MEA Direct entry F/O

[CedarJet]

MEA is advertising in Lebanese newspapers for direct entry F/O( as opposed to cadets:

-Lebanese under 32 having completed military service
- ICAO ATPL+medical
- MCC course
- A320 type an asset

This might seem routine for other airlines but MEA has not hired pilots since 1993.

[concordino]

Hello CedarJet,

Any idea about who to call or contact ?

Many Thanks

Concordino

[DoItInverted]

That's great news for MEA and Lebanese pilots looking for a job!!!

Just out of interest Cedarjet..

- How many pilots are they looking for?

- What are the conditions? (Salary, holidays etc..)

Cheers
DII

[CedarJet]

Hello dii,

The salary should be in the lower thousands when you start increasing every year after release.
Pilots will start on A321 for the initial year at least before doing the MFF course on A332.
They should be able to get 4 weeks leave/year.
Most of the applicants won't care about the conditions to begin with as everybody wants to fly for MEA!:ok:

[DoItInverted]

Thanks for the info CedarJet!

Salary seems VERY bad though.. I know young Lebanese pilots are dreaming of this job but still... What's the cost of living in Lebanon?
Can you live with less than 2000 US$ per month in Beirut? I doubt it.. From what I read here and there life seems quite expansive unfortunately.

Heard that MenaJet salaries were higher than the MEA ones. But than again MenaJet is still (will remain? )on the ground.

Having said that, great opportunity for the guys who meet the requirements!

What about bonding? I take it they'll be bonded for at least 3-4 years no?

Good luck dear applicants and good to hear that MEA is finally hiring after all these years!!!

Cheers
DII

[ODGUY]

hurry up... only got a couple weeks.

[canileb]

Hi,

that's great news! Coudl someone provide me with the contact info? I am based in West Africa and don't really have access to Lebanese newspapers...

Thanks.

[ODGUY]

i think the best contact is being there urself. i believe they are looking for candidates to show up in person within a few weeks.

[canileb]

Hi,

I understand that but while I am willing and ready to go to Lebanon as soon as they call me, I can not just leave my present job just to go apply for another one...

I would really appreciate it if someone could either send me the contact info or refer me to the ad in an online newspaper...

Thanks a lot!

[bcqc]

Marhaba guys,

How many Lebs are out there with this kind of experience and credentials. How many guys do they want? How about the Ab-Initio programme? I'm a low-timer, but my licences are done with and the company would not have to pay it...something to consider isn't it?

Ma3Salamé

[ODGUY]

canlieb: I would check their site, they've got a list of email contacts. Maybe some phone numbers. www.annahar.com & www.albaladonline.com, both had adds.

bcqc: I believe they're looking for 8-10 direct entry. The ab initio is not gonna happen now, maybe later.

[canileb]

I actually emailed both human resources and flight ops but no news yet... I'll try the websites.

Thanks!

[CedarJet]

You do have to be there. in order to apply. There will be some a few tests to be done by the candidates in Lebanon and abroad.


Try sending an email to:
Capt Ousama Balaa
Head Technical
[email protected]

[canileb]

Thanks Cedarjet for the info: email is on the way...

Cheers

[canileb]

I can't believe they are actually asking the candidates to pay for the tests! Unfortunately, I simply can not get to Beirut before August 13 but I wish good luck to those of you who have applied!

To repeat the question asked by bcqc: how many lebs are qualified and where would they be coming from (military, TMA, from other countries)?

[DoItInverted]

Hi!

Interesting question canileb.. I guess they'll find many pilots with a licence but very few with the A320 rating.

Don't know their background though.

Heard as well that you have to pay for the tests... What a sad attitude..

And the salary will be less than US$2000.. Guys... Even east european companies pay more!!!! I don't tell me that a Lebanese pilot will fly for free for MEA!!!

On the other hand you get to fly for a nice company, in some nice new planes where the service is very good.

And I am sure that living in Beirut now that the war is over is a lot better than in other places in the Gulf!

Take care!
DII

[bcqc]

Hi Gents,

So they require candidates to pay for the tests...no comments...
Does anyone know what kind of tests and if those can be written outside Lebanon? What if you can't make it to Beirut before the 13th?
Cheers, Saha

[DoItInverted]

From what have been written here, it seems that if you can't make it before the 13th than you can forget it!

As for paying for the tests... Well... Thought MEA was a national carrier.. Not a low cost one..

Cheers!
DII

[Edward555]

Hey guys...

How is Menajet doing over there in Beirut? Do they have an AC on property yet? Anyone seen anything? I think they will be a good oufit once up and running.

