Ph.D. degree in aviation. I am married., no kids, my wife is a software engineer.

If you were me, which one would you choose? EK or moving to the USA starts from the beginning?

and also do you know any regional which can help me to convert my license in the USA?

Thank you,

It’s all about life choices my friend.

Personally I’d go what’s best for family.

Long-term, any US legacy (and some non-legacy US majors) will provide better pay and QOL than almost any other aviation job in the world. And they should be hiring for many years. There are more than a few foriegn pilots who would kill for that greencard right now...

Also do you want to live in Dubai for the rest of your career?

Your age matters too, the younger you are, I think the more it favors the US.

As exciting as flying a widebody around the world looks from the outside, I think many regionals in the US provide a better QOL than most foreign carriers flying big jets out there (the ones that will hire expats anyway). When you factor in the possibility of moving to a major or LCC in a few years, it’s really a no-brainer. Unless all you care about is making money NOW. Then I’d go to Emirates.

Let me start here - You have a green card, so you won’t have “any” problems finding a job. I said “any” cause obviously that’s still very relative. But from USCIS point of view you’re not a foreigner per say. You’re a permanent resident, so you’re just fine. We have many green card holders at US airlines.

I disagree EK will give you QOL over regionals. You see the obvious - tax free salary, housing and etc. But have you wondered about your rest, flight hours and etc? Flying for any middle eastern airline is exhausting. Also look at QOL in long term perspective. Completely different benefits and you can only live in the UAE while you’re employed. And what about your wife? And possible future children.
You say starting pay at regionals isn’t a lot, but your wife seem to be highly educated, so look at it as an investment. It will pay off. Way more flexibility. UNIONS (if you care for it). Labor laws....

Does the green card expire if you don't use it? Otherwise you could go to Emirates, save up some money and then come here or just stay there if you like it. Dubai is closer to Turkey if that's your home and that can make a huge difference too

Looks like you've done your homework. It's a choice you and your wife will have to make.

Why so much? Couldn't you just take the ATP written and an ATP check ride? Or even pickup a 737 type rating, such as PanAm's 737 PIC initial certification/ATP, type rating/Part 61 program, which looks like a quick course designed for people in your position.

All you need is a US FAA commercial multi.

The regionals will pay for your CTP and ATP checkride.

You don’t even need that. You only need an ICAO commercial multi and valid instrument rating.