The Longhaul Culture
Contrary to what you may read here Longhaul is like a like family.It has a variety of ages and experience levels.There is a multitude of work backgounds and ethnicities.There is never a time you go to work and dont learn something.It is above all an education about cultures countries and people.
Crew help one another both on the aircraft and in slip ports.Its been a long time since there has been recruitment and it will take a little adjusting to, and becoming aware that, there are new crew around that need assistance.
Its a great job and lifestyle like no other.You will occasionally find some unpleasantness and accordingly some unpleasant people.These people and circumstances make up about 5%.
Ignore the pettiness and unpleasantness in this forum.Also remember that there are those who purport to be crew and who in actual fact are not.For some baiting is a sport, simply designed to satisfy the fragile egos of those that indulge in it.
The fun begins when the front door closes.Forget about the office politics and the pedantic nonsense that is endemic in QCC1.Feel sorry for those who are subjected to it on a daily basis.Flying means working with different people every trip and not having to tolerate the mundaness of 9 to 5.No two trips or crew are the same.It takes a little getting use to.Give yourself and your body a year or two to acclimatize.The jetlag and the arduous nature of the job will knock you about.Organize yourself a massage at least once a month and find a good podiatrist for your feet.
Just enjoy the whole experience for what it is.Dont be distracted by the very small group of recalcitrants and whingers.
At briefing let the crew know you are new.They will be understanding and helpful.Introduce yourself.Find out what others are doing in port and ask if you can tag along.Everyone remembers their first trip and how lost they.
felt.
Give yourself time to settle in.
The lifestyle is addictive.Its why so many crew stay for so long
The Crew Community does not tolerate those who do not pull their weight.
If you have a problem with someone try to sought it out with them.
If you are unsuccessful take it to one of the onboard managers.You have as much right as anyone to be a repected team member.You do not have to accept rudeness from another crew member.
Last edited by Sky.Rider; 8th Apr 2008 at 11:36.