[CedarJet]

Paying for the tests does not have to do if you're a low Cost or Full Service. It is partly a cost issue but also a selection issue
. If the candidate is sure of his/her qualifications and potential he'll not worry of the costs, if someone is a bit hesitant as to his chances and qualifications he'll have second doughts and spare MEA the trouble of an extra application.
With regard to the pay let us remember that most of these pilots are very low hours candidates who can't apply to the other jobs in the Gulf that require a lot of experience. Their slary will increase yearly as they get more experience.

As for MenaJet, they have finaly found an aircraft:ok: a 7 year old A320 and should start Charter operations this weekend flying for Lebanese Tour operators.... No Low Cost for now:{

[canileb]

Having the applicants pay for the selection process is in my view abusive. The initial selection is done by reviewing the application documents (and there are plenty) and only testing potentially very interesting candidates hence cutting selection costs to a minimum.

All in all, I think they are being very inflexible a)by asking candidates to pay to get in (!) and b) by insisting on having the candidates go to Beirut just to apply... I would have been interested (I am not sure if 2500 hours is considered low w/r to the applicants pool) but I guess I'll wait for something better!

Still love seeing your beautiful A330s in ABJ, ACC and LOS though...

Happy flying

[ODGUY]

pay is a selection process? rich in poor out? as you may know, alot of pilots have paid for their training, paying more to get into a job is out of the question, especially when the salary is in the lower thousand. If someone is sure and confident about their skills and credentials, they will apply somewhere where you don't have to use your money to get in.

[bcqc]

Anyone here has the slightest idea of how much we're talking about for those exams? And of what type they consist...
Cheers,

Cedarjet: when you mention low-timers...how much time do some of these applicants have?

[CedarJet]

I guess it's supply and demand. All the applicants in BEY are not complaining about the potential costs. Nobody knows the details yet as applicants will be contacted after 14th of AUG for further details.
MEA has not hired a single pilot since 1993 when 9 cadets got in, and the last class before them was in 1982. So basicaly they have hired 9 pilots in the last 22 years. A lot of Lebanese pilots have been waiting for MEA to recrute, and it looks like they are getting a lot of replies.

Next year MEA will go back to its original Cadet scheme where recruits are sent to flying school in the UK.

[ODGUY]

What Cedarjet said also means there are lots due to retire.

[DoItInverted]

CedarJet:

It is partly a cost issue but also a selection issue, If the candidate is sure of his/her qualifications and potential he'll not worry of the costs...

So if I understand correctly, 98% of the pilots hired by different companies worldwide are not motivated or unsure of their qualification :sad:

The only companie that I can think of making candidates pay for the selections is Ryanair. And believe me the last think I want to do is to compare these 2 companies!!!

And if you reed me correctly you'll see that I've said since the beginning of this post that MEA hiring new pilots was a very good thing for all the Lebanese young pilots looking for a job. I know these guys will accept the job and they'd be fools to refuse it!
They are not complaining about these cost simply because they don't have the choice.

No matter what people think or say, I find these costs utterly abusive! Specially for a National carrier. As if printing some papers will help MEA financially.

ODGUY:

they will apply somewhere where you don't have to use your money to get in

Agreed 100%. But and that's just a guess, if you are Lebanese without another passport in hand, I think your chances of finding a job in another country are pretty slim unfortunately.
MEA knows this and are talking advantage of this situation.

One last thing... From what I read on different posts, Menajet salaries are around US$2500. MEA less than US$2000. Not saying that money is the only issue in choosing a job but the salary MEA is offering for these new pilots is extremely low!

Having said all this, best of luck to the applicants :ok:
I know you guys will be very proud of flying for MEA!!!

Cheers!
DII

[concordino]

Hello all,

just attended the initial interview with MEA and here is what i got to say:

1- there are some 33 applicants

2- MEA wants to hire as many people they can get yet they need to pass the selection.

3- for those of you outside lebanon and have lived overseas be ready for lots paperwork that will take time.

4- candidates will need to pay for their type ratings once selected.

5- pay during training (4 months) will be symbolic then is between 2000 to 2500 after line release.

Best of luck to all those that want it that bad.

[DoItInverted]

Concordino:

Out of interest, what does the initial interview concist of?

Have they started interviewing yet? Thought the deadline for the applicants was 13th of August according this threat.

Can somebody tell me (cause I have no clue) how do you live in Lebanon with 2000 to 2500 (US$ I guess)?

Cheers!
DII

[bcqc]

Ok, so one has to pay for his type rating, how much is that?? Not a walk in the park... They need as many people as possible, good to know, but only 33 candidates!!! hard to believe...Concordino, how are these candidates qualifications? Does a guy with a CPL, IR only bear a chance? Was there any testing after that initial interview, and what was that interview about? I have phoned them and it seems anyone can just take an appointment to show up for an interview. I'm a little confused...and if I choose to go, how long should I stay at first?
Thanks for your time Concordino,
Yalla ciao

[canileb]

ok so here is the deal:

-pay for the selection tests
-pay for your type rating
-symbolic pay for a few months
-$2000 afterwards

This is sad and pathetic, especially coming from a flag carrier!! I have no doubt they will get candidates given the current job situation but I would be wary of working for a company that shows so little regard for new hires...

Good luck to all.

[concordino]

Hello Chaps,

the deadline of the 13th is just to be here and submit your papers etc...

it does though look like an informal interview as you meet with Capt.Balaa and he does ask some questions.

After the 13th all those that interest them will be contacted to undergo the real selection.

From what i gather the selection will last till at least end of September .This will consist of further medical tests, group and individual interviews as well as a sim check abroad to check the IR skills.

from what i gather there are some A320 rated guys which brings me to Canileb's point.

If there are people holding an A320 rating and wanting to come to MEA there sure is something worth it down the line.

[DoItInverted]

Thanks for the info concordino...

But then, why do people have to go there in person since it's not THE selection? I mean can't they just find a CV with copies of licences etc...?

Since you seem to be in Beirut, what's the cost of living there?
I mean 2000.- seems very low like canileb mentionned but I think these guys have a rent to pay. What kind of flat can you afford with such a bad salary?

Oh... Just another question...
Candidated have to pay for their rating. Ok fine... But will they be bonded?
Is MEA going to pay back the rating?
What's the salary increase per year?
And do the canditates have to pay for the simulator abroad? Seems to be loads of money for a very low salary..
What about plane ticket to get there?

Oops sorry.. Just realised that it was more than one question ;)

All in all, like I said it and said it. It's good news for Lebanese pilots looking for a job. Hope all of them will get the job:ok:

Just a bit disapointed with MEA's attitude!!!

Cheers!
DII

[bcqc]

So is that first interview a technical one?

Thanks guys, lots of relevant info...

[Flagada]

Concordio & Cedarjet,

I do not want to start a debat but the info you're giving might somehow be innacurate...I know that rumors in Lebanon get deformed from one person to another...

Maybe your source is more reliable than mine...but I doubt it very much since all my source sit on the selection committee...

So, for the sake of every interested person, lets try and see who has the real stuff...Again, I repeat, it might not be me...

Cheers,
Flag

[CedarJet]

Hello Flag,

Don't know what you meant in your post, but the info I posted and the one reported by Concordino does not conflict, and we don't need to do any explaining.
It's not a competition to post insider info....
As you are connected to all the selection comitee, you could have clarified in your post all the information relevant to the selection;)

[Flagada]

Hi,

I will clarify...And I'm not joking when I'm expressing my concern...

I was told by 3 sources:

- 32 years old minimum
- Must have the Military Service completed (Exeptions made)
- ICAO CPL- MIFR or ATPL
- Ability to obtain LAA licenses
- English/French/Arabic

- Only 8 (maybe 10) positions available
- Test only for people who do not meet all requirements
- Interview with committee

- Cadet training will be running at the end of this year for people with 0 time...

Cedarjet, I know you think that I'm just trying to start something here but for me, it's a way to discuss what I was told and maybe find out what the real requirements are...You know, even when I'm told things by important lebanese people, I have learned to challenge...

If you doubt what I'm saying, ask Smurfjet and he'll tell you if I do or not know people on the board...!

Cheers mate,

[CedarJet]

Hello Flag,

Your info, the info posted by Concordino and mine are all the same. Only we are getting abit more details as time is going on.

I doubt there is a limit on 8 to 10 empty posts to be filled.
It is more a question that only 8 to 10 applicants fulfill all the requirements and have a good chance.
MEA needs more than 10 pilots, and they will take as much as they can (who meet the MEA requirements). That's why the Cadet Scheme is starting again in DEcember-January as they need to hire more pilots.

[Flagada]

Hello CJ,

You know, there is something very strange regarding the salary. 2 Years ago, I had a conversation re: the $$ and the starting pay was US$ 6000 /month - the training fees.

It is true that MEA went through restructuring but I think they went from one extreme to the other...

I can't understand the 2000$/month crap...6K seemed low at the time because some of the on board captains were making Multiple 6 figures...

And now they drop it to below 3K...Unless you're planning to live in Leb, I can't see how applicants will be interested...

You don't fly enough at MEA to justify being there...So forget about the I'll get the time and move on...

Dissapointing all around for me...
Thoughts on that?
Cheers

[chrislikesblue]

Anyone have the email or address where to send an application?
I am not Lebanese but i think i should try my luck.

[Flagada]

Does anyone know what sort of schedule New hires are on?

I mean in terms of time On & Off...! I have gotten to know some MEA & TMA pilots living abroad...Is that possible for new hires?

