got the call....er, e-mail

[kk pilot]

After submiting an app 9 mos ago, I'm on the short list for an interview in 2 weeks - 777 DEC. I have read just about every post and still have a few questions.

- What's the 777 bond (I'm not rated)
- still trying to find out the gross pay for 777 Capt - the web sites I checked didn't include SIA (wife, 2 boys)
- If I call and try and re-sked the interview, am I looking at another several months (I have a conflict - reccurent check at my current job - I am DAL early retired and now a contract flt.inst there so, no, I would not be leaving a flying job (and that pension is in the bank thank goodness)
- Lots more negative comments vs positive ones. I'll listen to all of them if I can get the true picture.
- I visited Singapore several years ago as a navy pilot off the ship for 4 days - that's my only exposure. I did like it then and the wife's game. Comments??
- I assume this is a mainline job interview and not cargo or could I be mistaken? - e-mail didn't say although I did apply for mainline


pm's appreciated!!!

thnx
kbk :D

[BlueEagle]

Just a couple of points.

The B777 is mainline, not cargo.

The bond will be about S$130,000 over five years, you don't have to front this in cash, it is what they will take if you leave within five years, allowing for a reduction per year served ON LINE of approx S$26,000. You may well have to provide a bank guarantee though, this is cash up front in a bank, you get the interest but SIA have the right to call it in if you leave before the bond period is served.

Be careful about trying to reschedule the interview, but as they are short of crews you may be OK, the problem is they will have more unrated applicants than rated, SIA like everything done their way! You could well be looking at a few days, a few weeks or months or possibly not at all, suggest you 'phone them up and discuss it with whoever sent you the email, or their supervisor.

Singapore is a nice place to live, if you can afford it, as you don't sound as though you will be saving too hard you should be OK.

The Company is in the process of trying to play hard-ball with it's employees and downgrade the Ts & Cs, it will be easier for you as a newcomer to accept these revised conditions than for people who have been there several years and are seeing their contracts disregarded.

[BANANASBANANAS]

Well said Blue Eagle. I have lived and worked a couple of hours east of SIN for the past 9 years and seen my own companys terms and conditions deteriorate to the extent that professional pride dictates that I have a good look around to see what else is available.

I fully sympathise with all those pilots at SIA who feel similar frustrations to myself and most other pilots in my own company, especially if they are "prisoners" of the bonding system.

Having said all that, I would be 60% better off working for SIA Cargo than staying where I am and my interview is later this month so I guess your last paragraph does apply to me.

[guybrush]

I know this is somewhat off topic, but how is life as a pilot in the Far East in general? In the Middle East almost everyone is complaining (pop up at the Middle East forum). Is it the same in the Far East? I my self am no pilot but would like to know how things differ from one place to the other.

We might want to ask for kk pilot's permission first. Maybe he/she wouldn't want to hear what it's like (especially if it isn't good news:ugh: ).

Cheers:ok:
guybrush

[Left Wing]

http://www3.icered.com/icered/home/mainPage.jspa?locationID=3&whereAmI=-1

[kk pilot]

Another question - If a DEC were to show up with a new 777 type rating after getting hired, but of course, no operating experience on the 777, would the TR bond be reduced or eliminated? I would assume that the hiring date would be weeks before the class start date thus allowing for time to go out and pay for a rating on one's own dollar.... :confused:

and thanks for the previous replies

kbk

[BlueEagle]

Crews arriving at SIA with a type rating AND years of line experience still have to do a ground school and written exam and simulator as well as line training. They don't have a bond though.

SIA will normally give you three months notice of a course starting but it may be less and they will write to your current employer before making an offer to ensure you are who you say you are, confirm your flying hours and that you are accident free.
Your actual hire date, (from when your pay commences), will be about two days before ground school starts.

If you are planning to pay for a B777 endorsement I suggest you talk to them first about any difference it may make to your terms and conditions.

[Aztec Kid]

kk pilot and BlueEagle, please check your PM.

Thank you