Gulf Air 320 Rostering!!!!

[Trag]

Whats happened to the rostering Department?

It seems chaos is reigning! I used to fly Corporate Aviation and had less roster changes than what I have now.
5 changes in 30 hours must be some type of record!
Why dont they just give us our Days off each month and leave the rest of the roster blank and tell us to expect anything...

I remember a recent email... "the last few months of this year will be far more organised, easier and thanks for the hard work through the summer etc...""

It's a shame with such a young, keen bunch of guys employed in the past year that would love nothing more than to see some type of 'livable' career pattern, it seems the exodus is imminent... a loss to the Company. At the end of the day, one can only take so much B#$%hit.

Is it really asking too much to expect a reasonably stable roster with minimal changes in a modern "21st Century" airline given the masses of software at our disposal these days to organise such things?


:eek:

[boeingdriverx]

Yes, I have to agree on this one. I met many guys "fatigued" of these last weeks of wild-roster-change with fly-as-much-as-you-can-with-minimum-rest...

After having a busy summer, it seems that we will have a busy fall-winter season...

BD

[midseal]

So with all these irregularities in the flow of the operations with regard to crew sched, what is really happening guys?

Trag wrote:
It's a shame with such a young, keen bunch of guys employed in the past year that would love nothing more than to see some type of 'livable' career pattern, it seems the exodus is imminent... a loss to the Company. At the end of the day, one can only take so much B#$%hit.

Is Gulf Air on shakey ground? The reason I am asking is I am about to make a move to GF . I just don't want to be caught in a bad situation.

And when will they be announcing the new fleet order and will it actually materialize with the unpredicatable trend of events?

thanx in advance .......

[Dixons Cider]

You're right Trag, things really have gotten out of hand, and I can't see any obvious reason for it.

Are they just taking the p!ss? Is it just due to inept crew controllers tinkering and the inevitable knock on effect that creates? Are they publishing rosters in which not all flights are covered, therefore knowing there is going to be subsequent mayhem.

Cmon people, you have got to sort this problem out. It is reaching chronic proportions and the way it is being managed (or mismanaged in this case) is certainly not creating any friends. I am not a whinger, but all the talk these days is about how worn out/p!ssed off/disillusioned the troops are. I draw the line when it starts to effect my home life. Its reached that point. I only work to live, not the other way around.

As I said, the situation has got to be managed. If there is some issue than cant be resolved within a reasonable timeframe, then tell us. Put the cards on the table, treat your people with some respect. Explain whats going on, ask us to cooperate as best we can. You might be suprised.

A telex under the door while I'm min rest in hotac, or an ACARS on the second to last sector, telling me (not asking), that I will now not be home for another couple of days, does not create warm and fuzzies. This is the norm, it happens too often, and its this disdain that is displayed towards us is what really rubs salt into the wound.

People will leave. What a waste.

Mr GF, you have spent money, time and effort training us to fly your aeroplanes, why push us away? You will just have to do it all over again with someone else. Treat them the same, and they too will leave. And you wonder why sickness is through the roof?

Ps
To anybody considering typing "welcome to the middle east buddy", don't bother - I'm not as fresh as you may think.

[in limbo]

Don't tell me this is another company that treats it's employees like crap.
If anyone is listening at Crew sked or what ever they call it there.
RESPECT is a two way street.
You will be very surprised how people react if you talk TO them and not AT them.
This concept is not new yet I've yet to find a company that practices it.:confused:

[tic]

Here Here!! DC, and Tram. Good posts. Perhaps the rostering dept has it's reasons, but no-one is told why? It's just not good enough. The Capt's also getting to do F/O duties as well, is also becoming a nightmare. Wasn't employed as an F/O. , so don't feel I should have to do double duties. Perhaps understandable at the moment because of 767 up-grades, but is it affecting the other fleets as well? What about the travel days once given before and after leave. Doesn't seem to happen anymore. How many of us are getting our leave slots as requested, not many I bet. The powers that be at rostering, asked us recently, NOT to contact them via email, because they were being overwhelmed with queries and requests. It's hardly surprising, with the constant changes in our rosters, and it appears to be getting worse.
tic

[Smell the Bacon]

Throughout the years we've seen the following take place:

1) Increase in Duty Limitations

2) Reduction of Rest Times

3) Reduced standards of Hotels for crew rest

4) Increase in Roster period (remember the 28 day roster)

5) Increase in Duties (Mixed Fleet Flying and both seats)

6) Reduction of Days off (in combination with #4)

What sacrifices have management made throughout these years? (I'm not holding my breath for an answere):E

Is it too much to ask for some stability in our rosters Mr VPO?

[BAE146]

Is it really asking too much to expect a reasonably stable roster with minimal changes in a modern "21st Century" airline given the masses of software at our disposal these days to organise such things?

Software will never replace pilot numbers. If you don't have the correct number of crews for the operation, you will always be playing catch up on the rosters !

[mali]

It certainly is a shame to see things heading South like this.