Comments?

[DoItInverted]

Hi all!!

MEA received far more applications then what they expecting! How many pilots will they hire is a big question and I think they even don't know..

As for the conditions from a very reliable source..
Pay for your type rating (US$ 50000.-)
Pay for your selections and sim check ( US$ 5000.-)
And the most unbelievable thing... You get bonded!!! For what I have no idea since you pay for everything.. This bond also applies if you are already type rated.. Go figure..

Salary is about US$500 during your training until you are released on line. Thereafter around 2000.-

Candidates should be contacted very soon in order to start the selections.

Haven't heard anything regarding schedules so can't tell you much.

I still think MEA's way of hiring pilots is crap. They know that Lebanese pilots don't have the choice and they are taking advantage of the situation..
MEA has a very good reputation with high standard crew but I don't think it's a very honnest way of hiring pilots.

I wonder have much money will the cadets have to pay?!?

Nevertheless, let us informed if/when the selections start.

Regards,
DII

[ODGUY]

Flagada, 32 yrs of age maximum.

for the other post, you must be a lebanese citizen with the right to live and work there.

[OD-AFA]

Hello all,

So when are they planning to call? How long will the selection process take before they decide who will be called for an interview?

How many people applied and did everyone that appeared in person get an application form?

I thought I might as well get the forum started again, because it's slipping to the bottom of the list of topics! :-)

Hope all are doing well in their respective parts of the world.

OD-AFA

[OD-AFA]

Some news for the boys...

Sounds like candidates will be contacted starting tomorrow.

OD-AFA

[bcqc]

Anyone heard anything yet? Have they got an idea how many guys they will eventually need? Cheers

[OD-AFA]

bcqc,

The story I got was that the phone-calls were going to start on Friday. Haven't heard anything yet as far as how many they are calling, or when the interviews are taking place.

Anyone on the board have an idea?

Ahhh... the waiting game. It's the best part, ain't it :ooh:

My other question... where's the sim-check taking place?

OD-AFA

[MEA321]

This selection process is the first of many to come. I found many discrepancies with previous posts to what is really going on.

One thing that I have to bring up is that Captain Osama Balaa was expelled from the LPA in 1998, how is it possible that he is doing interviews??

Another thing is that there is no formal decision within MEA to start an ab-initio cadet program anytime soon.

Although the deadline for this hiring class has passed, here is the requirements:

1. Lebanese National
2. Military service in Lebanon, or excemption.
3. Maximum age 32 years old.
4. Lebanese baccalaureate, second part, or equivalent.
5. ICAO ATPL - fixed wing, obtained without exemptions with passes in all ground examinations from top ranked approved and internationallly recognized pilot training organizations.
6. Multi engine and instrument rating, radio telephony license, and current Lebanese class one medical (signed by Lebanese medical examiner).
7. Multi Crew Cooperation Course certificate
8. Airbus 320 family type rating is an asset.
9. Fluent spoken and written english.
10. minimum height 168 cm. Weight proportional to height.
11. Basic computer skills.

Finally, there was a shortage of applications this time, not an excess amount. In Lebanon and abroad there are not a lot of qualified LEBANESE NATIONAL pilots who fit these requirements. MEA is reluctant to make exceptions or excemptions.

[OD-AFA]

MEA321,

Very interesting information. I'm not sure what's happening any more. My sources told me that the phone-calls were starting on Friday, but no-one has heard anything yet.

How many candidates applied? I heard it was around 35 in total, and only a few of these have all the requirements. Wouldn't it mean that they would be able pick the ones they want to interview, quite quickly?

Another question for you... how many selection processes are they talking about? How many pilots are they looking for?

No-one has had any firm answers so far.... I'm hoping this will change.

OD-AFA

[MEA321]

There is no word from MEA Headquarters how many F/O's they need exactly. The only thing that is know is they need as many as they can get at the moment.

MEA has just recently become profitable, posting a 22 million dollar profit for 2003 after operating in the red for many many years. Senior captains are just starting to leave the company as it is finally manageable for MEA.

This year alone there was a good number of senior captains that were able to retire due to the improving condition of MEA. That is why you are seeing the pilot hiring scheme finally come back after a long absence.

In basic terms, MEA will continue to advertise the pilot direct entry scheme until they have reached their desired amount of hires (I dont know the number but it is more than 20.) Now that the requirements have been made public, it will give Lebanese pilots an idea of what they must complete in order to qualify. The next hiring class early next year could have more success due to pilots completing the requirements if they are already close.

