Hey guys,
TP is right, I just got back from the interview process. I will try to shed some light on what I learned and without going into too much detail and boring everyone to tears.

I did the simulator assesment in the US on a plane that EK does not have. Just use your current procedures. The 30 question test was a b***ch. They never give you any feedback on either, you either get invited to continue or not. Simulator-I believe it was mainly headwork and CRM stuff. If you take the day one assesment in the US and you are invited to continue, they pay your way to Dubai/business upgrade. NICE.

From what I gather, they are now looking for Boeing pilots. I never heard anything about the bus. And with the Boeing time, you are in fact eligible for the short course. Good deal for both sides in that for a short course DEC, your bond goes from 36k to 12k. Singapore requires you to drop a check for the bond; I never heard anything like that for EK. All prorated over three years vs. five years at Singapore. They gave the impression that the contract will be considerably better here shortly. Rumor has it they have lost some capts. lately to other airlines paying better. TP and Gillegan can attest to the validaty to that rumor.

Day two: fun and games with a workshop type excercise, where two evaluators watch you interact with pilots from other parts of the world and communicate. I don't think they care if the problems are solved, just how you work. After that a tour of the housing (villa), wives come along for this. The one we toured was a little long in the tooth. An apartment was not available to see, but they showed us some buildings where they were. Lunch by the beach at the LeMeridian beach resort. Finally a quick tour of the clinic.

Day three: I think this is the meat of the interview. An hours' worth of psychometric testing. "are you seeing people other do not/" DECs take three tests and FOs take two. Then a 45 minute analysis of the results. Really good I thought. "Let's talk about the results". Finally, an interview with a recruiting captain and an HR representative. About 45 minutes worth. Questions like, why EK? What if not EK? and lots of Tell us the time types. Very thorough. Lunch is brought to you in the "pilot lounge". Finally, a ride is given to an outside clinic for the medical. A thorough FAA type, in fact the DR. can update your FAA for very cheap. A long day.

Overall, everyone I met was very very professional, very personable, and gave a very complete interview. No tricks.

For me, it has been about two weeks, they said you will hear within six weeks. They have contacted one of my referals.

Overall impressions: Again, very professional. Appeared that they wanted you. From gate agents, to FAs, to pilots, everyone treated you with respect. A far cry from some of the legacies these days. Many diversifed opinions about EK and life in Dubai. Lots of rumors about bonuses, pay raises, out of country basing etc. I talked to about five or six pilots including Mr. TP himself. Some loved it, some said keep your eyes open. No one said, "are you nuts?".

Hope some of this helps you guys heading over. A little long post. It is a few full days and you are whipped when through.

S1