187fw

TurboDVR42,
What company in Ireland did they work for?

TurboDVR42

They were at Aer Arann working as expats. When the economy tanked they were the first ones to go.

TonyWilliams

Expat flying contracts are always advertised as net, after local taxes, as it is at Arik Air.

Your individual US tax situation is entirely yours, however. There are too many variables for me to know if every captain here meets the guidelines, so I don't know.

For myself, I'm a legal (card carrying) resident of Nigeria, with a work permit for that country. I operate (now) on a Nigerian ATP, have a Nigerian driver's license (bought on the street for $N10,000), Nigerian bank account, Nigerian Visa card, etc, etc.

I file tax exempt up to the limit (I think it's $92,500 now, not sure).

TonyWilliams

If you own a house, that might not work out so well. Also, if you're in a lease that doesn't expire on Nov 1, 2010, that might not work out so well.

Finally, if you really don't want to move, but just do the contract (like I do), it wouldn't work out so well.

Fine for single guys with no attachments, who will work for cheaper than the going rate, undercutting the expat going rate.

Here's an idea for some of the ASA guys. If you want to fly a CRJ overseas, go apply to the numerous web sites that hire expat pilots. The only single advantage that I see to this arrangement is a "soft landing" when you return stateside to a familiar job. But that can be arranged with a voluntary time off.

geekmaster

Only problem is that ASA is only offering the special leave of absence for this carrier. You continue to accrue longevity and hold your seniority; in other words you even get your annual longevity raise while you're gone.

Question: As I was looking through the tax rules, to qualify on a "living abroad for at least 330 days of any continuous 12 month cycle", I was wondering....If our assignment starts this year in say October....and we're contracted for 13 months.....no problem satisfying the rule in the big picture....BUT....When filing the 2010 tax form and filling out form 2555, CAN YOU USE A 12 MONTH QUALIFYING PERIOD THAT EXTENDS INTO 2011 EVEN THOUGH IT HASN'T COME YET? Otherwise, you've only been out of country 90 days so far.

Any Expats know?

BoilerUP

It would behoove anyone interested in this to consult a CPA...

BobSakamano

Well said. Most definitely.

You should never solicit or accept advice from anyone who is not a licensed tax professional. Everyone has a different situation.

Oh by the way, in case I hadn't mentioned it earlier, this contact is NOT a good deal for you as a pilot or the industry as a whole.

Anbother point to consider for furloughed pilots. If it's been longer than 8 months since your last recurrent sim, would Mekong pay for you to get current? (at least $7,500 in expenses)

I have yet to see a contract CRJ FO gig where they'll make you current. Just an observation.

samuraiguytn

Yup, Mekong fits the bill for your recurrent. They are paying for the transportation, hotel and sim.

For those who were wondering about the Maintenance on the aircraft. ASA is covering that too. There are already people in place to over see the mx of Air Mekong.

BobSakamano

Every contract job will cover recurrent/PC's once you're there working. I'm referring to taking a pilot who is NOT current NOW. Mekong is obviously aimed at saving money, or they wouldn't have accepted ASA's low-ball offer that undercut a few other well established world wide contractors. Why would they invest in a non-current regional FO, who is likely lower time and a risk for a larger training footprint? It isn't unheard of for captains, but FO's? It's very rare unless it's a contract for an aircraft type that is short on qualified pilots. The fact of the matter is that CRJ pilots are a dime a dozen and there is no reason to pay to make a non-proven pilot current.

A lot of guys start a contract job and leave after less than one month. They miss the USA, their families, keep getting ill, can't adjust to the culture shock, can't deal with the fact that not everyone loves the USA and Americans and million other reasons. There is a financial risk when hiring a contract pilot. In the eyes of the cash strapped startup or struggling airline, the lower the upfront cost, the better.

And this will not be a long term gig. I can tell you without a doubt their goal is to hire nationals to fly their planes. It's just expensive to get enough trained at once. More than likely right now there are several Vietnamese nationals completing their ab-initio training in the US, Malaysia, Jordan or somewhere. They will be expecting OE from the "Training Captains/TRI/TRE" brought from the US. The first guys to get cut will be ex-pat FO's. There will be no upgrades. Anyone who believes that should buy the bridge I have for sale.

Just because ASA is overseeing maintenance doesn't mean it will be great. A highly risky startup in a market that has had numerous failures will be the one footing the bill. When there is not enough money, things get dicey. "Overseeing" is good but the best A&P in the world can't fix an open squawk if the head of maintenance/engineering vetoes it. Creative maintenance is standard in other parts of the world. Oversight and regulation isn't on par with the western world. I'm not saying this will happen, just speaking from experience. I have stories that would make your hair stand up

My observations have nothing to do with ASA, this is not a unique situation. The only problem I have with ASA over this, is the bar lowering compensation package they've negotiated. You guys should have a problem with it too. Have little doubt they'll be taking a haircut on the salaries in addition to the other areas where they are more than likely making it up in their favor.

I'm just trying to point out some things that a bright eyed 23 year old non-traveled and naive pilot might not think about. I'm also not trying to be negative. Contact flying is a good gig for the right person and this new situation has a very negative impact for every contract pilot.

Good luck.

Captain Tony

Do you also run an email scam? Sorry, couldn't resist.