I want to clarify also that MEA will send its class of hires to do the type rating course at CAE in Dubai. The self expense portion of testing consists of aptitude, personality and psychology tests in Lebanon and abroad. One of them is done at the Deutschen Zentrum fur Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR - German center for air and space travel) in Berlin or Bahrain, and it is a thorough psychology and physical examination which tests fatigue and stress, very high fail rate for those who are not prepared.

[OD-AFA]

MEA321,

I'm really impressed by all the information you've provided so far.

As far as the psycological testing goes... you said there is a high fail rate for those who are not prepared. How does one go about getting prepared for the tests?

OD-AFA

[Paterbrat]

Pay for your tests, symbolic salary to begin with and pay for your airbus rating!? It appears that there is a high premium required to work for MEA.

[DoItInverted]

MEA321,

thanks for the info!

Can you please explain the following:

- Pay for the selection (5000 US$)
- Pay for the rating (50000 US$)
- You get bonded for 5 F:mad:G years???!!!!:confused: :confused: :confused:

These 3 points are exact! The figures are correct!

How on earth can you bond somebody when the company is not going to put a single pence before hiring these desperat pilots looking for a flying job?!?!?

Now the salary.. I believe a union exists at MEA. How can MEA outrule a salary grid signed by both the management and the union???

Wonder what a lawyer would say about all this..

That's abosultely :yuk: :yuk: !!!

All this to wish best of luck to the candidates once more! At least you'll be flying very nice planes!!!

Cheers!
DII

[MEA321]

DoItInverted

Im curious of what your source is. $50,000 for an Airbus 320 family type rating....hmm thats interesting... Last time I checked it was only about $ 30,000 USD. I can not imagine how your price got so high.

Your $5000 figure for selection payment can be easily broken down. The initial JAA medical which can be converted to Lebanese Class one costs around $1300 USD and $100 conversion cost. Then the DLR exam costs about $2000 USD. What we have left is $1700 which can cover hotel expenses, travel, and finally the cost of aptitude and personality tests which take place in Lebanon.

There are three unions at MEA, one for pilots, air stewards, and ground crews. All of them have salary agreements with management and the salaries are overall agreed upon.

OD-AFA

The DLR is a test that can test anyone's patience down to the last second. There is hand-eye coordination tests involved and fatigue tests that can catch you by surprise if you are not well aware of what to expect. There are study manuals from what I understand that help you prepare for the DLR examination, those should be studied thoroughly prior to beginning the examination. Most of the DLR is conducted via group exercises to tests CRM and multi crew concepts.

[OD-AFA]

Thank you very much MEA321. I'll have a look and see what I can find with regards to the DLR.

Any other information you could pass along would be much appreciated.

OD-AFA

[DoItInverted]

MEA321,

Regarding cost of selection you are missing the price of the simuator. Yes candidates have to pay for this as well.

As for the price of the type rating, that's the price given to somebody who applied... Like I said before, I didn't make these numbers.. But I trully hope the rating will cost 30000 US$!

I can understand somebody paying for his type rating. The golden years of aviation are far behind us and this practice is getting very commun. But when you pay for your rating and get bonded for some years it means that the company is going to pay back the rating over a number of years. Which is definately not the case here...

Since you seem flying for MEA, when you got your job, was your salary 500US$ until you were released on line (this figure was also given to the applicant when handing over all the paperwork!)

I had the chance to fly onboard an MEA plane and I must say that pilots, cabin crew and service were excellent. A lot better than many majors accross Europe! That's why I'm very disapointed with this way of hiring pilots..

Enough for now!
Cheers!
DII

[CedarJet]

Hello MEA321

Profits at MEA and the number of retiring Captains are 2 independent events. all pilots will retire at 60 regardless of the economic situation of the airline. The average age of MEA pilots is very high and more than half the pilots will retire in the coming 4 years.

Like you said MEA will take as much candidates (That pass the process)as they can from this direct entry selection. But the next class will be a Cadet Pilot course. MEA will restart this scheme taking around 10 pilot every year from now on. The candidates who did not have the qualifications to join the direct entry scheme could have a chance with the ab initio course.

By the way, getting fired from the pilots union for internal issues does not prohibit any Head of Department from doing his administrative job.

Are you the same MEA321 as on another forum...

[MEA321]

CedarJet,

What you are saying about the pilot retirement is absolutely correct, I never said MEA is willing to break the rules in order to stay afloat. However, it is a common practice by airlines to offer senior captains with early retirement, as gratitude for their long service.

With the situation at MEA, senior captains never had this luxury up until recently, when management finally was able to let some go.

DoItInverted

Salary is strictly taboo and I dont think there are a lot of MEA pilots that would discuss it.

All I can say is down the line, MEA pilots make comparable wages to other pilots in the region.

[DoItInverted]

MEA321:

I never asked for any figure regarding salaries of pilots already working for MEA! And very honestly I couldn't care less.

