Airline pilots.....?

Question

Do airlines only select their own citizens for the job of a pilot? I mean....for example , is it that only americans can fly for an american airline , indian citizens for the indian airlines etc?

Or are pilots selected based on their experience and ability, regardless of their nationality?

I ask this because i though that since an airline sort of represents the nation , they would have their own citizens working for it.

Thanks!

Answer 1

It depends.  To work for a US airline, you have to have the right to work in the US.  That takes a green card or work visa.  In other countries, you have to follow their procedures.  Some are similar to the US, others are not.  There are countries that don't have enough pilots, and they allow contract workers.  Many Americans go to India and Asia and Europe to fly on contract.  A US or other company hires them and contracts them out to the Asian or Indian airline.  Also, many foreign airlines hire people from all over the world, like Emirates and Cathay Pacific.  I'm sure I spelled Emirates wrong.  Oh well.  I'm not sure why you think airlines represent a nation, as in the US, they are all private companies.  Some countries have national airlines, but many of them are going private.  Hope that helps you.

Answer 2

in general, no. pilots can work for any airline and there are many contract pilots working all over the world. in europe however, you are required to have the right to work there (european union) and have a JAA licence. so there aren't many guys from outside working there.

Answer 3

In a way they do. if your not a born citizen you have to become one and you can be hired. but i believe some of them don't. just as long as your passport doesn't have any restrictions.

Answer 4

no

Answer 5

Not at all.  You can work for any airline in the world as long as you have a valid passport

Answer 6

To everyone sayiong NO, you are partially right

You do not need to be a citizen to fly for an airline. However, to qualify for certain schemes such as cadet schemes etc etc... the requirements are much less for local pilots in some countries (In some cases it is only certain nationalities allowed in a cadet scheme).

For example, as a New Zealander, I was not able to apply overseas to some airlines cadet and training schemes, but when experience is gained, the minimum requirements are

slowly met and then a pilot will be considered

As you gain more experience, the restrictions become less and the world of opportunities become more open.

Experience in terms of pure hoursis key, up until a certain point. It does not play such a big factor when all applicants have numerous thousands of hours, but what comes into play in this situation is the type of experience. i.e are you a qualified instructor, how much multi engine time, turbine time, ATO operations as opposed to having 3000 hours on joyrides etc etc etc...

As as for people saying you are taken on pure skill, not necessarily. I would argue and many would agree that it is

also to do with your  relations and managment skills more than actual stick and rudder it self. People are picked by how well they get along with others (i.e can I sit in a cockpit next to this guy for 12 hours) because at that stage, it is a given that your stick and rudder is at an acceptable level (and further training will weed it out anyway). There are many excellently  skilled pilots I know of that don't get airline jobs because they have big trouble communicating with others and have a very aggresive or over-confident attitude.

Answer 7

That would be considered as Discrimination. The good thing is NO, it does not happen. When I was ready to fly I also had that same confusion in mind.

They hire by looking at your talent. ONLY Talent.(Flying hours)

My relative is Corp. Pilot and his co pilot is Muslim.