Crewing companies in Japan have as much to do with Japanense work laws as they do cost benefits.

Hahaha... I won't say that makes me happy, but......

Woo Hoo this is fun.

See you guys at Tecos next year.

Hi All,

Thanks to everyone that put up all the info on this thread. Take a while to get through it all but well worth it.

I can say that all the info is still correct as I had my interview last month. Thankfully I was successful and I am starting on the May course.

Having a read through (and noting the firmness of the bed when I was there for my interview) mattress toppers are a must. Would it be easier to buy them there? I can't imagine it would be easy to take one with you.

Also I had a question about headset. Just wondering what the best one to grab would be?

Thanks all.

mattress toppers are a must. Would it be easier to buy them there? I can't imagine it would be easy to take one with you.

Nah..., don't bring that with you, first of all the sizes of the mattress are a little different than in the US so they won't fit right...., just take a run to the Aeon mall here in Narita or take a train ride to Ikea in Chiba....., more choices than you would know what to do with.

Also I had a question about headset. Just wondering what the best one to grab would be?

Nothing expensive..., a turboprop I would say that it is worth it to drop a grand on a pair of Bose but here you won't be using them more than at critical phase.

Haven said that, the BCF's tent to be a little noisy so I would recommend noise canceling on the cheap..., Telex 850's for example.

Thanks very much Dom

Used Bose X can be purchased for $450 on e-Bay. Just do a little research on the seller first.

Hello,

I have read through all 147 pages of this thread and I appreciate all the info everyone has provided on AJX. I have been in touch with Crew and am considering attempting the assessment.

I have a question regarding the sort in Okinawa. Is sitting through the sort a pretty common occurrence at AJX now?

I have had a job where I had to sit through the sort nightly and I'm not particularly interested in doing it again. At least not for what AJX is currently offering.

Thank you for you help!

Hello All,

I am wondering if I could get some insight from any crew members that have families back home. My situation is that I am engaged to my girl and we are having our first child this summer. I was laid off last November from my job flying due to a down turn. I am wondering how the commute has been on the family? What are the policies around family visiting while training? I have heard it could be potentially frowned upon as it could be a distraction. I have been told there is a reduced schedule? Is this true and if so what does it look like? Is the company okay with a crew member requesting a reduced schedule? Does it make fiscal sense for the company or the crew member to work a reduced schedule? I do not want to come off entitled or lazy - I have been told by a aquaintence that is currently in training that this exists so I wanted to do my due dilagence before I make any decisions.

Most importantly I realize the first question regarding the affects on family is very subjective however any one that can share some of their experience would be very much appreciated.

Thanks.

It is very subjective. I believe that how the family deals with you being gone so long is a direct correlation to how well your relationship is before this job. If it is shaky then there is no way it will last. If it is very strong, then it has a pretty good chance of surviving.

Having family visit during training is no problem. It is up to you to avoid the distraction. The company will pay for your spouse to come over twice and for any kids to come once. Outside of that you can pay for them to come if you like.

There is a short schedule in the contract but I don't believe anyone is actually on it. I had heard that the company does not like to use it since they are sometimes short of pilots.

Coming here is a big decision. One that you will have to talk over with your significant other. Good luck.