Typhoonpilot

I can't honestly answer the question as I don't know the success rate nor do I know the reasons for rejection. I do know a few people who have passed the DEC interview and they think quite a few guys don't pass the sim eval. It is tougher than the F.O. sim so I would suggest some sim practice.

TP

serious flyer

Thank you for answering TP.
I'll try to get some sim training before I go to Dubai.
I have some Loft this May, so I guess I'll get some of it anyway.
Rgds,
SF

Spike from flyi

Agreed. Thanks for understanding my situation.

Gillegan

Spike,
While some may have an agenda, the vast majority are simply ****ed off with their treatment. Why you may ask? Here is a brief and by no means complete summary of the last few years.

After announcing a large expansion and luring many highly qualified pilots here with promises of quick upgrades, Emirates then announces the hiring of Direct Entry Captains (DEC's). Assurances are made that "no First Officers career progression will be affected". When DEC applications are less than overwhelming, candidates are offered a better salary than existing Emirates captains. At a pilot meeting, Emirates pilots are told that they are lazy and replaceable and should not expect to be compensated the same as the new joining captains.

Emirates Flight Operations Management makes a unilateral decision to increase pilot productivity by approximately 30%. A dubious practice of factoring is adopted whereby pilots in heavy crews receive no credit towards Flight Time Limitations for time spent resting (in a bunk or in a cabin seat). The result is that some A340 pilots end up flying between 120-140 block hours in one month. The factoring was continued until the GCAA notified the company that it was never its intent to allow the practice.

In December 2004, Emirates unilaterally revises the system under which pilots are credited and paid. Under the new system, no credit is to be given for leave or training. Promises are made that credit will be retained for purposes of roster building so that rosters will be "balanced" in months where leave or training takes place. (In January I had 2 weeks leave and was rostered for 70 hours in the remaining 2 weeks - you figure it out) At the same time, the system for paying training captains is also changed. The bar for collecting overtime payment is lowered slightly and the company states that the changes are cost neutral. (In the few months after the change when I kept track - I figured I lost between $800 and $1200 per month)

For 2006, the company states that approximately half of the required new captains will be DEC's yet "no upgrades will be affected".

I'm actually not trying to dissuade you from coming. It's up to you to weigh up the pros and cons and make your decision based on what is right for you and your family. I'll be the first to admit that the above does not "paint the whole picture" but it is part of it and you should take it into account when assessing the factors in coming here. I'm just saying, don't be too hard on the guys on PPRUNE who are fed up. The above is part of what got them there. When you read your contract, you might note that not one of the examples that I listed above is technically in breach of that contract. It is something that you should be aware of.

Right now, we are severely short of pilots and so far, have not been very successful in attracting pilots in enough numbers to make a difference. The company has sort of acknowledged that it needs to get the amount of flying down to a "more reasonable" number. They recently announced a 5 week profit share and we are currently awaiting the results of a pay review so there may be more news on which to base a decision. The rate of inflation here is running quite high and we have certainly lost money in the last 2 years in relation to that. I'm actually quite curious to see what they do and think that their actions will answer the question as to whether this is a job worth taking or staying with. There are a lot of factors that are going to play out and to be honest, based on my experiences here, I'm ready to be disappointed. I hope that I'm wrong but as they say, "we'll see".

Regarding the above comment about Emirates pilots being lazy and replaceable. I have been around a bit and I can say that this has historically been a very loyal and company oriented pilot group. I've never been in another airline where the pilots worked as hard to protect the company's interests so I take great exception to that characterisation and feel that it is illustrative of a change in attitude that has taken place here over the last few years. Before you get too hard on the guys who are complaining, think about that.

Spike from flyi

Well said. When I read, "lazy and replaceacle", it struck a nerve. No matter what the financial or other enticements, I am cautious about any potential employer who views the pilots as adversaries.

iluvetops

I am one of the FO that got shafted by flight ops and HR regarding my upgrade.

Been with Emirates since Jan of 03. Throughout the last 3 years, my recurrent training had always been great, always have a remark of " possess good command potential" from TRE's, but I was turned down. The reason I've got was "not creative enough, gave in to family and friends easily, therefore if I am paired with a bossy FO, that will affect flight deck management, etc. Other words is that I am rejected due to my personality rather then my tech aspect/ knowledge.

Luckily, I am on my way out of Dubai. I will hand in my resignation on the 1st of June and I CAN'T WAIT TO LEAVE.

Good luck to those thinking about joining.

Spike from flyi

Thanks for the input. What are your plans? What opportunities are there for you? Good luck.

edik

Wow, like you guys have been saying, things arent as peachy as they seem. Hopefully it gets better for you guys. I was kind of hoping to land at Emirates eventually, still on planning on it, but hoping things improve soon. Anyways, just want to wish you guys luck.

edik

nwapilot

Any news on the pay review?

Typhoonpilot

No, it will be a few more weeks. Stay tuned.

TP