Hello,
I have a question about the medical exam in Japan (and China). I understand they are strict - I have an ankle arthrodesis (a tractor ran on my foot 25 years ago) and I also have lots of scars on my leg.
I have no problem walking (and running on a short distance) and I don't have any limitation on the EASA/FAA/Canadian medical certificate.
I am flying the A330 as FO in Canada but I would like to move away from here. Do you think my problem is a no go for Japan (or China)?
Thank you for your help

You won't know until you try.

Honestly, just don't disclose it (or any other medical problem) to them. Let them find it. The only two medical tests that you may have issue with are balancing on one foot for thirty seconds with your eyes closed, and the EKG stress test on the treadmill if you show any kind of a limp. If you can pass through those you should be fine.

Yes it is a shame, people have left for the Desert, Korean and China. So that is a good indication of the direction things are going. There are also guys heading back to the Legacy carriers in the US. In years past guys have resigned from Delta and United to stay because it was such a great contract. That is not happening anymore. Most of the guys have applications out and are looking for something else.

Things is Asia in general are not all that they seem these days. Have a look at an airline in the Fragrant Harbor. Once known as the premier airline pilot job in the world, most are clamoring to move on. Flying a B747 around the world in a foreign land is phenomenal when you are out of work at home, but once home calls again, there is nothing better than a job at a US legacy.

Having your schedule dictated to you and being gone 7-10+ days at a time is a grand adventure in the beginning, but it can where on you mentally and definitely physically as time goes by.

Regarding NCA, what would QOL/schedule be if you live in base, say LAX?

LAX...
You get 10 guaranteed days off a month, you can split that into 5/5 or 6/4 etc. you may be awarded some additional "blank days" which are essentially at home reserve days, you just need to be contactable.
Let's assume an average of 11 to 13 days off a month, but certainly as few as 10 is possible.

Your first flight will be LAX - SFO – NRT with a three man crew. Once in NRT you may spend the next week or so flying out and backs to Asian cities, sometimes at night, sometimes during the day, however they can mess up your body clock the most. Once you are thoroughly fatigued, you will fly a two-man flight across the Pacific back to LAX. Yes, two-man crew across the Pacific.

Alternatively, you may just pop back and forth across the Pacific, that is much preferred. Good luck getting it. The Excel in NRT Will become your second home. You may occasionally fly over to ANC or ORD, but rarely.

Any flying over 65 hours is above guarantee "overtime".
Rinse, wash, repeat.

Thanks for the info....

Hello everyone,

Would just like to revive this old thread as I am looking for infos on NCA myself. Is my understanding the company has gone through some shrinking, however finding accurate informations (or even something more substantial than a simple rumour) is very hard. What is the outlook of NCA? People leaving and will continue to do so? Time to command stretching even further? Or are there signs (however small) of improvement?

Thanks

Have a real good think
 

Expat jobs are plentiful for a reason. Trust me when I tell you, it's not worth it. You don't have to work for a U.S. major to be a successful, professional pilot.

Those great expat jobs are really not so great. Yes, go read Fragrant Harbour on the PPRUNE or even better, the ME forum about Emirates. Simply put, being an expat, or working for a foreign carrier, SUCKS!

If you're flying a widebody, or any body, in your home country, STAY PUT! Just trust me. If you have a job, keep your job, make the best of your job and stay home. Moving or going to a foreign carrier will wear off very quickly, believe me.

If the training alone does not make you realize, then flying the line will. Just you wait till check ride time and the astronaut physical EVERY year. And you just wait until you get to fly with an Ozzie!

Enjoy

NO, there are not even small signs. Still sending a second 400 to Atlas to do NCA flying, so less upgrades and less money for long term copilots, and the schedules just continue to SUCK and get worse. They have no orders and no plans for anything after these -8s wear out. More resignations from both seats than they can keep up with in hiring. No raises in contract signed in May. Flying 780-920 hours a year flipping back in forth between day and night and day with 24 hour layovers after 15 hour duty days with 2 pilot, 2 leg days. 10 days off a month and sometimes commuting on them.

Be more specific about what you want out of coming here and where you are coming from geographically and you may get better answers.