Living and Working in Japan

[NG_Kaptain]

May I have some feedback from you guys who have had contracts in Japan with any of the ANA companies. How hard is it to comute to North America?
What are the expenses like to live in Japan?
Are the flights fun and the crews nice to work with?
I'm trying to decide which contract to accept.
Cheers,
NG_

[jumpdrive]

chicks ROCK!!!!,
they treat you like a king on flightdeck and at work
and even better when they get drunk!!!!!!!!
love jap girls!!!
yehaaaaahhh

[fightingfoo]

I think what NG meant was how is life in Japan? Not just the chicks, he may be flying boxes. I too am interested in what it is like. I am considering moving my family there from the States(no W). Can someone give us an informed opinion on what expats can expect. I realize that it will be a huge lifestyle change but also an incredible adventure.

Thank you,

FF

[Kisarazu]

I lived there for while in 5 months in training, not as a commuter. What specific q's do you have?

It's bloody expensive ($10 gallons of milk, $2.00 apples), at least in Tokyo. It's very clean and safe and the people are very polite. It's easy to get around as nearly everywhere has signs in English and you can almost always find someone who speaks a little English.

I found it to be a great opportunity and I'm glad I went.

[NG_Kaptain]

I lived there for while in 5 months in training, not as a commuter. What specific q's do you have?
It's bloody expensive ($10 gallons of milk, $2.00 apples), at least in Tokyo. It's very clean and safe and the people are very polite. It's easy to get around as nearly everywhere has signs in English and you can almost always find someone who speaks a little English.
I found it to be a great opportunity and I'm glad I went.
Thanks for the response Kisarazu.. The comments on the chicks:)by jumpdrive were welcome but thats not what I was really after. What really sucks is the six months ground school to get the Japanese ATP, If I could get a a validation do the type course and line training that would be great. But six months to redo something I did over twenty years ago (and forgot most of lol) is a real bummer. Makes EY, EK and QR better options.

[noflow]

Can wives pursue any work opportunities if you move over?
I've only been through NRT a few times. What part of the US would you say the climate resembles?

[Kisarazu]

Thanks for the response Kisarazu.. The comments on the chicks:)by jumpdrive were welcome but thats not what I was really after. What really sucks is the six months ground school to get the Japanese ATP, If I could get a a validation do the type course and line training that would be great. But six months to redo something I did over twenty years ago (and forgot most of lol) is a real bummer. Makes EY, EK and QR better options.

The training time is great if your wife/family can come with you, or if you're single. But if you have kids and real responsibilities, it's difficult to manage. There are a lot of other options out there..

[Kisarazu]

Can wives pursue any work opportunities if you move over?
I've only been through NRT a few times. What part of the US would you say the climate resembles?

I would say Tokyo is like Raleigh, NC. The summers are dreadfully humid and the winters have some snow, but nothing unmanageable, although there is more ice in NC.

A lot of people's significant others went to work as English teachers, so there are some options.

[noflow]

I would say Tokyo is like Raleigh, NC. The summers are dreadfully humid and the winters have some snow, but nothing unmanageable, although there is more ice in NC.

A lot of people's significant others went to work as English teachers, so there are some options.

I didn't realize it was quite that humid there. Is the worst of the heat and humidity mostly in a 2-3 month span?
I've heard of people getting work as English teachers there. That would be a good option. My wife is quite well educated (unlike her dumb pilot husband) so I'm sure she'd get on quite well doing something like that.

[sisyphos]

sorry for jumping on your thread, but I am looking for contact details of NCA. Could anybody pls give me some details ? I tried to contact parc but received no answer. are they still managing the cockpit crews for them? I found japan always to be a great place, most polite and pleasant people I ever met on the road. I once forgot my wallet in the hotel room, they sent a guy to the airport after me!

sayonara

[noflow]

Not sure if IASCO deals with them or not.
http://www.iasco.com/employment_opportunities.aspx

www.rishworthaviation.com has a lot of Asian opportunities and they are actively recruiting for some MD-11 and 747 operators if you're typed in either.

