For the most part, what has been said on here is truth. things aren't a well oiled machine like we would want them to be. however, right now, it is not a bad gig in this economic climate. i dont know too many guys here that are looking for this place to be the career airline.
the time line for training is accurate, for the EMB, not the 320. it is a fairly smooth operation on the 320 side. on the EMB side, there are not enough TRE/TRI to do the intial IOE stuff. also GACA is hard to nail down for the captain rides.
as for F.K., he is a joke. don't believe a word he says. he thinks that he swings a big axe around here, but he is a recruiter. once you are in, thankfully, you have nothing to do with the guy. there are 3 contracts out there right now, 35-31 (all but done), storm agency (no new contracts to be issued) and the direct (the company is now pushing one and all towards these). the basic money is less on the direct contract, but if you fly a bunch, and with the additionals, you can possibly make a bit more money than before the new contract. possibly !!!
not sure about upgrades. some of the expat guys are due the upgrade, but are in the office trying to justify why they should get it, even though they meet the company published upgrade criteria ?? will have to wait and see on that front.
not much of a social life, especially once checked to line. if you are lucky enough to get a day or two off, you are recharging the batteries. some are off to other compounds to enjoy themselves, others to the gym, some you never see. no booze in the country, although some do attempt it
this place is what you make of it. if you come here expecting PBS, a hard and fast contract, a union, etc, you will be shagged after the first month. it does not happen like that here. on the 6 and 3 contract, you should know that you are going to play by their rules (and they change them sometimes) and probably fly a fair bit for 6 weeks. then, you are going to go home, and not give a rats' kyber about the place for 20 or so days. then you do it again. you do it, till you have had enough for good !
all done, ask away