With GF constantly talking about saving pennies and walking that fine line between profit and loss, i am suprised the bean counters havent done 5 minutes of number crunching to conclude the massive Training costs both on the flight deck and down the back in the cabin could be stemmed with a little more thrown both ways not only in financial remuneration but as Dicks in Cider has said, a little respect towards the troops goes a long long way....

Anyway, heres hoping.... as the first couple of resignations have started leaking through from the new non typed A320 guys, if its the trickle before the massive flow, perhaps Mr GF and his sidekicks can make some changes to stem what could be a very very expensive mistake for them...

Happy Slaving!

:yuk:

[Frozen Turtle]

There is a training bond in theorie but as I said in a previous thread; most guys do not really care about the bond.

If rostering/ management does not get the situation under control they can expect a massive fluctuation on all fleets over the next few months. A high number of local captains are in the pipeline with ETIHAD (some just finished their command training) and a large number of new joiners who came non- type rated a few months ago are already jumping ship.

:eek:

GF is in many respects a nice airline to work for but when it comes to adminstration and management it is the worst!

GF Managers replace the clowns in planning and start to respect your local and expat workforce a bit more and you might have a few pilots left next summer.

[Mr Angry from Purley]

Frozon Turtle

Thought there was pretty chaotic rosters at Etihad and Emirates also so jumping frying pans springs to mind
:\

[HotelGym]

There is a training bond in theorie but as I said in a previous thread; most guys do not really care about the bond. Does that mean that the signature on the contract/bond is only a theoretical one?

[Dixons Cider]

Whoa up there, some pretty broad and wild statements being made here;There is a training bond in theorie but as I said in a previous thread; most guys do not really care about the bond.

You may not be be concerned about the bond my friend, but reality is it exists and you signed it. Tread with caution....it may not be in your best interests to go talking so openly and publically about treating the bond issue as a non entity.

I think (hope) what you really meant was that some feel strong enough about the situation and conditions that they're prepared to consider taking the hit in order to clear them of any remaining bond issues.

[Frozen Turtle]

Dixon Cider my friend

Did you know that a bunch of recent joiners never signed for a training bond? Company just forgot about it. I am not talking about me unfortunately.


:ugh:

[Dixons Cider]

Frosty turtle

If thats for real, then things really are going to be interesting!!

No I hadn't heard that one, however can you substantiate it? What I mean is, its not just a "I heard from a friend who heard from a friend" one is it?

[vfenext]

Did you know that a bunch of recent joiners never signed for a training bond? Company just forgot about it.

I'm quite sure that GF HR Dept will thank you for letting that cat out of the bag. Your friends on the other hand may not be so appreciative!! That's if it's true in the first place, think you will find it's well covered in the contract.

[boeingdriverx]

and how do you like your December roster guys ?

[chrispatrickGA]

:cool: :ok: :ok:
As far as I am concerned the A340 schedule is simply great, but I do understand the difficulties you get, you A320 guys, ...
It seam that the long haul sector is like working for another airliner.

[Smell the Bacon]

ChrispartickGA

It seam that the long haul sector is like working for another airliner

It sounds to me like you just joined the A340 fleet and still dont believe your luck, wait mate, give it a month and you'll soon realise it's the same good old GF. The proverbial tlx under the door last minute, the wonderful hotels, the familiar yet tantalizing "YOU HAVE ROSTER CHANGES" and lets not forget my personal favorite ACARS message "we now require you upon arrival BAH to operate AUH - MCT and deadhead after 3 hours on GFxxx to BAH. B/Rgds OPS"

[Blu Skies 99]

Long sectors with little rest.

Wait for 2-3 hours for your room in LHR (and a few other stations). There is NO excuse for this. It shows that the company has absolutely NO REGARD for its employees.

Some hotels just pathetic--especially the ones used for overflow (ie MCT Holiday Inn).

Fly all day, 24 hours off, fly all night and then repeat the sequence with an Western block thrown in for good measure---gets just plain dangerous.

Rostering---good luck getting anything you like. Management-please spring for a computer system that at least allows some semblence of order.

People are leaving and more going. I know at least 2 who are waiting to go back to Europe as they are fed up (their bonds are not an issue because they don't plan to come back).

One French pilot quit because the company would not give him time off to be with his hospitalized wife. Baby was born premature and died. (although to be fair I have seen GF be very considerate with other cases).

Seems you have to bribe crew sked to get anything or keep them from taking a good flt from you. Just look at who gets the ATH and other good turns on a consistant basis. If your not a connected Arab--forget it.

PLEASE--PLEASE--hire anothr expat HOFO. The last 3 years have been great. We can't deal with the óld'way again.

[chrispatrickGA]

I HAVE BEEN WORKING 2YEARS FOR GULFAIR STUPID....:p

[mali]

It certainly is a shame.
Bahrain is a nice place to live.
95% of the guys we work with are great.
Gulf Air is a good airline and has provided a great career for so many people.
It does seem however that lately whoever you bump into around the place has been affected to some extent by the sudden increase in disdain and ineffeciency occuring.
As an example - and I am sure there are many similar to this; a colleague of mine had a four sector day recently; two of which was his line check, after the four sectors he had a two hour wait in BAH airport, which was extended to three and a half hours due to a late departure, he then deadheaded to AUH, upon arrival in the hotel, no rooms available for any crew for 2 hours. His total duty time, from check in that morning until check in to his hotel room was 16 hours and 45 minutes....
I have witnessed twice in the past week, 15-20 crew members sprawled out sleeping on couches in the reception of the Armed Forces Hotel, after doing long long days unable to stay awake and even try to look professional whilst waiting for rooms to become available.
At the very, very least, if we are to work under such disturbing conditions, is it too much to ask for a bed and a pillow to be available at the end of it all???

