A330 Euro Base
I'm based in BRU on the 330 with the rest.
I know one guy is in TXL and the others in BUD (767).
My Agency is completely useless and an immense disappointment and watch what they write you in the contract!
Lines are PEK-SEA, PEK-BRU, PEK-TXL that I usually fly (all return).
CONS
Paid in USD. No currency protection. Now we are the losers like most Pilots who reside in the EU.
Always fly over 80 hrs, but never see OT payments.
Always a huge cockfight to get the days off in BRU. Rarely 6 in a row.
Home lic. and medical not covered.
All pilots make their owns deals which undermines the contract and weakens - the rest.
Not always paid the Base salary on time (2x late), & nobody tells you in advance from the agency.
The meal allowances during init. training were NEVER paid to anyone.
The other allowances are paid late by weeks sometimes.
The room provided in beijing is 2 star dorm like building right next to the OM of runway 36L. Forget resting properly or eating decent.
Refunds for expenses paid partially or not at all and if lucky 2-4 months later.
After initial training YOU have to pay your hotel when on company business and then wait months if you are lucky to receive a refund.
Weekly schedules only.
Flight Time counts only when in SEAT, not as per contract.
Complaints or problems largely ignored when done by email.
When on DUTY travel often only sent with a Standby ticket or GENDEC!
Off days not given as per the contract and promised next month which often only happens when you get pissy with them.
All Leave days are never fully given and paid out after each year. In my case 18 days. Would rather the time off.
Crew for the most part speak little english and basic ICAO 4.
Hotels are 2-4 stars.
Crew rest during flights is in Business class seats - right next to Eco so always a lot of noise and difficult to rest.
Penalty culture - have a QAR, miss training, call in sick = Fined min. $1000.
Chinese Income tax payment proof not provided.
The airline will change Y&C's at their Will and my Agency has not ONCE worked for this fee that they deduct each mont!
PROS
Aircraft are new.
Canteen in beijing is subsidized and - well - survivable.
Medical, VISA and local lic .fees paid by co.
Manuals and SOP are good.
Maint. is very good.
Dispatching is good, timely and friendly staff.
Food while flying all though chinese - plenty of it.
No sacking if you eat the peanuts.
Excessive sim training and line checks but unlike KAL friendly.
Always pilot flying, FOs are never PF. Always do the RT.
Other pilots even locals in the same boat and friendly.
Cabin crew very young, usually friendly and hard working.
50/50 mix night and day flights.
Not a reporting culture.
You will spend a fair bit of time in Beijing -winter is coming. Winter has come and it is very cold!
It a job right now but when the market picks many of us will have to reconsider!
Last edited by Brookfield Abused; 13th Dec 2009 at 11:53.
Reason: improvements