Unfortunately this is a standard in Turkey. Problem starts with the local work and rest regulations, which allow for this kind of rosters.
Few examples:
- Normal duty can be planned for up to 14 hours FDT with four landings, plus 2 hours of "Captain's Extension". So you are expected to be on duty for 16 hours.
- Monthly FT limit is 110 hrs and yearly is 1000 hrs, but the rule refers to calendar month and calendar year. For a week (7 consecutive days) you can do 36 hours, so here is an example on how the planners are looking at it: for the last two weeks of june you fly 72 hours (36+36), and the first two weeks of july you fly another 72 (36+36). So, guess what? You flew 144 hours in four weeks, but for them it is still legal, even when this is 54 hours more than you would be allowed to do in Europe.
- As per the example above, if you join a company in the middle of the year, expect to fly as close as possible to the 1000 hrs for the remainder of the year, provided all other rules are complied with.
- Regarding the rest times: If you do up to 6 hours duty, expect a rest of 8 hours, from check out, to check in (real resting time about 5 hours), if you do 11 hours of duty, expect 10 hours from check out to check in (real rest 7 hours), if you do more than 11 hours expect 12 hours from check out to check in (real rest of 9 hours) and still they allow to reduce the rest with Captain's decision.
- 7 days off is the minimum legal, and this is what you can expect at most operators.
My advice, come to Turkey only if you are jobless and desperate. Otherwise stay well clear.
Heard of the case of one local while on layover in TBS, but I didn't know there were already three cases. Not surprised!