Eastern Airways

[farfallina]

I've been called for an interview for Milan base, I know that will be a temporary base, do you know for how many time? how could be the roster there and the salary? do they will fly from MXP for who?
Thanks to everyone who has some infos concerning Milan base

[budlee]

I think everyone at Eastern knows this and many, many try to leave, but the opportunities have been few and far between.

You would have to be quite odd to WANT to fly a Jetstream for the rest of your career....

[MrTruthBox]

Hello Jim

Hi Jim, you’re being rather nice to that chap Rebak. You gotout just in time my friend. Your new salary at Flybe stacks up pretty well comparedto Eastern Pilots. Anyway no hard feeling. I know you’re a good man. With that inmind the Social Committee at Eastern would like to invite you to your goodchums SJ farewell. They have decided to make it a Baseball themed party. Thecontact details will be posted shorted. No fancy dress required but bring aBat. No Ball required.

[upthejunction]

The local sports shop in HUY sold out of Baseball bats then cricket bats and hockey sticks in the first 20 mins of trading !

[JimNich]

MrT

I think I didn't explain myself very well there, my post was not intented as an emollient for Rebak but more of an observartion for the industry as a whole. Last year there was much unpleasantness here as the Union and Company locked horns over a couple of issues. Virgin have just been through it recently, and Lufthansa and various others (and their Ts and Cs are positively gold plated). My point (okay, not very well made) was that there's little point in getting het up about other peoples attitude towards their employer because you'l find it no matter where you go. It all comes back to the story of the swallow who forgets to fly south for the winter (if you're warm and happy in a pile of sh1t, then keep your beak shut).

Eastern pilots have a lot to be angry about, I'm not disputing that, their Ts and Cs leave a lot to be desired and I know, in the current market, moving on is easier said than done. I'm the first to admit how blindingly lucky I was. However, nursing your bitterness is self distructive, especially in a busy flight deck environment. We all have to realise, to a certain extent, we are the architects of our own circumstance (okay, easy for me to say, but there it is).

As for Mr Js departure, I actually have a bit of sympathy there. He was not popular thats for sure but I know how much work he put into it which was a lot more that anyone else at Eastern. However, its probably true that its someone elses turn and a bit of new blood could be just whats needed.

I enjoyed my time at Eastern, I still think its a great company with nothing but potential, strangled by the very people who own it. Hopefully market circumstances will improve and they'll be forced to re-think their particular brand of workforce relations (or indeed have one).

[MrTruthBox]

Hello Jim

Hello Jim

Thanks for the message. I agree with most things you havesaid except I would consider that SJ failed at the position of CP. Your rightin the fact that he worked hard; unfortunately he lacked the necessaryintelligence and inter-personal skills to be successful. He definitely alignedhimself too closely with RL and then used that relationship to Bully Pilots. Hewas nicked named Teflon in some quarters as he made sure his Arse was alwayscovered but would happy belittle anyone for the slightest infraction. It wasalways about him. He’d would walk into a room of new Recruits and proceed totell them what a great bloke he was - then leave. A complete arse wipe really.

[harriewillem]

Re-Financing of Eastern with Banco Santander

Eastern Airways takes off with Santander | Easier

That's a positive view of re-financing

Anyone in UK an amount, couldn't find it......

[scottswhoneedsum]

I think you should all shut up and put up at eastern like you've all been doing for years at the youth hostel for bullies!!

Stop your whinging and bitching if you dont like it and arnt happy move the F**k on!! Stop listerning to stupid rumours and listern to the facts everybody has a choice to work or not to work and do the hours we do to get what we want,
Fair enough it's a bit differant if you let someone dictate to you what your doing but then you probably act like a child so be prepared to be treated like one idol threats are idol threats have they ever acted on them NO cos they cant.

But c'mon have you not got a voice i thinks it about time someone should stand upto the bullies after all were not at school anymore. What they going to do sack you?? errr i think not dispite no union rep there is a little thing called unfair dismissle that if you really had the balls to go for Mr lake wound not have a leg to stand on

[MrTruthBox]

To Mr Scotswhoneedsome...

