Muscat Muscateers

[Dusty Sandmann]

Interested in going to Muscat?? Expect some of the following…

You will work with some of the nicest people in some of the most challenging conditions. You will earn double what the local controllers earn, which doesn’t go down well with them, but at least they won’t blame you for it. The 4000 is not a bad salary, but for most, it’s not enough to keep you there for longer than a year or two.

You will also have to contend with poor frequencies, not enough headsets, an outdated radar system, lots of multi tracking, procedures that seems to favour everyone except Muscat area (I guess most centres feel this way), a restroom and Area centre that is dirty and untidy, not enough sectors, not enough controllers, low moral, many promises, continuous route changes, high traffic levels, no proper flow control (apparently they initiated some, but soon removed it after some pressure from UAE), very expensive schools, equally expensive rent, hot summers, great winters, nice beaches and many other aspects which you will have to experience for yourself if you make the move. Expect not to be picked up at the airport when you arrive, expect to wait at least three weeks before you even step foot in the centre (airport permits take time), expect to pay an advance payment of three months or more on a villa, expect to wait at least 4 months for a visa. Be patient, remember that you are not in your own country anymore, respect the locals even if not all of them will respect you and enjoy the experience if you can. If not, leave like I did.

Some people there are very happy and others not so much. Don’t get your hopes up on that new centre or more money and you should enjoy the place! It all depends on where you come from or what you give up to go there.