Whats my chances of picking up GA pilot work in South America?
Question by Jason D: Whats my chances of picking up GA pilot work in South America?
I’m a New Zealand trained commercial pilot with my MEIR rating. (ICAO so can work in S,A) What would be my chances of picking up GA work as a pilot in South America? Is there much going? I know the hot spots are Australia, Africa and Asia usually, but I am going to South America for a holiday in a week so worth the ask. Thanks South American pilots
Best answer:
Answer by cargo pilot
If South American countries are anything like Mexico, you cannot fly anything under their registration. Even if I became a citizen of Mexico, it’s my understanding I cannot fly any Mexican registered aircraft. We can fly there, no problem, but we better be in the aircraft of our license issuance. Forget getting paid to fly….(unless you are dealing with the bad guys)
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Slim to none unless you (a) have a work visa, which is true almost anywhere in the world (b) you know someone or find a company willing to help you obtain a work visa (c) you speak at least a little Spanish or Portuguese (d) you have at least 500-1000 hours and some previous work experience as a pilot. Someone with a fresh set of certificates and low hours has virtually no chance, unless you’re willing to do something illegal.
All that said, check out Wings of Hope. The positions are purely volunteer and you typically have to support yourself in country while working. http://www.wings-of-hope.org/ There are also other ministry-based organizations that use volunteer pilots. The hang-up is usually having the right experience to be insurable either in the type of aircraft or the type of flying.