If your a happy First Officer at Qatar Airways then please do inform me!

[MMS]

Dear Pilots,

I am writing this thread because I would like to request the happy First Officers at Qatar Airways to tell me how happy they are. Since i have been reading the threads here on QR, all i can see from pilots perspectives are unhappy (correction, more like miserable) posts written by pilots who make QR seem as though its the worst airline in the middle east.

However, an airline which has such a large fleet must have hundreds of pilots, of which a percentage amongst them read pprune, and therefore some amongst them must be happy to be working for QR (the happy bunch seems like a very quiet one though). So, i request the Qatar Airways First Officers who are happy to please speak up, and let the potentially new F/O's (like myself) for Qatar get an unbiased insight into how it is in the positive side.

Now, before someone starts writing negative comments or asks me to look at the other QR threads, i would like to reinstate that I have read ALL the other QR threads!.........so fellow pilots, no sarcasm please.

Your comments are much appreciated!

[Mehdi757]

MMS,

this is a very good question....something thats been looming around my head too.......im quite interested to see the comments for this thread. ;)

[Bluebull]

You can PM me if you want,Things are not so bad at QA just have to get use to the way things are done

[goatliner]

Dear MMS,

I would be very surprised if you get a positive feedback from one of our first officers that is here for longer than 2 years.Almost all of them are disappointed by this company.Even the ones that earn 5 times more than at home and got their types here don't like it.That says enough, I guess

RGDS.

G.L.

[MMS]

well goatliner, that does say alot.......

thanks for the input.

[Bluebull]

Did you get my PM MMS

[loc22550]

oops...inflation in Qatar is expect to rise by 3% this year...so it means now around 17% inflation for 2008(number one in the gulf!),(no salary increase+devaluation of riyal):ugh:.....For sure this news will bring more Happy F/O (and CPT) here...:bored:
MMS if you are not working for Q.A...think twice.
Seems that Ek increased the salary by more than 10%.(wich is the inflation rate in UAE..).So shall we expect an increase of 17% in Q.A...I doubt!

[MMS]

Hey Bluebull,

Thanks for the PM, its was great to read and very informative.

MMS :ok:

[MMS]

LOC2250,

I am assuming that you work for QR, any positive points from you?

[loc22550]

If something positive come out..i will advice you..:bored:

[Black Stain]

You have read all the negative posts MMS?? The best are all deleted! Legal pressure apparently. How many airlines employ legal eagles to monitor anonymous internet posts? Sick culture.....

But then The Goat probably wouldn't have any First Officer recruits at all if gagged posts from the last 5 years were republished. That would actually be fun to watch eh? At every port, two Goat Captains flying together, sharing RHS duties.

If you have anything of value to offer the aviation industry MMS then the Goat is not the place for you.

[Qatari515]

Just one thing to say...


Happy people usually do not post on anonymous sites like PPrune...

Unhappy people on the contrary will do nothing else but post (In general anyway, Myself I try to reflect both sides of being a QR pilot)


Many pilots are happy at QR....

This does not mean all is swell and no problems remain to be adressed....Hell NO!

But not all is bad overhere.

And I certainly would not say EK or EY are any better as far as the companies are concerned. They all have their own and very typical problems.

Countrywise...well...thats a personal choice I would say.


Dubai.....Too busy and too fast paced


Abu Dhabi....somewhere in between two worlds, without a clear strategy and without ANY housing available.

Qatar.....well euhhhh what can I say! Nothing to do with a local population living a wild west mickey mouse dream of short lived wealth and superficial prsoperity.


But all three have their advantages as well and once you settle in (this goes for all three), many people stay for many years...

[CEO PITA]

QR is great airline and yes it has a big potential !

Qatari people in general are good and nice .

QR has new nice big shiny airplanes !

Maintainance is good .

Salary is not so good but still better then some other places .

BUT PLZ DONT JOJN THE AILRLINE WHICH HAS :

TERMINATION DEPARTMENT
check 3 floor HR plate : termination departmant

Think 7 times not twice plz before you jojn.
QR could be the best airline in globe if litle terminatior is not around !

[speedsalive]

OK guys... I need to say this upfront to you guys

I go to the Emirates thread...i see a lotta bitching, I go to EY thread same story and guess what? I go to the QR thrread,, same bitching all over..

So we might as well go change career and do some fishing around :)

ppl plz post the goods of QR

thnx

[CEO PITA]

I asked my friends in EK and EY and confirmed there is no TERMINATION DEPARTMENT .

Job security is 0 % in QR .

18 % inflation without pay rise

cabin crew reporting capt or F/O if they aske for juce or caffee and by the way if you are F/O and you get reported from anyone for anything masalama upgrade or fleet transfere and 2 warning letters its again TERMINATION

Qatar is country which you cant leave to go home without EXIT PERMIT and if you have ( traffic violation like red light or so you will be stopped at imigration untill you pay you cant go home )

GUYZ did they tell you THAT during intervew ?
command in 6-8 y becouse its done only on A320 and we have 435 F/Os

[CEO PITA]

Positive side of QR is that we have 3800 single cabin crew !