All I can say is down the line, MEA pilots make comparable wages to other pilots in the region.

That's exactly what I was saying in my previous post. Salaries given to these new applicants is very low..

Anyway.. Hope all the guys will be fine (which I'm sure they will!) and they'll get this long waited flying job!

Cheers!
DII

[concordino]

to MEA321,

If the cost of the evaluation is approx 5000 USD, are you sure the JAA class 1 medical and the Lebanese Class 1 check are part of it ?

How long will the selection process last ?

Cheers

:)

[ODGUY]

Any more details about the testing and how one can prepare for them?

[OD-AFA]

Well...

It's coming up to 2 weeks since the closing date for the applications. No news yet. Anyone have any leads, or "rumours" with what is going on?

Ah yes... the waiting game. Always fun.

Cedarjet, MEA321... any news from the inside?

OD-AFA:ok:

[DoItInverted]

ODGUY and Concordino,
check your PM.

Cheers!
DII

[Flagada]

Hey everyone...I just want to share my 2 cents with everyone on here...!

Most if not all of you are Lebanese so you know, as well as I do what a promise from companies in our country is worth! I'm not saying MEA lied, far from that...They will most likely call each person who applied since the number of applications was way below the expectations...!

I have spoken with my sources and this first selection seems to be on track although, for my part, I decided not to take join the process having been extremely disappointed by Info told to me/or read on this Forum...!

I would recommend not dropping anything you're doing at the moment. Don't get wrapped up in something that might end up being a big disappointment!

I have heard too many contradictory statements from my sources and the pure facts are just too saddening to hear!

I have a very good knowledge of the Lebanese AA, the MEA environment & the surrounding Aviation scene...!

Just be careful with what you're told and if what you were waiting for comes up than best of Luck!!

Cheers
Flag:ok:

[concordino]

The way this thread has been going is very strange in a way, much like the MEA selection for those of you who applied and been to Beyrut to submit their papers.

I am with flagada's point of view with regards to keeping tight for those in jobs already, yet on the other hand i think very few of those who applied have stable piloting jobs.

CedarJet and MEA320 seem to be in the know of things and thus would love to see them share as much objective info on the matter.:ok:

Till again patience and a bucket full of it too.

[OD-AFA]

Gentleman, gentleman,

How about everyone put everything they know into the open. It will be very helpful in making decisions. No?

And you're right... here's to buckets of patience!

OD-AFA

:O

[MEA321]

Gentlemen,

I want to wish the best of luck to those potential Cadets who are currently under review at MEA - Air Liban.

I will support Flagada's advice and say that those who did apply should not put all of their hope on MEA now because unfortunately some applications will be rejected. The chances may seem very promising, knowing that there is a shortage of pilots at MEA.

The selection process is very involved and needs time. Each application is given special consideration. By now the phone calls might be going out for the next round of group interviews and I have heard about an IR check abroad. This will all happen soon.

At last check, 38 applied (currently under selection).

Best of luck to everyone.

[Flagada]

Gentleman, gentleman,

How about everyone put everything they know into the open. It will be very helpful in making decisions. No?

And you're right... here's to buckets of patience!

OD-AFA


Hello,

This is the initial info that my sources S. Geha & O. Balaa forwarded me when I expressed my interest.

___________________________________________________

Flight Crew (Pilots)

Middle East Airlines AirLiban is inciting applications from highly motivated personnel for the position of Pilot
(First Officer).

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

I. Lebanese national
2- Have completed the Lebanese military service or have an official final exemption in that respect
3- Maximum age 32 years
4- Lebanese Baccalaureate, Second Part, or equivalent, Higher education is an asset
5- Holder of ICAO approved Airline Transport Pilot's Licence (ATPL) - fixed wing, obtained without
exemptions with passes in all ground examinations from top ranked approved and internationally
recognised pilot training organisations
6- Holder of the following technical and medical cartificates; a valid Multi Engine Instrument Rating (IR).
Aeronautical Radiotelephony Licence. and a current Lebanese Class One Medical
7- Multi Crew Cooperation Course certificate
8- Airbus 320 famlv type rating is an asset
9- Fluent in English spocken and written
10- Minimum height 153 cm Weight proportional to height
11- Basic computer skills
12- Suitable candidates will be required to undergo aptitude. personality, medical and licensing exams and evaluations in Lebanon and abroad. The cost of these exams and all expenses will be borne by the applicant ,

