readufive the only thing wrong with 50 hrs/month is the fact that SQ salary is based on a low Basic + Productivity for each hr/month. Less flying also means less downroute allowances as well so it all adds up. If you only do 600hrs pa as against say 900 then you get no overtime and all this could cost you say $20,000/25,000 SGD less pa than Mainline B744 Pilots. The SGD exchange rate now against Euro /£Stg and Oz$ makes the pay not look as good as it once was. Flying 900 hrs pa is not particularly onerous on long haul as a lot of it is " bunk time" One is also depending on a regular annual Bonus of at least 3 month's basic to pay the tax. With the A380 coming then even the B744 Mainline flying is up for a major change and not probably for the better.
From my experience in expats airlines with several types it is always better to be flying the premier aircraft in the fleet if at all possible as witnessed in GF with the Tristar/B767 where being on the wrong aircraft at the wrong time made for a horrible lifestyle towards the end. In SQ the A310/B747-300 and A340-300 fleets as they came to the end were reduced to just 30/50 hrs per month reducing the salary considerably with mostly turnarounds.
If you can afford a semi retirement job then SQ Cargo will suit some people fine. Positioning though at the rate that they do it can be painful and not something I would want to do long term especially when you are not being paid for it!
PS Even the 13th month salary and service increments are at the discretion of SQ. Read the small print. You only need another SARS or something similar for SQ to jump at the opportunity of not paying it!
Last edited by millerscourt; 12th Jun 2006 at 12:56.