Ask Captain Lim

Hi Captain Lim,

Hope you are doing well. I have some questions and I hope you will answer them as I have completed my CPL/IR (200 hrs) from Pakistan. I would like to know if I go to the USA for the A320 simulator rating (course includes 24 hours of flying) would it help me in getting jobs in Etihad or any airlines in the Middle East. The requirements for First Officer in Etihad are given below:-

A minimum of 1500 hours total flying time and
A minimum of 1000 hours on multi crew, glass cockpit jet aircraft and
ICAO ATPL, valid license and medical
Must be current and
Maximum age limit is 53 years old and
English Language Fluency (written and verbal)
Preference would be given to candidates with Airbus experience
The hours mentioned above shall be on powered fix wing aircraft only

Could you please advice me on this? What are my chances and whether the A320 simulator rating would be beneficial for me?

I would really appreciate your advice and will be looking forward to your reply.

Thanking you in advance,

Best regards,

Hani.

Hi Hani,

There is no guarantee that an A320 rating would land you a job in Ethihad or any airlines in the Middle East. If you have no problem in financing for the training, then an A320 rating is definitely a great advantage.

Remember, Ethihad require potential candidates to have some flying experiences with a minimum of 1500 hours or 1000 hours on multi-crew, glass cockpit jet aircraft experience.

Without any experiences, your chances are very slim unless they have openings for cadet pilots' entry - in which case, your rating will be a plus for you.

In addition, if you have passed the Aviation English Test at Level 4 and above, [an ICAO requirement that all pilots must passed before March 2008] then that helps too.

All the best.