Applicants must report in person upon an appointment to the Technical Departrnent at MAE Head Quarters, Airport Road, Beirut until August 13th , 2O04 accompanied by the fallowing documents (originals and copies):
1. Recent CV
2. Lebanese identification card or passport
3. Lebanese judicial record
4. Military exemption or completion
5. Lebanese medical examination certificate signed by a Lehanese medical examiner
6- Flying Licence
7- University or other educational certificate(s) or degree(s) with record of grades
8- Flying school certificates and / or diplomas
9- Flying school records and grades
10- Log book. Copies of 1" page and last 10 pages
11- 6 recent passport size pictures in colour
12- 2 letters of reference

For appointments and information please contact the following telephone numbers between 10 am and 2 pm: 01 628888 ext. 22742 or 22919 / 01 622742 / 01 522919

___________________________________________________

I know very well Capt Balaa and Geha and to be honest, I have never had the same song sung to me twice...They always find a new melody...I know their surroundings like T.H, A.C, N.A etc. and I have learned to be careful even with friends.

Two years ago, when the hiring was decided, I was there with them and was told that if I was interested, I should forward my documents... So for you guys who think 2 weeks is a wait!!! It took me 2 years of sitting around...At that time, I was extremely interested because I was told that the salary was averaging the 6000 $US & only a slim part of the training would be taken off the salary as a bond...!

I was also "working" for Bsat Rih Air. Actually, that ended up being just another waiting game since I never saw the Metro III
take off...

I now work in a much better position and frankly can't see myself going to MEA. They called me numerous times and the requirements and benefits for the job seemed to follow greatly my willingness to join MEA curve...

I also know that if Lebanese don't meet the requirements, then they'll dig and hire foreigners...! The Cadet programme is on track although it's the same story, some major budget cuts will make it less interesting for future hires...

Cheers

[OD-AFA]

Flagada,

Thanks for all the info. It's nice to get someones actual experience with the company, vs. rumours.

OD-AFA

P.S. Has anyone received a phone-call yet? Only reason I ask is that one of my colleagues (an unreliable source though) said he was contacted earlier today.

[concordino]

About calls,

I got one on monday asking for more papers, i must have gotten used to it by now with all the procedure etc etc...

Meanwhile I am in the stack waiting for an EAT or might be diverting... :}

Keep it coming Ya Chabab.

Concordino

[OD-AFA]

I'm rather happy that there are so many Lebanese pilots out there. I was the only one in my class when I completed my training, and I've only bumped into two Lebanese pilots in the last few years.

As for the phone-calls... mmmmMMMmmm... I'm not sure if it's a good or a bad sign. Has anyone called MEA to find out if the selections have already been completed?

I'm with you on this one Concordino. We may have to pick a higher flight-level for this hold.

I'm really curious... could we have a poll on this following question... How many of the people in this message thread live in Lebanon, or are currently in Lebanon for the Summer?

Like Conordino said, keep it coming boys, any information makes the wait more bearable.

OD-AFA

[OD-AFA]

Hello guys and girls,

I found it my duty to get this post going again! :D

So any news? Common spit it out! I called earlier yesterday and wasn't very lucky in getting any information. It seems like things are being kept under wraps rather tightly.

Keep on trucking,

OD-AFA

P.S. Anyone living out on the West-Coast (ie: Vancouver)? I think a beer-call is in order!

[bcqc]

Hard to believe no one has heard anything. Or that they were told to wait some more at least!!! OD-AFA, I'm in Vancouver, let me know...
Yalla chabeb...

[OD-AFA]

I'm with you on this one bcqc. This is turning into an episode from the "Twilight Zone"... popcorn anyone?

OD-AFA:O

[concordino]

Hello All

I wonder if the recent political events in Lebanon are having anything to do with the MEA's recruitment process.

On the other hand does anyone know contacts for the Lebanese Pilot Association (syndicate or union). Do they have a website ?
any contacts ?

Cheers

[OD-AFA]

I don't really follow the news in Lebanon. What is happening, as far the political side of things? How would it affect hiring at MEA?

OD-AFA

[DoItInverted]

SNAM,

if they follow their requirements, it shouldn't be possible.. But you never know..

In addition, why would a foreign pilot apply with such bad conditions.. You'll tell me cause it's better than being unemployed annd to build up hours which for me is a valid reason but then you get bonded for 5 years.

Honnestly I wouldn't..

Cheers!
DII

[OD-AFA]

Gents,

Any rumours about what is happening next? Any dates for the phone-calls.

Cheers,

OD-AFA

[Flagada]

5 years experience?

First you have to speak in terms of hours and second, 5 years at MEA won't get you much of those anyway...!

My 0.02€ ;)

Sorry, no news on my side...

Reference to offensive language deleted. 4HP

[ODGUY]

folks, 5 years at mea isnt getting you many hrs.

[Rani]

Hello,

A good friend of mine has just left Montreal and heading to Beirut for a series of tests. He is 23 years old, holds an ATL but with no experience. He told me his chances are good but dont recall exactly why. I wish him the best of luck.

canileb, would you mind telling me where you work and in which country? I follow the Nigerian aviation industry closely...

Thanks..

[OD-AFA]

Rani,

Is your friend going down to Beirut for an interview with MEA, or is he submitting an application with them? I haven't heard anything from my side either. The wait continues.

V1- ROTATE!!!

OD-AFA

[CedarJet]

Don't panic guys.
Latest from BEY:
You'll get the call within 2 weeks.


Hang in there:ok:

[OD-AFA]

Gentlemen, thought this might lift your spirits up a bit:

MEA has announced that it is estimating a $37 million profit for 2004 up from $22 million in 2003.

As a result, MEA has announced that it will launch two new destinations, Doha, Qatar as part of expanding the partnership with Qatar Airways and Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt which is an extremely popular destination for Lebanese. These two routes will be launched sometime at the end of October in time for the Muslim holiday, Eid el-Fitr.

MEA will also lease a 4th A330-200 boosting its fleet to 10 aircraft. The date of when it will be leased however was not mentioned, but it will be used to increase Paris (CDG) service from a daily A321 and daily A330 to two daily A330s. It will probably be leased sometime next year.

They predict that this year they will handle 1,150,000 passengers up from 974,000 passengers handled last year.

As a result of the massive increase in profit and higher passenger numbers, MEA will reduce ticket prices effective September 14. This will even further boost traffic numbers.

Keep the blue side up,

OD-AFA

[canileb]

Hi Rani,

I am based in Abidjan, Ivory Coast flying the ATR42 on a DHL contract. Feel free to ask any questions!

Cheers

[bcqc]

That's it!! More then a week without any posts...Any movement?!!! Abou Ras, get the defib...
By the way Canileb, any movement in Côte d'ivoirrre. What do they ask for fo's ATR 42. Cheers

[concordino]

Hello All,

Calls are going out, I got mine yesterday. So for all concerned your calls are coming without a doubt.

Hang tight there is hope for all, good luck and GOD Bless.

Concordino

[canileb]

Hi,

try www.solenta.com to apply for the atr jobs; we are mostly looking for captains with time on time. Apparently, they are also hiring 1900 pilots for a contract in Iraq but nothing is confirmed...

Cheers for now.

P.S.: good luck concordino and do let me know how it goes!

[Flagada]

Hello All,

Calls are going out, I got mine yesterday. So for all concerned your calls are coming without a doubt.

Hang tight there is hope for all, good luck and GOD Bless.

Concordino

Maybe you should let people know what they told or promised...Cause on my side, my last conversation was as dry as an old mans fart...! :}

[concordino]

Hey Flagada,

No stories or promises just a call telling you when you have to be present for the intreview.

Last day is Tomorrow friday the 24th and good luck to all those concerned.

Did you get one ? Let me know or yet PM me....

Cheers

A dry Old man's Fart could do much damage to you know what...:}

[Flagada]

I actually didn't apply. Wasn't better than my current situation!

Hope your interview goes well! Keep us posted...

[bcqc]

Whatever happened at MEA after some of you were called? Is this happening for real? Yalla,Thanks

[concordino]

Where is everybody that has been animating this thread ?!

Hope you keep it going with whatever good imputs you all have.

:)

[Flagada]

So gentlemen? Did anything ever happen or was MEA faithful to its old habits?

Cheers

[concordino]

Hi Flagada,

Check your PM.

:cool:

[bcqc]

So hey why not let everyone know what's happening here...
And what about Menajet? Basically hat perspective for a leb low-timer?
Take Care...

[Flagada]

Concordio, check PM, sorry for the late reply.

bcqc, no news yet, people are waiting.

[Flagada]

Bump, need to keep it fresh.:8

[bcqc]

I agree with Flagada, let's keep this alive...I'm still interested in what's happening with aviation and Lebanon...anyone got that MEA call or what? I might be wrong but wasn't it a very low number of people with close ties to someone on the inside...ie captain's sons kinda thing...

[concordino]

bcqc,

Just for Info ,not all those taken had insiders in the company and i think ALL those accepted were based on their own merits...

:cool:

[bcqc]

concordino,

I'm glad to know that...finally there might have been a little democratical process in selecting their candidates. do you know how many were taken? have they started yet?
take care

[ODGUY]

On their own merits? democratic?

:ok:

[bcqc]

i know what you mean....democratic...they have yet to know what kind of concept that is, but if we get into that we're bound to have an endless debate over many aspects of lebanese society....

[MEA321]

Ahlan everyone,

9 first officers were hired at the conclusion of testing and interviewing late last year.

Type ratings were completed in Dubai in April and May of this year. They are now all in line training on the A321.

In a few years time they will recieve cross training on the A330.