Something needs to happen, and it needs to happen quickly.

[Smell the Bacon]

chrispatrickGA

There there now my boy, a bit touchy aren't we? Did you have a good cry over me suggesting you're new on the A340, wow two whole years is it?:ooh: I'm pretty impressed, so I guess that makes you real senior then and obviously well versed in the GF operation right?

If you've been in GF two years starting with the A320 as an FO (as your profile suggests) that means you transferred to the A340 5 minutes ago. We don't have a single FO on A340 who spent less than 2 years on A320 before transfer.

It seems you're so smitten by the fact that your behind is occupying the right seat of an A340 you forgot to change your profile. Who's a clever boy then? (I bet I know what you'll do straight after reading this...edit profile)

Listen when the ink dries on your license mate we can chat again, for now just enjoy your flying.:ok: (if I give you a sector that is)

[chrispatrickGA]

My poor smell a bacon,


We don't have a first officer on A340 with less than two years old in the Company:wrong my friend!!!!!!!
One of the qualities of a pilot is to keep quite before announcing something false...
As you said , just enter into the GF 5 minutes ago , but me I try to verify my sources before being ridiculous.
Have safe flights and check the things before ...

Cheers.

[Trag]

Chipspatrick and Mr Bacon
Please, please, please refrain from entering into a slanging match now.
I started this thread with regard to the topics that concern us.
Please don't do what just about every other thread on this forum does and descend into small time bickering.
You both may have misunderstood the other... I really dont care, just bite your tongues on this thread or start your own Topic please.

Now, thanks to everyone, including you guys (for previous posts) for the constructive input. Let's keep it moving in the right direction.

Perhaps someone who is in a position to alter things for us all even a little bit, may see this thread and may even do something based on the concerns here. Lets keep it moving in the spirit intended and let everyone have thir say in the subject at hand.

Thanks all!

trag

[chrispatrickGA]

:O i HAVE TO SAY THANK TO you dear TRAG.Lets go back to the point.
I honestly think that the long haul schedule is less tiring than the A320's one.

Talking about that topic recently with one of the new guys on A340 , and some new A320 Captains , who stayed 3 to 5 years on the big body, they did agree with me as long as you can face with the jet-lag.
Another thing to notice is that the schedule on A340 is rarely modified...what about the A320 one....::* :bored:

[boeingdriverx]

Hey Trag!

How is boating doing ?

No seriously, I am also concerned about these wild roster changes. Becasuse it has a deep impact on our life styles and our family lives. I now lots of guys who are flying for christmas + new years eve even nightstopping. And most of them are not happy.

Flying for Christmas OR New Years Eve is ok but flying for Christmas AND New Years Eve is NOT ok. Get my point? Years ago I used to fly in a small operation, 5 aircrafts, 20+ pilots, in three years there I had never this kind of problem.

And now lets be fair, Gulf Air is a nice airline, I like it. People are good and nice, management is good, but rostering ruins everything.

But to be honest with all of you, I think it is not going to improve in the coming weeks and months... Let face it: look to all the opportunities in Europe, in India / Far East, we will have more guys leaving and I am afraid that the current "abnormal" situation will become "normal" operations...

I really wish Gulf Air to be successful, because competition is coming after us. I hope also that we will get a new HOFO as good as our current one...

Again, the next months will be interesting, so seat back relax and enjoy the ride !

BD

[Soft Altitude]

Another fact: more than half of A320 F/Os are rostered for more than 80 hours for the month of december, some of them even going up to a 100 rostered hours !!!!! The rest: well, they are hardly rostered for more than 55 hours !!!!! Such an unbalanced rostering makes people unhappy on both sides not to speak about the difference of paychecks, rocketting sky high for some and getting slightly above the basic salary for others. Not that I am particularly fond of doing overtime on a regular basis, but this type of rostering is a shame, balancing it out will definitely bring some peace in the ranks and am pretty sure that the company will realize that they are not that short of F/Os. It's just poor rostering that gives this impression.
Cheers

[Dixons Cider]

Softie

I concur with your post and agree with your sentiments.

Myself - Dec roster changing daily, but as of today rostered around the 95 mark. Too much when there are some I know of rostered 60 or so. Hardly efficient use of your assets I would say.

I speak for myself only when I say my morale is rock bottom, and I'm ashamed and disappointed to admit that my loyalty to my employer is the lowest it has ever been in my 15 years in this game.

Thank you GF.

[boeingdriverx]

by the way, the other day i found something interesting on mygulfair:

on the first page go for OTHER menu CREW PLANNING COMS and then CREW PLANNING DOCS, you can find all rosters from every pilot in the company....

we should check these rosters more often, too make sure that everybody got a fair roster, if not i say only one word: revolution!