So Mr Scotswhoneedsum, you have set up a new Profile onPprune to moan about the people who are moaning. You say we have a choice towork for Eastern or leave. Well actually I don’t. I have 2 young children, amortgage, and no possibility of getting a flying Job anywhere close by. At themoment it is simply not possible to leave the area I live in. And there are very few jobs out there.

I’ll move onto the second main thrust of you poorly conservedPost. We should stand up to the Bullies in Eastern Management – well let me tellyou how that little scenario plays out. Any uprising amongst the Troops isdealt with by retribution. You are simply unable to have a reasonablediscussion with anybody that matters. Here’s how it runs…

The Cockroach that we have for a CP will step in and orderone of the ugly Sisters up in Personnel to start a file on you. Every time youscratch your Balls from then on will be recorded. It will be stuff like anegative comment that was written in you last Sim Report, the number of Sickdays you had last winter, you perhaps used a ‘bad’ word to the Hag that runsCrewing etc etc. Then once the ‘Cockroach has his little list he’ll invite youdown to HUY to explain. Pile on a little pressure. Make you wiggle in yourSeat. It’s all Bullocks of course but now he will whip you into line. A letteron your File perhaps, an idle threat hanging in the Wind…you have norepresentation – and that Mortgage to pay, Bills coming out your Ears. You nodyour Head and go back to keeping your Head down.

That’s how it works. I’ve seenone or two Guys who have stood up to be counted but eventually the Cockroachwill undermine the individual. Hell - look what happened to the last ChiefPilot. Just couldn’t take SJ undermining him at every turn. I’m sure Easyjetworked out better.
God help the poor Sods at Vjet...the Cockroach is on his way!

[scottswhoneedsum]

Well MrTruthBox



Everybody does have a choice we all have mortgages and bills to pay if the job makes you so unhappy ie the hours YOU agree to or the working conditions YOU so disagree with then leave as long as you and your immediate family are ok and supportive then you will be fine right??.....



Who says you need to be a pilot to work?? there's always another career choice or is it the status of being a pilot you like over the job you are so unhappy about??



Have you heard of together were united and divided we fall you should all stand together and be heard and as for the jumped up little man you know as SJ chief dick if you all stick together and step on that little cock....roach before he has chance to step in, then no matter how many times he puts in a complaint in and goes running off to the sisters in personnel together you could eradicate the pest he will not be going anywhere as like most at eastern a little threat of I'm leaving normally gets you a pay rise that's the way it will always be for some there



If you play by the rules and stick to your contract there's no chance of having a file against you now is there like I've already said idle threats are idle threats what they going to do sack you for sticking to your contract??.... I really doubt that the thing with most bullies is that there always threatening and never act upon what they hint at what will/could happen



As for the Crewing dept manager you all complain once again of hours and working conditions do you all actually know how many hours that girl does ( I think not ) 60 plus hours mon to fri week-in week-out not to mention getting calls out of work no doubt having to listen to you all moan again about what your PAID to do.



You should all get a grip on reality and stop thinking of yourself's and start thinking about what you can all do get together and voice your opinion to get things changed like I said together were united and divided we fall



I doubt you will change anything you'll just carry on doing what your doing moaning all the time about how how hard done by you are, your hours, working conditions, your pay the people your working with Jesus I bet the list is endless count yourself lucky your working and being able to provide a life for the ones you care about. peace out brother

[Squealing Pig]

You have obviously never worked for T3 then have you.

[Wetdream]

I'm glad I'm out of it!

I have to agree though that those who stand up to the CP or refuse to be 'flexible' will be victimised and bullied, I saw it happen.

Teflon shoulders might not be so slippy especially as I hear he has been quoted in the base captains meeting minutes saying pilots shouldn't write stuff in the tech log until the last sector, which is typical of SJ. Surely his job is to keep flying safe not encourage bad practice?

[jamestkirk]

I think there is a couple of new posters on here that are winding people up and/or work for a department in HUY.

[budlee]

Well look on the positive side of things - perhaps it is all helping farfallina make up his/her mind about joining Eastern in Milan, eh??

