Originally Posted by Sonny Crockett

I worked for COPA and a 737NG Capt in PTY.

I cannot speak for the FO "deal" I am sure it is crap as I remember that they had to pay $2500 to convert to a Panama certificate. That is not for CAPTAINS, however we had to pay various "fee's" (read BRIBE'S) and some of that was paid back by COPA.


I worked for a Bolivian Carrier on a wet lease contract a few years back so here is my experience:

1. The job is crap. They treat gringos like hired help and the Panama Pilots get priority in trips/layovers--just a fact of life.

2. You will work with VERY few days off. It was very hard to get a Jumpseat out of Panama ---its all about "control"

3. Pay is a mess---figure you will get around $6000-7000 a month as a 737NG Capt. The cost of living in Panama is NOT CHEAP! Trust me I had to figure that one on my own. It is cheaper to live in the USA.

4. Panama has VERY LITTLE LATIN CULTURE compared to other countries I have lived. The people in Panama are LAZY and very incompetent in what they do. This will drive you crazy after awhile.

5. Plan on not commuting, very little time off, low pay, no schedule as it will change all the time, LONG GROUND SCHOOL-SIM-IOE--like 5-6 months!

If you need to go there and there is NOTHING else--go get a "free" type on the 737NG and 500-1000 hours and bail---like 75% of expat pilots do....COPA plans on this and they are happy that you do not stick around.

ALSO--and this is important DO NOT SIGN ANY TRAINING AGREEMENT--tell them you want to look it over and have your Lawyer view it---put it in your flight bag and never give it back. SCREW THEM! $36,000 training contract that they use as a "GUN TO THE HEAD"

I had a good time in PTY. No regrets--however if they ran the airline like other South American Carriers like Avianca, LAN, TAM, etc....I would still be there! They are very "different" and sometimes you have to go see for yourself!