[inflames]

Rostering for December is just going to be another blur for me. Working Xmas and New Year. 38 hours night of 76 rostered and they still have 3 trump cards in the way of standby they will almost certainly pull out.

Operations and rostering are quite technical jobs. If you see some of the solutions to the rostering problems that are thrust upon us then you realize that they are mainly manned by monkeys, and not those that they flew into space either. They need to invest in lateral thinkers and drag this company into the western world! I wonder how liable they are also for their mistakes. I see time and time again delays, cancelled flights, and 180 degree errors in flight planning and rostering. While most simple pilot flight errors including paperwork errors are treated with contempt by management. I have been given a no show twice on my schedule only to be told that they were sorry as they realized nobody had called me too inform me of change, or they found out that it was an illegal duty.

To read the list of grievances above is like pissing into the wind, I am afraid they fall on deaf ears until the inevitable happens and they are out of pilots, out of good management and out of money. The root of the problems in GFA go beyond rostering. If Hogan spent a week in operations and rostering to find an equitable and efficient solution to the problems. I am sure the place could be turned around within two months. The problem is that nobody looks for medium or long term solutions, as this requires monetary and managerial investment. As for HOFO the sun does not shine out of his a*** either. He’s a nice guy that doesn’t want any confrontation, therefore does not really get much changed.
From a personal standpoint, I hardly ever feel fresh during my flying, even after 2 days off, you have spent at least one day trying to get your sleeping back to normality, just so you can spend your second day doing something you thought might take you an hour but turns out to be a whole day, and in a tired haze. During many of the duties I also feel that I am very unsafe in the cockpit as tiredness creeps in after being awake for 20 hours or more, as no regard has ever been paid to sleep cycles. Rhesus monkeys and lab rats get more regard towards there biological cycles and are allowed sleep at the correct times if only for the sake of unprejudiced experimentation. I wish rostering would stop seeing how far my limits are when operating an aircraft! Quality of life with Gulfair is going steeply down in my respect towards the company, not because of money or time off, only because of our roster and unpredictability of our schedule. They need to work on this, I don’t care how much they bond me for or what they may threaten to do, they may lead me to an aircraft but they can’t make me fly it!

[BAE146]

Read my lips - for the very LAST ! time. The rostering situation will only improve when we get more pilots. There is simply not enough standby coverage to cover break-downs, sickness and delays !

The answer is simple.:ok:

[scanscanscan]

Yes inflames thoes of us that managed 26years plus as pilots at GF understand your deep fatigue and lifestyle on min days off.
You just have to decide if you wish to "Adapt and handle it" or resign like hundreds before you. No pressure.
It took me in retirement two years plus to recover from 17000hrs of Gf Tristar and B767 through 3.00am jet lag in smoke filled filthy cockpits and from the stress caused by the Gf inefficient admin.
I retired at 60 in May 2000 and missed the A320 event thank God.
The good news is your zest for life and health to the extent of actually feeling fit and good again does slowly return after " a nonpensionable wasted life at Gf?"... that is if a cancer or sudden cardiac arrest does not get you first.
I have spent several hours at funerals of ex GF crew in my retirement and IMHO these rosters produce a lot of premature mortality.
You will slowly become interested in life again and look back in amazement at the crap you put up with when your life only woke up if you were on fire, or a red light, horn and bells blasted you awake. Oh the bliss of warning letters in your mail box on your return from a long extended and then re extended trip.
The notes under your door on min rest, the telephone calls pleading for you to fly on your six days off a month sometimes only four and the "rules" say eight.
The people not available who are "in meetings."
The lifetime spent waiting in staff travel........ it all comes flooding back......I wonder if they need anyone for tonights MNL?
Is it still true they allow you a day off if you die and this is followed by a warning letter not to do it again and advise a deduction will be made from your paycheque?
Think about it....it could be a lot worse...you could have a Gordon Brown in charge who sold half of your countries gold reserves at $250. That is a real problem......

[HotelGym]

Scanner, what a bundle of joy you are! It only took you til age 60 to realise that you wasted your life in aviation. You need to try flying for a low cost carrier and do 30 sectors in 5 days to realise how easy you had it. Retire graciously and leave the bitterness behind.

[Capt Hair Y Balls]

My dear HotelGym I beg to differ with your comments as good old scan there was merely stating that nothing has nor probably will ever change in GF. I recall he started his post by saying that you either put up or pack up, your choice. I see no bitterness on his behalf.

BAE146 probably is right, however he conveniently omitted to mention who is ultimately responsible for the never ending shortage.

While Mr Hogan is preoccupied with the overall growth and return to profitability of his airline the people to whom he's entrusted operations have their heads firmly stuck in the ground and are oblivious to what's going on. For those in hope of a possible solution by the impending replacement of HOFO (after his understandable resignation) I fear you will be faced with much dissapointment. The position is not one that commands the authority to make the required changes. One has to look higher up the ops ladder to find who is responsible.

Finally I think it highly unfair to put the blame on the people in rostering who at the end of the day are forced to solve all the problems caused from management's missmanagement with whatever manpower is available. They have neither the resources nor the motivation to do anything better.

