An offer from an airline abroad can be exciting, especially if it brings a command or better pay. But a move affects your family, your licence and your career for years. These are the questions I'd want answered in writing before signing.
Contract and pay
- Is it a direct contract or through an agency?
- What is the basic salary, and what is paid as allowances or per-hour pay?
- Is pay guaranteed if the airline cuts flying?
- Is there a training bond, how long is it, and how does it reduce over time?
- What are the notice period and probation terms?
Roster and lifestyle
- What does a typical roster look like, and how many days off are guaranteed?
- Is it a home-based or a commuting contract?
- How are leave and public holidays allocated?
Licence and training
- Which licence do I need to hold, and by when? (See the general guide to licence conversion.)
- Who pays for conversion, type rating and exams?
- How long is the training before line flying?
Base, family and living
- Where will I be based, and can that change?
- Is housing, schooling or medical insurance provided for the family?
- What visa or residency will my family get?
- What is the cost of living compared with the package?
Career
- How does seniority work, and how long to upgrade (or what are the conditions for direct-entry captains)?
- What happens to my seniority if the airline merges or shrinks?
Talk to pilots who are already there
Where you can, speak to pilots currently flying for that airline. Ask what they wish they'd known. Their view is usually more realistic than the recruitment brochure.
Next steps
- Check your own readiness with the free Self-Check.
- The Airline Move Playbook includes a move-decision checklist and full interview preparation.
Captain Adi