O sorry i forgot to mention this 3800 are not alowed to leave ther eaccomodation 12 h before flight and if they are off they have to come back till 03 30 or TERMINATION department will have job to do

[MMS]

Qatari515:

Firstly thanks for your post, it was very informative. I totally agree that happy pilots do not make posts on sites such as pprune (this is a generalisation obviously). the first time i wrote a post about my current airline, and it was a very happy positive post, i got such a bashing from other pilots from my airline, i was literally shocked! Thus, i know exactly what you mean.I feel there are ppruners just waiting to bash the happy pilots sometimes!

My favourite comment from you was:

"and I certainly would not say EK or EY are any better as far as the companies are concerned."

This was a welcome comment for me because all i have read on here is otherwise!

--------------------------------------------------------------------

CEO PITA:

Your comments about the 3rd floor termination dept were..........mmmmmm........welll.....interesting to say the least, i didnt know that existed!

---------------------------------------------------------------------

[MMS]

CEO PITA:

Please can you tell me why asking for coffee or orange juice is a crime? i mean, what are we meant to drink then apart from our 1 litre water bottles?

and im supposing theres nothing wrong with pilots having J class or F class catering if the pax have not chosen it, and supposing the pilot does not want his crew meal? or is this a reportable crime too?

[CEO PITA]

Capuchino ,dates,orange juce ,energizers,..... many more is forbiden .

Yea i was shocked when i went to 3 th floor and saw termination department just next to immigration department.

Only purser and R1 crew are alowed to enter cockpit other cabin crew is not alowed to enter cockpit in QR . ( thats QR CRM )

Pilots naw have to park car cross 2 busy roads and with some dust in between on temp. +46 C it will be nice walking 200m to operation building

If you dont have youre hat during walk around or youre jacket closed oops
its a WANRNING LETTER and guess what that stop you from any kinda promotion or transfere to other fleet.

And if you do a HARD landing which can happened to any of us oops you are suspended !!

In QR a cabin crew can not get married without CEOs permition . Can you imegine that ?? Am sure you are not comming from Myamar so it will not sound normal to you .

QR is good airline if all this restrictions are not there .

All this is not done by pilots management its done from a litle man with a big problem .

GMFO is great person A.J He would never do this he is reall Qatari

[loc22550]

Termination department or..resignation departement...dont known how to call it?? With the number of resignation you have every year here, this department must be one of the busiest of the company...at least as busy as the recruitment department...:ouch:

[MMS]

CEO PITA:

Regarding the hard landing, i mean there is nothing wrong with a hard landing once in a while, it happens to the best of us....it doesnt show a lack of aviator skills at all. So if a hard landing is explainable to the management, would you still get suspended?

The other things mentioned are i guess quite common with many airlines, even the major airlines practise many sorts of strange rules!

[cameldriver]

of course you have to be happy where you are it also depends on your needs if you need a type rating it is a good choice but if you been a first officer for long time the upgrade program it is very slow and you will get fustrated after some time money wise it's what's in the web page but always look around for the option that best fits your needs because as you know every ones needs are diferent so best of luck in your decision

[B-737]

Let's say that QR pays you the type rating so normally you have to be there for 3 years , and after 1 year you get terminated , do you have to pay something to the company for the type rating ( i.e for the 2 years left)?

[CEO PITA]

No you dont have to pay bond if you are terminated .

I know few guyz who did it in silent smart way !

Type rating for free in QR

[salamalikum2]

MMS..
Nobody can and will decide for you..:i don't known your actual situation(jobless.., single..,married..,kids...):so don't forget to ask yourself the following wise questions: why do i want to join Q.A. or what are the factors that motivate me to join Q.A...?
Hope its not the money,personnaly i known a lot of my F/O colleagues here with their family who can't save anything(no very good..,expecially when the company doesn't provide any pension..), some of them are leaving because they can't afford to stay here..(and not only because of Upgrade issue as mentioned here on Pprune on some other thread..
Cheers.

[botaxgelo]

you have to make happinest not look for it:p
make u feel comfortable where ever u are.
there are no single perfect world.

good luck

[Black Stain]

MMS, you must plan ahead and your Goat career plan should be thus:

1. Go there and get your rating.
2. Send all your money straight home.
3. Get a contract elsewhere ASAP.
4. Then when departure suits you: ride up to the 9th Floor wearing dirty shorts with a T-Shirt and gel in your hair . Go to the the kitchen, drink all the orange juice and Laban (sick) in the fridge, eat all the dates and nuts in the cupboard. Waggle your little finger and offer the indian secretary a better ride than that dwarf in the corner office.

5. Suddenly your life will improve, your assets grow and career flourish.

[Black Stain]

Please don't bother with the Goat defense that you cant behave like that at any airline anywhere. Bullocks!!

If I did that at my current Head Office, at worst I'd be laughed at. But more likely a pretty girl from HR would offer me counseling, a coffee and a buscuit.

Where do you really want to work?

[cleared to land]

Guys just think how many people who had other choices before they came here do you know in QR? And after they joined and signed the bond they have even less options.