[BAE146]

It matters not who is responsible Hair Balls . When you can identify the problem - fix it !

No rocket science here !

[Gobble]

Not meaning to add salt to the wounds....

Have heard very recently a number of B767 FO's who are junior to quite a few of the A320 FO's in terms of date of final line check will be superceding them and moving onto the 330/340 very shortly due to an excess on the 767.

I do hope this is nothing more than an awful rumour. Someone please set me straight.

If it does come to light this is in fact the truth then it smacks as typical GF policy, the type they are so famous for....

"lets see how hard we can work these poor suckers, see how much abuse and stuffing around they can take, promise them better things and then turn around at the last minute and snatch it out of reach of there hungry mouths! HA Ha Ha.... It's great playing God with peoples lives and careers in GF management Ha Ha Ha...""

Very cynical comment I know, but it does indeed appear to be the way things are handled around the place and reading Scans post earlier and talking to old timers on the block, appears to be a deeply ingrained part of life at GF. It will not change.
It appears to be reaching that stage of the game where you 'vote with your feet'.

I know for a fact that three guys recently employed are in the hold pool of various other major carriers and will be handing in their 'boots' very shortly. All three when joining this Company in the past 15 months were all looking at playing here long term and had no intention to come, take a Type Rating and leave.
A shame, a real shame to see things move in this direction.

Someone put me straight and tell me this latest is nothing more than a wild rumour.... PLEASE!

:E

[Capt Hair Y Balls]

Dear BAE146 I am not eager to open a comfrontation with you but pray tell who from management has identified the problem and what measures have been taken to fix it as you so put it?

The only measures I am aware of is the constant recruitment both on the technical crew side as well as the cabin crew. However the true problem lies in the fact that no one joining these days is prepared to stay in this airline for any length of time.

Has anyone from management ever cared to identify why this is and what can be done about it?

I fear not my dear dear friend.

[Frozen Turtle]

You speak from my heart.

You forgot to mention the 3 A320 guys who joined 6 months ago and who have already left GF in the last weeks.

Add me to the 3 guys you know who have major airline contracts on their table. I actually got 2 offers and I am waiting for the 3rd.

When I joined a while ago I came here with very good intentions and I had planned to stay for a long time. I played the game until today.

But IF it is true that GF is transfering B767 guys out of seniority onto A330 I WILL PACK without delay! In actual fact it would make my decision much easier.

We already watched 18 direct F/O with minimal regional jet experience joining the A330 fleet this summer. Enough is enough!

My dear GF Senior Management have you guys ever asked yourself why you can not attract and recruit suitably experienced candidates anymore? Have you asked yourself why GF is so short of pilots that is not even funny anymore? Have you asked yourself why Senior Training Captains and newly upgraded Captains from all fleets are leaving GF in droves to join ETIHAD and other carriers? Have you asked yourself why your middle/ upper management i.e. HOFO is leaving? Have you asked yourself why GF pilots seldomly smile but look tired and disgusted nowadays?

Lets start with the current market conditions. Right now it is the "employee market". Everyday 20 new ads appear on the Flight International Website looking for Boeing and Airbus pilots.

For those interested:
http://www.flightinternational.com/jobs/Search.aspx


The world is short of Airbus and Boeing pilots like never before and 2006 will be much worse (better for us though!). BA for example is going to hire another 280 pilots until end of March
2006! India requires for the next 2 years approxiamtely 2000- 3000 pilots! The Middle Eastern carriers like EK, EY and QR "try" to hire 20 pilots a month each! This is without Air Arabia, GF , Jazeera etc... So just the GCC requires more than 100 pilots a month! Far East, Europe etc. etc.... are hiring in the hundreds.
Since 9/11 the flight schools were barely training anyone. World aviation has hit a pilot shortage already a few months ago,
only the so called "airline managers" fail to notice.

If you want to hire and RETAIN professional AIRLINE pilots you have to treat them as "professionals".

Its very simple! Listen carefully PCE, VPO and VPHRS! Here comes the lesson in Flight Ops Management for dummies.

In order of importance:

- RESPECT
Genuine respect for your pilots and workforce
Respect can not be commanded but it goes around and comes around.

- ROSTERING
Stability, effective bid system, "reasonable" duty regs. 11-12 days OFF a month to recuperate from one of the most demanding
jobs in the world, physically and mentaly. Hold the rostering department including crew control accountable! If you are short of manpower (pilots etc.) hire them, it is cheaper than losing 80 -120 pilots a year.

- SENIORITY
Only one way to enter GF! As A320 and B767 F/O only. Progression by seniority, experience and merit only! As promised at the GF interview!! The only thing required is planning. If you do not know what planning is google it up and read a few books
or step down from your positions.

- ADEQUATE FINANCIAL COMPENSATION
You know what that means.... especially housing and school
allowances.

You follow these 4 points and GF will be the big winner in the Middle East because you would be one of the few GCC airlines
besides ETIHAD who has some pilots left by next year. If not you will ground aircraft soon and probably run out of business unless the government steps in again.

