I was wondering if anyone (that has done it) could give some info on the medical evaluation that emirates does in its interview. I am most interested in what type of eye tests they do.

Thanks

Pretty intense medical. It takes all day being shuttled around Dubai going to various different facilities for medical, dental, xrays, etc. You better think twice about EK. I did it and left after 5 months. glad I did.

do you know if they allow LASIC?

It's very common for carriers outside the US to put their applicants though a thorough medical. Blood, X-Ray, Sonogram, Treadmill, EEG, Psychometrics, etc. It's not as if they are going to cut off your head and look down your neck. It's just a comprehensive medical and nothing more.

If you think you may have issues, consult your personal MD and sort out any potential problems such as blood pressure, chemestries, weight, etc.

Is the company going after you for the training bond?

No, they threaten you but no. There were several people the week I left also left and nothing. I you don't mind that you never were allowed to touch their airplane(gearup-autopilot on) then EK the place for you. Alot of other things you find out once your there that they fail to mention in the interview. I don't regret it for a moment. I wouldn't dream of taking a family over there.

What is your status as far as to being able to return to the UAE? I've heard rumors that about that as well, but never known anyone with first hand experience. I'm curious as I interviewed and was offered a class there a few years ago, but had already accepted another position by the time I got the call.

The real question is why you would want to go back? I lived there for 2 years while in the military and have to say the stories I heard from Emirates pilots and flight attendants made it seem like a decent job if you are single, but some of the destinations are scary. Being put up in a compound with razor wire and armed sentries in towers is not my idea of a good time. Not to mention the UAE is the tourist death trap of the middle east. It is nice to visit ONCE just to see the sights, but living there is a different story. If you can do it more power to you, but there is no way in hell id ever go back let alone subject my wife to it...

I'm guessing you are confusing the United Arab Emirates with some other country in the Middle East. Since the USA doesn't have much in the way of troops based here. Small contingents at the port and the military airfield during Gulf War 1, but that's about it.

Living overseas isn't for everybody, but the lifestyle in the UAE is not too much different from the USA. I have friends who want to leave, but their wives want them to stay. Go figure?



Typhoonpilot

Ok, first of all you are right about the overnights i was referencing being in Africa. As for why you would return I meant to live. I was told that emirates pilots must live in country, and that's just a huge negative for me.

Now onto your other comments. Your tone of writing made it seem like you were calling me an idiot. You might want to get your facts straight before you start saying someone doesnt know what they are talking about. No I was not confusing the UAE with another country. I lived near jumeirah beach for part of the time, by city center for another stretch and the mariott hotel apartments near the river and Dubai marina. I was based at the port of Jebel Ali, and spent every day traveling on sheikh zayed road. I know quite a bit about that country and would never go back (except on an overnight).

As for the sex and the city reference, no I didn't get that from that movie. That is what I called it when I was there. This was 05-07 so that movie hadn't come out yet