Best Contract Job?
 

Just wondering, and maybe I should go to pprune and ask as well, but any ideas for contract jobs abroad. Commuting, pay, days off, equipment...? I wonder if this might be the future for big money for pilots? It seems if there is a pilot shortage in any manner, these contracts for heavy equipment might get pretty good. Fly safe all!

"I wonder if this might be the future for big money for pilots?"

Yes, it sure will be. A trade between job security and no protection will be made for a big salary.

I've answered a few want ads for 737ng captains but the pay is too low at 10k -14k. When I tell them I want 20k/mo they stop talking ��

Some day they will stay on the line and I'll know it's time to start thinking about it.

Jobs with big pay are available mainly in the Middle East and China. Going to Qatar, Etihad or Emirates would be a good option, but the Pay is not all that great initially when you are a FO... But packages are pretty attractive and quick upgrades are relatively quick. I'm in Saudi Arabia as a E-190 Capt. My pay is between 14-18k per month on a 6/3 Rotation. China has similar contracts with better commuting options. If you have a 320 Type.. you are golden as so many well paying companies are desperately seeking those guys. This type of work will really do a number on you. I've done 2 years and am eager to get back to the States.. Hoping on US Airways. Fingers crossed.

Good Luck

First question is what is your experience level, aircraft types, hours flown, etc. then maybe we can give you a few pointers. The best jobs vary widely as they offer different things for different people. Your age and family situation is also important and whether you plan on living in a foreign country or just commuting. Best of Luck.

This is too broad of a question. MOST of the contract jobs are airframe specific and require time in type, so what are you looking for?

I am on the 777 in Dubai, and a few of the Captains I have flown with are looking at west coast commuting jobs. I haven't seen really anything that is that attractive, but that might change in the foreseeable future. But any contract job really, commuting or not. Take care

Obviously your best bet is to stay at your current job and get the upgrade. I know the ME carriers have slowed down but still stick it out and wait for your turn. The next phase after you upgrade will vary a lot depending upon family situation and what you enjoy. Historically the 2 best ExPat jobs have been Korean Air and Air Japan. These jobs provide good pay and the ability to commute. There is some baggage with both jobs and they aren't as good as they used to be but still considered the premium ExPat pilot positions. The medicals in Japan are extremely difficult and initial training at Korean can make things quite challenging. The highest paying jobs as an ExPat are now in China on the A-320 but closely followed by the B-737NG. Many contracts are close to or right at 20K per month now. Some are commuting and some are not. China has its own set of unique problems though and will present challenges. Another consideration is long haul vs. short haul flying. Most pilots prefer the long haul but the time away from family presents problems with family life. I have a 2 year old so I stay flying short haul in China as I am home most nights while working and work a commuting contract of 44 days on and 16 days off. The larger aircraft in China typically will pay less but are better for older pilots without children. China Southern is now offering foreign bases are Air China on the 777 and A-330. Best of Luck!

Anyone have any experience with the 777 for china southern? I am looking at the contract with bases in CVG, AMS. How much is out and backs or are you flying around for a week and then in base for a while?

This topic comes up frequently the past year or so....

While I hate to a admit it, I'd have to say Emirates is probably the one of the better options right now. While there are many facets to the whole package, most western expats seem to equate the pay as the only comparison.... because you've never had anything offered any differently. The mind is like a parachute.... works best when it's OPEN!

When you put the free housing, free utilities, no tax taken out, free medical, free meds when prescribed by doctor for long term, free uniform, free cleaning of uniform, ride to and from all flights and sim periods... you realize your overhead is extremely low and you can save pretty good coin and I'd feel good comparing my salary at Emirates with any US carrier wide body captain at the end of the month after my bills are paid and his bills are paid!! My colleagues and I have done this calculation more than a few times and each time, the salary with the paid benefits of Emirates are equal to the salary package at any western carrier!

But along with this is a way of life and rules that most expats would rather not deal with or flat out won't agree with. I tell my mates back home that coming to Emirates is akin to "selling your soul to the devil."

The flying is great, the people you'd fly with are great, the planes are immaculate and seldom ever have any MEL's. Maintenance is very good. The training here is getting much better but still very different from most other airlines. They just don't know that yet here....!! You are absolutely on your own at Emirates.... not much help at all. All up to you to find the myriad of answers that are strewn all over the books.

Emirates does not offer to or attempt to make anything easier for the crew. Other airlines will often times put a book together for its crews on say... ETOPS over the Atlantic as a quick guide for everything you'd need and want to know about ETOPS. At Emirates, that kind of thinking is effectively banned as we're not even allowed to have iPads as a reference on the airplane!!

My two cents are this: As an expat job, Emirates is great flying. As a way of and a quality of life, I'd highly recommend going elsewhere.. but don't think you'll find it anywhere but the US/Australia/Canada.... if they're hiring!

IMO

K

PS..... Trust me when I say I'm not an advocate for Emirates. I tell my colleagues from the home country to look elsewhere. But... I'll stick to the fact that Emirates is probably one of the best contracts out there all said and done.