SIC,
Me thinks your two bits worth has been in to many of the local girls and that is starting to affect your judgment!
"There are a lot of younger Taiwanese guys that are now captains who did not learn to fly in the military (normally the states or Australia) and as a result speak good English and have good CRM."
If you consider getting into the left seat of a 744 with 4000hrs TT of which all of it is on the same aircraft flying ILS to ILS while spending 1/2 of that time sleeping in the bunk then have fun sleeping on your crew rest brutha! Heh but I am sure you probably purchased your command from Jetsgo!
"Sure some old dragons still lurk around but overall once you are through the training the line flying is not too bad"
I never had a problem flying the line with anyone at CAL except once. But the problem is not the line! It is the amount of hours being pushed on crews! The real problem in CAL lies in the training department! (LACK OF TRAINING DEPARTMENT)
This is a career step upwards which mostly Canadians don’t seem to appreciate cause they generally bitch the most - and forget that back home in Canada some companies even make the pilots clean up the cabin after a flight in some small turboprop from one frozen wasteland to another and then pay them CA 2500$ a month.
Funny I spent the better part of 7 years in Canadian aviation.......I would gladly fly a Beech 1900D over a CAL 744. Just for the record I made about 60,000 a year in Canada flying a turbo-prop and that is not far off what most of you clowns signed on for at CAL. Remember I know exactly what you make on the 744 and yes you only pay 20% tax but the bottom line is you’re selling yourself to fly a 744 which is the largest reason that Airline pilots wages are in the dumper! Do not try to justify the selling of your own worth because of what goes on in Canada. Canadian pilots are generally some of the most sought after contract pilots in the world. We are among the most professional, culturally diverse, and highly adaptable drivers around…..Don’t you forget that!
"I'd much rather fly a brand new 400 around the world thanks. Even if the captain occasionally turn out to be a prick"
Again you sell yourself for about 40% of what your seat commands at a real airline.
"As an expat FO there I and many others see this for what it is and so should you. It is not a career company, but a stepping stone"
The only statement you wrote that I have to agree with.......get your time and get out before someone gets hurt!
"Taiwan might in some ways still be semi 3rd world. But if you have an open mind and are easy going you will have a good time here. The locals like to party and the girls are friendly.."
Taiwan is no where near third world! Next home leave you should get on a plane and travel to a third world country before you make such a loose statement. Taipei is a typical industrial Asian city. I liked Taipei and I generally enjoyed working with the people at CAL. However, unlike a lot of the expat’s working there, when the first time CAL lied to me about my Cruise Command it became apparent that I had gambled and lost. I decided to quit and move on! So I did!!!
I was Chev29 roommate in Taipei and we generally enjoyed our time there..........however like he stated. If you have a job and you are making a decent wage then steer the course as flying a 737 for a reputable company ANYWHERE is better that flying a 744 for CAL. If you are flying a large turbo prop and you enjoy your job I would stay as well! The 744 is a great airplane but it is just that.........an airplane! What is much more important in your life and your happiness!