Albief15

Got a note from a firm looking for some F-15 experience in Saudi. No details on salary but when they call me looking for help that usually means "...we REALLY need someone..." PM if interested or know someone that is. F15/22 IP experience in last year highly desired. If not current but interested let me know anyway and I'll see what I can do...

Will have more salary info by the time you reply.

I would not recommend this type work for everyone, but if you can stomach being an expat 18-48 months and want to plus up the bank account this might be the right job for the right pilots...

gr8vu

There are two different contracts out there that I am familiar with--one is primarily sim work and the other offers flying jobs--also need C-130 and King Air pilots. Salaries offers typically start in the 150 range and can go above 200K depending on your experience (need patch wearers). With benefits (housing, car, gas, util, kid school, etc), total packages can be north of 300k.

FlyArmy11

Any info on the King Air side of the house would be great, thanks! Former Army C-12/RC-12 guy.

Albief15

gr8vus numbers are ballpark but a tad low.....200-250 plus the extras he mentioned.

FlyArmy11

Albie & Gr8vu,

PMs sent, thanks!

gr8vu

Just to clarify--150 can be a typical starting point for negotiations. From there it depends on your quals, recency, age/experience, educ, and where you are willing to go and how bad they need you. My impression is most end up above 200 and total benefits can be 300-400k.

MikeF16

I spent some flying F-16s with the Emirates. Most of the Lockheed bubbas seemed fairly content over there; however, I've spoken with several Eagle guys who have either done the Saudi gig or know somebody who has and I've heard nothing good about it.

The Saudi pilots are not pleasant to hang with, they are an abomination once airborne, the country is miserable for any family you might bring, and the jets are extremely poorly maintained -- as in I've heard of US pilots refusing to fly them because of safety concerns.

I guess the nice thing about flying with the Saudis was there's not much to debrief since they always die on the first push. Sorry AlbieF15, not trying to make your life difficult but as you said this job isn't for everyone -- IMO 99.99% of all American fighter pilots would be miserable there. Anybody who considers this needs to go in eyes wide open or they're going to be in for the shock of their lives.

Albief15

Concur. Its a way to make coin and stay current. Its not a long term rewarding career.

LupusF15

I went back and forth with the contractor and negotiated $225K for a flying IP job (plus car, living arrangements, 2 RT stateside tickets, etc.) with the Saudis. Then couldn't talk the bride into living over there for a year.

Purple Drank

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