[flycold]

In advertisement, Qatar is hiring A300/320/330 F/O.
I have no airbus experience, only have some boeing hours.
any chance or possibility for direct jump on the A330 seat?
Happy Landings!:ok:

[Homo Ludens]

I'm one of the relatively happy F/Os in QR.
About 3 years ago I was flying an old little jet, based at the backside of Europe, without my family and without any perspective for career progression.
Now I'm flying one of the most advanced heavy jets on the planet, my loved ones are here with me, and they feel comfortable in Doha. I do not fly too much; I'm getting more money than any of my friends, working elsewhere. I drive a good car and we live at a very good place.
I go to work, do my stuff, and come back home, live my life. Nobody bothers me for anything.
Respect the others, respect YOURSELF and you won't have any problems. Be nice to the CCs and you can get anything you want. ;)
And, actually, do you really like laban and dates so much?
Then buy yourself some from MegaMart!
Some people just do not know what's important and what's not!
Good flying to all!

[RnR]

HL,
Very Well said..........:D

Cheers,

Off To
RnR.

[Two Dogs....]

Respect the others..... respect YOURSELF.... Be nice to the CCs....
laban and dates so much?

You really dont get it at all Homo? No-one wants to eat dates and drink Laban or capuccinos all day. But most people, not including yourself, deeply resent being treated like children by very little jerk in a white dress.

Respect yourself?? You need to show some self respect. You take cash in one hand with a smile, whilst the boss pisses on your leg for fun. The only person here who doesn't understand the arabic axiom of respect is you?

[Romasik]

Just another view: I'm happy (that includes my wife and 7-years old son who was born here) in ..... Saudi Arabia. So, what do you think about Qatar in comparison? You may just be miserable in Buckingham Palace....
The bottom line is that you have to decide it for yourself. My advice: divide those whiners by ten and enjoy your life.
Well, everone's situation is different, but to give you at least some idea - I won't trade my 747 Classic job with Saudia for 777 or 747-400 with my previouse airline in my hometown Moscow for the same money.

Cheers!

[cabinsecured]

i joined qr couple of months ago.i am happy...no problems.even the parking problem have been solved now,the new parking infront of hardees is good with security.the company apartment is alright.the money is good.
doha..not as crowded as dubai.family quality life is exceptional.the flight crew( my left seat guys ) are very knowledgeable and good flyers.destination is alright...rest in ex station is as per ftl.only complain if any is the crm from cabin side.off lately crm is down the drain,flew lately with one performance officer,she totally ignored us..even the captain.then only department is slacking is probably the crm department otherwise its excellent here.safe flight

[Homo Ludens]

Dear Two Dogs...
Do you really know what bothers you most?
Are those the stupid, childish rules or the person/persons who made them?
Why, would you mind less if they were from London or Melbourne?
There are some bad days. Today was one of those...
You can't help it, even back at home!
So, face it like a man and go on!

Good luck and good night!

[salamalikum2]

Cabin Secured..."money is Good..."????:ugh:(inflation as well....)
So how comes some of my colleagues F/O are leaving because they can afford to stay here with their family and kids.....????

[vivace]

The varying replies in this thread give the answer to this question, it all depends where you are from and what youve been used to.There are many happy crew in QR, as compared to what they had before they are on a great deal,and the deal really isnt that bad. Then there are the deeply frustrated guys who we see posting time and time again,and they really are venting off steam. It comes down to the fact that those that arent happy or get offered a better deal and can leave do leave,those that want to leave and cant(either due to personal circumstances or not getting past interviews elsewhere)are frustrated so are the most outspoken here. The rest are generally happy and are getting on with the job which is really no worse than a lot of outfits around.

[MMS]

Vivace,

well summarized!

[salamalikum2]

Vivace....Today it's a fact that if your are a new joinig F/O and you want to come here with your family and kids (2&3...), and rent a decent villa for just.. 15000..20000QR/month...:eek:(as Q.A. only give you a flat...Not sure your family will be very thankful if you put them in a flat), money wise,they will never survive(:without even talking about school problem&fees here)...Is it right...??

When i see some of my colleague who don't known what to do, leaving qatar..or send the family back home...or whatever, because they can't afford to stay here,i think it's our duty to advice people Honestly BEFORE they come here and BEFORE they end up in such a pity situation, because after having signed a 4 years bond/50.000U$, then it will be to late .Is it right...?

So Rising real(big) problem people may face if they come here, seems to me something useful and helpful, and not just the result of a highly frustrated guy as you mentioned.

[THR MCT]

Qr is a very good airline to work for, depending from your expectations and your goal.:D

1. if your are a profesional pilot looking to join a nice community of talent pilots and get the oportunity to fly the most advanced machine in the world with a desent standard of living and possible upgrade in 4to 5 years "presently" if you fulfill the requirements you most welcome.
2. if you are looking to join to drink laban or eat dattes or ask for 12 cappuchino and 15 orange juice during a single sector even do if you are a first class pax I don't think so they can accomodate your request please stay in this so called lovely europeen Airlines like easy jet and rayn air ....etc where you clean yourself the toilet and pay for your meal and uniform."coming myself from the side of the atlantic"
3. we do have some issues like housing and school but they have been solved for the first one company accomodation, the second if you have not more then 2 children the school allowance is more then enough.
as far as I know never met yet a Qr pilot begging for food in Doha streets.
hope that helps fly safe to all of you.:}

[salamalikum2]

.....And last but not least.. depending of your personnal situation (Family.....)
I mean if you are an f/O with family and kids in Europe,let's assume your wife is working...Don't think it's really worth to completly transfer your live here in Qatar airways...
-Yes we do pay tax in Europe,but at least we have some return: pension, school,university still cheap,good medical insurance covering everything...
-Yes here we don't pay tax (yet..),but we have 17% inflation for 2008 (europe is around 4 %), we have a continious devaluation of the qatari riyal v/s Euro (since the creation of euro), my salary has been devaluated by 40% since i joined,no pension,so if it continues like that.......
Wich situation is the best... I would be very careful before answering..
Nobody knowns about the future.., so just think twice expecially for the long term...
Now if you are single..come here for a while,try to save some money for a couple of year and then decide, stay or leave..

