QR and Contract Pilots

[errbus]

Good day all

I have an interview in June for a contract Capt position on the A320 with QR. What I would like to know is how the regular line pilots view the contact pilots. Are they welcomed with open arms, barely tolerated, shunned or something in between. I believe this topic was touched upon several months ago but I hope there may be some up to date information.

Thanks in advance and please be kind, this is my first post.

[decelapproach]

I dont think there is any ill feeling, a good bunch of pilots. Reason primarily being once you start your all in the same boat, tryanical CEO, rules regulations etc.

[eagle320]

I have been offered an interview too. The question is what is the advantage, if any, of the contract pilot over the normal hiring process that QR has? Any views?

[oryxbollocks]

My opinion only, but to try to answer both questions.....

Contract pilots are treated no differently than the rest. As decel says, we all work under the same draconian leadership which kind of bonds us together. The pilot group here is a friendly bunch from many different races and cultures and there's fun to be had.

I'm not sure of the conditions offered and how they differ specifically, however I understand the CP's are provided with accommodation and transport where permanent employees have to find their own using salary and allowances provided. With the increasing cost of housing here, that may be a decided bonus?

Coming here as a CP may also permit you to join permanently if they like you or leave without restriction to go to another Gulf operator if you choose. This is something a permanent employee cannot do due to an 'agreement' between managements.

We have not been told officially what the CP deal is, so it's not possible to compare salaries/package. Sorry.

[errbus]

Thanks for the replies gents, very helpful. I believe one of the major differences between the contract and permanent pilots is the number days of annual vacation.
Looking forward to meeting you later this month.
Cheers

[AlfaMike]

What agency is providing contract pilots to Qatar?

Any inforamtion will be must appreciated. Thanks.:confused:

[StandAlone]

Dear AlfaMike,

Contract Air are one of the agencies for sure.

http://www.contractair.net/public/index.html

Hope It's usefull for you.

Cheers

[AlfaMike]

Hi Stand Alone,

Thanks for the info. I will check their web site. BTW, do you have any other advice concerning Qatar? Any info will be must appreciated. I am interested in the living and working conditions. I will be interested on anything relating to the family living there and the kids attending school.

Feel free to send a pm if you like. Thanks again. :ok:

[StandAlone]

AlfaMike,

The conditions are described below:

3.65QR = $1 US

Captains Basic 26,000QR
Housing Allowance 6,200QR
Transport 600QR
Total 32,800QR (U$9000)

First Officers
Basic 18,200QR
Housing Allowance 6,200QR
Transport 600QR
Total 25,000QR (U$6800)


60 Hr guarantee, 100QR for additional hour for Captains and 70 for F/O.

Flying over 780 hours per year paid at 300QR, don't know for F/O.

600 QR increase salary at each year of service. 450 for F/O.

Meal Allowance for based on each hotel restaurant.

School fee for 3 kids maximum of 75% up to a limit of 30,000QR.
(Many good international schools in Doha).

3 weeks gratuity of base salary for each year of service.

The company provides medical insurance for family (no dental).
Life and loss of License Insurance.

42 days annual leave taken 2 times a year.

1 return ticket per year for family to country of hire (J class on QR and Y class on other airlines).

That package is for permanent pilots I have no information about contract pilots.

Thats all for now.

SA

[AlfaMike]

Many thanks S.A. I really appreciate the information.

:ok: