Thanks for being blunt sliceback. I 100% agree with you, it has been a train wreck but making a career decision should never be taken lightly especially if it affects others as well.

So I can honestly say that I have used the forum for what is was designed for and that is to communicate with others and attempt to gather inside information so that I am able to make a wise calculated decision.


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Here's things to look into -

How many EK FO's are getting hired by the majors? The few guys I've known were EK CA's, to include CKA or tech pilots.

How tough is it to get the time off for an interview? Guys have mentioned that it is very tough, to near impossible, to get the time off to travel from the ME for an interview.

Airlines hire something like 92-96% of their civilian OTS candidates from 121 jobs(data's been posted occasionally). EK, as far as I know, isn't 121.

For a guy who's got competitive times I don't see the value EK has if you're trying to get on with a U.S. major or LCC. EK was a great bailout plan for guys 10 years ago but IMO the change in the U.S. industry, especially in the last couple of years, has diminished their attractiveness.

Have fun in the desert. I hope it’s everything you think it is. Living in the US is great. Living in the middle east with 7-8 days off per month sucks. Hopefully it’s better for you than everyone else. If you ever upgrade, you might almost make as much as a narrowbody US first officer while working twice as hard.

Back in the day, expat flying was a means to an end... $$$$. More money than being a Walmart greeter while maintaining currency. Yes, back in the day, it was a major compromise to family life which in most cases lead to their demise. Still does today, but not the same degree however.

Your theory and hypothesis are a wee bit off base. I’ve been an expat since 1992. In recent years, those who’ve had the desire to return to their native lands, in Euroland and the U.S. have. Many with legacy carriers such as BA, LH, KLM, AF in Euroland. QF, ANZ in Australasia. DL, UAL, WN, JB in the US. Some chose secondary carriers in Euroland such as Jet-2, and TUI Fly, and Monarch (when it was a viable place to work) 100% success? No. But the majority... yes... better than 75% success rate.

No all will be fortunate to be hired with their dream carrier in the U.S. Ergo, overseas adventures. Expat flying opens doors of wonderful opportunities, other than pax/cargo flying. Quite a few of my overseas colleagues are currently flying BBJs 30 day on/off contracts to boot.

The number one downside of expat flying for most is family sacrifice, especially living in the ME. Very difficult culturally wise. It can be an almost all expense paid vacation for those with young families who were and still are to obtain visas in Euroland. Parts of Asia can be a bit tough, but yet enjoyable, and manageable.

I’m sure that those who read your post, Hockeypilot44, greatly appreciate your comments. I’m sure that they would regard your comment even more if you could relate you personal experiences living overseas... not from second or third hand information... hearsay. And definitely not from the 7-11 cashier either.

do share, please... carrier, quality of paid accommodations, pay... You don’t have to iterate comments about the schedule, nor management.

lmao! 😂

Are you telling me that you are not enjoying your time in QR? it's not for every one and that's a true statement but some truly enjoy what's offered. I don't know how things are now so that's why I'm asking.

I'm just shy of a decade flying in the Middle East so perhaps my opinion may hold some water.

In the current hiring climate, this is not a regional alternative so much as a divergent career path. Even if your idea is to make some money and bounce, you need to be prepared to make at least a 5 year commitment. As an American, you also have to adapt to living in a foreign country with a social and economic structure that is impossible to explain in a few paragraphs.

If you happen to catch the wrong end of a hiring wave and concurrently decide you have had enough of the sand pit but want another expat flying job, you'll discover another immutable concrete truth: finding a decent first officer job sucks. I routinely fly with highly experienced FO's who just can't seem to find a company where they can break into the left seat. Not that they have failed mind you, just haven't had the opportunity. In lieu of a hard seniority based upgrade system, it is exceedingly difficult to get to the left seat of a large jet at a (semi) reputable carrier. Several companies hire expat FO's but do not offer upgrades. If you want to do this at EK, you are looking at a 10 year commitment.

The flip side is, once you hit the left seat and have a few years experience the possibilities that open up are numerous. I remember when I was furloughed and would scroll through these pilot recruitment websites advertising the huge salaries for experienced captains on medium and heavy jets in far off exotic places. Who are these type rated pilots with all this experience and no particular attachment to an airline? Well now they are all looking for me.

I can't speak too badly of my time here, at times it has been both challenging and rewarding. I'm not here to convince anyone to come here or stay away, but rather go into it with eyes open. My departure is less about contempt and frustration as it is about a lifestyle change as I start seeing more grey hairs.

Thank you for the input. I myself, was a QR pilot and think the place was decent enough to make it a career destination. I think for people who want to see the world and live an exciting expat life, places like Qatar aren't so bad. Ofcourse, I have heard the nightmares at EK so it's not all roses either. It all depends on ones goals. Some like PBJ sandwiches and others chicken or steak fajitas..Who do you work for if you don't mind my asking?

Great post. What is the time to command currently at EK?