Emirates Road Show Results
02-21-2015, 02:09 PM
#71
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2005
Posts: 522
I try not to tell people whether they should come to EK or not. I do my best to just give my experience.
I am happy at EK. Last years lack of anything more than a step raise was the first time I have been disappointed with this company. The numbers have been run at $80 for a barrel of oil and it equates to 12weeks bonus. Well, oil has been below $50 for quite some time now, so anything less than 12 weeks will send me that direction again.
I have looked at a few of the US carriers several times and the numbers just do not make sense or work for me. So when I look past that at schedules, huge tax bills, days off, retirement contribution, lack of transport or free laundry, etc, etc.....it reminds me of the many things that make me happy here.
I have always offered people who have PM'd me about coming to Dubai for the interview that I would take time to show them around for a few hours and answer questions. I just give my experience, and it works for me.
Maybe another factor for me is that I am single. Most of the people I know going back to the US have families. Not true for all, as I know plenty of guys with families here who are happy here as well.
Yes, TONS of gorgeous cabin crew. It gets boring quick. Go into any bar in Dubai, and you can just toss a rock at the girl you want, but don't come here for the girls only!!!!
In the end, I remind people to do what is best for them, even if it is choosing a carrier in the states.
I am happy at EK. Last years lack of anything more than a step raise was the first time I have been disappointed with this company. The numbers have been run at $80 for a barrel of oil and it equates to 12weeks bonus. Well, oil has been below $50 for quite some time now, so anything less than 12 weeks will send me that direction again.
I have looked at a few of the US carriers several times and the numbers just do not make sense or work for me. So when I look past that at schedules, huge tax bills, days off, retirement contribution, lack of transport or free laundry, etc, etc.....it reminds me of the many things that make me happy here.
I have always offered people who have PM'd me about coming to Dubai for the interview that I would take time to show them around for a few hours and answer questions. I just give my experience, and it works for me.
Maybe another factor for me is that I am single. Most of the people I know going back to the US have families. Not true for all, as I know plenty of guys with families here who are happy here as well.
Yes, TONS of gorgeous cabin crew. It gets boring quick. Go into any bar in Dubai, and you can just toss a rock at the girl you want, but don't come here for the girls only!!!!
In the end, I remind people to do what is best for them, even if it is choosing a carrier in the states.
02-22-2015, 12:19 PM
#72
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2006
Position: Early Retiree SWA
Posts: 354
Piilotguy…
Are you talking about the same Emirates that I fly for….
* 92 hours each and every month with no break, flying thru vast time zone changes causing fatigue with day/night, night day combinations all month (getting in at 0600 only to go fly at 2330 that same night)
* About 8-10 days off per month on average unless you trip-trade
* No credit for vacations
* No credit for any training
* No extra pay for de-icing off the gate
* Losing vacation days because crew sched gives you ULR's right after vacation (for the past 3 years running mind you!) effectively losing 2 days you could have been enjoying it due to an acclimatization policy Ek has.
* Only getting 30 days vacation each year (legal minimum they DON'T tell you about at the Road Shows) even though they love to advertise 42 per year….. and any extra days above 30 being given as 4 day blocks only (essentially a long weekend) so that you can't really go anywhere worthwhile
* Being told by the chief pilot that if a pilot ever delays a flight for a new flight plan due to severe turbulence again, that he will "bury you in the sand"
(Honest story…)
* Only getting a max of 5 days off in a row from your bid for the month
* Getting told by the head of training (MM) to the class…. "If you don't like it, there's the door". (Stated multiple times)
* New Bid system coming limiting bid selection to no more than 1 destination and no more than 3 days off in a row max
* Non Rev Travel: Losing any and all ability to see what the loads are for any non rev travel anytime, anywhere. At best, you can see it 3 days before the actual flight. How is one, especially with a family supposed to plan for a holiday with, hotel room, car rental all prepaid only to be told when you show up at the airport… sorry, that flight's closed out full. Maybe tomorrow? Ya…. Thanks Emirates! (not)
* EK has 150 flight att.'s resigning every WEEK!! Wonder why that is.
* Flew with a purser who has 144 hours this month.. I couldn't believe it but she said it was legal somehow. She fell asleep in the cockpit…..
* EK has had on average 1 pilot resignation each day for the past 4 months and after we get what SHOULD be a double digit profit share, that 1-a-day number will increase, especially with school closing for summer.
You enjoy this do you?
But.. to each his own.
Kap
Are you talking about the same Emirates that I fly for….
