ubeflyer

I'm looking into career opportunities overseas (Africa, Middle East) but know very little about the contracts that pilots in these positions have.

Are most contracts "take it or leave it", or is there some room for negotiating things like time off, vacation, travel, ect... I'd like to get back to the US for a few weeks at a time 2 or 3 times per year. That'd work out to about 5 or 6 weeks off. Who would pay for the flights to/from the US?

I'm also not "current" on the aircraft positions I'd be applying for (B737, E145), having not flown turbine or multi in over a year. What do most companies provide in the way of training? Would it be possible (and worthwhile) to negotiate the cost of re-current training into a contract?

Lastly, should I consider discussing provisions for returning home if the company goes under, or assuring I receive pay I'm owed? A non-aviation friend who does humanitarian work in Africa suggested asking for an arbitrary amount to put into escrow so I don't get "stuck over there".

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Controlled Rest

Most contracts are generally take it or leave it, although some offer different options. There usually isn't much room for changes to be made to suit each individual contractor though.

Some companies offer different scheduling options to suit your desire. Full-time for one salary or month on/month off for a lower salary for example. Some companies will pay for your tickets home, others will give you a travel allowance, others will give you ID tickets. Some will give you ID tickets and a travel allowance.

As for training, usually the company will either provide you with training, or expect you to show up current. I don't think you'd be able to negotiate for them to pay for training when they don't normally unless they really want/need you.

It also depends on which agency you're dealing with. Some are more pilot friendly than others.

captjns

I’m sure you are aware ubeflyer that there are a number of current and qualified Boeing and Airbus pilots on the street. With that being said, one would be hard pressed to find an airline to fund a type rating course in the absence of a training bond.

It would not hurt if you contact various contracting agencies hunting for crews. They will take the time to talk with you. Some of the larger contracting agencies include PARC, Rishworth, Direct Personnel, Contract Air and Sigmar. For about 2 cents per minute, with skype it’s worth the call.

Good luck in your quest.

ubeflyer

Thanks guys, that's some good info.

I'm fully aware that having the company pay for re-current training would be a long shot. What I meant by negotiating the cost of training into a contract would be taking a reduction in salary to compensate for the training cost. Ie...I'd be working off the debt rather than paying for the training out-of-pocket myself.

I've seen 737 type rating courses for around $8k. Since I'm already typed I might be able to get by for less. That wouldn't be too much of a financial hardship for me.

I'll check into the crew leasing companies.

Thanks

Typhoonpilot

Some limited amount of negotiating is possible. I've done it a number of times and seen it done by others. Recently Brookfield had a contract for a G550 captain in China. Lots of guys wrote in and told them the pay was too low. They raised it by about $2000/month.

When I was in Taiwan Parc took over from the original contract agency after one year. We, the pilots, met with them in Taipei. They offered something that was substantially below the first contract. We, as a group, told them that wasn't good enough. They came back with a much better offer.

I just wrote Parc about a China deal and told them that 3000 Yuan per month for housing in Shanghai wasn't enough. Magically it changed to 7000 Yuan per month in the reply.

With the airline contracts there is certainly leeway for negotiating. It's definitely worth a try.




Typhoonpilot