Hi all.

Im sat here trying to make a decision on whether to apply for a job with Qatar or not..

I have read most of the threats on here already, and so far I'm not too impressed...

Was hoping to hear from someone who's currently flying the 777 out there, to get an idea of how its like. I.e lifestyle, can you commute, is there a good expat community etc?

My situation is, that my current airline has approached Qatar, to see if they would like to take some of us on board for a period of 39 months, after which we can return with the same seniority number etc. And so far Qatar has shown at a lot of interest...

I'm currently 25, have flown 737,757 & 767, and with no family to support, I wonder if this could be a good opportunity...?
But one of my main concerns are, will I waste 3+ good years, sitting in a sandpit hoping I'd never gone out there???

thanks.

Threat or thread?

Well Lifestyle sucks
Roster is bad, even though few flights on B777 but difficult to commute
As far as the expat community is concerned i dont which one nationality you are interested in. Everybody is an expat and trust me nobody mix around and everybody is on its own or stay within its own community.
Bachelors like me end up spending time on Pprune or playing PS3.

If you are ready to accept all this please definitely come and work. Stay away from everyone.

Hey B777_35

Thanks for your reply.

Well you could ague that threat is just as correct, as thread in this context, but did mean thread he he.

Seems like I'm better off just staying where I am then. A shame really, but it doesn't come as a big surprise!

When it comes to Nationality, then I'd probably prefer to meet up with people from Europe and USA. But if people don't really tend to socialize outside work, it doesn't sound like a life to me, regardless of how big an airplane I fly!!

Thanks again.

BAP


if you have a job and a domestic life, then this is NOT the place to come. the job opportunities here are better suited to those out of work or in a situation that leaves them little or no choices.

having been here for many years I personally don't like to say that as it tends to lower the standard of applicants, as seen in past years as well. But thats just the way it is pure and simple.

Some folks deal with this place just fine as I have as well. But some others last a very short time before making the decision to leave and then again some unfortunate ones meet with a less desired exit from this job.

it has already been mentioned to you that this region is made up of all ex-pats, sometimes it can feel a bit clicky and you'll find some nationalities just stick to their own, but for the most part socializing here is just fine ( if you have some form of normality that is). there is not much else to do besides socialize. Life is definitely more restricted here than in your home country.

as for commuting. NO it's not standard policy but you can work it out so you can get away from time to time but that can change with a increase in destinations and frequencies on the B777 fleet.

poisoned by compromise
Krunch

Hi Krunch!

Thanks a lot for your reply.
Seems like the idea of flying the 777 isn't so glamorous after all, when it comes to flying for Qatar...

Cheers.

Glamorous?!... any glamour in aviation disappeared years ago!

Aviation is just a 'job' and what you should look to achieve is one that gives you the best quality of life balanced against income and, with that in mind, the size of ones aircraft is often inversely proportional to the fun one can have.... and that living / working in the Middle East is not without its challenges?!

BAP, this is a somewhat stupid question, wouldn't you agree? What kind of answers do you expect here on pprune, the ranting-forum?

If you're interested in Qatari, then the question shouldn't be weather or not to apply for the job.

By all means, send in your application.

If you are good enough, they will invite you for the interview, for which you will spend a couple of days in Doha. During that time, you'll get an impression of the place, and a chance to talk to some other pilots.

And if you pass the screening, THEN come back and ask for more opinions on the forum.

Or perhaps you just want to give up here and now, before you even started?

Stay where you are dude! :ok: It's not worth to come all the way down here if your not going to stay(For a while only:cool:). Only come if you don't have a job and need to put food on the table. Happy flying:ok:

Anybody out there in Qatar would like to comment on Qatar Airways as a TRTO in general and specific on the B777 fleet including the TR provided?

I have noted some posts indicating some negative issues during LPC's but how is the overall level of training, they seem to have a perfect safety record which would indicate to me that their crew training must be good?

Thanks.

Nightfire,

I don't think BAP's question is stupid at all, in case you can assess at an early stage whether you would accept a job offer when presented to you by gathering as much info on what to expect when flying the line, lots of time, effort and expense can be saved on the side of the applicant and on the side of the recruitment department by not applying in the first place. :ok:

Having said that, at the end of the day it's up to all of us to experience and decide for ourselves so I agree that anyone considering should go and have a look when given the chance..

