KingAirPIC

See they have lots of contract positions available. Even heard they have some planes not being flown because of a lack of pilots. I'm looking for feedback on the company's position and any pilot related information such as domiciles, schedules, pay.
Currently they are advertising 5 year contracts. Anybody know if this is negotiable?

myoface

I have a couple buddies heading over right now to start training, you have to be rated in one of the AC they fly, most contracts are not negotiable as to the length, but it seems there is usually an opt out clause (for both sides). My understanding is you can be "based" wherever they fly, and they deadhead you to ICN to work every month.

KingAirPIC

That's a good start. Thanks for the info Face. Anyone else?

KoruPilot

Just received another email from Rishworth saying that they are hiring non type rated. However, you have to get your own rating once your accepted and you have to have flown a Boeing as big or bigger than a B757.

B757200ER

KAL is no picnic; if they hire you, after 5-day interview, then you finish paying for your own rating (if necessary), you may still get sacked if they don't like you, at any time---ground school, sim, IOE, line check or even if you have an unstable approach (FOQA data tells all). Be very wary of this company, as it is not all rosy. Good interview, great treatment, tough medical, but they do discriminate.

And, they think flying was invented in Korea, and they're all aces. Must be something in the kimchee.

captjns

Per Rishworth web site regarding non-type rated 777 applicants:

Current B757/B767/B744 Captains sought for direct entry command B777 positions. *Must be willing to fund own type rating if successful at a screening*

Experience: Currently Flying B757/B767/B744 with PIC hours on type. Total Airline Transport PIC 2000+ hours. Under 58 yrs of age

Qualifications: B757/B767 Captains willing to pay for their own B777 type rating if successful.


I hope that those considering this offer think twice… as this will further open the door for pay to play, not only at KAL for their 777 and possibly other equipment in their fleet… but other foreign carriers looking for expats.

captjns

After I interviewed with KAL the last week of November in 2006 I was offered a position in. In fact… out of the 10 of us who interviewed, 9 were offered direct entry captain positions with the company. My current employer made me an offer I could not refuse. While it was a tough choice, I turned down the offer from KAL.

For me, day one was the simulator evaluation utilizing my company’s current QRH. Day two was the medical. I felt I was being examined for the Korean Space program. The debrief with the doctor was very friendly and straight forward. The funny thing is that the chap in our group who we thought was a fine physical specimen was turned down for medical reasons. Day 3… day at leisure to walk around Seoul. Day 4... interview with pilot board. The interview as I recalled lasted all of about 5 to 10 minutes, then back to the airport and on the jet back home later that afternoon.

I realize that times have changed, but never felt slighted or demeaned during the interview process from the time I checked in for my flight to Korea.

Without causing angst, I am curious as to your statement about discrimination.

Skyone

Get through their training, especially the 777, and you still may get busted by their "FAA". As one friend of mine was asked by the examiner, "Are you stupid?" Oh he didn't make it through despite his 20,000 hours and being a line check airman and being current. I don't believe the other fleets are too bad, but the 777 is bad news. Lots of info on Prune.org. Their training basically as if you are a new 2nd LT./Ens. in the military. Lots of brow beating and in some cases yelling. So just think before you leap. If you have a stable job, think twice about jumping ship and heading over there with no guarantee of finishing training. There is a reason that these jobs have been advertised for the past three years.

Now on the other hand, those that have made it through seem to really like it. Good pay, good schedule, based anywhere they fly twice a week, confirmed biz seats to Seoul with upgrade. The physical is a bear. Friend of mine played football in high school some 30+ years ago and had broken his wrist. They picked up on it and required an ortho exam in the US to say it was ok. He made it through, 747, and is very happy. So it seems all of the above is fleet specific.

B757200ER

I wasn't slighted or demeaned during the interview, it is the actual training I'm talking abnout. The Koreans think they invented flying, and they think Americans, Canadians and Europeans should learn from them. They don't like younger Captains (I'm 42), but prefer older retirees. And, as I said, if they don't like you for any reason in training, they'll bust you---and you're out. Not a good set-up, and while I was there 3 out of 4 777 CAs were let go, all of which were current, qual'ed and typed in a/c. It just isn't a good job, but pay and equipment are nice.

89Pistons

Are these problems contained in only one fleet? How about seat? Anyone have any similar info on the A330 fleet?