[loc22550]

Indeed..according some ex-Easy-jet Cpt i flow with before in Q.A., taking everything in consideration : money wise Easy-Jet is better than Q.A.

[Smirnoff N21]

THR MCT truth but only truth. You asked for it you shall get mate.
Just facts:
4 years of staying in Doha NO EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT!
4 years seniority NOT EVEN A 3 BED ROOM APARTMENT AFTER EVICTION IS AVAILABLE TO SFO WITH A CHILD but new joiners can avail them having no kids but bloody dogs.
Upgrades change of policy after 4 years waiting for 330 it's only 320. Doesn't really matter which airplane but it's something called credibility my friend. After 4 years we find ourselves with eroding income by more than 40 %. and the quality of live doesn't improve at all. Overtime CANCELED It's called deception my friend!!! However the quality of training is very good that must be said. All in all everyone gotta answer the question DO I SE MYSELF HERE IN THE FUTURE? if the answer is yes- good luck. If NO off you go. The most disturbing fact about QR is not the vain promisses but the absolute inhuman treatment from the guys in the tower. That's about it. Take care and believe it or not one day you'll find yourself in dire need. That's gonna be a moment of truth. It's good to be enthusiastic but don't be blind.
Don't take it personally take it on the rocks!!!:ok:

[P.Clostermann]

Don’t come here expecting too much!

There used to be a saying for working in the Gulf:

You don’t come here for a career, you come here to do the job we want you to do. So expect to leave in exactly the same position you came with and you'll not be disappointed!

In a way this is still true. Come here and get a rating on a nice piece of equipment! But that’s about as far as your rights go! Anything more is pure luck!

Smirnoff, I know what you are talking about and you are absolutely right!

Seniority does not mean a thing over here, it merely helps you when waiting for a jump seat at the staff travel counter but that’s about it!

Housing is a disgrace for people who have been here for some time!

As is salary and career progression. Promises that’s all you will get!

There is not a single QR pilot who has never been lied to before, not a single pilot who has never been misled!

And the more you do for the company, the more it will backfire on you!

So come here, take your TR. After that, just do your job and go home . spend time with your family!

If you can stick to that you'll do just fine for a couple of years....

....

[Black Stain]

The Goat should be seen as Working for Your Welfare Payment, in some countries: Working for the Dole.

It is a place where a pilot has to work for a minimal retainer whilst improving qualifications before rejoining the workforce with a legitimate airline.

Most pilots end up Working for the Dole because, sadly they lost their previous job. But believe it or not, some pilots actually want to work for the dole?? What to say.... the world is a strange place. :rolleyes:

[Bad to the bones]

In all the companies around the globe if you do not follow what is instructed in the "OM" or the company rules, for shure u will have problems, if the act of indicipline is a big one or your performance is low, u will be in trouble, is not that QR invented that policy, they only have a name for that departament (termination dept) which I am not even shure reading that name in the tower. , tell me if you commit an act of indiscipline, or your performance at your job is low, in any company: EK, EY,AA,FU, Varig, LAN, TACA etc. what do you expect?? a congratulation letter??. The problem is that people use this mean to express their frustrations, not even dogs bite the hand that is feeding them.
Be shure things here at QR are much better that what you read on this site, follow the rules ,do your job and u will see how good it will be.
And the most important dont listen to what all this anonimous cowards say, just do your job, and enjoy life in Doha it is beautiful!!!.
NOTE: I am not arab, and it is not that Iam new here I have 5 years flying for QR they upgrade me one year ago. (not thrue that no upgrades in QR)

[salamalikum2]

Doha...Beautiful...!??:eek:

[_FL600_]

Bad to the Bones, thank you :ok:

[speedsalive]

Bad to the bones.. thank you :-)

[THR MCT]

Bad to the bones Thank u:D

[BuzzLightyears]

MMS

it's almost one year since your post! Do you have personal experince to share?

Thanks

Buzz

[Fubaliera]

If you have friends here who can lead you around with the do and donts then its not that bad. The problem here is Human resourse and recruiting still have a lot of room to improve. Simple details in the joining ,training process would make a world of difference.
Good things, if avail youl recieve your accomodation the day you arrive.Online its just like any other airline, you have good and bad things.
4-6years min for upgrade.
I come from a bunch of shytt airlines so this has been a positive experience, money in my pocket, new car, i dont worry about rent or bills,very few MELs, standard hotels.