Seems like you are the right guy to answer my questions.

I have been offered a position on the 777 with Qatar Airways, and I have a lot of questions. My situation is that I currently fly in the GA business, where I don't get a lot of hours, so being offered a seat on a 777 with QR could hive me the hours, I need. My salary and conditions now are quite alright, but it's difficult to progress without getting any flight hours.

I would be fine, if the roster was ok. But when people mention, that flying home occasionally can be difficult, it raises concerns. And since I have a girlfriend back home, it would be ok, if I could travel home once pr month. The ID tickets they offer - are they valid on QR network only?

How is the provided accomodation? Internet, pool, nice area? And how about transportation? Do you need to get a car?

And the girlfriend issue again.... Might be a silly question, but can she stay with me, when she visits?

I would really appreciate if you or someone else would be so kind to answer some of these questions

regards

Victor,

Well comparing GA flying to airline flying, obviously you will gain more hours, flying on B777 lately went down to atleast 40 hours but this is temporary.

The ID tickets are valid on QR and other airline also provided if you get time to travel. If you have a 40 hours roster yes definitely that mean you are doing only 2 flight and remaining month is free but if you are doing 80+ hours which is generally a case then you will get combine max of 2 - 3 days off depending how lucky you are. You might get 4 - 6 days off in one month but then remaining year you will be crying for it.

Accommodation is 5 star as per QR standard.........bad finishing, no sewage system dump trucks every night come and collect your remains internet service very poor and you have to get it on your own and you will end up paying more than 100 dollars for only 4mb speed. Pool is nice provided if there are nobody in it otherwise you will find atleast 50 -60 people inside it.

Nice Area???? well i have been searching for this area.......maybe by 2022. Only pearl i believe if you have enough money to stay there.

Girlfriend to stay, as per Qatari and Islamic law she cannot until or unless you marry her. I heard few people have their GF visiting them since they get the visa on arrival but if they catch you which is possible since there are lot of immature people reporting to the office. So not a good idea to let her stay with you. The punishment is severe, jail and then deportation. choice is yours

One important thing, please get some driving lesson from formula drivers and buy some protective gear, chances are you will get hit by local drivers on your day of arrival.

Enjoy and best of luck

Thats probably the first think you will need it here: a car.:bored:
(public transport are far from being developed and efficient)
Taxi available depending on time and place you stay...
No transport provide by the company, you will receive instead a transport allowance: 1500Qr/month=400U$
A wise advise:Just be careful when you drive here: a lot of monkey&dangerous driver here disrespectful of any basic safety rules.., locals have all the right...!
Girl friend visit:
Citizens of 33 countries can get a tourist visa (valid 2 weeks,can be extended for another 2 weeks) on arrival in Qatar:
Concerned countries: Andorra-Australia-Austria-Belgium-Brunei-Canada-Denmark-Finland-France-Germany-Greece-HongKong- Iceland-Ireland-Italy-Japan-Liechtenstein-Luxembourg-Malaysia-Monaco-Netherlands-New zealand-Norway-Portugal-San Marino-Singapore-South Corea-Spain-Sweden-switzerland-UK-USA-Vatican city.
others countried need a sponsor: Hotel&company.. Boyfriend is not a sponsor!:uhoh:

BAP,
You might be interested in knowing,that quite a few SAS pilots will be starting in Qatar soon...

Anybody out there in Qatar would like to comment on Qatar Airways as a TRTO in general and specific on the B777 fleet including the TR provided?

I have noted some posts indicating some negative issues during LPC's but how is the overall level of training, they seem to have a perfect safety record which would indicate to me that their crew training must be good?

Thanks.

Hi highflyer321757, BAP and Victor

the perfect safety record is not that perfect. they manage to cover up the incidents, some very close calls, because there is a lot of $$$ behind. TRTO is recent as an institution inside QR run by a guy with no experience.