* 92 hours each and every month with no break, flying thru vast time zone changes causing fatigue with day/night, night day combinations all month (getting in at 0600 only to go fly at 2330 that same night)
* About 8-10 days off per month on average unless you trip-trade
* No credit for vacations
* No credit for any training
* No extra pay for de-icing off the gate
* Losing vacation days because crew sched gives you ULR's right after vacation (for the past 3 years running mind you!) effectively losing 2 days you could have been enjoying it due to an acclimatization policy Ek has.
* Only getting 30 days vacation each year (legal minimum they DON'T tell you about at the Road Shows) even though they love to advertise 42 per year….. and any extra days above 30 being given as 4 day blocks only (essentially a long weekend) so that you can't really go anywhere worthwhile
* Being told by the chief pilot that if a pilot ever delays a flight for a new flight plan due to severe turbulence again, that he will "bury you in the sand"
(Honest story…)
* Only getting a max of 5 days off in a row from your bid for the month
* Getting told by the head of training (MM) to the class…. "If you don't like it, there's the door". (Stated multiple times)
* New Bid system coming limiting bid selection to no more than 1 destination and no more than 3 days off in a row max
* Non Rev Travel: Losing any and all ability to see what the loads are for any non rev travel anytime, anywhere. At best, you can see it 3 days before the actual flight. How is one, especially with a family supposed to plan for a holiday with, hotel room, car rental all prepaid only to be told when you show up at the airport… sorry, that flight's closed out full. Maybe tomorrow? Ya…. Thanks Emirates! (not)
* EK has 150 flight att.'s resigning every WEEK!! Wonder why that is.
* Flew with a purser who has 144 hours this month.. I couldn't believe it but she said it was legal somehow. She fell asleep in the cockpit…..
* EK has had on average 1 pilot resignation each day for the past 4 months and after we get what SHOULD be a double digit profit share, that 1-a-day number will increase, especially with school closing for summer.
You enjoy this do you?
But.. to each his own.
Kap
Last edited by Kapitanleutnant; 02-22-2015 at 12:55 PM.
02-22-2015, 02:54 PM
#73
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jul 2013
Position: Left Seat
Posts: 261
Originally Posted by Kapitanleutnant
Piilotguy…
Are you talking about the same Emirates that I fly for….
* 92 hours each and every month with no break, flying thru vast time zone changes causing fatigue with day/night, night day combinations all month (getting in at 0600 only to go fly at 2330 that same night)
* About 8-10 days off per month on average unless you trip-trade
* No credit for vacations
* No credit for any training
* No extra pay for de-icing off the gate
* Losing vacation days because crew sched gives you ULR's right after vacation (for the past 3 years running mind you!) effectively losing 2 days you could have been enjoying it due to an acclimatization policy Ek has.
* Only getting 30 days vacation each year (legal minimum they DON'T tell you about at the Road Shows) even though they love to advertise 42 per year….. and any extra days above 30 being given as 4 day blocks only (essentially a long weekend) so that you can't really go anywhere worthwhile
* Being told by the chief pilot that if a pilot ever delays a flight for a new flight plan due to severe turbulence again, that he will "bury you in the sand"
(Honest story…)
* Only getting a max of 5 days off in a row from your bid for the month
* Getting told by the head of training (MM) to the class…. "If you don't like it, there's the door". (Stated multiple times)
* New Bid system coming limiting bid selection to no more than 1 destination and no more than 3 days off in a row max
* Non Rev Travel: Losing any and all ability to see what the loads are for any non rev travel anytime, anywhere. At best, you can see it 3 days before the actual flight. How is one, especially with a family supposed to plan for a holiday with, hotel room, car rental all prepaid only to be told when you show up at the airport… sorry, that flight's closed out full. Maybe tomorrow? Ya…. Thanks Emirates! (not)
* EK has 150 flight att.'s resigning every WEEK!! Wonder why that is.
* Flew with a purser who has 144 hours this month.. I couldn't believe it but she said it was legal somehow. She fell asleep in the cockpit…..
* EK has had on average 1 pilot resignation each day for the past 4 months and after we get what SHOULD be a double digit profit share, that 1-a-day number will increase, especially with school closing for summer.
You enjoy this do you?
But.. to each his own.
Kap
Are you talking about the same Emirates that I fly for….
* 92 hours each and every month with no break, flying thru vast time zone changes causing fatigue with day/night, night day combinations all month (getting in at 0600 only to go fly at 2330 that same night)
* About 8-10 days off per month on average unless you trip-trade
* No credit for vacations
* No credit for any training
* No extra pay for de-icing off the gate
* Losing vacation days because crew sched gives you ULR's right after vacation (for the past 3 years running mind you!) effectively losing 2 days you could have been enjoying it due to an acclimatization policy Ek has.
