Abu Dhabi Aviation
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: USA
Age: 62
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Um... lifting...
Potential for deportation, holding your passport, confiscating your goods or worse if you get too mouthy.
If you think you can act like you would at home, you're in for a shocker.
Other than that... I hear it's paradise.
I don't know who you are or where you are but this is what gets me about your post :
When you say I hear it's paradise it makes me think that you're just repeating something you've heard but don't really know it for a fact.
Have you been there in the last 12 months?
I act the same here or when traveling because that's the way I was raised so I have no problem with that part. Regarding the other three allegations, anybody currently there want to chime on a them?
If you think you can act like you would at home, you're in for a shocker.
Other than that... I hear it's paradise.
I don't know who you are or where you are but this is what gets me about your post :
When you say I hear it's paradise it makes me think that you're just repeating something you've heard but don't really know it for a fact.
Have you been there in the last 12 months?
I act the same here or when traveling because that's the way I was raised so I have no problem with that part. Regarding the other three allegations, anybody currently there want to chime on a them?
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: ...in view of the 'Southern Cross' ...
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Mmmm
Eurofly .....
There are 3 pay scales depending on which level you are hired on ...
Initially expect to hire on at a 'probationary level' which will change when you have completed orientation and gotten your various pieces of paper.
They have in the past hired guys on top money only to find after 6 months they they cannot make the grade ... this policy has now changed to hiring guys at a lower rate initially and once they qualify (prove themselves) they get a good pay boost ...
Those that don't make the grade ... well ....... (use your imagination ...)
take care
Eurofly .....
There are 3 pay scales depending on which level you are hired on ...
Initially expect to hire on at a 'probationary level' which will change when you have completed orientation and gotten your various pieces of paper.
They have in the past hired guys on top money only to find after 6 months they they cannot make the grade ... this policy has now changed to hiring guys at a lower rate initially and once they qualify (prove themselves) they get a good pay boost ...
Those that don't make the grade ... well ....... (use your imagination ...)
take care
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: USA
Age: 62
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????????
What happened to Um... lifting... 's post? He must have deleted it.
Anybody wish to answer his allegations anyway since they've been floating around for a while and I've heard them previously too?
What happened to Um... lifting... 's post? He must have deleted it.
Anybody wish to answer his allegations anyway since they've been floating around for a while and I've heard them previously too?
Join Date: Apr 2005
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That's the problem. Until someone says it's true or not the rumors keep floating around. Could it be that since you're in-country you can't talk about things like that? If so then I'll understand and ask someone else later via direct email. 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Beside the seaside
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Pilot 135. If you ask questions about ADA you will receive conflicting reports from many who have worked there - as you would about any other helicopter operator.
Some enjoyed their time there, others did not. I thought the place was awful (with the exception of flying with some very experienced and professional gentlemen) and did not stay. I put that down to experience.
I think you have convinced yourself that for you it is a good move and not having worked in USA I cannot comment on operators and work conditions there for helicopter pilots. So the only way you are going to discover if it is a good move is to go there and find out yourself.
By 'job security' I am talking about getting fired for a variety of reasons including upsetting those locals of a delicate disposition and literally finding yourself on a flight home later that day. I witnessed this on a number of occasions during my time there.
If you have a unpaid loan there however, you will not be allowed to leave until you have repaid it. If that means spending time behind bars (the metal kind) then you will. And then of course there are the Mumbai mafia - but you can make your own mind up about them.
Good luck - Inshallah.
Some enjoyed their time there, others did not. I thought the place was awful (with the exception of flying with some very experienced and professional gentlemen) and did not stay. I put that down to experience.
I think you have convinced yourself that for you it is a good move and not having worked in USA I cannot comment on operators and work conditions there for helicopter pilots. So the only way you are going to discover if it is a good move is to go there and find out yourself.
By 'job security' I am talking about getting fired for a variety of reasons including upsetting those locals of a delicate disposition and literally finding yourself on a flight home later that day. I witnessed this on a number of occasions during my time there.
If you have a unpaid loan there however, you will not be allowed to leave until you have repaid it. If that means spending time behind bars (the metal kind) then you will. And then of course there are the Mumbai mafia - but you can make your own mind up about them.
Good luck - Inshallah.
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Gosport, UK
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Questions on, pay, heat,humidity, the internet, accomodation, not one on how's the Engineering or condition of helicopters you are going to fly?, before someone gets the wrong idea it was always on the good side in my opinion, but you can always accuse me of being bias!!, enjoy it I did (Engineer) for nine years.
S
S
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: USA
Age: 62
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Thanks Epiphany. Yes most employers when it comes down to EMS operations are pretty much as you have described the ME employers.
Regarding having outstanding loans, one of my questions is precisely that. How much money should I take for my first hitch until I figure out how everything works over there. I'm not going to need a loan if I can take it from here or have access to an ATM over there.
Regarding having outstanding loans, one of my questions is precisely that. How much money should I take for my first hitch until I figure out how everything works over there. I'm not going to need a loan if I can take it from here or have access to an ATM over there.
