Originally Posted by
orvil
I've looked at expat flying very carefully ever since the bankruptcy. I have a number of types and command time that most contract carriers would find attractive. My problem is I don't like long-haul international. I hate the hours and I don't handle the time changes well.
The quality and experience of your f/o can really vary. I hate the thought of being solo for 90 plus hours a month, month after month. That must wear on you.
That leaves me with the middle tier of expat jobs. Right now, it's still a wash between MaDelta and those other jobs. But, with world wide supply and demand, it may not remain a wash. In that case, I may take my marbles and go play elsewhere.
It's pretty much a wash compensation wise for me. So, I stick around -- for now.
I think the 320 job in Vietnam looks like the nicest contract situation from a quality of life standpoint. Plus, I like Vietnamese food.
What I find surprising after this little back and forth between Bar and I on EK is that there are many many FO's and a few capts that have wrote me telling me the same thing. They are closely watching the numbers and depending on this deal, may or may not decide to go do some expat flying.
Some will say, "Good go," but that is not the answer. DAL needs to look at why guys are all of a sudden OK leaving what was their dream job for the other side of the world.
Unlike you, I love ULH and the longer the flight the better. I can sleep quite well while on break or on the other side of the world, so if needed, that leaves a lot of options open.
Just a dumb question:
Anyone know if the FDX guys that live in HKG get to take the income exclusion for expat work? I am too lazy to look it up.