Thomas Cook

[Trainee pilot]

Hi,

I just wondered if anyone knew much about Thomas cook from an employment perspective...........?

Such as content of interview day, what they are like to work for, rosters, time to command and the such........?

Just trying to do some homework...!

Any info would be very much appreciated!

Thanks..............

[stansdead]

Trainee pilot,

1: Recruitment day. I believe it is an informal interview followed by (days later) a sim.

2: Friendly company. Lots of young crews. There has been little action for 4 years, but things are now moving.

3: Rosters. Bone of contention. Lots of disruption as we are short of pilots this summer, however that should improve in future. There is a lifestyle working group working on block rosters followed by more time off. Already recruiting for next year should help too.

4: Time to Command. All based on Seniority and Suitability. You WILL spend 10 years in RHS (IMHO) as it stands, barring substantial expansion.... which is NOT predicted.

Check out www.thomascookjobs.com for more info.

[randomair]

hey,

Just wondering if anyone has been called for interview yet, if not does anyone know when they intend to start?

Also would anyone be able to shed any light on how the type rating agreement works? is there a bond or is it self financed?

Anymore info on what the company is like would be greatly appriciated. lots of night flights? are you worked hard?

And what are the chances of getting a glasgow base?

Thanks guys

[stansdead]

randomair,

I don't think interviews have started yet. I believe that TC are getting all the applications they need and will interview in due course.

I am led to believe that the whole application process will last longer than it did last year, as it is starting much earlier this year.

I would expect interviews in Sept, Oct or November. But that is a guess and I know no more than you do.

Bond is reducing over 3 years. You pay nothing. Like decent airlines do, they believe in training the right people.

Nice place to work IMHO. I am 5 years in and would not really be tempted to leave currently.

In summer you will do about 6 night flights a month.

You will fly about 700 hours a year, mostly in Summer.

As for a GLA base, well, I would think you stand a VERY GOOD chance of that happening.

[Trainee pilot]

Stansdead,

Thanks for your information, it's great that you have taken the time to reply, I appreciate it.................

The only thing that's on my mind is if you think Stansted or Birmingham are hard to get into as they are really the only options for me, and would they base shift you around in the winter months or are you stable where you are and just lesser worked?

Finally, by how much do the allowances boost your income by on average?

TC sounds like a nice company to work for with a nice fleet, I can only hope I get a call........!!!

[stansdead]

Trainee Pilot,

I dunno how hard it will be to get BHX or STN. I would think that STN may be a possibility depending on how intercompany 320 to 330 moves this winter go.

You can only but ask if you get the call....

[JT8]

Stansdead...A few questions:

How are people recruited for the A330? I assume it is seniority based. If so how long would it take? Is it a separate operation or do crew fly both 320/330? What are the main routes on the A330?

Thanks :ok:

[stansdead]

JT8,

First of all, at the moment you need to be on the 320 to go on the 330.

And you won't get the 330 for about 5 years from joining on the basis of seniority.

And then we may get 757 guys going on the 330 as well in the future, or so a rumour goes.

If you join, expect at least 5 years of 757 or 320 before you get 330.

[JT8]

Thanks for that stansdead. I'll guess I'll stay put in orangeworld until I can go direct LH.

Cheers

[Jetavia]

Do TC take low timers (<1000h) as well?

[stansdead]

JT8,

Direct Long Haul with us will never happen I think... but you won't be missing much anyhow.

Jetavia,

Recently, i.e. last year they took on some non CTC low hour guys... but not many. Apply and see what happens I say.

[Washed Out]

Stansdead,

Understand that TC will be operating out of Bournemouth next year. Do you know whether this is likely to be a crew base? And on the subject of bases what happens over the winter period, are you assigned to a larger hub like Gatwick or Manchester?

Thanks in advance.