Operation Dumbo

Hello everyone,

So was wondering if I can get some info and advice about returning back to the United States.. Was living in the United States previously back in the early 2000 job prospects as a airline pilot was extremely low and when I graduated and finished flying school I was practically broke....opted to go overseas and was blessed with a good start flew the B737-CL as a start and then jumped to a Major international airline in the M.E flying the B777/787. I have more than 5000 jet time and I also have my FAA unrestricted ATPL with the B777 rating.... Hardly have any PIC time... how is it back there and what are my prospects and recommendations??

John Carr

Biggest right off the bat question, do you have a bachelors degree?

Was it graduated from college what you’re referring to?

Airhoss

I think you might have been Apple corrected to oblivion?

KonaJoe

It was graduated from college that he not said but don't know.

AAL24

As someone who has made the jump I would think long and hard about exactly why you want to leave before making the move. Stateside you will have a union, more days off, a ridiculously easy training environment and a life outside of aviation. You are going to take a big hit on the amount of money that hits your bank account each month and I’m guessing you will be bored out of your mind (could be a welcome thing) for the first few years.

It’s going to be a challenge in many ways going from the left seat of a 777 to reserve in the right seat of a 737/320. Just from a monetary standpoint you are probably minus at least 9k per month after taxes for the next 7 years minimum. It’s a huge financial hit on the front end of your career. Then the monotony of domestic ops, hotels, FAs, commuting, etc.

Over the long term you will probably break even or be ahead. You will have a lot more time off and control of your life. You get to have a life outside of aviation again. But you will definitely miss a lot of things about your current job. Get used to the idea of economy or jumpseat for the rest of your career. Enjoy every moment of your current job and lifestyle while you can. My $.02.

APC225

Aside from the long term issues, you might have an advantage to get hired. Going your route shows without a doubt that you sincerely love to fly, want to fly, as first priority. Hiring folks like that. It’s also a very different story to tell other than the usual regional or military route. They might interview you just to break up the monotony.

Squallrider

Said he has no pic so he’s not in left seat

John Carr

Graduate shoolz I did, make more monies diploma gets you.

Redbird611

It clearly wasn’t an English degree.

BMEP100

Apply by all means..... if you really want to live in the states, at first anyway.

Don’t get hung up on reasons you might fail or give any credence to the naysayers. Just go for it.

Btw, one of the best First Officers I’ve flown with the last few years, does not have a degree. He has a mechanic license and was an Air Force flight engineer.