1) What's the roster like including days off? Get 10 days off per month, but at the moment I'm working 5-6 days on and then 2 days off. Normally finishing late afternoon and always starting after my days off on an early. They say the salary is low due to the fact we don't work like Ryanair, but the reality is you work more days, it's just that the days may not be as long, which doesn't suit me, since I work away from home, so when I'm working I'd prefer to work harder and get longer breaks. Far too many standbys - I get about 5 per month and you rarely get called out on the day.
2) Apporx number of hours per year - Get 60 hrs per month. Normally 2 sector days, but some four sector days.
3) Type rating costs/bonds - how much and how long? Must do a 'advanced' handling course at CTC if new to jets. CTC sim is fixed base, and quite crap. Rip off for 3500GBP. Then 737 rating at 20K or 757 at 17K.
4) F/O salary (net approx. figures would be grateful please)? 28K from days after base check to 2 months after finishing final line check, then 31K.
5) Pension scheme if any and other benefits? 6%, but you can only join in June or Dec, and after being with company for 6 months.
6) Assessment.. details on interview/sim check please... Maths test, English test, interview with Fleet captain and HR or Aircrew Manager. Sim test at CTC on 737.
Everyone I fly with is a decent chap. There's a few who bitch and moan and can make the sectors long and dull; quite a few unhappy junior captains, but I've not yet met any tossers. Training, once out of CTC, is of a high standard with very experienced line training captains.
In general I get the impression that Jet2 don't really care about their FOs, as the benefits are pretty bad, with only 10 days paid sick leave, no medical insurance, no loss of licence etc, I'm sure this is partly due to the instant ready supply of new guys from CTC or those who will stump up the cash to pay once you move on. Also, if you are Manchester or Balckpool based, you'll be dual based which is a pretty bad state of affairs when you are on minimum rest. It's done purely so as Jet2 can bypass the FTL rules set by the CAA.