Flying for Qantas Regional Vs Longhaul?
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Flying for Qantas Regional Vs Longhaul?
Hi,
Interested to hear people's opinions of those who have transitioned from regional airline flying to long haul flying and what they think of it?
I'm currently a captain at QLink in mid 30's and thoroughly enjoy my job (most days!) but have caught a bit of the FOMO (fear of missing out) syndrome of late and whilst I have considered EK, I don't think it's for me to move over there for various reasons but the main one being that I love Australia and the lifestyle it offers me for my various activities I do outside of flying.
I'm quite interested in the thought of flying for mainline not primarily for the money but more for a new challenge and different operation. In my current job, I'm home most nights (approx 4 overnights a month) and get to have a balanced lifestyle and get paid pretty well as a captain.
For those that have transitioned from a similar position to mine that are now long haul flying, what do you think of it? Is the flying better/more interesting?, do you have more time off? How do you find the jet lag? What are the pro's and con's as you see it? Any regrets at all?
I think most of us here at some point reach a stage where we feel a plateau effect and need a new challenge and hence my interest in mainline but would be great to hear what others who have done it think about it all...
Thanks in advance for your feedback.
Interested to hear people's opinions of those who have transitioned from regional airline flying to long haul flying and what they think of it?
I'm currently a captain at QLink in mid 30's and thoroughly enjoy my job (most days!) but have caught a bit of the FOMO (fear of missing out) syndrome of late and whilst I have considered EK, I don't think it's for me to move over there for various reasons but the main one being that I love Australia and the lifestyle it offers me for my various activities I do outside of flying.
I'm quite interested in the thought of flying for mainline not primarily for the money but more for a new challenge and different operation. In my current job, I'm home most nights (approx 4 overnights a month) and get to have a balanced lifestyle and get paid pretty well as a captain.
For those that have transitioned from a similar position to mine that are now long haul flying, what do you think of it? Is the flying better/more interesting?, do you have more time off? How do you find the jet lag? What are the pro's and con's as you see it? Any regrets at all?
I think most of us here at some point reach a stage where we feel a plateau effect and need a new challenge and hence my interest in mainline but would be great to hear what others who have done it think about it all...
Thanks in advance for your feedback.
If you are one of the lucky ones who made their dreams and passion a career then you will know its not about money.
If it is life style you seek then you are already there.
The question to ask yourself and then go and speak honestly with the guys that have left.
The grass is not greener just better fertilised.
Why are there plenty of EK captains sniffing for any gig fly back home? The correct question is ask their wives.
If it is so good, why does Cathay have Australian bases?
The decision as to FOMO is all your, but as someone who did it and spent 15 years out of the country I can tell you a plane is a plane.
Yes when I came back I halved my salary, but in the big scheme of things, the countless Hatch, Match & Dispatches that I missed...... I missed.
Planes come and go, jobs come and go, nothing in Australia is a secure job anymore, ask the QF guys now flying at EK.....
But you cant beat the Australian lifestyle
If it is life style you seek then you are already there.
The question to ask yourself and then go and speak honestly with the guys that have left.
The grass is not greener just better fertilised.
Why are there plenty of EK captains sniffing for any gig fly back home? The correct question is ask their wives.
If it is so good, why does Cathay have Australian bases?
The decision as to FOMO is all your, but as someone who did it and spent 15 years out of the country I can tell you a plane is a plane.
Yes when I came back I halved my salary, but in the big scheme of things, the countless Hatch, Match & Dispatches that I missed...... I missed.
Planes come and go, jobs come and go, nothing in Australia is a secure job anymore, ask the QF guys now flying at EK.....
But you cant beat the Australian lifestyle
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If you are one of the lucky ones who made their dreams and passion a career then you will know its not about money.
If it is life style you seek then you are already there.
The question to ask yourself and then go and speak honestly with the guys that have left.
The grass is not greener just better fertilised.
Why are there plenty of EK captains sniffing for any gig fly back home? The correct question is ask their wives.
If it is so good, why does Cathay have Australian bases?
The decision as to FOMO is all your, but as someone who did it and spent 15 years out of the country I can tell you a plane is a plane.
Yes when I came back I halved my salary, but in the big scheme of things, the countless Hatch, Match & Dispatches that I missed...... I missed.
Planes come and go, jobs come and go, nothing in Australia is a secure job anymore, ask the QF guys now flying at EK.....
But you cant beat the Australian lifestyle
If it is life style you seek then you are already there.
The question to ask yourself and then go and speak honestly with the guys that have left.
The grass is not greener just better fertilised.
Why are there plenty of EK captains sniffing for any gig fly back home? The correct question is ask their wives.
If it is so good, why does Cathay have Australian bases?
The decision as to FOMO is all your, but as someone who did it and spent 15 years out of the country I can tell you a plane is a plane.
Yes when I came back I halved my salary, but in the big scheme of things, the countless Hatch, Match & Dispatches that I missed...... I missed.
Planes come and go, jobs come and go, nothing in Australia is a secure job anymore, ask the QF guys now flying at EK.....
