Luftfahrt-Bundesamt Certificates for forieners (English)

[INF1DEL]

I'll start by apologizing for writing in English, with only 3 months of Deutsch classes... I'll save myself the embarrassment and you the confusion.

I am a US Army pilot and would like to remain in Germany after my retirement with the Army and, if possible, continue to fly (preferably with a flag carrier)

I am helicopter and mulit-engine jet turbine commercial transport rated. (USA FAA)

Here is a breakdown of my experience:

2500 hours Total Time
2000 hours Helicopter (Jet Turbine, Advanced Cockpit)
1000 hours Night Vision Device (Helicopter only)
1500 hours Pilot in Command (Helicopter only)
_500 hours Beech Craft Super King Air (I am currently a King Air Pilot)

I have approximately 4-5 years before being eligible for retirement, and will remain in Germany throughout this period.

I can expect to average 500 hours a year minimum and make Pilot in Command within the next six months.

I can expect to transition to the Cessna Citation Jet within the next 2 years (not guaranteed)

Within the next 4-5 years, I intend to focus heavily on speaking, reading, writing Deutsch proficiently, complete any required University requirements that cannot be transferred, and study for entrance/certificate examinations.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post, and again sorry my language proficiency isn't at a level to discuss this in the appropriate language.

A few other details that may be helpful, I live 30-40 minutes from Frankfurt (near Wiesbaden)... I will be approximately 41 at the time I leave the Army (currently 37)... and I am sure there are great hurdles that are involved for foreigners to work in the EU, but that is for a seperate discussion.

Nicholas

[joyflight]

LBA certificates should not be a problem for you (if you spend the money and have the patience - you surely need far less than the next 5 years)

but the "flag carriers" as you call them - they unfortunately don't wait for you, mainly due to following reasons:
- currently language (but this might be "healed" over time)
- experience (helicopter can help, but not for the "major" carriers) hopefully yet to come, because 500 hours isn't that much
- age; unfortunately the most restrictiv criteria: major carriers even won't invite you to a screening

accordingly I personally see your best chances at companies operating king air's. They are rarely charter-airlines, but usually company owned private operations. Jobs are not always posted publicly, but handled via private networks.

So keep socializing with beechcraft owning companies, and welcome in our unemploament dominated pilot market!


PS: due to german workers law, we generally don't have bondings over years (exception some big carriers) accordingly be prepared to finance any rating on your own, before first employment (later for upgrades it might be different)

feel free to contact me for further details,
udo
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[Rookz]

Hello Nicholas,

what you are looking for seems to be a tough goal to achieve. Therefore some thoughts to start with...

- Do you have german friends? Preferably in the german army or airforce? A native german speaker who could help you with german bureaucracy?
- Furthermore you definitly need to improve your german because of all the german bureaucracy (ministries, administrative bodies, embassies ... stuff like that) you will need to deal with.
- Have you thought about visa formalities or the german citizenship? You will need it to work in Germany.
- Another ... and maybe most hampering point regarding a work-contract with a german flag carrier ... your age when you'll leave the army. Even if there is no "official" age limit for your application, I bet there are internal limits you will most likely exceed. However if you are willing to work for a smaller company, a business carrier for example, there might be chances to find work as a pilot
- You definitly need to think about pension. I don't know what the U.S. will pay for your time in the army but if you will start to work in Germany with the age of 41 you need to have a plan considering this point. Life in Germany is expensive as you might know most likely.