If you're considering EK take the time for a read:
I have found myself literally barely able to speak during an approach to Dubai after a night turn to somewhere delightful in the Middle East. One of the few occasions that I submitted a fatigue report (no come back, btw).
Join Date: Sep 2015
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Need EK Information Please!
’m going for my second interview for EK in Dubai, and I’ll probably have to make a decision. I tried to post, but Pprune won’t publish it, please help.
-My Info:
- 29 years old, no wife, no kids
- American Eagle Employed 5 years (Upgrade less than 2)
- Hold a line, Avg 13 days off, 80+ hours, 40K/year
- Live in base, no commute
- AA flow sometime within next 10 years (so they say)
-My plan:
- Fly for EK 3-5 years, get life/career experience, make good money, see the world, live somewhere exotic. Come back to U.S. fly for a major after that.
- My concerns:
- Quality of life, crew treatment, time off, ability to get back to the states.
- I have heard lots of good about EK, but lately, looking at the forums, quite a lot of bad things. I’m not willing to kill myself for a type or money. I just need someone who has been there a while to give it to me straight. I appreciate your help. Thank you.
-My Info:
- 29 years old, no wife, no kids
- American Eagle Employed 5 years (Upgrade less than 2)
- Hold a line, Avg 13 days off, 80+ hours, 40K/year
- Live in base, no commute
- AA flow sometime within next 10 years (so they say)
-My plan:
- Fly for EK 3-5 years, get life/career experience, make good money, see the world, live somewhere exotic. Come back to U.S. fly for a major after that.
- My concerns:
- Quality of life, crew treatment, time off, ability to get back to the states.
- I have heard lots of good about EK, but lately, looking at the forums, quite a lot of bad things. I’m not willing to kill myself for a type or money. I just need someone who has been there a while to give it to me straight. I appreciate your help. Thank you.
Join Date: May 2014
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Eagle stay in the US and get hired by the majors. What are you waiting for? The good airlines are hiring nearly 100 pilots a month for the foreseeable future. You wait 5 years and you are 6000 numbers junior. All for what?
The money is not good at EK and better at widebody positions in the USA. It might take you 3-4 years to get a widebody but your health will be so much better if you stay in the states. Plus you will get treated better.
Even on reserve at the US majors you get 13 days off a month. Think about it! You are better in the states.
The money is not good at EK and better at widebody positions in the USA. It might take you 3-4 years to get a widebody but your health will be so much better if you stay in the states. Plus you will get treated better.
Even on reserve at the US majors you get 13 days off a month. Think about it! You are better in the states.
Join Date: Sep 2011
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- My concerns:
- Quality of life, crew treatment, time off, ability to get back to the states.
- Quality of life, crew treatment, time off, ability to get back to the states.
I’m not willing to kill myself for a type or money
Seriously and honestly.
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EagleDude..
Since you seem rather naive… I'm sending you a PM to tell you a few things about EK.
LOL… and just found out I can't since you don't have enough posts yet to do PM's.
Just stay away from EK. Go to the airline in Abu Dhabi or Qatar if you must come to the ME.
Kap
Since you seem rather naive… I'm sending you a PM to tell you a few things about EK.
LOL… and just found out I can't since you don't have enough posts yet to do PM's.
Just stay away from EK. Go to the airline in Abu Dhabi or Qatar if you must come to the ME.
Kap
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: NDB
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Exhaust all avenues with the Majors first, your in your prime to make the grade and get on a seniority list.
The others will always be there as an option. Good luck.
The others will always be there as an option. Good luck.
Last edited by OnceBitten; 2nd Oct 2015 at 16:38. Reason: Avoiding misinterpretations
Join Date: Jun 2001
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I don't work at EK, but been over here 24+ years.. as a general statement....stay at home Eagle Dude.....I don't regret coming over, but don't recommend it either..
Join Date: Feb 2015
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If you're on the A330 you'll get used to the Indian turnarounds and the rosters aren't so bad as I've heard from the 7 drivers. Shorts flights are great on A330 like BAH, MCT, IKA, DOH and I get the rest needed at home, chill out on the weekends and so far, Dubai isn't so bad as they say it is. Just.. a strict management.
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Tom...
10 posts, eh? Not a real wealth of reality of flying the 330 at EK I'm guessing. You'll soon find out... 8 days off for months in a row, 2 layovers on 6 months (according to one 330 captain I rode in transport with recently).
I give you 6 months or less... And a few more Posts until you realize what you've gotten into on the 330 at EK..
Kap
10 posts, eh? Not a real wealth of reality of flying the 330 at EK I'm guessing. You'll soon find out... 8 days off for months in a row, 2 layovers on 6 months (according to one 330 captain I rode in transport with recently).
