Welcome to the jungle
If you’re interested after reading this...
Interview: several management pilot will throw you questions, stabilized approach elements, memory items, CRM
Simulator: RAW data with two engine, No FD, NO AP, No AT. just the old fashion way. Departure, climb to low altitude while interecepting a VOR radial. Steep turn with 45 degrees bank. ILS approach, go around at minimums and join the downwind for visual approach. And then the fun part for rated candidates. FD and AT may be turned on, takeoff with V 1 Cut, ILS engine inoperative with FD with reasonably low ceilings/visibility to assure your ability to fly.
Salary is good for expats only. Local is receiving lower numbers. There you go, be prepare to face jealousy.
Roster is unstable as they have too many airplanes, they try to sell as many seats on as many flight as possible but at the same time they will cancel flight not meeting BEP on daily basis. You can say to have a stable roster is only a dream. To have a consecutive days off while in the country is impossible except if it’s in your contract.
Be prepare to buy your own uniform. They give you the cap, tie and wings. You can use Boeing or Hard Rock Cafe lanyard as they don’t give you one.
Don’t drive to fly. Use taxi to report to HQ located several miles west of CGK 2 hours before STD and then proceed to the airport try to reach there 1 hour before.
Normal roster will be 3-4 days away from base (it’s only CGK despite the Agency is trying to sell DPS for you). Be prepare to have surprises every time you’re on the last sector to CGK as Crew control will try to put you on another flight and another layover. That’s to be expected on weekends. A one day trip will usually consisting of a 4 short sectors/landings or 2 long sectors. Normal turn around time is 45 minutes. If you’re expecting a day off then it’s normal to land at CGK very late in the evening and report early morning after just 1 day at home. When you’re on rest time don’t be surprised if scheduling is calling because of roster change... they are just doing their job... seriously..they don’t know it’s against regulation.... just save the flight.
Expect to reply to schedule revision SMS on daily basis. If you don’t check in then they will send the SMS again. Still no reply? They’ll call and finally the fleet manager will call you.
CASR flight time limit is like FAA... 30/7 days, 110/months, 1050 annually. But JT is putting the carrot by offering double the money after you reach a certain hour every ten hour. It will be really tempting as some will bust the limit..no the authority doesn’t really care.. and your record will be safely erased (finger crossed). The show must go on!
A young guy from a rich family (the money for the flight training) will be usually your flying buddy. While most are good in normal flying many think familiarizing with the memory items (limitations, NNCs, maneuvers) is an exaggeration. You can see puzzled face if you engage them in the topics. Some are even worse, they don’t brief at all just says “Briefing standard” ...yeah do it just like yesterday. Takeoff and landings ... been there done that.
Airplane: Maintenance wise expect some MEL items open expect when the airplane’s age is relatively young (1-2 year). Be really careful reading the MEL as English standard is poor, they could put the indicator as being inoperative while it is actually the system.
If you are adventurous about food and like spice (hot spicy) go ahead have the crew meal. Don’t expect it will be a proper lunch or dinner. Think as if it’s a snack before you buy your own meal. And also hygiene and quality with crew meal is an issue.
There you go...you’ve been warned
Cheers...