* Only getting 30 days vacation each year (legal minimum they DON'T tell you about at the Road Shows) even though they love to advertise 42 per year….. and any extra days above 30 being given as 4 day blocks only (essentially a long weekend) so that you can't really go anywhere worthwhile
* Being told by the chief pilot that if a pilot ever delays a flight for a new flight plan due to severe turbulence again, that he will "bury you in the sand"
(Honest story…)
* Only getting a max of 5 days off in a row from your bid for the month
* Getting told by the head of training (MM) to the class…. "If you don't like it, there's the door". (Stated multiple times)
* New Bid system coming limiting bid selection to no more than 1 destination and no more than 3 days off in a row max
* Non Rev Travel: Losing any and all ability to see what the loads are for any non rev travel anytime, anywhere. At best, you can see it 3 days before the actual flight. How is one, especially with a family supposed to plan for a holiday with, hotel room, car rental all prepaid only to be told when you show up at the airport… sorry, that flight's closed out full. Maybe tomorrow? Ya…. Thanks Emirates! (not)
* EK has 150 flight att.'s resigning every WEEK!! Wonder why that is.
* Flew with a purser who has 144 hours this month.. I couldn't believe it but she said it was legal somehow. She fell asleep in the cockpit…..
* EK has had on average 1 pilot resignation each day for the past 4 months and after we get what SHOULD be a double digit profit share, that 1-a-day number will increase, especially with school closing for summer.
You enjoy this do you?
But.. to each his own.
Kap
02-22-2015, 06:54 PM
#74
Banned
Joined APC: Nov 2014
Posts: 309
Originally Posted by Kapitanleutnant
Piilotguy… Are you talking about the same Emirates that I fly for…. * 92 hours each and every month with no break, flying thru vast time zone changes causing fatigue with day/night, night day combinations all month (getting in at 0600 only to go fly at 2330 that same night) * About 8-10 days off per month on average unless you trip-trade * No credit for vacations * No credit for any training * No extra pay for de-icing off the gate * Losing vacation days because crew sched gives you ULR's right after vacation (for the past 3 years running mind you!) effectively losing 2 days you could have been enjoying it due to an acclimatization policy Ek has. * Only getting 30 days vacation each year (legal minimum they DON'T tell you about at the Road Shows) even though they love to advertise 42 per year….. and any extra days above 30 being given as 4 day blocks only (essentially a long weekend) so that you can't really go anywhere worthwhile * Being told by the chief pilot that if a pilot ever delays a flight for a new flight plan due to severe turbulence again, that he will "bury you in the sand" (Honest story&hellip
* Only getting a max of 5 days off in a row from your bid for the month * Getting told by the head of training (MM) to the class…. "If you don't like it, there's the door". (Stated multiple times) * New Bid system coming limiting bid selection to no more than 1 destination and no more than 3 days off in a row max * Non Rev Travel: Losing any and all ability to see what the loads are for any non rev travel anytime, anywhere. At best, you can see it 3 days before the actual flight. How is one, especially with a family supposed to plan for a holiday with, hotel room, car rental all prepaid only to be told when you show up at the airport… sorry, that flight's closed out full. Maybe tomorrow? Ya…. Thanks Emirates! (not) * EK has 150 flight att.'s resigning every WEEK!! Wonder why that is. * Flew with a purser who has 144 hours this month.. I couldn't believe it but she said it was legal somehow. She fell asleep in the cockpit….. * EK has had on average 1 pilot resignation each day for the past 4 months and after we get what SHOULD be a double digit profit share, that 1-a-day number will increase, especially with school closing for summer. You enjoy this do you? But.. to each his own. Kap
* Only getting a max of 5 days off in a row from your bid for the month * Getting told by the head of training (MM) to the class…. "If you don't like it, there's the door". (Stated multiple times) * New Bid system coming limiting bid selection to no more than 1 destination and no more than 3 days off in a row max * Non Rev Travel: Losing any and all ability to see what the loads are for any non rev travel anytime, anywhere. At best, you can see it 3 days before the actual flight. How is one, especially with a family supposed to plan for a holiday with, hotel room, car rental all prepaid only to be told when you show up at the airport… sorry, that flight's closed out full. Maybe tomorrow? Ya…. Thanks Emirates! (not) * EK has 150 flight att.'s resigning every WEEK!! Wonder why that is. * Flew with a purser who has 144 hours this month.. I couldn't believe it but she said it was legal somehow. She fell asleep in the cockpit….. * EK has had on average 1 pilot resignation each day for the past 4 months and after we get what SHOULD be a double digit profit share, that 1-a-day number will increase, especially with school closing for summer. You enjoy this do you? But.. to each his own. Kap
02-22-2015, 08:59 PM
#75
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2006
Position: Early Retiree SWA
Posts: 354
Why do people stay? Its my experience that roughly 80% of the guys I fly with are looking for other jobs. Seems the ones who are getting close to upgrade command are the ones who stick around or the ones whose family likes it here. The city is kinda cool I have to say. But it is a police state and certainly an acquired taste. Mind your P's and Q's here and you'll have nothing to worry about.