Probably without me though
:p :p

[jackbauer]

Frozen Turtle, your post shows that you think that GF will be in some way bothered by threats to leave, wrong! Pack now and go, see who gives a monkeys, the loser will be you. If you are under the illusion that there is an airline out there that will fly you 50hrs a month and never disrupt your roster then you are extremely green. The biggest and best are stretched to make ends meet and keep people like you in a job. If you feel it's too much then get out before you turn bitter (maybe it's too late).Senior Management have you guys ever asked yourself why you can not attract and recruit suitably experienced candidates anymore? The fact is that there is NO shortage of candidates. Just look at the interviews that took place during November. 18 guys most with HEAVY jet time and eager to come to the Gulf. You are moving the facts around to justify your decision to moan.cheaper than losing 80 -120 pilots a year. Where did this number come from because it is not based on the real figures, just made up to make your arguement look credible. I suggest you just pack a suitcase and get a bank loan for your bond!

[vfenext]

Reading some of these post makes me wonder if I work for the same airline. GF is definitely not the worst and when you compare to the airlines flying short haul in Europe it's a far better life style. Jack is right if you are that unhappy just go! Don't waste time bitching about a management who really don't care about one individual. They are too busy keeping something bigger than your ego going.Its very simple! Listen carefully PCE, VPO and VPHRS! Here comes the lesson in Flight Ops Management for dummies This really gave me a laugh, more like a lesson from a dummy! PS What or who is VPHRS?

[Capt Hair Y Balls]

Steady on there JB, young Frozen Turtle may have had a right go to vent some steam but I seriously doubt his main problem is the fact that he flies in excess of 50 hours monthly.

He said,

But IF it is true that GF is transfering B767 guys out of seniority onto A330 I WILL PACK without delay! In actual fact it would make my decision much easier.
Progression by seniority, experience and merit only! As promised at the GF interview!!

your reply was

Frozen Turtle, your post shows that you think that GF will be in some way bothered by threats to leave, wrong! Pack now and go, see who gives a monkeys

This my dear JB sounds familiarly like a management statement and very much justifies my previous comments.
If GF are not bothered by threats of people leaving please tell me why they came to a "political" arrangement to block the movement of pilots from GF to EY? They care not about one single pilot but their actions clearly show they very much fear the resignation of many.

One will just have to wait and see, I suspect the near future will be very interesting indeed.

[jackbauer]

EY are free to recruit anyone they want, the rumor about an embargo is just that. If it is true explain why there has been a number of crew from GF go to EY in the last few months, spoke to one just last week. Another example of creating stories to justify a moan. The story of the 76 FO's is another one, where did this come from? If they are transfering it's on seniority/merit. Once again the Frozen guy is manipulating rumors. As for management caring about an individual, well can you imagine what chaos would reign if these silly statements were pandered to. There is a bigger picture and we have to remember that.

[Capt Hair Y Balls]

Jack
The "political" arrangement took place following the last two resignations from captains who moved to EY{a certain Capt Fam... and a certain Capt Sul...}. I know from a very high source in EY that this took place and it has been confirmed by the recruiting officer at EY as well.

If you doubt my sources please speak again to the person you spoke to at EY and ask him to consult the recruiting officer at EY as to the existence of any such embargo.

This is not a rumour it is fact and it was the only way GF could keep some 60 odd qualified applicants from moving. The question is for how long are these strong arm tactics going to save GF.
I suspect not for too long.

[Dixons Cider]

Dear Capn Fluffy Bollacks

You echo my sentiments so succinctly. Well said.

I feel the point that msrs JB and vfe have failed to grasp by their comments;Jack is right if you are that unhappy just go! Don't waste time bitching about a management who really don't care about one individual.
Frozen Turtle, your post shows that you think that GF will be in some way bothered by threats to leave, wrong! Pack now and go, see who gives a monkeys, the loser will be you.

....is that, these are not the feelings or rantings of the odd bad egg, but the general feeling of many, expoused by a few.

The point here is, and I repeat myself, what a sheer waste for GF to push its people away, for that is in effect what they are doing. There are many that came here with long term goals and plans in mind, but GF is making no effort to meet the expectations that were had, and offered. So the answer, as per Mr Jack B and vfe, is just walk away. Narrow minded, head in the sand statements. As Frozen turtle pointed out, it is increasingly a pilots market out there. Push, and people will indeed go.

Its been alluded to that GF is not concerned by, or is somehow immune to resignations. I challenge this concept, for any significant business is not niave enough to believe it can heamorrage its skill base and still flourish. I do believe that GF is not niave.

I am not stupid, I am a unit of labour. As a unit of labour, I incur a cost, but hopefully I bring a return over and above that cost. However, treat me as a cost only, and ignore the human component, and I will walk away - net result, loss.

For all my cynicism, I still have a idealistic viewpoint - treat me as part of the team, and I will play the game. If not, then there are plenty other options.

PS hotelgym
cheap shot on scan scan. He's obviously done the hard yards and a wee bit of time in GF too. His point is not much has changed. No need to dis him for that, in a few more years that might be you (me)!?!

Scanscan - enjoy it, you earned it. My hat off to you.

