Therein is the nub of the whole thing. I'll repeat it "CX pilots on base DO NOT, DO NOT, DO NOT, DO NOT, DO NOT, DO NOT get expat benefits.
A local pilot is on base, at home, in his/her birth place of abode with his/her family and friends, not having uprooted his/her kids/spouse et al !!!!! You are at home ergo you are not an expat therefore no expat benefits.
The fact is if a Hong Kong local "on base" was paid expat benefits then he/she would be being paid more than local "on base" pilots who are locals in the USA, AUS, UK etc.
As much as some might like to play the race/discrimination card, that claim just doesn't stack up. Whether you are Caucasian, Asian, Martian or a Venusian and have 1 flying hour or 1 million flying hours it is immaterial. It is a "living away from home" payment.
If you want expat benefits, then become an expat before applying for them.
Last edited by Hoofharted; 25th Feb 2009 at 04:28.