A most interesting thread, a few observations and facts:
- a few years ago the brainstrust then in control of recruiting decided no interviews required or assessments, I believe especially in relation to some European applicants; although the wisdom was questioned the attitude prevailed, TTBOMHK some may have arrived...but none got cleared;
- they are presently going through a LONG process of getting in-house C&T, allegedly 2 Sky checkers per month assessed by JCAB, some of these Sky checkers are approaching 65 so will have to be replaced in the immediate future AND if you're naive enough to believe there won't be a few problems along the way to slow down implementation a little (maybe a lot) then you are being a bit Forrest Gumpy.
The final kicker: NOT saying JCAB have any figure required to fail/have problems during recurrent SIM/LINE checks however people do fail, rightly or wrongly.
There is NO WAY ON THIS EARTH that Sky failures could go from X% (JCAB) to 0% (Sky in house C&T) overnight. Eventually YES will be better (or slightly less stressful depending on the CKR involved) however, as always, there can be NO GAIN without PAIN!!! (also make the JCAB look bad, can't have that!)
- upgrades...
Lots of talk - anyone who believes a contract agency that there are "assured" upgrades is indeed a very, very trusting individual.
Unknown is the number of Japanese Captains who are still arriving, how many (if any) achieve positions of authority and who could possibly change the direction of the company (maybe better, maybe worse).
Invitations issued can be withdrawn, ignored or altered ESPECIALLY by old, esteemed Japanese Captains in new management positions....maybe!
- of the uniform the cap is the ONLY required constant (strangely though most seem to find the wind too strong on walkarounds so do not wear the cap for safety reasons - miraculously on checkrides the wind always appears pretty calm!)
Either the polo shirt OR the windbreaker, one must be visible on the FD.
Totally a power/control game between Sky management and JCAB, apparently loads are ok or improved so maybe the plebs don't mind someone taking on the life-usurping bureaucracy that dominates Japan?? Just wondering.
As a final:any "uniform" Vs "pay arriving on time" aggro...give me pay every time, not perfect but pretty consistent;
- pay, greatest benefit can be that TAX liability is clearly laid out as opposed to some other countries - and all contract companies comply, EOFS.
How that translates to individuals is up to them to work out - tax in other countries/contracts can be less "clear" probably to the advantage of the contract company and the airline, would doubt any advantage to the contract pilot (just me being cynical no doubt!);
- "Skymark need 200 pilots..." apparently an early statement by Sky, IF it is finally realised the initial statement was incorrect it will NEVER BE CORRECTED: not the Japanese way.
It is possible the last lot going through were all aces of the bases - all complete knuckledraggers - or somewhere in between.
Wouldn't matter - slow down acceptance rate...but not loose face about number of pilots required.
Possibility...maybe yes...maybe no...maybe maybe...
- whomever it was "...training great..." oh please!
the classroom "training" is still classic rote (is it not??), hopefully a few things of sense and practicality have slipped into later training.
Cheers all
galdian