But you cant beat the Australian lifestyle
Thanks for the heads up mate. I'm hearing this type of response more and more from people out there that have gone over to either Dubai or Doha. We do some pretty cool flying from major international airports to small country aerodromes and in QLD here we have a large network of places to go to and feel that there will always be a requirement for regional aviation so feel it's a secure job especially with the premier company on the premier aircraft type.
Have been lucky enough to have had the opportunity for turbo prop flying and then short haul and long haul for a moor airline. I can tell you that I hated long haul with a passion. It was all very nice flying the bigger aircraft but the lifestyle for me sucked. That is what it comes down too, don't go to a long haul only airline like Emirates just to fly a bigger aircraft, make sure you want the lifestyle. I didn't enjoy long haul because I don't sleep well out of my own bed, if you can sleep anywhere it may suit you.
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the view when long haul flying as a SO used to be nice. India, Europe, China, polar ice caps etc. The job itself is s*$t boring. Not sure on the pay aspect, expect to be away a lot more....however when you get to the 737, you'll be on a similar lifestyle to a Dash. And good money.
Id go for mainline over the middle east. The LWOP guys have the distinct advantage that they know when (if the choose) they can leave. Not to say they aren't having a great time though!
Id jump on the mainline list ASAP, wait it out and go to the 737.
Id go for mainline over the middle east. The LWOP guys have the distinct advantage that they know when (if the choose) they can leave. Not to say they aren't having a great time though!
Id jump on the mainline list ASAP, wait it out and go to the 737.
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Sorry for thread drift but some posters enquiring about how S/O pay is calculated.
After first two years the payrate is basically 50% of Captain's pay while F/O is 65% - on current mainline types.
S/Os may do a few more longer sectors so a little more overtime pay on average.
The 787 will be a little different.
After first two years the payrate is basically 50% of Captain's pay while F/O is 65% - on current mainline types.
S/Os may do a few more longer sectors so a little more overtime pay on average.
The 787 will be a little different.
There are some really good replies here. It sounds as if you've got a pretty decent work/life balance along with a reasonably enjoyable job - you'd have to think very carefully before giving that away, if you're already happy with your lot in life.
My thoughts:-
Long-haul flying isn't really better or more interesting. The interesting and fun bits are at the start and finish of any sector. The middle bit is usually fairly dull. With long-haul, the middle bit lasts a long time.
With long-haul, you might get to see lots of new and exotic destinations, but it depends a lot on the airline. Once you've been to Dallas or Singapore 50 or 100 times, the novelty wears off.
It turns out that your willy doesn't actually get any bigger if you fly an A380 instead of a Dash 8. If you are short and unattractive, like me, you will remain short and unattractive.
You'll probably get longer chunks of time off between trips if you fly long-haul, which can be appealing. Bear in mind, though, that it may take a couple of days to recover from jet lag or a long overnight sector.
For me, flying widebodies on shortish sectors is about as good as it gets, but everyone's different. As always, be careful what you wish for.
My thoughts:-
Long-haul flying isn't really better or more interesting. The interesting and fun bits are at the start and finish of any sector. The middle bit is usually fairly dull. With long-haul, the middle bit lasts a long time.
With long-haul, you might get to see lots of new and exotic destinations, but it depends a lot on the airline. Once you've been to Dallas or Singapore 50 or 100 times, the novelty wears off.
It turns out that your willy doesn't actually get any bigger if you fly an A380 instead of a Dash 8. If you are short and unattractive, like me, you will remain short and unattractive.
You'll probably get longer chunks of time off between trips if you fly long-haul, which can be appealing. Bear in mind, though, that it may take a couple of days to recover from jet lag or a long overnight sector.
For me, flying widebodies on shortish sectors is about as good as it gets, but everyone's different. As always, be careful what you wish for.
Career wise, you will not beat QF. There is no other airline on the planet offering the work/life balance these guys get. The coin is good. Good options to live where you want, work when you want etc etc.
Down size is limited network. Domestic its the magic round about, same places over and over and over again. International its pretty much the same, it wont take long to have been everywhere they go, again again again and again. But its just a job where you get to fly and it finances a great lifestyle lifestyle for you and the family. You will not find a better package than QF.
Overseas works for some, not so good for others. I am lucky, as it works for my family and for me. The kids have grown up all around the world. They have friends from all over the world, and have established themselves outside of OZ.
The network the fleet I fly on still has places I haven't been to. It has a mix of short haul, 1hr, 2.5hr and 3hr sectors, as well as ULR (ultra long haul 16hr+), and everything in between. Once a month I take the Mrs for tapas in Barcelona, or Pasta in Milan, or fish and chips in the UK. We spend a weekend at the beach in Mauritius, or have a beer in Prague (you get the idea). All while I am at work. I buy my parmesan cheese in Rome, Rioja in Spain, Pork from Germany and the Chrissie ham from Brissie.
But the buggas work us hard. They find it difficult to communicate the truth. If you took it seriously you would go crazy. Check out the Middle east forum to see. As I said, I am lucky. My wife and kids like it over here. They have taken the opportunities that are available here and made it home.
So my recommendation would be. Go for QF. Buy the house you want, where you want. Send the kids to school you want. The rest will all work itself out.
