I did an interview/sim ride about a year ago for this contract. I was planning on commuting out of Oz on my days off. The whole deal is geared up for this style of contract, not for bringing a family in (although you can, there just isnt that kind of package on offer). Unfortunately there are no allocated travel days in the minimum days off, so home time gets reduced quite alot. This wasnt negotiable (I asked). But more disturbing was the JCAB inspectors who apparently turn up on a monthly basis to check that you're operating in accordance with
their way of doing things.
I got the distinct impression that you'd end up a dogs body for them, flying old equipment on the less favourable routes etc. All in all, this is what put me off. On a positive note, the people at ANA are very well organised and polite, I got the feeling that they had their hands tied by JCAB, this is the way it is. They have a great training centre and some superb equipment, its a shame the contract is to fly the 737-500, not the NG.
You can either live with it or not. Personally, not for me. Hope this helps any wannabes.
