Originally Posted by
Daddy Fantastic
If anyone is going to a LOT interview then here is some info. My mate just got back from interviewing and told me a few things that were quite interesting.
1. The interview felt more like an interrogation than a professional interview where they get to know you. They questioned every little possible issue in his logbook as if he was some kind of criminal. All his flying and sim time is legit backed up by professional airline references and records yet apparently his logbook is not done correctly according to LOT.
2. The HR lady was asking questions that were very subjective, like what is your motivation for becoming a pilot or joining LOT. When he answered they would start arguing his point by telling him that’s not really a motivation. In other words if you don’t match their answers it must be wrong. Quite stupid questioning really. You also do a technical on jepp plates, taf, meter etc.
3. He applied for 787 and was invited to a 787 interview.. He has 6000 hours total with about 3000 jet and approximately 2600 PIC time. Typed on one of their narrow bodies but when he asked where the 787 TR was done they said it’s a little early to say what jet you would be on. In other words you are experienced on one of our NB’s so we are sending you there.
4. Bases - Warsaw and Budapest. Budapest is small but you can get it. BUD has 1 or 2 787 there and Embraer aircraft. There seems to be no seniority system in place so if you are experienced and ready you leap frog others who joined earlier than you for command etc. Apparently the rosters are just assigned and they try and balance it out for everyone so you all get good, medium and bad schedules mixed in together to keep it fair.
5. PPJN seems to be pretty spot on with regards to salaries. 787 captains can be getting up to 112 Euro per block hour though if over I believe 10,000 hours and a bit less if below. He said 1st year junior captains were on about 90 per hour. FO and CA average about 70 flight hours per month so nobody should be earning less than 4K a month (50k) a year but your cost of living in BUD and WAW is a lot cheaper than Western Europe so you would save every month. Not great money but not bad considering where you would be.
6. Quick upgrade does to be had in as little as 2 years and even less with experience on type. DEC joining on type can expect a 787 in less than 3 years if joining on NB fleet apparently. Of course they need 787 pilots now so you could go straight to the 787 from the get go. 787 TR done in Singapore.
7. Apparently working on a commuting roster as well and will guarantee any 4 days off per month that you would want. He did not say how many days of a month you get in total but I think it is fair to say a safe bet would be to bank on a minimum of 8 and maybe as high as 12.
All in all he said it was an okay experience and good if you want a quick upgrade. Not the dream job but a lot of positives if you don’t plan on staying forever and if you do things will most likely only get better. If living in the CEE is your thing this could be a good option for you. This info is based on one pilots experience so others who went might have completely different take on things.
112 Euro for a 787 CA. Holy catfish!