davidgrant
21st Apr 2004, 13:10
A word of warning to anyone contemplating employment in Saudi.
There are some very well run,proffessional operators in Saudi,but there is a growning middle class who are becoming wealthy enough to purchase corporate aircraft. Some of these are being managed by some rather dubious amateurs to whom the normal rules of safety are to be ignored or got around.
Duty times..I have known heavy metal crews to have been on duty 72 hours straight..part91okay...sensible..no.recurrency training not required,up to date Jepps not required,weather and notams..too expensive, use CNN at the hotel.Overloading..if it will fit in...anywhere its Okay..insurance..we have it but no need to comply with its requirements..Fo qualifications..but we are FAA he dosnt need a type..maintenance...but its running okay..
Some of these people are not just on the fringes,one represents a major manufacturer.Just remember there is no oversight in Saudi,so there is no incentive to comply with what most pilots would take for granted.If you try and move to a legitimate operator,sorry you not allowed to take up employment for two years after resigning so if you are going make sure you get it right first time.
There are some very well run,proffessional operators in Saudi,but there is a growning middle class who are becoming wealthy enough to purchase corporate aircraft. Some of these are being managed by some rather dubious amateurs to whom the normal rules of safety are to be ignored or got around.
Duty times..I have known heavy metal crews to have been on duty 72 hours straight..part91okay...sensible..no.recurrency training not required,up to date Jepps not required,weather and notams..too expensive, use CNN at the hotel.Overloading..if it will fit in...anywhere its Okay..insurance..we have it but no need to comply with its requirements..Fo qualifications..but we are FAA he dosnt need a type..maintenance...but its running okay..
Some of these people are not just on the fringes,one represents a major manufacturer.Just remember there is no oversight in Saudi,so there is no incentive to comply with what most pilots would take for granted.If you try and move to a legitimate operator,sorry you not allowed to take up employment for two years after resigning so if you are going make sure you get it right first time.