Expert: D. Norkus - 1/7/2004

Question
Hi! I am in my third year of college and I am pursuing a degree in Aviation Management/Flight Option.  I would like to work in the U.K. as a pilot and I am wondering how realistic this goal is (I am a U.S. citizen).  I want to build hours in England (I would still have less than 1000 hours upon entering England), but I would have my FAA instrument, commercial, multi, ATP, and CFI/II.  (I would also get the JAA equivalents of these licenses.)  I want to eventually get into an airline's training program.  What do I need to know?  Thanks for your time!

Answer
Nina

I can't advise on flying outside the USA. From what I understand, it is an even more competative climate to try and land a job abroad than in ones own country for pilots. Especially if you have low time! Over there, it seems most pilots are military or are sponsored and get their ratings and time via their airline from zero hours. This is why many European carriers have airline pilots that start with less than 500 hours. It's not like the USA, where you are expected to come qualified. The training environment is very different abroad (which is why we have so many foregin students here.) I was told a PPL costs around $50K!

If you want to fly in England, I suggest you go to the Professional Pilots Rumour Network message boards and ask the British flyers there. They will be able to tell you all you want to know:

http://www.pprune.org

You might also try this message board for some bits of advice:

http://forums.flightinfo.com

Dottie
www.geocities.com/av8trxx99/FAQ.html