Good Move?
Hey Myass:
Just got a quick question regarding housing, did any of the pilots bought a flat/Villa in Dubai?
Yes
Is it possible for a foreigner to own a house?
Yes
Do the local banks finance this move?
Yes, but restrictions: ie: only on projects they financed the builder etc. Also usually large down payments required.
Is this a wise move? Realstate in the UAE is stable?
Is Real estate a wise move anywhere? In real estate it is timing and location. Location is usually fairly easy to determine; however, the big question is timing. Could you please tell me when a stock will go up or down? Same answer and trust me you will get everything from “it’s a great time to invest” to “wait until the crash and get things for penny on the dollar.”
One last question...
Have the urge to move and have the ME insight, EY interview coming up soon but after reading all that's going on in there seems not the best company at the present time and not a smart move, currently in SEA as 320 PIC with 11,000US/month, nice place where I am now, but company is horrible with no future, good move to AA?
Depends on what company you are coming from. None of the jobs in the ME are all that great (when compared to North America and Europe.) As for Asia, some say once you get over the cultural crap of Asia the jobs are fairly nice; while others say, the ME is better (but there is cultural crap here too.) From what I have heard pay is better in Asia and while it is going up in the ME inflation is out of site in certain staple areas.
AA has had guys come from Vietnam and Silk Air, in that part of the world. Most Vietnam guys say it is much better at G-9 in pay and work but feel some of the BS is the same. The Silk guy couldn’t stand it and left after a few months – so you take your pick. BTW a few others came from Oceania and the PI but they have gone on to other ME carriers.
Pure and simple, you like where you are, you are probably better off. There is a future in AA with all the planes, but the quality of life will never change. It is hard work that gets old real fast for most guys but it depends on what you want.
Many of the F/Os came because they know AA is a fast upgrade. As a matter of fact about a third to half of the Captains came to the company as F/Os (many on this board.) Many of those guys (some upgrading 2-3 years ago) now have enough time to go elsewhere as DEC (and some are going.)
Other F/Os came because they didn’t have the licenses (JAA or FAA ATPs) and came here for the time and licenses. I believe they too will go under certain circumstances.
Some F/O came to get some flight time, upgraded to Captain, got some more time and now are TRIs. A large number of the TRIs at AA – well I flew with them when they were F/Os.
Some Captains and F/Os came for money. Pay is much higher here than in their native country. This group consists mainly of the South Americans (including Mexicans) and Russians (Armenians, Ukrainians etc.) Most are highly experienced with the F/Os having as much as 10+ years experience in their former airline. So for F/Os they came for not only the pay but also the upgrade, which makes them rich!
Some F/Os came as S/Os but now have quite some time. A few went back to Europe and some stayed in the ME but only a couple (that have the time now) are still here.
A few Captains and F/O came because they saw the grass as greener on the other side of the fence - some of them have gone on as well.
A few came on a power trip.
Most of the Europeans and North Americans are now gone. A few of the EU guys got their upgrade and for those remaining they need more time in the left seat. The NAs have returned to Canada in mass. Only three are left and I believe they will all be gone by Spring or Summer 08.
So once again, roll the dice and take your change. Got to go and study for my English Exam.
Burners and Out!
Last edited by W Weasel; 11th Jan 2008 at 08:37.