I don't think BAP's question is stupid at all, in case you can assess at an early stage whether you would accept a job offer when presented to you by gathering as much info on what to expect when flying the line, lots of time, effort and expense can be saved on the side of the applicant and on the side of the recruitment department by not applying in the first place.

i agree man, go look at the other posts here in PPrune ( http://www.pprune.org/middle-east/392922-human-rights-qatar-airways.html , http://www.pprune.org/middle-east/390579-qr-terminations-per-higher-management.html ). you'll find some more stuff there that will help you assess. i was in your position a few years back when applying for some other company, and i did not get all the facts straight. needless to say I made a wrong choice.

My situation is, that my current airline has approached Qatar, to see if they would like to take some of us on board for a period of 39 months, after which we can return with the same seniority number etc. And so far Qatar has shown at a lot of interest...

I'm currently 25, have flown 737,757 & 767, and with no family to support, I wonder if this could be a good opportunity...?
But one of my main concerns are, will I waste 3+ good years, sitting in a sandpit hoping I'd never gone out there???

if you are 25, by all means come. but you have to take it as an adventure that will change your life and the way you see life in general. if you are not the adventurous type, refrain...

bottomline guys:

if you're after an objective answer don't favor replies that tell what you want to hear. read further...

Hi I have question ..... did you have any 777 time when you applied to Qatar I was just wondering if you can send me a message please thanks.

If I were only 25 and I was offered the opportunity to fly a 777 to various destinations around the world for a set period of time (i.e., 3 years) I would take that in an instant - as long as I was living in safe conditions, etc. You are young and you should see the world before you have major commitments. 3 years is nothing. Think about all of the interesting people you will meet and the interesting places you would see. Sounds like your current airline doesn't operate 777s - you might value the new type rating as it could open up other opportunities down the line.

As long as you can return to your current airline at the end of the time period I would seriously consider it. Personally, I would think about it in terms of life experience. When I retire I want to have some good memories and stories to tell. Sure, the situation at Qatar doesn't sound perfect by any stretch. Just keep your nose clean and don't step too far out of line. That's my opinion. I am sure others will take the opportunity if you don't.

whats the bond on the b777 at qatar?

I have a friend at QR who just started on the 777 and he likes it. The schedules aren't great, but he did a few trips last month, one to the US, 1 to India, and 1 to Pakistan (both of those were turns from Doha). He said overall he likes it, and the plane is great. If you have nothing else to do and the hiring is bad where you come from, you should try it. And, your current company will keep your seniority when you get back. Sounds like a chance that may be good for your overall aviation experience. Think long term. If it is 39 months or just over 3 years, you will be an old man at 28 or 29 when you are finished.... That is not a bad thing. Cheers!

Bond : 50.000U$ / 3years (for NON rated guy).

You may never get a chance to fly a 777 again in your career. I'm not suggesting you do it for less money and just fly a big, shiney aircraft for the heck of it. I am suggesting that it might be a good life experience for someone as young as you with no real family obligations. It should be viewed as an opportunity to open up your horizons. Plus, you get to return to your comfy 737 or 757/767 and fly around the Med after the 39 months are finished. Although you may not view the 737 as "comfy" after flying the 777...

I don't have your background or that opportunity - but I would take it if I had a choice - even though Qatar might not be fantastic in every respect. No airline is perfect. A 777 type rating could also be a good door opener in the future. Think about it...

Let us know which way you go.

Absolutely take the job if you are offered. We seldom regret things we did, we regret what we didn't do. Doha is not a bad place to live if you don't mind a quiet life style. Try to make it your home, marry the girl, buy yourself a flashy car (new cars are very cheap), do your flights and enjoy life. The world is out there, just keep a positive attitude and go for it. You're absolutely too young to hesitate.

Hi Che X,
I agree only with your second sentence. Even if you have a very positive altitude I doubt that anybody can really enjoy the life in Doha (only may be on some of our layovers). It never will be like your home and you can have any fancy car that will not help at all. If you really live in Doha, may be you need some time to realise this...

victor

u said u r in the GA business, and u have been offered to fly the B777 with QR....hahaah...,may i ask if u have today's lotto numbers....hahaah:p

Number 1

what excactly is it that you find funny or don't understand?

Please clarify

Did the Danish dude actually make a decision for this? Is it a go or a no-go to the desert? Don't leave us hanging!!!!!

PMs also welcome.

Number 1 - there is something wrong with our keyboard .......... big time ! Maybe he has done the same as me - flew the biggies first and then a few years G.A