Join Date: Apr 2005
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Actually stacey_s, you make a great point. The reason I haven't asked about that is because although ADA might be lacking in other areas at least what I have read about them is that they are #1 in maintaining the fleet.
That's the first thing I researched before even considering ADA or any other company. I've worked for companies that don't seem to care if their machines are top notch or not and hope to never have to do it again. I really hated when after complaining about a specific helicopter for a while I called the mechanic and he came over for a really weird noise the turbine was making on start up. The mechanic verified with the main office and told them it wasn't normal but they disregarded his opinion and they said it was ok and I took off. Less than an hour in flight and the engine exploded with 2 large bangs that almost shook my glasses off of my face ! Good thing it was a twin and I was just 3 miles away from an airport. I limped it in and never flew for them again.
That's the first thing I researched before even considering ADA or any other company. I've worked for companies that don't seem to care if their machines are top notch or not and hope to never have to do it again. I really hated when after complaining about a specific helicopter for a while I called the mechanic and he came over for a really weird noise the turbine was making on start up. The mechanic verified with the main office and told them it wasn't normal but they disregarded his opinion and they said it was ok and I took off. Less than an hour in flight and the engine exploded with 2 large bangs that almost shook my glasses off of my face ! Good thing it was a twin and I was just 3 miles away from an airport. I limped it in and never flew for them again.
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Abu Dhabi
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There seem to be a lot of opinion based on hearsay and not experience.
ADA is regulated to international standards the same as any other operator anywhere. It is frequently audited by outside agencies including the FAA, EASA and most of the major oil companies.
As a pilot you will gain a very varied experience, not just in Abu Dhabi but in a increasing number of other countries, worldwide.
Passports are not taken.
Social life can be ,if you are interested, extremely varied. All major hotel chains are represented (only a very small number are not licensed), it is one of the food capitals of the world.
Theatre, music, art, golf etc are all available.
Of course if you wish to roll out on the streets drunk, your visit will be brief, but if you wish to get on with your job in a sensible manner then ADA can be a very good place indeed.
NR
ADA is regulated to international standards the same as any other operator anywhere. It is frequently audited by outside agencies including the FAA, EASA and most of the major oil companies.
As a pilot you will gain a very varied experience, not just in Abu Dhabi but in a increasing number of other countries, worldwide.
Passports are not taken.
Social life can be ,if you are interested, extremely varied. All major hotel chains are represented (only a very small number are not licensed), it is one of the food capitals of the world.
Theatre, music, art, golf etc are all available.
Of course if you wish to roll out on the streets drunk, your visit will be brief, but if you wish to get on with your job in a sensible manner then ADA can be a very good place indeed.
NR
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Malaysia
Age: 69
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I had a brilliant time there [but it was in the 80's] best job I ever had working with a great bunch of engineers [and pilots] but crap accommodation [which still has not changed]
A very enjoyable and rewarding 7 years
A very enjoyable and rewarding 7 years
Join Date: May 2010
Location: louisiana
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I worked there for a while a few years back and didn't enjoy it at all. The aircraft were well maintained and there were many good guys working for the company, but the management and the housing then were awful. I still maintain contact with a few friends there who tell me that things have improved, but only slightly.
While I was there more than 30 pilots either left or were sacked, but I don't know if turnover rates have changed lately.
Also when I was there, the average pilot had more than 10,000 hours, so the experience level was very high. My passport was always taken and after I quit, I was not given it back until I had statements from the bank to show that I had no outstanding bank or credit debts and from Etisalat to show that my account was closed and my bill paid. I was not given back my passport until after I had passed through immigration. One friend who allegedly had a debt because of a mistake by a car dealer, was arrested and imprisoned on his way out. The main reason most people have a loan there is to buy a car.
While I was there more than 30 pilots either left or were sacked, but I don't know if turnover rates have changed lately.
Also when I was there, the average pilot had more than 10,000 hours, so the experience level was very high. My passport was always taken and after I quit, I was not given it back until I had statements from the bank to show that I had no outstanding bank or credit debts and from Etisalat to show that my account was closed and my bill paid. I was not given back my passport until after I had passed through immigration. One friend who allegedly had a debt because of a mistake by a car dealer, was arrested and imprisoned on his way out. The main reason most people have a loan there is to buy a car.
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: USA
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Thank you nedrover. That's what I've been saying, lots of rumors out there that nobody addresses directly here. I've gotten a few PMs though so I'm clear but as we can see there are lots of people here reading these posts laying quietly in the shadows.
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Frisland
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yes
i know two guys that just got a job with ADA as a SIC in 412.
Guy 1) flew couple years in GOM.
Guy 2) has 1600hrs in piston , no turbine time but knew somebody inside ADA.
Guy 1) flew couple years in GOM.
Guy 2) has 1600hrs in piston , no turbine time but knew somebody inside ADA.
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Denver
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Had a friend get an offer the other day off of a phone interview. I believe that he spoke to them on the 25th or 26th of May and got an offer on Memorial day. (Guess the ADA guys don't get memorial day off....lol)