If they are transfering it\'s on seniority/merit.

Cmon JackB... pull your head out. Its called company requirements, and it overides all else. Or didnt they tell you that bit.

To be fair, universal concept, not just practised by GF, but thats the game we're in is it not??

[Gobble]

A little off the point of rostering but along a similar vein to the thread...

I personally have found recently an extra amount of disorganisation when down route and trying to get a bed to sleep in.

Three times in the past 10 days I've had to wait for more than one hour to get a room upon checking into Hotels - specifically in AUH.
On one particular occasion, after a 16 hour day had to wait 2 hours...

Muscat: Well, just trying to get a hotel upon arrival at the airport is a drama these days - what on earth is going down!!!

One sure way to reduce already crumbling crew moral to a complete pile of rubble is to work them for well over 12 hours and 4 sectors then tell them to sit in a bus at the MCT airport for an hour whilst someone somewhere tries to organise a bed for them.

We wont even bring up the subject of sharing rooms either.... that will just make me cry.

:{

Gobbler

[Soft Altitude]

Personally, I could swallow someone jumping me over for the big fleet, what will seriously bother me is anybody junior to me jumping me over for command !!!!
Jack Bauer, as suggested, better check your sources, I was turned down from EY, due embargo. On the other hand what I have been told is that GCC nationals are welcome to switch to EY from whatever GCC airline !?!?
Cheers

[boeingdriverx]

Gulf Air, seniority is the only way for transfer or upgrade. Please keep your company requirements **** for you, or you can count with the resignation of ONE labour unit!

[Captn B'Ollocks]

Mssrs boeingdriverx and Soft Altitude if you chaps are expats you're bu@@ered anyway with the GF point system.

[Mladen Ostir]

if you are new at the gulf air then the points system means nothing anyway.
the points are very reelevent for old timers at gf, greater than 5 years etc.
otherwise its nothing important and the date when you were on your last final line check is the important one.

this is from the office - im probably wrong then but thats the latest...

policy changes etc...
i better go to publications tomorrow.

chioas

:}

[in limbo]

Why would the date of your last final line check be important?:confused:

[LDG NO BLUE]

This story about 767 guys jumping seniority to the 330 is not a rumour. I talked to the guy who actually was asked if he wouldn’t mind going to the big fleet.

Look, I remember last year when the first rumors started that GF would put direct entries on the 330, being short of people there.

GF has a history of changing its policies to suit its needs, why would it be different now?
Remember how many years our actual 320 captains were put on the hold for upgrade?! These guys had the seniority, they were well above the required hours, they have the “right stuff” for command (I love to fly with these chaps, say whatever you wanna say) and GF hired DIRECT ENTRY CAPTAINS 5 years ago. These guys waited more then 10 years, some of them 12 years to get command, being explicitly bypassed on the list.
And don’t forget one thing. They are locals.

I like the company, with all its problems, I like Bahrain and I like the lifestyle in the island and in the ME.
The problem is, we don’t know where we stand. Seniority does not mean anything. Management does not seem to be interested in the negative effects of direct entries in the pilot corps. It’s bad for everybody. Even GF in the long term, having to adapt transfers and upgrades to please everybody.

No direct entries! No transfers outside seniority and this seniority is date of first line check.

It is a shame to see that GF could do so much better with proper planning and thinking ahead.

PS: for those criticizing scanscan. When I have the opportunity of flying with the very senior pilots, I try to absorb everything I can. If you think you already know it all and the guy next to you is just an old man stalling your upgrade, at least treat the guy with the respect that he earns.

[boeingdriverx]

hey mali!

i like you. i like your pink glasses too. gulf air is so nice i can't believe it. it is so nice! i love the fantasy island, and all our nice flights to all these nice countries, with our nice passengers...

and yes i heard that next year we will start the engine and maybe use the nosewheel steering! what a blast! I might even finally end up with 3 stripes with my only little experience of 5000 hours ! actually i've never seen an airline with so many very experience cadets / second officer , they all have more than 3000 hours wow! I will finally become a real first officer ! my dream!

that is the best airline i know!

cheers

[Dixons Cider]

mali

looks like you have found a girlfriend to skip hand in hand through the flowers with.....

[LDG NO BLUE]

Quoting Scott why we are short:

2 medicals, 5 training failures, and 3 resignations without notice.

Since some more guys will resign in the next 6 months, the situation is not gonna improve. So, this 100 rostered hours will continue until don't know when.

Yep.

[GF715]

OK we are short of crew but how come some 320 F/O are flying 42 hours and other over 100 for this month ?
By the way, who is doing the day trips and some guys always go on few days block ?
Computer is always blamed .... but really, would a computer do such a thing ?
Cheers for now.

[BAE146]

Computer is always blamed .... but really, would a computer do such a thing ?

...................sh!t no 715 , but the idiot programming the computer would!!! :mad:

[LDG NO BLUE]

We are interested in 2 major factors, beeing money and roster.

If GF only corrects our housing and school allowances, the chaotic rostering situation should improve. People will stay longer.
To live in the middle east is becoming increasingly expensive and money for housing was maybe enough 10 years ago.

