dundem

Hey EYBusdriver,

Thanks very much for your post, your point of view is very much appreciated.

Do you use that same screename on pprune?

I'm doing only prelim. research at this point as my preference leans heavily in the direction of remaining here in the US, BUT....you know how it is.

Have there been any EK type unilateral roll-backs/contract violations like reducing annual vacation or manually inserting trips to break-up stretches of days off?

I do have other friends in the region and they seem to make the best of it. Anything else that you may want to share would be much appreciated.

CE750

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EYBusdriver

Thanks.
No. Used to have my same screen name here but it was linked to my former email in my home country which I lost so was easier to start from scratch.
Thats a choice you need to make but lifestyle is ok.
As far as roll backs no, just some changes in the OM-A (Ops Manual Part A) which is the same as EK. The GCAA and the airlines are pretty much controlled by the same people so when something becomes an issue they change it to suit themselves. We used to have two days off before a ULR and two after thats pretty well been reduced to three between trips.
Bidding sucks, there is none, you can request one flight and one series of days off (max three in a row and you can be guaranteed they'll put it between two ULR's). If they feel generous they will help you so I've been accommodated on special requests before.

xceedvne

Where would I be able to find these procedures? I am reading tech prep books, but few cover this and ICAO stuff in any detail. Being a Yank I am not as strong on this stuff as I could be. CE750 call or E-mail me we'll swap infoe EY for EK.

CE750

Sorry to be of no help but I've since turned down both EY and EK interviews as my wife has decided we're not leaving the US... alas.

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youneek28

Hey EYBUSDRIVER

Thanks for the information. I looking at the future of the US carriers and not very happy where it is headed. I am looking into Etihad and if you could tell me a few more things about it and Abu Dhabi.

First what are the schedules like there? 4 plus days on or something smaller.

How long are some of the overnights?

How many hours do you fly a month and with how many days off?

The pay isn't that bad at all but how far will that amount of money go in the country?

Their website didn't say anything about retirement any info on that would be great.

Is there non rev travel?

Would a single guy have a pretty good time in AD

How long do most people stay? are people there to retire or just to build some time and go somewhere else?


Thanks again
Jacob

BURflyer

I'm interested too on info particularly the last part, as much as I would love to fly for a 5 star airline, I can't see myself spending an entire career in the Middle East.

ImperialxRat

Just curious... are they pretty firm on the 1000 hours of multi-crew, glass cockpit, jet time..?

I have about 500 hours of glass jet time.

I guess I could always apply and see what they say.


How many days of vacation do you get a year? I'm a single guy as well... It sounds kind of fun.

EYBusdriver

If you are 340 qualified(cant speak for the CCQ 330/340 or the 320 guys) you would most likely do one Trans Atlantic, one Australia, one London and maybe two or three short trips to either India/Pakistan or other Middle East destinations. Any days not rostered off will be rostered as available which translates to standby 24 hrs before the start time. The crew schedulers are pretty reasonable about standing you down when there is good standby coverage for the flights. Four days off in a row are now given after much complaining but commuting is definitely not possible.
Most layovers are 24 to 26 hours long, which can be pretty tough on a ULR flight but ok for a Europe trip.
Your expenses are up to you, housing is free, no tax is taken. My expenses are car loans, groceries and going out. You will have to pay US taxes on anything over $85,000 per year so budget for that.
Retirement is your responsibility, there is no pension.
We have unlimited ID50 and ID90 plus buddy passes on EY with confirmed Y class upgradeable to J or F on day of travel for annual leave (about 44 days a year?) for first officers and captains respectively. I broke my leave into blocks so that I could visit some of our exotic destinations and get away from the "Sand Pit". We have Zed travel on other carriers.
A single guy would have a great time in Abu Dhabi, the crew are almost all in their twenties (and good looking) with the odd cabin manager in her early thirties. Recently I travelled on Delta and the crew were sharing photos of their grandchildren.
As the company is only four years old I cant comment on pilot longevity except that there are basically different groups, younger guys looking for an early command, so far it takes two years or less; older guys who are topping up their pensions by working in a tax free environment; pilots from failed airlines; and the gypsy pilots who move from contract to contract even though EY is a permanent position.
Housing has been an issue with demand outstripping supply, the company is looking at placing new hires in a place called Mussafa which is where the Indian and Pakistani laborers live, it is horrible, do not accept it if offered and if they try and force it on you don't accept the job, it sucks big time out there. Insist on a villa or apartment in the city or in one of the better areas such as Raha Beach or Khalifa B.
Do a search on Pprune as to what the interview entails, its pretty accurate. Learn RVSM, MNPS,PRM, world capitals, basic rules of the air such as light signals.
I came out to have a bit of adventure and fly in a different theater that I was used to and have not been disappointed. The UAE is very western, good restaurants and clubs, very good concerts by new and not so new artists i.e. Elton John, Santana, Roger Waters, Pink, Justin Timberlake, 50 cent, Celine Dion, Placido Domingo etc. Remember to come in with your eyes open.

SuperPilotJesse

Has anyone read about the cadet program? I am in training for a US regional. It's my first 121 job so I obviously don't meet the 1k multi crew req. I would make the same while doing the program plus they pay for rent...

Or should I wait, get my 1k hours and just apply for the A320?

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