[flyhigh7078]

Keeping in mind the topic of this thread, as many have posted, there are bad things happening in QR.
However, if you notice it all boils down to
1. yes, the little one..
2. lousy flt ops management, or rather lack of any real welfare support for the flight deck.
On the other hand you have the cabin crew department fully structured, with a "line of compalints" and all. Thereby letting the cabin crew, perf supervisors etc to get away with disrespect and even outright lack of crm with the flight crew. There is no support for the flight crew in the office, no one to investigate the events and find the truth. GMFO, although a good guy, jus says yes to everyone - if you rem it was an annual event, having a new GMFO, until AJ.. So unless you are 'liked' by the right people, you can be in trouble..
Long and short - QR has politics like any other airline, but has great potential if the ops management is given a proper shake down..

So basically, to want to join QR, it all comes down to your personal situation!
For the ones already here and depressed - take pride in the fact that everytime you are up there, you get to be a part of the wonders of nature! You can fly!!:)

[NoJoke]

:} Cheer up boys - think about the pay rise. :confused:

[misstabula]

hi..i just wanna ask smthing and may be it will be strange 4 u but why would cabin crew report deck crew if they asked for orange juice??they don't have anything else to do or they wanna show to the management they r so caring for the company?or its coz they r simply some emty souls who r so ignorant and back in their countries they r the lowest class citizens and given any position and pen they just wanna write?i dont get it...really...cant they do their flights,go home and look forward to the next day??
im wishing u all the best and luck with these ppl and hope u dont ever have to deal with such a bull$it:)

[loc22550]

Misstabula:simple;
-Some of the cabin crew recruited by Q.R. are far from being mature, adult(and honest!),(kindergarden mentality..).

[9.G]

I can see many of f.o breaking out in agony since QR started to hire DEC on all fleets again. Welcome to the sandpit.

[White Knight]

ICAO level 6 English - just not happening at the 'goat' is it? Always painful listening to their crappy R/T:ugh: And the writing is just like the talking!!!!

[biton]

Hi guys, regarding living in Qatar, for those who are married without children does anyone have first-hand experience with bringing their partners with them on trips to do some travelling rather than leaving them by themselves at home in Doha? Would this work with the current roster patterns or are the lay-overs too short?

Secondly, does anyone have the name of the current B777 fleet Chief Pilot?

Lastly, any news on recruitment? The website now has no job vacancies listed. Is this due to upgrading of the website or, as I suspect, have they now filled all the positions after the Singapore roadshow?

Would appreciate any help

[violet08]

As far as having partners travel. Heard it is done. Must be here 3 months to buy the ID-90s on QR and 6 months for ID-90s on other airlines. You can check the loads to help with planning (on QR flights) and unused ID-90s can be reimbursed. Plus with all the leave, ample time to travel and enjoy the world.

[KRUGERFLAP]

The Air Purgatory is hiring for all fleets:

If you don't have an option. Sell your soul to them:

Just send your cv to: [email protected]

We are looking for qualified Captains & First Officers and invite applications from candidates that meet criteria below.
Captains (A300-600 / A330 / A320 / B777) REF: FLI0001W/SIN

Total minimum hours 6000 with at least 2000 hours of command of which 1500 hours shall be jet command
500 hours on type
Valid ICAO license
ICAO English Proficiency Level has to be endorsed on the license First Officers (A300-600 / A330 / A320 / B777) REF: FLI0001X/SIN

Total minimum hours 1000
500 hours on type
Valid ICAO ATPL or frozen ICAO ATPL (FAA ATP written is not acceptable)
ICAO English Proficiency Level has to be endorsed on the license Type Rating Conversions
Pilots without a rating on the aircraft types we fly must have the following minimum experience:
(1) For Captains, 6000 hours with at least 2000 hours command of which 1500 hours shall be jet command and 500 shall be on EFIS equipped jets.
(2) For First Officers, 2000 hours of which 500 hours shall be on jets.
Pilots with considerable experience on the Boeing aircraft (B747-400, B767, B757 & B737NG) will be considered for a type-rating conversion on the B777.
Pilots given type-rating conversion will be required to sign service bond with the Company

[Touch'n'oops]

Just to throw my two pence worth in.

A number of months ago my father was at ICAO's meeting of the airlines and QR's human resource manager gave a speech. He and other airline directors sat there in silence and disbelief.
To sum up her speech, pilots and cc, what a bunch of useless money grabbing dogs. We play them lots, so why do we have to listen to them.

Furthermore, my father has spent a good amount of time dealing with the goat in white robes, but my father prefers to call him 'Little Hitler'.

Out of all airlines in the world I am banned (Well father's request) from joining one... Can ya guess?

[PozativeR8]

yes that sound just like Rosemary alright. the Big head of HR has a very big chip on her shoulder when it comes to flight crew. (pilot ex-husband who ran off with a cabin crew, must be the case:}).
either way, a very miserable woman.

happiness is V2.
P-R8

[NoJoke]

Interesting post. Any chance your Father could get more details? Transcript perhaps. I am sure the guys would love to know how treasured they are.

[Touch'n'oops]

NoJoke

I'll ask him for more details next time we speak.

[Emma Gemma]

Which country is RJF (Rosemary) from? Ireland?

[BuzzLightyears]

Howdy Homo Ludes

what did you describe in your post is exactly the picture i'm looking for!
so wolud you please be so kind to answer a couple of questions QR related:


how is the recruitment process (test, tech quest, Psy IQ....etc)
starting as FO when did they promise you to get the chance to Cpt upgrade
starting as FO on which plane they make you fly (cosidering a medium experience on Boeing plane) and how many plane can you fly at the same time
package deal (basic salary, benefit...etc)... is the pay rate based out of FHs or a fixed rate
how is living in Doha with kids
how many times per year are you able to go back to your home country... and any other good positive suggestion like your post are more then welcome!


