Anyone know someone at Tianjin? If you can put me in touch with someones email to get the scoop I would appreciate it.

If you have any info to share here on what life is like there please do.

 

Hi there,
I don't know anyone personally in Tian Jin, but I have been there a couple of times. It's a big city, and very close to Beijing (less than 1 hr on the train). If you have any specific questions, I can try to answer them.

 

If you are still looking for Tianjin info, email me. Currently on the 145 there

 

I'd like to hear any info on quality of life and what it's like to fly for them as well. Just applied for the ERJ 190 position there.

 

I'm curious if someone does have the scoop because I've heard some horror stories about being over there.

 

I am not at Tianjin but at another Chinese carrier. The flying is hard work but the pay is huge. Tianjin is a dirty, smelly, cold city and expect 1-2 hour delays on most flights while flying out of there. Schools for kids are expensive and usually out of your own pocket. The medicals are difficult but passable until late 40s then the pass rate decreases exponentially. Training is almost non-existent so come prepared or you won't pass. The culture and flying environment is vastly different from an Asian perspective and a Western mentality. QAR information is sacred here and you can be fined or punished for non-compliance with established flying parameters. Overall China is what you make of it. There are big growth opportunities now but all that can and will change when the Chinese economy takes a downturn. The Chinese FOs you will fly with have very low experience and speak english fairly well and are eager. Housing is about $1500-$2000 per month for a 3 bedroom apartment. Crashpad type living is cheap if you are single. Chinese women are readily available if you are single. If I were a US regional pilot on the 145 I think China is a good option, if you are a current Captain on the E-190 you mght be better staying in your current job. If you are a 320 Captain look elsewhere in China. Best of Luck!!!

 

Expat hits it pretty much on the head. Tianjin is a dirty city. The airline is running a pass rate of between 10-25%, most busting out on the sim ride. If you survive the interview, expect about six months until you are actually in china. Training is... interesting. Glad I came here with a great systems knowledge on the 145, as my ground school time has equated to about 1 hour in a year and a half. Though, I have had 5 separate sim sessions in the past 12 months. And they throw the kitchen sink at you in the sims.

All in all, we do have it pretty good at tja compared to other contract gigs. So far, they have been good about the fines and not using them. The leader of the foreign pilot fleet seems to have a good head on his shoulders and is willing to at least listen to the foreign pilots about how to change the safety culture here.

Yes, the schools are spend ( I am putting my two kids through the international school here) but when all is said and done, I would do it again. Drop me a line if you would like more detailed info

 

Even though I have the stereotypical airline pilot ego, I must admit, this "10-25%" pass rate is a bit daunting. Are the pilots rated in the ac? What's the deal? Are they the lazy guys from class? Guys that have poor mechanical understanding, but happen to be pilots (you know who I'm talking about.) Do I have to resign from my current airline before I go to this airline with a 10-25% pass rate? THAT can make the decision much more difficult....Thanks in advance for the advice.

 

The problem with the pass rate is that foreign pilots are definitely held to a double standard. I do not know why the caac fails so many pilots, but they will hold you to exact atp standards with multiple failures. If you are taking a check ride, my biggest advice is to BE THE CAPTAIN. Take command, request what you want, make your decisions.