Southern Air B-747 or Contract B-767 Flying
01-09-2006, 07:29 PM
#61
Guest
Posts: n/a
Snoopy747...Hey, Hey, Hey, Congratulations. Welcome to the nomads of the Pacific. I think you made a great choice. I'll try to figure out this PM stuff and pass on some information and contacts for you (my ANA Air Japan buddy). You'll have a good time flying and a family life! If I can't get the PM working, any questions please let me know.
Catusmike...TEFLON STU, now that's pretty funny! Since he's been here so long, he is like the Godfather-Gotti figure! Congrats on the ETOP qual, how flights are you going to operate across the pond? How's the merger workig out?
RAMA...JAL has only Japanese Nationals as their pilots. From my historical understanding, they used to be integreted (Japanese and Foreign Crews) back in the 1970s-80s with IASCO as the contract company.
JAL operates subsidiaray companies using foreign crews for JALWays (which I fly B-747 Classics for) and JEX (they fly domestic only with B-737NGs, mostly Eastern European Crews hired through Europe, probably PARC but 100% not sure). I knew the JEX Japanese CP, and they were having a lot problems with the crews (communictions and cultural adaptability).
At JALWays, strangley there is IASCO, Hawaii Aviation Contract Services, PARC and WASINC stuffing pilots into the JALWays pipeline. Divide and Conquer. WASINC newest firm around but probably is the "Bottom-Feeder" of the bunch. WASINC's principal, is a guy named Turner whose so "huge" that a 747 weight and balance would be thrown off everytime he went to take a crap on the airplane. WASINC really screwed a lot on applicants last year with false/misleading information and promises, including my squadron buddy who applied through them. You can read some of what the applicants went through on the pilotinterviews.com or willflyforfood.com. They charge you money to apply, that all the other companies do for free. Their line guys are fine, it's their imbred management (father-son) that stinks. All the others companies are about the same, they take the cut to manage the pilots. Whether you fly from one contracting company or another, you might all end up in the cockpit together. Training takes an enternity. When I went through, everything was done in Japan, now some portions are done at the UAL-TK in Denver, so it's probably better now. You do get Type Rated in the process. JAL has the strangest cockpit call-outs, but as they say, when in Rome do as the Romans do, and just suck it up. The flight attendents are Thai with a couple of Japanese Supervisiors, so it's a strange mix of cultures on board. You can have a guy from Europe as Captain, American FO and a Aussie PFE with a bunch of Thai girls in the back....I know what you guys are thinking, don't go there! I'm based in HNL, you can commute to HNL, but it's a pain (see previous postings I made). Japanese companies and their management can be a royal A-hole pain in the butt, they are anal and hard-core, but that's to be expected. However, their equipment is good and there is good attention to detail. Mine's a three year contract, which is shorter than most but with a bond attached. But if you're young and want to bail to SWA or FedEx, you've got some good flying time behind you. The contracting company, which provides all your benefits, will not come to bat for you if you have issues. Remember, they get paid by JAL. Be a pain to JAL, the company gets thrown into the penalty box or loses the contract. Be a bad boy pilot, don't get your contract renewed (but hardly hear of this personally). Pays very good (never missed a pay-check) and the company is stable, though the Japanese Nationals are always making noise about stopping this type or outsourcing (really can't blame them). Benefits are pretty good compared to industry standards. Personally, it's got to be better than many US companies when I see their benefit package. If you're living in HNL, go visit HACS and ask for Bruce. The minimums posted on their website are lower than what they are taking into consideration for applicants. In all cases, a Type Rating (transport category) is a must. JAL makes the final decision in accepting the pilots, no one really knows what the formula is. The physical is like an NASA Astronaut physical. They are really strict on weight versus height for the new hire pilots...unless you're WASINC management! But the bottom-line, is despite some of the shortcomings, it's a great flying opportunity!
Anyway, I'm sure there's more, but got to go for now. Sorry for the typos and grammar. Questions, let me know.
GOOD GOING SNOOP!
Catusmike...TEFLON STU, now that's pretty funny! Since he's been here so long, he is like the Godfather-Gotti figure! Congrats on the ETOP qual, how flights are you going to operate across the pond? How's the merger workig out?
RAMA...JAL has only Japanese Nationals as their pilots. From my historical understanding, they used to be integreted (Japanese and Foreign Crews) back in the 1970s-80s with IASCO as the contract company.
JAL operates subsidiaray companies using foreign crews for JALWays (which I fly B-747 Classics for) and JEX (they fly domestic only with B-737NGs, mostly Eastern European Crews hired through Europe, probably PARC but 100% not sure). I knew the JEX Japanese CP, and they were having a lot problems with the crews (communictions and cultural adaptability).
At JALWays, strangley there is IASCO, Hawaii Aviation Contract Services, PARC and WASINC stuffing pilots into the JALWays pipeline. Divide and Conquer. WASINC newest firm around but probably is the "Bottom-Feeder" of the bunch. WASINC's principal, is a guy named Turner whose so "huge" that a 747 weight and balance would be thrown off everytime he went to take a crap on the airplane. WASINC really screwed a lot on applicants last year with false/misleading information and promises, including my squadron buddy who applied through them. You can read some of what the applicants went through on the pilotinterviews.com or willflyforfood.com. They charge you money to apply, that all the other companies do for free. Their line guys are fine, it's their imbred management (father-son) that stinks. All the others companies are about the same, they take the cut to manage the pilots. Whether you fly from one contracting company or another, you might all end up in the cockpit together. Training takes an enternity. When I went through, everything was done in Japan, now some portions are done at the UAL-TK in Denver, so it's probably better now. You do get Type Rated in the process. JAL has the strangest cockpit call-outs, but as they say, when in Rome do as the Romans do, and just suck it up. The flight attendents are Thai with a couple of Japanese Supervisiors, so it's a strange mix of cultures on board. You can have a guy from Europe as Captain, American FO and a Aussie PFE with a bunch of Thai girls in the back....I know what you guys are thinking, don't go there! I'm based in HNL, you can commute to HNL, but it's a pain (see previous postings I made). Japanese companies and their management can be a royal A-hole pain in the butt, they are anal and hard-core, but that's to be expected. However, their equipment is good and there is good attention to detail. Mine's a three year contract, which is shorter than most but with a bond attached. But if you're young and want to bail to SWA or FedEx, you've got some good flying time behind you. The contracting company, which provides all your benefits, will not come to bat for you if you have issues. Remember, they get paid by JAL. Be a pain to JAL, the company gets thrown into the penalty box or loses the contract. Be a bad boy pilot, don't get your contract renewed (but hardly hear of this personally). Pays very good (never missed a pay-check) and the company is stable, though the Japanese Nationals are always making noise about stopping this type or outsourcing (really can't blame them). Benefits are pretty good compared to industry standards. Personally, it's got to be better than many US companies when I see their benefit package. If you're living in HNL, go visit HACS and ask for Bruce. The minimums posted on their website are lower than what they are taking into consideration for applicants. In all cases, a Type Rating (transport category) is a must. JAL makes the final decision in accepting the pilots, no one really knows what the formula is. The physical is like an NASA Astronaut physical. They are really strict on weight versus height for the new hire pilots...unless you're WASINC management! But the bottom-line, is despite some of the shortcomings, it's a great flying opportunity!
Anyway, I'm sure there's more, but got to go for now. Sorry for the typos and grammar. Questions, let me know.
GOOD GOING SNOOP!
01-11-2006, 06:08 PM
#63
On Reserve
Joined APC: Dec 2005
Posts: 16
Good decision Snoopy747 and congrats!
Southern Air staff were very nice and cordial, hid nothing and explained to me very frankly, the good and the bad...which kind of surprised me at their candor. However, I decided Southern Air isn't the match for me. Just too much to sacrifice (benefits package) for my family versus what I am currently offered. I just didn't think Southern Air would be long term employment for me and didn't want to go through another Big Safari job hunt while being away from home on long extended days, fake calling in sick to make it to another interview. I didn't think it was honorable to accept the job offer, and immediately start looking for another position on Day One at Southern. What goes around, comes around, so I personally think it's Bad Karma to do something like that.
Thanks TACAMO for the information you posted, I contacted one of the Contract Services and got a return call this afternoon from them and went through the initial telephone screening. I'll be interviewing with the air carrier shortly. So hopefully, I'll be joining your ranks in a month or so. There's plenty of flying contracts out there to choose from. Thanks for the heads-up on WASINC, I'm glad I didn't inquire with them. It confirmed somethings I heard about them also. I'm sure I'll have lot's of questions for you and Snoopy.
Best wishes to those going to Southern Air. Lot's of smooth and clear flying for all of you!
Southern Air staff were very nice and cordial, hid nothing and explained to me very frankly, the good and the bad...which kind of surprised me at their candor. However, I decided Southern Air isn't the match for me. Just too much to sacrifice (benefits package) for my family versus what I am currently offered. I just didn't think Southern Air would be long term employment for me and didn't want to go through another Big Safari job hunt while being away from home on long extended days, fake calling in sick to make it to another interview. I didn't think it was honorable to accept the job offer, and immediately start looking for another position on Day One at Southern. What goes around, comes around, so I personally think it's Bad Karma to do something like that.
Thanks TACAMO for the information you posted, I contacted one of the Contract Services and got a return call this afternoon from them and went through the initial telephone screening. I'll be interviewing with the air carrier shortly. So hopefully, I'll be joining your ranks in a month or so. There's plenty of flying contracts out there to choose from. Thanks for the heads-up on WASINC, I'm glad I didn't inquire with them. It confirmed somethings I heard about them also. I'm sure I'll have lot's of questions for you and Snoopy.
Best wishes to those going to Southern Air. Lot's of smooth and clear flying for all of you!
01-11-2006, 08:37 PM
#64
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: May 2005
Position: B777/CA retired
Posts: 1,485
Schnides - yep, the same guy. Doesn't surprise me that you met him with a F/A on his arm. It's like candy to a diabetic.
Tacamo - We just do daily R/Ts to OGG and HNL right now, but 3/1 we add Las to OGG and PHX to Kona and Lihue. I'll let you know in about a year if the merger went well. It's getting ugly right now. I always say beat the rush and go ugly early but I was hoping for some sanity and that ain't happenin'.
Tacamo - We just do daily R/Ts to OGG and HNL right now, but 3/1 we add Las to OGG and PHX to Kona and Lihue. I'll let you know in about a year if the merger went well. It's getting ugly right now. I always say beat the rush and go ugly early but I was hoping for some sanity and that ain't happenin'.
01-11-2006, 11:06 PM
#65
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,408
Thanks for the info Snoopy and TACAMO. I'm flying fo on a 74 right now, but am not typed. I plan to stick it out here for now, but am considering options for the future. Jalways sounds pretty decent, but the training for such a long time would be difficult with my family.
04-12-2006, 02:12 PM
#68
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2006
Position: B-737NG preferably in first class with a glass of champagne and caviar
Posts: 5,922
According to a friend of mine who was with JAL through HAC you will be in the right seat for the first contract period.
However, you can obtain complete information from all contracting agencies via e-mail or phone calls. They are very thorough with all information.
However, you can obtain complete information from all contracting agencies via e-mail or phone calls. They are very thorough with all information.
04-18-2006, 08:33 PM
#69
Line Holder
Joined APC: Mar 2006
Position: in ramp hell
Posts: 65
hows it going?
Originally Posted by snoopy747
Lafrequentlflyer: Thanks very much for your kind words. We're (my family) all pretty excited about it, now that the decision has been made. I flew with the 18th TFW out of Kadena, Okinawa for a time and had TDY's to Yokota and Misawa. It was really fun when we flew out birds in for their annual air show. As you mentioned it, Japan is a beautiful country. The culture's great and a very safe country for my family to live and experience. Thanks again for all your support!
Rama: For JAL, I'll probably have to refer to TACAMO (he's posted a few times here on the thread), as he's flyihg with the JAL group (JALWays) in Honolulu. The last time he posted, he was going on a trip. I'm going to fly for a newly formed ANA Group operations (I think ANA has about 4 Groups, while JAL has 2/3 Groups, JAL, JALWays and JeX). There are mulitple flying contracts in Japan, mainly with the JAL or ANA Groups, but several other new start-ups (I think it was Sky-Do and Sky Mark). It get's a bit confusing with who owns what and what percentage. Nippon Cargo (NCA) was partially owned by the ANA Group but last year sold their portion of it, to start their own Cargo Opertions. I got contacted directly from a new ANA "kogaisha" (subsidiary) company in Japan who were looking for pilots in their upcoming operations. I got "lucky", when I was getting my Type Rating, one of the pilots in our class of 4, was from this company and was my sim-partner. TACAMO probably has the inside "scoop" to the JAL grouping and how to apply.
Rama: For JAL, I'll probably have to refer to TACAMO (he's posted a few times here on the thread), as he's flyihg with the JAL group (JALWays) in Honolulu. The last time he posted, he was going on a trip. I'm going to fly for a newly formed ANA Group operations (I think ANA has about 4 Groups, while JAL has 2/3 Groups, JAL, JALWays and JeX). There are mulitple flying contracts in Japan, mainly with the JAL or ANA Groups, but several other new start-ups (I think it was Sky-Do and Sky Mark). It get's a bit confusing with who owns what and what percentage. Nippon Cargo (NCA) was partially owned by the ANA Group but last year sold their portion of it, to start their own Cargo Opertions. I got contacted directly from a new ANA "kogaisha" (subsidiary) company in Japan who were looking for pilots in their upcoming operations. I got "lucky", when I was getting my Type Rating, one of the pilots in our class of 4, was from this company and was my sim-partner. TACAMO probably has the inside "scoop" to the JAL grouping and how to apply.
I only ask because although I'm not a commercial pilot (just private) I was Flight mechanic and heavy mx rep for years. Spent many a month flying on 57's, 47's, -10's etc. You charter guys know what its like having the mechanic ride aboard for 20 on/10 off. In my overseas travels to rep airplanes in HKG and SIN for mx, and the UK, I was just amazed at the level of behavior of the kids and the school systems. My wife's a schoolteacher, and after going to some schools, running into parents at PTA's, and hearing the god awful stories my wife tells, I'm trying to find a way to get Polar to send me to Asia or the UK. Just so I can raise our kids!
Do you think it may be an option you could be interested in?
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