BCA now one of the worst
BCA initially had a good reputation but that has changed radically in the past few years. The facts are pilots are leaving in droves, rumour is they have 50 resignations in at the moment both chinese and foreign pilots. At least 10 foreign pilots have left in the past year alone.
BCA is not the highest payer anymore and there will be no pay increases for the foreseeable future due to HNA group teetering on bankruptcy.
The working environment there is toxic. There is a well established punishment and blame culture. $3000 fines are handed out like candy.
Training and checking is a nightmare. Zero english spoken from chinese instructors and checkers. Failures are common and numerous foreign pilots have been victims of failure and subsequent demotion to FO for extended periods.
Do you like to be quizzed by some office guy with a clipboard without notice when you report for duty?? If so, then BCA is the place for you..
The schedule comes out on sat night/sunday morning for MONDAY! there is no ability to request a specific day off. You will have zero control over your life during your time in China. IF your contractual leave is approved (its always a struggle) you will be hammered to get the 80hrs minimum in the 2 or 3 weeks of the month available to work. Vacation must be split over 2 consecutive months so they can get the flight hours out of you. Expect to work max duty and min rest.
Your actual block time will be reduced by the company by anything up to 20mins per day. They claim this is legal, but its just a brazen attempt to increase your work time and reduce your claim for overtime payments.
Recently all pilots instructed to answer a 450 question psychological exam to be done in home time. No explanation of who will assess you or what will be done with the results
Extended cockpit voice recorders have been fitted to half the fleet so far to monitor SOP compliance. Records will be reviewed and 2 "occurrences" will earn you a special line check.
Anybody thinking BCA is a good place to be then do yourself a favour and talk to some of the experience pilots who are there and counting the days until they can get out.