Thanks Homo

[BuzzLightyears]

"Pilots with considerable experience on the Boeing aircraft (B747-400, B767, B757 & B737NG) will be considered for a type-rating conversion on the B777"


Kruger

can you tell some nomber to describe " considerable experience" ?

thanks

[ArkPilot]

Buzz L Y,

Now you've done it:eek: inviting an answer from Kruger. I feel an anti-QR rant on the way!!!:eek::eek::eek:

[BuzzLightyears]

Jezz Ark

you are right, but will see! people change! the world is round not squared!... and I guess we can learn also from a positive "animated" post ... :ok:

[NoJoke]

Nice to see you matey. Don't recognise you even though we seem to come from the same place.:p

[BuzzLightyears]

howdy NoJoke

nice to meet you! How small is the world!

[dxbpilot]

Hi ,

Can someone please tell me what sort of hours will be realistic for the 777 fleet at QR. I am currently flying the 737-800.

Thanks

[shneidertrophy]

Time to upgrade...6 years! For the rest....LONG LIVE THE SEARCH FUNCTION!


Summary sounded like Rosemary F al right! She hates our guts deerly! She is the one behind the fact that the pilots' salary scales only go to 5 years (15 years in EK). Reason: according to her you can not express a pilts' productivity beyond 5 years! In other words: expiration date of a pilot in the company is 5 years....

In any case, she is finding herself in some turbulent waters herself, now her territory has been invaded by an ex-EK HR manager. Both are not on talking terms and word has it the chief is getting it on his nerves....

To be continued!

[oryxbollocks]

Yes Schneider......

Lots of changes soon here, not just in HR! But cleaning out the female rottweiller would be the best change IMHO.

GB

[NoJoke]

Couldn't be in training??? :E

[The Tramp]

Somebody say something. The excitement is killing me. ;)

[empati]

How many pilots QR is hiring this year? Or monthly...

How may simulators do QR have in Doha? What type?

Are QR doing interviews now? When?

Thanks!

[lpokijuhyt]

So, what is the story with housing. Are they putting the pilots out in tents? Seriously, I have a wife and small baby. Do they give you a 100 sq. meter flat or is it a stand alone house? Or do they give an allowance and let you struggle to find something affordable?

Thanks

[lpokijuhyt]

Also, I went to their website and attempted to do their on-line application. It does not seem to be working, so I just emailed my CV to the email mentioned in an earlier post.

[Qatari515]

The excitement is killing me too...Somebody....please....leak some info!

Housing: You will get an apartment or a house. Depending if you are an FO or a Capt. Accommodation is nice, facilities are ok. Definitely above Doha average!

A little bird told me that we actually found the number of pilots required this year. Almost 300 pilots received a letter, a lot of them very experienced guys and gals. The last one of these will get a start date during the last part of 2009.

These are rumours of course, so do not let me stop you sending in letters please. We have 1000+ pilots now, we need 1000 more by 2014!

The big challenge for QR will be to keep all these people once the economy starts picking up again. Now everybody is looking for a safe haven but I hope our management is not fooling themselves by thinking QR is the first choice for these people!

Big changes are happening, from the top (No, not the 9th floor but pretty close) to the bottom. QR is maturing especially on a management level (abundancy of experienced managers from all over the world on the market, many have joined recently).
Glad to see as well that CP training position will most probably (99%) be filled in by someone experienced from inside! If there is one person capable of handling that seat, it will be him!

Interesting times ahead I would say....

[oryxbollocks]

Agreed 515.

But what a mess to clean up! And what a day to start the job. 1 April!

As for the pilots recruited, again I agree. Who is going to stay when worldwide conditions improve? We seriously need to rethink our conditions of service and salary structure here in order to offer employees a career. Maybe the Fagen/Ward team could forget their prejudices and think of the company's future instead?

GB

[NoJoke]

SS in IM out. :ok: SD out KF in. :ok: :ok: How the mighty fall. :)

[BuzzLightyears]

:ugh:what kind of prejudice are we talking aboot?:=

[Qatari515]

As far as " interesting times" go, I would say that can be for the better or the worse now, isnt'it?

So I can find myself to agree with your first sentence, however I find your second sentence a bit superficial and narrowminded! To say that ALL people in QR are people without any future in any other airlines goes a bit far. True, this could count for about 50%, but I would not underestimate the other 50% If I where you!

I guess if you would have a look around in the files of the 1000+ pilots around here you would be amazed by the calibre of certain people!

SD replaced by KF? I would never have guessed that one, for several reasons. While I do not doubt KF's capabilities, I do not see the reason why SD would be asked to resign only 1 year after being put on the seat. He did a good job as far as I am concerned. Ok, he was not liked by some people, mainly because he was rather demanding (rightfully so) and he had a certain way of saying things. But one has to ask himself the question: do you want a manager in position who is just a puppet of the higher management or do you want somebody in that seat who guards over the level and competence of his department?