Check your payslip and think about it...

GF715, I concur with you, the only question is: do you wanna fly 100, or 42 hours? As for me, I think overtime should be equally shared. We should share the overload and we should share the money.
As for the day trips x n/s. I've never been to IST and I don't remember last time I've been to ATH. But I got the "4 sectors + dead heading" ending up with 15 hours duty once a week.

We need to find a balance, but I don't blame the rostering guys, they are only fire-fighters. If they could or should do a better job, I don't have enough information to judge that. I just know that our lines are bad enough.

Happy New Year!

[Left Coaster]

You just hit upon a subject dear to us! We left GF for the two reasons you hit upon...allowances...while not on the 320 fleet, we did have to really look long and hard at how much it was costing us to send the kids to scholl and what it cost to get decent housing. We weren't given a choice of BAH or AUH on the '76, and the cost of living in AUH or DXB was rising like mad...and the responses from anyone in a position to consider any changes was either a blank look or the standard "But Habibi..." so we left for a better package (among other things) Now, it's not all about the cost, we loved living where we did, but as most know, it was all about the uncaring response or simply, the people down the line where not given the tools to do the job properly. I worked with some fantasic people and wish them all the best and wish all of you a Prosperous and Happy New Year...
Yallah Hyak!...

[GF715]

Hi,
Any improvement on your roster for the New Year ? must admit mine is slighly better, 75 hours, 2 day trips .... but wait and see, it might change as usual.
All the best for the New Year !
Cheers.

[SQUIDLY DIDILY]

Hello,

reading you coments it seems like a nightmare to fly for gulf air !

I'm flying left seat in europ and just put my application for F/O A320/B767. I now wonder if it's a wise move. Can you guys tell if the package is that bad. About flying a lot, how many night stop / month do you have ?

Thank for the info

happy landings.

[Leviathan]

A few Q's to add to Squids

Choice between Airbus or 76 on being offered a job?

Is the 76 a senior fleet?

What trips does the 76 do?

Thanks
Leviathan

[LDG NO BLUE]

No big improvements. I just fly to India at night and intra-gulf, as usual.
Let's all hope the extra 10 guys will alleviate the pressure.

Lev: between 767 and 320, I think the Airbus is a better rating in the market. If you plan to make a career with GF, it doesn't really matter which fleet you end up with.

Squid: Leaving Europe to come here is a hard call to make. Very personal. Wise move is to spend a week in the island, if possible with the miss, if you have one. If you think you guys can tackle it, pack your gear and come.

LDG

[gulfboy]

Sorry guys, but WELL, BOO-HOO-HOO!!!
75ish hours???
Ever seen a cabin-crew roster?? 110-120-130+ hours...
And they are the ones who have to put up with the pax, constantly appologizing for everyone elses (not flight deck) stuff-ups, delays, delays,delays, inoperative equipment, lavs that aren't fixed in months, rude ground staff (usually in the Gulf) .....

[Blu Skies 99]

The problems are simple - pay issues and rostering. With the rostering beware that favourtism is rampant. You will fly crap and the ones with the connections will fly the ATH/IST day turn etc. They claim that everyone gets to bid for once choice but it is obvious to everyone that that is not the case.

For those that claim that is not the case look at everyones roster on the gulfairco employee section--it is clear as day.

Untill GF deals with this problem more people will leave. Several leaving off the 767, 6 320 FO's interviewed at BA, at least one leaving to EK, several 330 guys waiting for the word from Euro operators and more considering leaving.

For GF managment-- deal with these rostering issues and 90% of you problems/complaining will disappear.

[Dixons Cider]

Slowdown there gulfboy

Those 75ish hours you mock are block hours, ie off chocks - on chocks, not DUTY hours.

Think about it.....

Me personally - 92 BLOCK hours for Dec, and thats on short haul ops

Blusky99

Agreed - the system is there to produce fair and equal rostering, but individuals intercede and brown nosing and favouritism is what we end up with. I am not part of the 'in' crowd, but I have to admit, my Jan roster has shown a marked improvement and so far there's been minimal dicking with it, hopefully it will continue.

On a positive note - regarding the recent emails/AIMs messages re the acknowledgement that we are under pressure and its appreciated - its a start and at least they accept we are overworked. Makes things slightly more palatable for me. Slightly...

[LDG NO BLUE]

2 ways of flying 75-80 hours a month:

a) BAH-ATH-BAH: 8h x 10 trips = 80h.
b) BAH-DMM-BAH: 1h x 80 trips = 80h.

Regarding cabin crew lines. It's a different league. As a matter of fact it's a all different sport.

[GULFPILOT76]

All the commotion brings back memories, but I think things have gotten alot worst since I left half 2003. Then it was the redeployment of the 76 fleet to AUH where management (ops) did absolutely nothing to help the guys to move in an easy way. Now it is everything they do to tell pilots to F**K off. I am still so happy I could make the step to go back. Loved Bahrain nothing wrong with that, but GF. . . . .:mad: Good luck to all of you

[Hummingbird]

Does that mean that the signature on the contract/bond is only a theoretical one?

What signature?:confused: