Life teaches us different things in different occasions! This is a specific and unique process for each individual.
One should ask himself what would he/she really need at any given time, options available and most importantly when time comes, if that is a really informed decision.
Some critics throw rocks, others elevate themselves and discuss/debate constructively while most just sit on the side and watch. At some point in life you need to show yourself and your actions define who you really are, as a human being.
Philosophies apart!
Norwegian might be inviting/
luring less experienced and/or qualified aviators to fly their long haul jets. We may argue that its a good or bad experience and I definitely wouldn't dare to judge if you are unemployed or being explored even further elsewhere.
If you have options and are employed in a (relatively) stable situation then apply, succeed with this job offer and consider it carefully. The seat is not yours until you sign the damn paper (hope you don't really have to)!
I finally have received some positive feedback from fellow AIRMEN which I sincerely thank!
Drawbacks:
Amongst some of the information I could gather the roster is severely exhausting, extra-crew duty won't be paid, you should expect demanding 3/4 consecutive crossings with 24h layover (minimum rest if more than 6 time zones), only 3 man crew in really long sectors (suppose only per FTL limitation) and about three weeks away from your bed
and most importantly your families.
All this underpaid (feel free to look around).
Minimum rest, several nights flying will damage your physical capacities and impact your memory and circadian rhythm too. Technically you can enjoy those 48h layovers as you wish, but spending your days off away from home is not my gig. Days off are supposed to be spent in your terms, with whom and where you'd like. Family wise, this could prove to be a great mistake in the long run. Watch out!
No staff tickets except with own carrier, but at least they provide health insurance for you (and family for a fee you need to pay).
Still no pension fund (they claim to making plans but on this matter the only fast thing around are the planes they fly) and in most cases they ask you for the training bond. 15 blokes paying 30k is nearly a half a million in their bank resting for three years.
Don't be fooled. First Officer is a First Officer and RCA is still a "Senior" First Officer, only with better (= not so lousy) pay. While the first in this category may jump to "permanent" left seat in two or three years it's not probable the same time for the following. I've asked different sources and by no means they will apply the above as a rule or even as a reference for present time.
For some this may be a blessing or the opportunity you needed to bump your career. If you feel this applies to you, go ahead and don't look back.
These drawbacks will probably end making you one of the most experienced Dreamliner Commanders in the World when you retire, if you make it!
Advantages:
The good stuff is you can fly their brand new shinny jet, and probably never bother about the type rating, you will log tons of hours (expect max hours), meet new people and fly in a relatively relaxed flight deck. If a base closes, they will transfer you to another one and it's oil funded so no worries about your seat if you comply with regulations, even if it's in OSL, or BKK. You will end up saving money as you won't have time to spend it rather than earning more (should I say at market rates).
I do believe the airline will have to adjust, salaries, rest periods and perks, otherwise they will have the same work environment as some European low costs and Sandbox staff turnaround over time. The more people go there and refuse the job because of its conditions, the more they will provide and make available. As things are, you are part of the problem, not the solution. P2F is not my thing and a serious matter for the industry. The only way out is for Unions to block this and individuals not applying to these airlines. I understand it's quite easy when you are lucky and starting is quite hard. Some day, this will be a global issue.
If this works for you, go ahead, if not, look elsewhere. Still I can name far worse deals, but that's why no one can stand them for too long. This is only the next step on the bottom of the ladder.
I would sincerely like to thank all information provided (you know who you are)!
To me it's a -->
NO<-- BRAINER!
