Happy new years everybody!
In everyday operations we are taught to utilize CRM when we are faced with different problems and situations. The concept of CRM tells us to use information and resources from the crew and all other sources available to us. So this is what I’m doing now!
At the moment I’m an F/O on the 737 in Ryanair, based south of the Alps. I’m in my mid-twenties and single with no commitments at the moment. I have about 1700 hrs on type and 1900-ish hrs total.
My highest wish would be to work for a stable company back home in Scandinavia, but with the current climate that is probably not going to happen. So I need to take a look at some other options…
The way I see it there are three okay options for me at the moment:
Cathay.
Pro’s:
- Bases all over the world, a chance to come back to Europe.
- Union organized.
- Highest final salary?
- Best reputation of the three?
Con’s:
- Lowest starting salary.
- Longest time to upgrade.
- Old-fashioned strict working climate, highest cockpit gradient?
- No real flying for the first couple of years as S/O.
- Furthest away from home.
Qatar
Pro’s:
- Quickest time to command.
- A chance to be type rated on the 320. Time on both the 320 and the737 is a good thing to put on a CV if and when I want to come back to Europe.
- On the long haul fleet, less trips per month then Emirates?
Con’s.
- Doha, never been there, but haven’t heard much good about it, more conservative then Dubai.
- No pension?
- No European bases.
Emirates
Pro’s:
- Dubai, a better city for a young single guy like me?
- Biggest Scandinavian expat group?
- Probably end up on the 777, which at the moment has okay destinations. A good TR to have for the future when we are going to see more 777 freighters back in Europe.
- Largest route network.
- Pension.
Con’s:
- Longer time to command then Qatar.
- Highest working hours?
- Don’t have the hours. Still over a year away.
- No European bases.
Anybody with some good inputs?
Please note that I’m not saying that I would pass all three assessments, I’m not saying I’m God’s gift to aviation. But I will probably at least get the opportunity to attend all of them.
Thank you for taking the time to read!