Bonjour
For those that are thinking of making a life changing decision, here some facts you may wish to consider :
1. Paris base (A330) just opened this month. For the 2 pilots on the base, rosters look fantastic with continuous fixed lines (4 on, 6 off) operating only between CDG-CAN. This is only done to make the CSA brochure look very attractive and glossy. Once they have the pilot numbers for the base, rosters WILL be changed to reflect the current practice of most other pilots 'away-from-home' rosters. Beware Air France pilots !!!
2. Punitive monetary fines for any days absent outside of Leave. If you are unfortunate enough to fall ill, need any compassionate time off or require some LWOP you will be fined US$600 a day, everyday. Take a month off, not only would you not get paid US$19k (fair enough) you will then also be fined US$18k ($600 x 30 days). Expensive month away from work if you are out of Leave or simply have no choice !
This has already been tested and numerous pilots have incurred the fine.
The option of losing your medical to receive $100/day is worth considering but could prove more problematic when trying to get it back under the extreme medical standards.
Something is obviously on the nose at CSA given 50% of screening candidates did not show up at the last screening, and of those that did, it is understood none got through.
Hope this is of help to anyone considering so there is no shock value to you and your families if you make the move.
Au revoir