[BufordTJustice]

Enough is enough

I have wrestled with the idea of contributing to this thread for some time. My main concern is that this is far from the best arena in which the very dirty and grubby laundry of Eastern Airways should be aired, yet there is very little alternative and we arereaching a critical point at which people really do need to voice their concerns and fears. I have chosen tojoin the discussion using a new, non-identifying username. I appreciate the irony in that as we are openly discussing known management figures whilst hiding behind online profiles but, for me, this is the only option. At Eastern, there is no culture of open discussion and those who are brave enough to raise concerns are dealt with in an incredibly harsh and spiteful manner. Like most within the organisation, I cannot afford to go toe-to-toe with those in management – I have a career to try and foster.



Firstly, let’s make one thing very clear. Eastern Airways is a private company, owned by two men – BH and RL. It is their train set and, quite rightly, they will do with it what they see fit. Whilst we all have formed opinions on how the company really should be run, those opinions are currently of little value to either. Both men have become increasingly wealthy because of the relative success of the company and for that, I actually have to applaud them. The company has posted healthy profits in a hugely challenging marketand have bucked the negative trends we see in the industry. New opportunities have been explored and I genuinely believe that Eastern Airways is very well placed to expand in both current and new markets. I’m actually glad about this and would like to try and play a part in whatever is next.



As with all businesses, it is of course all about the bottom line. But, there are things in life thatdon’t cost a penny. Respect, manners and courtesy are but three. I have genuinely never worked for a company (in and out of aviation) that appears to take such pleasure in knocking down and censuring their staff. Eastern Airways have some really talented and excellent people in all areas of the operation who have a huge amount to offer. Most of these people would liketo play their part in the future of the company but have been that harangued and worn down, they feel so disenfranchised to the point where they daren’t get involved – it just isn’t worth it. It is indicative of a rotten culture within the company and I don’t believe that is healthy.



As crew, I have many concerns. I think I speak for many when I say that the main issue surrounds crewing and roster stability. I know many of you at other companies will look at this and laugh, but it has disruption has been running at endemic levels since I can remember and will soon prove to be the straw which will break the camel’s back. The bottom line (which RL is also so very keen to quote) is that we are severely under-crewed and under-resourced to dangerous levels. I am seeing (myself included) consistently working close to 7 and 14 dayhourly limits. There have been allegations of massaging of duty hours so that enough crew are available to keep things going. Unfortunately for the company, and ever increasing number of crew are becoming far wiser to these antics and are taking a far keener interest in the hours that they are doing. As crew, we have the ultimate responsibility to ensure we work with the framework of the FTL however we do rely on our crewing department to play with straight dice too. Too many people have told me of their own personal examples where their records do not match the records of the company for it to be an isolated incident.



Honesty and crewing are seldom bed buddies. The favourite phrase is “last minute sickness”. What they really mean is that they don’t have enough crew. I don’t blame the girls in crewing – they are trying to do an unforgiving job under dire circumstances. They are poorly trained and over-burdened. The fault lies at their manipulative and conniving management. They are people who after shaking hands with, you would still check you have all your fingers. They are people who ‘cry’ down the phone line to exhausted crews to beg them to do just another couple of sectors, then hangup and laugh at, and I quote, the “mugs”. God forbid they stand up and give RL the honest picture as opposed tothe one which will save their backsides.



That brings nicely on the subject of SJ. Personally, I’ve had very little to do with the guy and when I have, I’ve kept it cordial and brief. I was aware of his reputation and acted accordingly. Unfortunately, I have friends who have not been as lucky. If the rumours are true of his departure (I say rumours as there has been nothing official from the company) then I for one welcome the change, simply because it is a job that couldn’t be done any worse. An ineptitude for the role is masked by an aura of inflated ego, bully boy tactics and smarm. It’s a really poisonous and unattractive mix. I often feel that he left the RAF a long while ago but just can’t let go of his military methods. He has made a lot of enemies and unfortunately made even more people very miserable. History will not be kind on SJ’s time in the role. He has sacrificed the needs of many to suit his own personal agenda and as other top people, protect his position.



That’s the problem RL has. He’s got some great crews and staff. Lots of can-do people who are keen to do the job and do it to the very best of our professional abilities. We want to be involved, be part of the success and feel proud of what we do. It’s just that he never gets to interact with us. He’s been kept at arm’s length by a gaggle of middle/senior management who are more concerned with building little empires than being part of what should be a collective success story. If you do read this Richard (and I hope you don’t mind me calling you that), then come and speak to us direct – we’re on your side. You’ve got some fantastic people on your team who are dying to be given the chance to work together on building something special. Don’t let the ‘yes’ men blind you and drag this company to the ground. I fear for the future and you have to be the man to say that it stops right now. Contrary to popular belief, most of us are happy to put the fuel in theSpitfire, just give us the opportunity. I know you’ve got it in you, the old hands of the company have told meso.



I feel that we’re approaching now approaching a big moment in the history of Eastern Airways. Fairly strong rumours indicate that several people at the level of management which I’ve castigated are heading for the exit. Some are postholders and that will inevitably attract the attention of the CAA. Questions should rightly be asked by them as to the situation and I’m not sure they’ll like what they hear. Personally, I’m highly concerned. Crews are running on empty, too many aircraft are sitting tech on the ground and something is going to give. I’ve seen too many cabin crew in tears because they aren’t going home yet again or flight deck crews make honest mistakes because they are knackered. I don’t want to see the point where crews become militant and uncooperative but that is exactly where this sorry mess is heading – it won’t do anyone any favours. History shows us that for every poorly run airline there is usually a smoking hole in the ground. It doesn’t have to be this way. If we (and I mean everyone at Eastern Airways) step up and be brave,honest and confident then we will come out of this period stronger, wiser and well placed to become a respected outfit. Let’s start setting the benchmarks instead of being the ones people pity.



I don’t know about you lot but I’m tired of whinging and wishing it was better. Let’s make a difference – let’s make the step up. Who’s in?

[Squealing Pig]

A way of discussing this privately away from public & management view is required to step it up a level.

[21c Millworker]

Absolutely spot on Buford, well said.
Pigs right too. There are things that need airing, but most definately not on a public forum, and certainly not where individuals can be identified by management for retribution.

[MrTruthBox]

Hello...

Hello

Firstly Mr Scotswhoneedsum, I showed you’re posting to myWife. She was surprised that Patents in a mental Hospital have access to theInternet. Good luck with everything.

Mr BufordTJustice,I agree with every word you wrote. I well-constructed, logical posting! MrSquealing Pig is right. We do need a way to move our opinions and concerns forward.It would be my view that Balpa is ineffective. I’ve used them on the oddoccasion but to be honest don’t think the service they provide in ourparticular case warrants the monthly fee.

An internal Pilots Committee/Representative Group could be away forward. This could be in terms of getting our Views across and also forour own legal protection. A small fee could be collected every month off allPilots. Let’s say 10 quid. That money could be set aside for legalrepresentation if needed my any member within the Group. Perhaps only a core or3 Members to start the Group, then issues or concerns could be funnelled tothese Members. I’m just flying a Kite but I do believe something like thiscould work. With SJ departing it could be the time to strike. And beforesomeone suggests the Base Captains – well forget it. This group should beseparate from the management structure.

My final point for the week concerns a comment made aboutthe Manager of Rostering. Now here is just another case of someone with a dis-functionalpersonality being given a position that’s she didn’t have the skills or maturityto succeed in. Sure she probably does work very hard. However you have to be judgedon results. Appeasing RL by squeezing the life out of Crew isn’t really a goodidea. Rostering to within 5 minutes of discretion, flipping of Crew fromEarlies to Lates, last minutes changes – it’s just completely operating outsidethe spirit of the FTL. This woman has to go if the Company is to move forward.She is in my opinion toxic. Maybe SJ can take her to his new Base in Austria. Iappreciate that Hair Gel sales may dip significantly in Britain but still…

Good to see more people joining up and joining in thediscussion. Have a good weekend all. Cheers from MrT.

[Venkman]

Not wanting the get involved in the debate here, but surely MrTruthBox = BufordTJustice? With the same font and all the joinedupwords? Seems very odd, although, does speak SOME sense.

[LoopGuru]

With the same font and all the joinedupwords

I've noticed this on quite a few posts, by different individuals. Just a guess, but does this have something to do with being typed on an iPad or tablet? The joined up words possibly coincide with the end of a line where the author incorrectly thinks he/she has inserted a space, but the lack of a space is only evident when posted to the website.

Loop