I've been reading with great interest the musings of the Aussie and Kiwi forum users re: airline life there, and by and large I'm seeing many similar issues that we have here in the States.
One of the more telling insights I've come across were several comments made on a late Feb post re:
VB's plans for intl expansion and who might be flying the new routes. A question was asked about the large number of layed off American airline pilots (in the neighborhood of 5000 across the US majors). Then a comment came in about the fact that most wouldn't leave the US for expat duty. As a widebody Capt for a major US airline, with 20 yrs senority and a lifetime of experience in this industry, I'd like to add my two cents worth and then ask a few questions myself.
First, I'll agree wholeheartedly that many people do not like Americans. I've been an American my entire life, one who has travelled all over the world and lived abroad, and over the past 4-5 years I've come to feel the same way myself about many of my countrymen. It might surprise many of you (maybe not) to know, however, that there are an increasing number of us (airline types and civilians) who are taking steps to leave the "Good ole USA" because of the way we feel about things here (both on and off the job).You're right if you say that the grass isn't always greener, but in my case, I'm just looking for some healthier, taller grass that doesn't have so many weeds in it.
In looking at different places to live, I'm trying to strike a balance between work and personal life, like most of us are. I am seriously looking at NZ as our next home and would welcome some feedback re: the NZ airline flying scene. Comments from anyone who flys for Pacific Blue, Jetconnect, Air New Zealand would be helpful. One concept I don't fully understand is the Direct Entry Captain. Any help? This is something I've not come across before. Also, more day to day items such as rostering, days off, length of duty days, pay, QWL items, union membership (or not), LOL or other insurance, etc. Then the more subjective things like pilot/mgmt relations, flt opns commitment to a safe, quality operation. (ie: will the office back up the Captain for tough decisions made?) Maybe I'm naive, but I'd really like some insight if you guys can help. These are the things we're grappling with here... and losing ground very fast.
For the record, I'm a strong union man, have been for 20 years, and grew up in an airline union family. I'm also trying to be as pragmatic as possible and trying to understand as many sides of the arguements as possible. It's been very, very interesting reading the forum comments from you guys and very helpful for me. I hope nobody thinks that I'm thinking about coming down to NZ to "take someone's job", rather that I'm just another working stiff looking for a new and better place to set up my tent.
Thanks fellas.