Down size is limited network. Domestic its the magic round about, same places over and over and over again. International its pretty much the same, it wont take long to have been everywhere they go, again again again and again. But its just a job where you get to fly and it finances a great lifestyle lifestyle for you and the family. You will not find a better package than QF.
Overseas works for some, not so good for others. I am lucky, as it works for my family and for me. The kids have grown up all around the world. They have friends from all over the world, and have established themselves outside of OZ.
The network the fleet I fly on still has places I haven't been to. It has a mix of short haul, 1hr, 2.5hr and 3hr sectors, as well as ULR (ultra long haul 16hr+), and everything in between. Once a month I take the Mrs for tapas in Barcelona, or Pasta in Milan, or fish and chips in the UK. We spend a weekend at the beach in Mauritius, or have a beer in Prague (you get the idea). All while I am at work. I buy my parmesan cheese in Rome, Rioja in Spain, Pork from Germany and the Chrissie ham from Brissie.
But the buggas work us hard. They find it difficult to communicate the truth. If you took it seriously you would go crazy. Check out the Middle east forum to see. As I said, I am lucky. My wife and kids like it over here. They have taken the opportunities that are available here and made it home.
So my recommendation would be. Go for QF. Buy the house you want, where you want. Send the kids to school you want. The rest will all work itself out.
Good honest replys.
I would suggest thinking carefully about how your partner/ future partner may feel about it/ cope with it. Maybe write a list of the things that are really important to you, choose the top four and see how they fit into the different careers.
eg for me the first two or three things on the list would be about stability for my kids, the community my kids grow up in etc ( I like the idea of them only having one hometown) and the answer would be pretty obvious, but your list might be completely different.
I have never found a better type of flying than short domestic turbo prop flying, for me the cruise is just as interesting as the approach as I get to see how the weather is moving about the country , which areas are dry etc etc.
Everyone values different things, make a list of what your things are I reckon.
Let us know in a year or two how it works out.
I would suggest thinking carefully about how your partner/ future partner may feel about it/ cope with it. Maybe write a list of the things that are really important to you, choose the top four and see how they fit into the different careers.
eg for me the first two or three things on the list would be about stability for my kids, the community my kids grow up in etc ( I like the idea of them only having one hometown) and the answer would be pretty obvious, but your list might be completely different.
I have never found a better type of flying than short domestic turbo prop flying, for me the cruise is just as interesting as the approach as I get to see how the weather is moving about the country , which areas are dry etc etc.
Everyone values different things, make a list of what your things are I reckon.
Let us know in a year or two how it works out.
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Some good honest and comical replies.
Thanks to everyone. I can appreciate those that go abroad for there reasons but I'll stay with the QF group because I'm not in my twenties anymore. If I were then maybe it would be a decent move!
Thanks to everyone. I can appreciate those that go abroad for there reasons but I'll stay with the QF group because I'm not in my twenties anymore. If I were then maybe it would be a decent move!
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Have you applied for Qf mainline Mr Garrison? If not now is a good time to get the ball rolling. I think 170 new pilots is the requirement and you definitely want to be on the front end of the hiring wave to have a nice buffer of numbers behind you on the seniority list.
It's a great company to work for at the end of the day and a good time to join as there is some movement finally happening amongst the ranks. A330 SO has a good network up to Asia and and Hawaii and a decent salary and FO 737 may be plausible in the near term. Great opportunity considering the current crop of SOs are about 8 yrs service and only just getting a look in at FO B737 now!
All the best 👍
It's a great company to work for at the end of the day and a good time to join as there is some movement finally happening amongst the ranks. A330 SO has a good network up to Asia and and Hawaii and a decent salary and FO 737 may be plausible in the near term. Great opportunity considering the current crop of SOs are about 8 yrs service and only just getting a look in at FO B737 now!
All the best 👍
Nunc est bibendum
Qantas not yet open to external applicants. That could change by year's end once finished processing former cadets and LOI holders from 2008. Reckon we'll see more than 170 over three years too.
If you came over to mainline I would estimate that you'd wait a maximum of 6 months for a 737 slot in Perth, up to a few years for Sydney or Brisbane. Judging by the latest round of promotions, your only competition would be A330 SO's; didn't seem to be much interest from the 380 or 744! 
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Have you applied for Qf mainline Mr Garrison? If not now is a good time to get the ball rolling. I think 170 new pilots is the requirement and you definitely want to be on the front end of the hiring wave to have a nice buffer of numbers behind you on the seniority list.
It's a great company to work for at the end of the day and a good time to join as there is some movement finally happening amongst the ranks. A330 SO has a good network up to Asia and and Hawaii and a decent salary and FO 737 may be plausible in the near term. Great opportunity considering the current crop of SOs are about 8 yrs service and only just getting a look in at FO B737 now!
All the best 👍
It's a great company to work for at the end of the day and a good time to join as there is some movement finally happening amongst the ranks. A330 SO has a good network up to Asia and and Hawaii and a decent salary and FO 737 may be plausible in the near term. Great opportunity considering the current crop of SOs are about 8 yrs service and only just getting a look in at FO B737 now!
All the best 👍
