UK Citizen in Canada

[Nordstar]

At 22 with an ICAO (Canadian) CPL / MIFR is there any flying to be had in Europe?

I was born in Canada and have lived here all my life, but I hold dual UK Citizenship through my mother.

Cheers

[ZBB118.10]

I am in a similar situation. To fly in Europe, you're gonna need a full JAR conversion which basically equates to a minimum 650 hours groundschool, 14 written exams, min. 15hours to convert your IR (of which 10 can be done in an approved sim) and whatever is need in a complex single to sit your commercial JAR flight test. All in cost is around £12K if you do it carefully.

Are there jobs to be had in Europe? Sure, but the competition is fierce as it is here. You're more likely to go straight onto a jet there (or something like an ATR or Dash) than in Canada, with pay that reflects the aircraft type. There are many examples of guys doing this, but then there are just as many guys kicking their heels instructing and eating the British equivalent of KD as there are in Canada.

Hope that helps.

[cloudrunner]

To fly in Europe, you're gonna need a full JAR conversion which basically equates to a minimum 650 hours groundschool, 14 written exams, min. 15hours to convert your IR (of which 10 can be done in an approved sim) and whatever is need in a complex single to sit your commercial JAR flight test

To fly in the UK can do a CAA Air Law Validation -- 1/2 hour -- 25 questions -- 75% pass. Done.

[Chuck D]

If only it were that easy

[Blue_Rider]

Is it possible to work in the UK if you hold a citizenship to a nation thats within the EU??? ie Czech Republic.

[wallypilot]

give a call to the british embassy...they will be able to tell you.

http://www.britainincanada.org

[Cap'n P8]

Yes, a passport from one EU country allows you right of abode in any other EU country.

[cloudrunner]

If only it were that easy

It is that easy.. that and the right to work (visa or passport) and you're off to the races.

[Yoyoma]

It is that easy.. that and the right to work (visa or passport) and your off to the races.
Trust me.

Are we talking about those sweet races you can bid on and then get a tingly feeling in you toes when you collect the money off your winning horse?

[blue_side_up]

Cloudrunner,
Not sure where you get your information. Perhaps you could reference it for the rest of us. I believe you can fly in the UK privately, ie: not for hire, on a validation with Air Law only (and a flight check from the rental school), but you CANNOT fly commercially on that. There is an exception, and that's if you have +500hrs exp in commercial multi-crew jet aircraft, and an ICAO ATPL, then you have to write an Air Law exam, and do your JAR medical. The validation restricts you to flying aircraft registered in the same country as which you recieved your validation, and I believe, on the same type. So a validation from France on A320's means only F-reg A320's for example.
If the rules were as easy as you suggest we would all be over in Europe flying.
I had 3,000hrs when I did a UK(JAR) conversion, and the UK CAA was very specific about the requirements. As I had an ICAO(Cdn) ATPL, I was exempted from full groundschool, but still had to write all 14 exams. I was also exempted the 'prescribed course of flight training', but had to fly with an instructor as much as the school thought required to pass the 2 flight tests (CPL and multi-IFR). Then of course pass the flight tests.
The costs are vastly higher in Europe, but the reward can be much greater, as there are far more jet jobs, especially for those with +1000hrs. The risk is relative to the reward.
Anyways, this was just some clarification for those who might be misled into believing getting your JAR license is quick and easy. It will take some committment, and money.
Best of luck to anyone who goes through with it.

[cloudrunner]

Blue Side...
do you want to know where I get my information or my paycheck? because I am paid in POUNDS STERLING.
I sat a CAA Air Law Validation exam and am now employed on a work visa valid for 5 years.

Any more clarification required?

[low n over]

Is that because you held a TC ATPL and had 500 pic on two crew min aircraft ?
or wait, you work in a brit protectorate.[not actualy in EU]

Please elaborate.

[PPP]

i work in a UK territory and it was 25 questions to get validated on my atpl and a quick ifr ride with CAA and that was not a two crew flight.
cheers

[low n over]

I found after some research that the conversion gets alot easier if you have an ATPL with 500 pic on 2 crew min aircraft. One exam and a ride. Thats for the CAA license in the UK. Its a hell of a process if your a lower time commercial pilot. Thing is if you have that level of experiance your doing alright here in Canada and might not feel the need to go to Europe anymore.

PPP . so do you have a CAA license ? would it be valid in Europe?

[blue_side_up]

Cloudrunner,
I think there must be more to your situation than you imply...
The CAA was VERY specific about requirements for conversion to a UK/JAR licence. Perhaps you could enlighten us? There are indeed ways of getting a validation, but that is NOT a full unrestricted UK licence. Did you have a significant amount of time on type? Are you restricted to working for the employer that sponsored/provided your validation?
Please clarify for us.
I'm paid in pounds sterling also, and work in the UK, and I had no choice but to get the full licence (with all the exams that implies).
Blue_side

[BurningBlueuk]

I'm currently in the UK doing the JAA conversion. I had to sit 14 atpl theory exams (6 months classroom or 12 distance learning) Then to convert my IR it's 15 hours minimum (ten on an FNPT2 sim) five in the a/c. Most guys do it in 20-25. Then the cpl is as required in a complex single (rg and vpp). It's costing approximately $20,000+ including accomodation etc. There is currently talk of making the mcc course mandatory (multi crew cooperation, a lot of airlines require it). The market is strong for low time pilots and jet jobs do go to these guys. However most of them require you to bond or buy your type rating and the interview you after!!! A type rating cost's approximately £20,000 or $50,000. Tread carefully and weigh it up. I'm trying to get to canada and build my hours up on smaller aircraft before making the leap. Not much small charter going on in the uk at the moment!

hope this helps any other questions pm me.

BBUK

p.s. Also check out a publication called LASORS. It's a condenced UK AIP. It will tell you everything about conversions. Online at http://www.caa.co.uk in the safety regulation group section.

[International Girl]

Nordstar,

If you are interested in JAA training (in Canada), the Moncton Flight College is now the first to offer it. I went to the school and there were students from the UK. Really interesting. I found this out after reading this newsletter.

http://www.pilotcollege.co.uk/images/Ne ... sue1v2.pdf

Its great for time building too and the College is amazing! They have a residence on site as well as a resturant and an amazing fleet of aircraft. Their website provides you with details but the best thing to do is call them and speak with the CFI for the JAA program. He is very informative and the cost of training is very reasonable.

http://www.mfc.nb.ca