Alexb757: Thanks. Yes, I think we are on the same wavelength concerning this matter. They told me that the Chinese CAA would not allow a non-current pilot to take the written exam, sim evaluation and medical exam. Fine, they can have their little weird rules if they wish. But, for me to get recurrent without a 100 percent guarantee of employment is poor decision making at the extreme. If the Chinese airline wants 747 Classic pilots (a vanishing breed), then they have to accomodate the reality of the situation in my opinion. Yes, you are also correct in having to ask the question of why are they still flying a jet that was put together in the early 1970s? Best of luck to them, but they have to understand that Chinese carriers are quickly gaining a non-favourable reputation in terms of contracts and wishy/washy communication with its contractors.