[speedtwoten]

Kisarazu, how is the course??? are you really to do all the subject like Meteorology, Navigation General, Radio Aids, Flight Planning and Plotting on the chart???? :ugh:

[jumpdrive]

any one knows about an airline starting or already operating with ATR's in Japan?
bye

[VintageRed]

I've just recently done the training in Japan and to be honest with you its nothing like the training you did in the US (i'm from OZ but i figure its US is close to ours).

The ATP training itself is more of a lesson in decoding Japanese English, not really re-learning how far you have to go before you have to do an update etc.

The training is quite full on but the experience is worth it. Its an amazing place full of things to explore. The thing about Japan is that you are in Japan, and from what i experienced you're not there to add to their tourist dollar so you will do things their way and like it. However if you have an open mind, enjoy the differences in philosophy and techniques and embrace the culture you will thoroughly enjoy the experience.

As far as i have found out if wives join you on a 'dependents' visa they can apply to work but only for a total of 20 hours per week. However many english teaching colleges can arrange work for expats (under a 'sponsored' visa) but be careful as sometimes they don't give you an option as to where the teaching will be done. That is to say you may be based out of Tokyo but your wife may be assigned a job in Sapporo.

I'm sorry if i have raised more questions than i have answered but i hope it helps - even if its only a little bit.

Cheers
VR

[Lasiorhinus]

Vintage Red, how difficult is it to convert a CPL (or, heck, even PPL) to a Japanese one? My licence is Australian, though I have a yankee one based on it, which will work fantastically if I happen to find any VH-, ZK-, or N- reg puppies around here, but I'm expecting that not even the American one will work for a J-reg.
Also, do you know if there are any places to private hire light aircraft in the Tokyo area?

[JA841B]

chicks ROCK!!!!,
they treat you like a king on flightdeck and at work
and even better when they get drunk!!!!!!!!
love jap girls!!!
yehaaaaahhh
I don't know where you work and in which company. To me the Japanese are racists and thats's the way they treat foreigners; no matter which position you occupy!!!!! I have been working with A-Net for about 2 years. Last year I quit as I wasn't willing to stand it any longer. Just to give you an idea, our course has left completely (except 1 guy) and - as far as I know - no one stayed till the end of his contract period. Regarding Japanese girls. Well, you get them easily. But life is more than easy prey and drunk Japs.

[oldhasbeen]

Whipper - snipper or hedge clippers come in handy too:D :D

[robson767300]

Well guys,
Now I am just finishing my trainning in Japan.I had a bad time here,just studying and studying,but now I have one of the most dificult licence,Japanese ATPL.People here are very polite,the place is very safe and you can live happy here.I think that you must think two or three times before come here,but after you arrived,you will like it.

Good luck for everybody...:suspect: :ok:

[VintageRed]

Lasiorhinus,

I don't know first hand but i have heard that for person to go to Japan and convert their licence by themselves is quite difficult. I can attest to the fact that you will find it quite difficult to learn the Law without directed guidance. You will definitely need an instructor to help and i have no idea where you could find one and one who speeks english for that matter.

As for hiring a/c i have also heard it is mighty expensive, so come cashed up.

Japan's civil aviation is geared towards air transport, their law is very air transport oriented and there are lot of grey areas when it comes to CPL and PPL theory. There is not a very big GA community here as there is not much space for airports and being so well served by burners no one really travels by lighties - so a/c are hard to come by. Having said that you might be able to find one but do a lot of research first, it could save you $$$ in the end.

[VintageRed]

Well guys,
Now I am just finishing my trainning in Japan.I had a bad time here,just studying and studying,but now I have one of the most dificult licence,Japanese ATPL.People here are very polite,the place is very safe and you can live happy here.I think that you must think two or three times before come here,but after you arrived,you will like it.
Good luck for everybody...

And i see you are trying to do cartwheels in the streets now too :D

[mjz]

... is there any opportunity for Airbus pilots in japan?

[oldhasbeen]

Get yourself down to Rappongi, I reckon even Airbus drivers would have a chance there!!:eek: