Regarding whether you send your kids to an American curriculum school or not, there are other options. As far as the British system goes, it's a good system but transferring between the two systems may be a problem as certain things are covered at different times. I know of kids who have gone from one to the other and have been kept back a year (going both ways). Also, some of the British schools want a British passport. There is also the International Baccalaureate curriculum that at least one school here has.

Obviously, if you have school age children, this would be something that you would want to explore when you are here for your interview. There have been guys who could not get their kids into any school and had to send their kids home though they have built some more schools since then. If you do consider the British schools, I would research it thoroughly so that you are aware of all the implications.

This has just swung the pendulum, hard, for the spousal unit. I would love to know more and communicate directly with anyone who might have first-hand knowledge about homeschooling for expats in Dubai. I might also consider the British curiculum, providing EK dentists provide cosmetic dentistry (LOL).

A310/A330 or B777
 

Hi everyone,
EK invited me for a DEC interview in May.
The letter states that it will be a three-day selection process and ''.....if successful , you will be assigned on one of the a/c fleets of A310/A300 or B777 depending on operational requirements.''
Is this a standard letter they send to everyone invited ?
I am a Boeing guy , 767 , and do not want a Bus assignment, especially , the A310 ( no offense,just a matter of preference ).
I do not even want to make the interview trip if I could know beforehand that my assignment will more likely be on the A310.
I thought of mailing them my intention.My fear is this may turn them off prompting a cancellation of my interview and hence,lose all my chance, slight though it may be , of getting a B777 assignment ( assuming success at the interview.)
I am looking for advice on this one and any recent interview feedback.

TP,
Are they still doing the medical and LOFT for successful DEC's just after
the selection process? I have read the entire thread including the 150 - post part one. Thank you for your very informative posts.

Have a good time everyone !

Boeing 900

B900,
By far the biggest need is on the 777. If you are current on the 767, you would qualify for the short course. While I can't rule out being put on one of the busses, I would be very surprised. Since they save money on the short course, (and that's certainly the name of the game here - save money, cut costs) it would be cheaper to put you on the Boeing. I suggest that you do some research to determine if you would really want to come here. Do the interview, bring your wife and if you can, take a few more days to really look around and talk to a lot of people. 8000 miles is a long way to up and move if it's not for a really good deal. Take a look at PPRUNE. While there is a lot of complaining, within that complaining are some substantial issues that may or may not make this an unpleasant experience for you.
Cheers

Not sure. Skyone was just out for an interview. If he reads this he can shed some light on the entire process for those coming.

I agree with Gillegan in regards to getting stuck on the 310 with your previous experience. It wouldn't be likely.

TP

I just got the email for a 22 May interview, ?, the email said either B-777 or A-310. Does that A-310 mean only the A310 or does it include the A320 and A330.

I'm not a DEC, but mine said:
"If successful in the program, you may be placed on any of the following aircraft fleets: Airbus A310 / A330 or Boeing 777, dependent upon the company’s operational requirements."

I don't think they have any 320's.

Hey Spike, when is your interview, is it May 22-24. Send me an email so can compare notes. A budy of mine was out there a few months ago and he loved it. Anyway my add is [email protected]

Check your mail. I'll talk to you soon.

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