For the past 5 years or so, there were no flying jobs anywhere… anywhere at all. Now, if you look at FlightGlobal website you can see over 500 Capt and FO jobs all over the world… and of course China offering crazy high money for narrow body commanders (Certainly not for everyone but quite enticing), not to mention the hiring frenzy we hear about in the US. I've heard the US guys however, are not having as much luck getting interviews which is surprising given their experience on the wide bodies with several thousand hours. Don't' understand that one….
One has to remember…. there are many more reasons for becoming an expat leaving your home country and becoming an expat than just career advancement. Things like trying to pay less tax, personal issues which might keep an individual outside his own country for varying reasons, something different in lifestyle or just wanderlust, all in addition to something that keeps you flying.
At EK, the 7 year point is a magic number as it's when we can receive 100% of our retirement funds. 7 years ago is when a lot of new hires came onboard and with the way things are going these days at this place, I think there will be continuing numbers of pilots resigning from EK.
It's all very sad. When I came here, it really was a dream job. It's not even close to being the same airline it was back then compared to today.
I hate to burst the bubble of any of you desiring to come here, but just realize what you're getting into. Eyes wide open. Even though it might look, smell and feel, akin to a major in the US, under the surface it's very different. And I will say that every once in a while, I do run into someone who will say, "oh, we love it here". They are generally from South Africa or Europe where there are no flying jobs to be had, or it's not a country you'd want to raise a family in today.
The life of an expat pilot…..
K
For the past 5 years or so, there were no flying jobs anywhere… anywhere at all. Now, if you look at FlightGlobal website you can see over 500 Capt and FO jobs all over the world… and of course China offering crazy high money for narrow body commanders (Certainly not for everyone but quite enticing), not to mention the hiring frenzy we hear about in the US. I've heard the US guys however, are not having as much luck getting interviews which is surprising given their experience on the wide bodies with several thousand hours. Don't' understand that one….
One has to remember…. there are many more reasons for becoming an expat leaving your home country and becoming an expat than just career advancement. Things like trying to pay less tax, personal issues which might keep an individual outside his own country for varying reasons, something different in lifestyle or just wanderlust, all in addition to something that keeps you flying.
At EK, the 7 year point is a magic number as it's when we can receive 100% of our retirement funds. 7 years ago is when a lot of new hires came onboard and with the way things are going these days at this place, I think there will be continuing numbers of pilots resigning from EK.
It's all very sad. When I came here, it really was a dream job. It's not even close to being the same airline it was back then compared to today.
I hate to burst the bubble of any of you desiring to come here, but just realize what you're getting into. Eyes wide open. Even though it might look, smell and feel, akin to a major in the US, under the surface it's very different. And I will say that every once in a while, I do run into someone who will say, "oh, we love it here". They are generally from South Africa or Europe where there are no flying jobs to be had, or it's not a country you'd want to raise a family in today.
The life of an expat pilot…..
K
Last edited by Kapitanleutnant; 02-22-2015 at 09:34 PM.
02-23-2015, 01:33 AM
#76
Line Holder
Joined APC: Jun 2006
Position: B777 Cpt.
Posts: 95
Originally Posted by Kapitanleutnant
Piilotguy…
Are you talking about the same Emirates that I fly for….
Are you talking about the same Emirates that I fly for….
Ask a A380 skipper and the picture is the same as ours.
I've been here now seven years and I'm actively looking for a job elsewhere.
02-23-2015, 08:31 AM
#79
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2007
Position: 747 captain
Posts: 1,549
I considered it briefly back when they opened the DEC window the last time.., after I spoke with 4 good friends of mine that are captains on the 777 I just came to the realization that my QOL was going to take a tremendous hit..! I just don't want to go back to flying 900+ hours a year..!
02-23-2015, 06:48 PM
#80
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2006
Position: Left seat of a big one.
Posts: 120
Any other Americans bidding only days off to get to US job fairs, but ending up with long flights right in the middle of those days off? Two months in a row (admittedly fairly bottom bid groups) and given 5 day trips exactly where those days off requested. Frustrating.
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