Obtaining an International Route

Airline Pilot Questions & Answers
1

Hi,

I’m finishing my PPL then hopping on board at ATP in a few weeks.

What attracts me to ATP are the partnership with Airlines after training and building hours as a instructor.

Given the current condition right now in the airlines. What does it take to get on an International Route? What is the quickest way?

Ive heard people talk about spending 15 years in the regionals before moving up.

Is this something ATP can help thier students navigate?

2

Syna,

Many Regionals fly internationally and you could literally start flying to those destinations day 1. When/if you’re hired at a Major like everything else, which plane and which trips you get will be based on your seniority.

Helping you get hired is the point of ATPs airline partnerships and ATP actually pioneered them decades ago.

Right now you need to focus on getting trained and building your hours.

Adam

3

Hi Adam,

Thanks for the quick respose!

4

Syna,

Brand new FO at a Regional Airline and have been flying to Canada on multiple trips. Here’s my schedule in April where I did Canada. I’ve done Canada now in May as well:

Timelines change over the years, Regionals are in dire need of captains right now, so the flying is crazy. Whenever I’ve asked the senior ones at my airline about timeline they say 5-7 years if you’re sticking with “the flow.” Doesn’t hurt to apply outside the flow, just means you have to conduct an interview and try. Worst they can say is “no” or “not right now, sorry.”

Brady

5

Hi Brady,

Thanks for sharing your schedule. It freat to see real life examples

Syna

6

Syna,

Glad to be able to share. Hannah (former SkyWest FO, now United FO) has schedules too. All the mentors have schedules posted under the Schedules Category.

Brady

7

Syna,

After you get through flight training you can start to researching the next step, which airline you’re interested in. If international flying is what you’re looking for right away, that could help narrow it done some. Most regionals fly to Canada and Mexico but some have more extensive routes. LCCs are also an option with the current pathway programs. I know Spirit has a much bigger international footprint than the regionals.

Hannah

8

Hi Hannah,

Thanks for this info! This is really helpful.

Syna