I give you 6 months or less... And a few more Posts until you realize what you've gotten into on the 330 at EK..
Kap
Join Date: Jun 2001
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Eagle
Invest in your future by staying where you are. You will save very little at EK even as a single FO. After 5 years you will still be an FO and looking to go back to USA on lower seniority than you have now.
Stay where you are and be patient. It will be worth it.
Invest in your future by staying where you are. You will save very little at EK even as a single FO. After 5 years you will still be an FO and looking to go back to USA on lower seniority than you have now.
Stay where you are and be patient. It will be worth it.
Join Date: Jun 2005
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If your plan is to eventually work for one of the big carriers in the US, why not do it now? Coming here will certainly increase your bank balance as a single guy but if you were to do 5 years in 'exotic' Dubai, you'll be returning to the States and starting at the bottom. You'll be 34 then. That's 5 wasted years in my opinion and long term, you'd be financially worse off. As for lifestyle, please read the thread 'INSANITY' started by Pixy. He hits the nail firmly on the head regarding fatigue issues and days off. The 330 is not a nice fleet to be on and you have no guarantee of what you'll get when you join. The Company may well promise you a B777 or 380 but it can, and has, changed on the day you arrive after signing on the dotted line.
I would be the first to advocate you joining EK if I thought it would be in your best interest but in your case, I can't.
Harry
I would be the first to advocate you joining EK if I thought it would be in your best interest but in your case, I can't.
Harry
Join Date: Jan 2006
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In five years at EK you'll STILL be an FO. Using your timeline in five years at AE you'll have three years of CA time.
If upgrade is the path to getting hire WTF would you leave now???
If upgrade is the path to getting hire WTF would you leave now???
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Eagle... Have you even researched the US Airlines.. And regional in particular??? Do your homework!!!!
Almost all the regional have a flow thru to the majors and upgrade time for almost any crj is a year or two tops!
At EK, you will NOT have the days off in a row to go interview in the US unless you're on vacation.
Seriously... If you come here and get an interview back in the states for example, you'll have that 5 year 50K bond hanging over your head. You're stuck!!!!!!
Think!!!
K
Almost all the regional have a flow thru to the majors and upgrade time for almost any crj is a year or two tops!
At EK, you will NOT have the days off in a row to go interview in the US unless you're on vacation.
Seriously... If you come here and get an interview back in the states for example, you'll have that 5 year 50K bond hanging over your head. You're stuck!!!!!!
Think!!!
K
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Escaped the sandpit 53° 32′ 9.19″ N, 9° 50′ 13.29″ E
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Dude, your plan sounds great but there is an issue. Because of the bond you have to stay 5 years with EK. The pay isn't that bad, but forget that you'll save a lot of money. A single EK Pilot will find enough amusement 
So you'll go back to the US after 5 years as a FO with plenty of WB time which doesn't help you because the system in the US is based on seniority. You'll find yourself at the end of the seniority list with a regional carrier. Ask yourself if those 5 years with EK will be a career booster.
So you'll go back to the US after 5 years as a FO with plenty of WB time which doesn't help you because the system in the US is based on seniority. You'll find yourself at the end of the seniority list with a regional carrier. Ask yourself if those 5 years with EK will be a career booster.
Join Date: Aug 2015
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who cares, let this fool come, he can ruin his own life if the thinks he knows better
Edit: @GoreTex What would have been your advice if he would come instead of the US from Brazil?
Join Date: Sep 2015
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Thank you ExDubai for being constructive. However, I have to correct you. Regional to major is NOT based on seinority, therefore a pilot junior to me can/will get a job at a major if they have the time and experience.
Also, I can break the bond and pay some money, NBD, I don't spend money freely and I would be able to save quite a bit over 2 years or so.
That being said, I don't want to be labeled a "traitor" by the recruitment guys back in the states.
Also, I can break the bond and pay some money, NBD, I don't spend money freely and I would be able to save quite a bit over 2 years or so.
That being said, I don't want to be labeled a "traitor" by the recruitment guys back in the states.
Join Date: May 2003
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US guys flying in the ME ARE being hired by the majors, and Atlas.
I recommend checking out Etihad, based in Abu Dhabi, and Qatar, based in Doha, Qatar. I would also suggest applying for the ANA (Japanese) 767 jobs, if you are interested in flying in that area.
Namaste...
I recommend checking out Etihad, based in Abu Dhabi, and Qatar, based in Doha, Qatar. I would also suggest applying for the ANA (Japanese) 767 jobs, if you are interested in flying in that area.
Namaste...