I know as well that SD and SS had a very strange working relationship but hey, in the end they both did get the job done! Different styles, same end destination!

So some good news and some bad news....Things never change in QR!

[oryxbollocks]

515

Part of doing a job is credibility. SD and his manner, both in the corridors and towards his crew on the jet are not conducive to obtaining and maintaining it. He had his chance and blew it, unlike MH who will stay.

Word is the replacement for M is PJ.

I believe no other 'deck chairs on the Titanic' will change on the 1st; other than maybe some sideways movement which could be interesting to watch?

(Gary) B-N Glitter

You should remember that timing is everything in aviation and just because some people missed the ABC (AF-BA-CX) boat, this does not make them lesser mortals.

GB

[Canuck15]

You Need To Hae A Total Of 2000 Hours .icao Atpl And Minimum 500 Hours Of Jet Time On Glass Cockpit //

[Qatari515]

PJ is replacing who? Only M I know being replaced is giving his seat to SS.

As I said before, SD has his own way of getting things done and this did not make him very popular, especially not under the "weaker colleagues".
But I stick to my question. Do we need managers who win the popularity contest or do we need managers who will get the job done?

Some might not like SD's personal style, but he did get the job done as far as I know.

Anyway, that's that I guess. Lets hope the new "team" will do better. A lot of dead bodies still locked away in the QR closets. I guess the coming expansion, IOSA audit, ETS's, worldwide crisis etc etc will seperate the men from the boys in management in the near future...

I am just a line pilot....Yiiieeeehhaaaa!

[flyhigh7078]

IOSA shd be a piece of cake.. QA cleared it last time too.. plus now they have a good team of auditors - heard they are doing a good job.. Plus our own RP has also joined their ranks

[Qatari515]

Glad to see you are confident about it. Not everybody in OPS shares your level of confidence however so let's wait and see how good our internal auditors realy are!

RP does a good job but he is focussing on the wrong things...(HINT)

[flyhigh7078]

:confused: no idea abt the hint... oh boy! doesnt sound good though :sad:

[Ilyushin76]

I was going through the threads and came across two words "exit permit". The poster stated that one can not leave Qatar without an exit permit. Does this mean that every time a person needs to go out of Qatar on leave/vacation he/she need to apply for one? :sad:

[kamranp]

pilots get a multi exit permit after 3 months and its valid for 1 year and costs 500 riyals.

[iggy]

The exit permit thing means that if you make any mistake, or it appears that you have made a mistake, first thing that will happen is your exit permit being cancelled. From there on, whoever is in charge will open an investigation (a lengthy one, usually) to determine wether you are in the wrong or in the right. In the meantime you are locked in QR regardless of your finance or personal situation.

This is the main reason for having most pilots not coming back from vacation. Not worth the risk resigning, geting your exit permit cancelled for all the notice period and geting locked just because your dog **** on someone else's backyard and the neighbour decided to open a police case on you.

[Ilyushin76]

It seems to me that employees of QR are more of slaves rather than bonafide employees. :eek:.

Forgive my ignorance but if things are this bad, people should just stop coming to QR for better employment opportunities :ouch:

[Gander_Radio]

@EY_A330

Please check your pm

Cheers

[BDD]

Hi all,

Things have improved a great deal in the last year at QR.
Money is great with a low overtime threshold.
Retirement fund.
Pay for deadheading. 50%
The best rosters I have ever had at any airline for the last 6 months.
F/O's upgrading at a very fast clip.
Increases in housing.
Increases in school fees.


Just my humble opinion.

BDD

[Azzurri]

BDD,
Thanks for your post. I just wanted to ask if it's okay to have my wife join me on flights a couple of times a month.
Azzurri

[Flytdeck]

For those considering QR, there have been incremental yet significant improvements to pay/living/working conditions over the last year. As with any airline, this is not a rose garden, but things are definitely greener.

From a personal perspective, QR is a reasonable place to work, living in Qatar can be a challenge, benefits are adequate. There are individual events which inspire much rhetoric on these bulletin boards but though they may be unfair, they are also infrequent. Possibly management here is learning and more importantly, maturing.

IF you are willing to take the risk of evolving your pilot career on the short track, this is likely the best place IF you can keep your head down, make a bit of noise occasionally, and stay focused on operations (at least for F/Os). That doesn't mean that fate and chance might randomly seek you out to the detriment of your career. It may also mean you could be a 30 year old B777 Captain and honestly, how many places in the world could THAT happen?

DECs have different objectives. This is a stable and reliable airline if you are willing to suffer the occasional "spanking". Simulator sessions are reasonable as are most of the line check pilots (there ARE exceptions). Rosters can be somewhat onerous on certain fleets compared to legacy European and North American carriers but if one does not enjoy the profession of flying this is likely the wrong place to work. Destinations are varied and interesting and with a few exceptions (again) layover facilities are adequate (though more and more moving toward the airport rather than downtown).

It is distressing to read the threads from Emirates pilots and I am not sure why such a prestigious airline is allowing their pilot workplace to deteriorate so seriously. Possibly only the voices of a few disgruntled individuals are being heard but personally, I am currently quite happy to be employed flying with QR.

[BDD]

Hi Azzurri,

Yes you can have your wife come along on trips.
Just make sure the loads are looking good for
both sectors, and your good.

BDD

[skylark86]

I'm about to join QR airways soon. I would like to know how long would it take us to promote to FO, and how is the acoomodation there?

[MichaelBluth]

FWIW, I met a six year B777 CA today who was very happy there. He seemed keen on having people apply, felt the future was looking good, and had good things to say about the airplanes (No MELs etc). He also mentioned possible new foreign domiciles. Any confirmation?

[Black Pudding]

skylark86

Was going to PM you but your profile does not allow it

Regards BP

[j4mi3]

black pudding


I have exactly the same question. could you (try to) pm me also?


much appreciated

[Flyboysg]

Hi Black Pudding!

Would really appreciate if you could pm me regarding this as well haha. Joining QR soon as well. Thanks in advance!

Flyboysg

[iconflyer]

+1 please!

[Ex-Brazilian]

+1! :E

Thanks

[Gander_Radio]

I'd like to know about that as well.

Thanks

[Black Pudding]

A word of caution

Qatar Airways does read this forum

Should you have any negative views regarding the place, the country or the company, be aware they will try and suss out who you are and identify you. They will take a very dim view of such post if you are an employee or someone who has applied.

You may say what about free speech, well that's fine if you don't work for them, but if you do, it's written into your contract about social network postings. So if your thinking of applying here and you have any negative views, I suggest you think very carefully before posting here or on any other social web page.

As for answering the question

There are many FOs who are very happy with Qatar Airways and some of them actually love living in Doha. In the last 3 weeks, I have flown with 3 who have said this to me.

Most of the time, those posting on pprune have an axe to grind and are not mature enough to just shut up and deal with it ie get another job and move on.

Most people here are as happy as can be. It's just they have more important things to do than spend time here on pprune posting about it.

As for would I suggest you come here, depends on your circumstances.

If your a SO cadet coming through an MPL scheme, then I would say grab the opportunity with both hands. You would be stupid to let it pass. You will earn good money once out of training and have a great career future. Stick around and chances are you will be a Capatin 6-7 years after arriving. Also potential for fleet change to bigger aircraft if that's your goal in life.

If your coming from an operator that does not fly what we fly, then maybe it's a good career move in that you will get a rating on an aircraft that is popular around the world.

If you would rather stay in your home country and struggle to get a job or stay on a turbo prop until your made redundant, then good for you.

I suggest you come here for a few years and if your not happy, move on.

Should you get a chance at the MPL, grab it with both hands.

I have been here since 2010 320 fleet. Very happy with my job, not so happy about living here, but it's ok and it's simply where I work. Money is good, flying is good although hard work, staff travel is amazing. All the aircraft are well maintained and the culture here is safety first. They want you to do as your suppose to and nothing more, nothing less. It's very simple. Do your job, smile, go home. Days off are your time and many travel anywhere and everywhere on the days off.

Good luck to all

Regards BP

[bananaman2]

j4mi3... everyone is entitled to their own opinion regarding a place to work, a place to live etc. I'm not going to criticize your post or start singing the praises about Qatar telling you you're wrong and to come here.

However in all honesty Black Pudding has hit the nail on the head and a mate of mine is saying the same and has been encouraging me to come to Qatar for a long time. He's not necessarily talking about the country itself but the accommodation, roster, pay, aircraft etc. You mention accommodation but (as an example) I was in Dubai the other week... Is company accommodation at other airlines any better and is company accommodation available? Most of the time the company accommodation is not available anyway or people choose to stay elsewhere to be where they prefer or even to make money out of the allowance. Also just one more thing, you mention about cost of living... is it better to earn (let's say) £50k a year - a standard FO wage (or £100k if you're a Capt)... so around £4k or £8k a month in the UK? It's taxed, you have to pay your accommodation out of that.... or earn double in Qatar - it's tax free, the accommodation is paid (either way if you take company accommodation or the allowance - which should take care of the accommodation and some are even making money from it!). Food, utilities etc are not gonna cost you several thousand... so cost of living is not really a factor... you should think of how much you save after your expenses or 'net'.

I talk to colleagues about going to the ME all the time at my place as well as monitor these forums... some of the best advice people have said is that, in any country... you can either look at the positives or the negatives If you keep comparing it to your life back home, nobody would ever leave. At the end of the day, most people are in the Middle East to earn money, earn your money and if you need a 'UK' fix or fresh vegetables from time to time... go home to the UK, once/twice a month (which is possible with the roster and good staff travel as Black Pudding said, not to mention if you're flying a Type that goes to the UK) and just suck up the rest. It's up to you... but I presume you were just trying to get a balanced view as after all you are posting on a Public Forum.

All the best!

[j4mi3]

bananaman and black pudding -

thank you both for your input. much appreciated

[checcker10]

Interesting read this thread.
I work across the gulf under the tall building.
It is amazing how over the last 3-4yrs the posts have shifted between our 2 airlines. Almost a complete reversal. What guys are saying here now about QR is what they used to say about EK. And for that matter the pax as well.
But over here our leaders have been hell bent on driving this place downward spiral to who knows where?
It's great to see QR turned things around a bit and is not a bad place to be. Maybe there's hope for us yet here.
As we all know who reads this,perhaps YOU should take note. Small changes make a big difference.
I know where I would go if I was starting out and it wouldn't be here.
Good luck