Recent Interview At Metrojet in HK

[Racer51]

I recently had an interview at Metrojet in HK, I was very excited about the position and opportunity they were offering. However, I came across some of the rumors about the DCP and CP and would like to get as much "insider information" as I can before accepting any position there. I would be moving from the US to HK and want to make the best decision possible and want to avoid any shady dealings. Also, what's the word on some other companies in the area? (DeerJet, Tag, TWC, HKJET, etc.) I'm a G450/550 captain. I appreciate the heads up!

[Iver]

Great questions above.

Can anyone also shed light on schedules, days off and "average" monthly flight hours (I realise it can change) on the G550 side? Do G550 pilots also fly the G450 fleet (interchangeable)?

I have a good friend who was just displaced off the G550 and he was born in Hong Kong (looking to return). He is typed on the G550 but he does not have more than 200 hours - so perhaps an FO slot at MetroJet? Can anyone shed light on what life as a G550 FO at MetroJet would look like? Hectic, exhausting, challenging, easy (I threw that in there)?

I have read the posts about Bert & Ernie - not a good situation and I would hope they get replaced soon.

PMs also welcome. Cheers

[Flying Mechanic]

minimum requirements for Metrojet for F/O are in the region of 3000 TT and 500 Jet.
An F/O at Metrojet on 550 will average 200-300 hours, could be more could be less. No real set schedule on any aircraft.....thats corporate life!
Your mate, who was dispalced, if he has 200 hours, i assume a CPL/IR, he should target Cathay, Dragon, HK Airlines, Hk expresss, HK GFS etc, no one spends 45 Million on a biz jet, then hires a 200 hour rookie to ploe it around (unless its the owners son).
Hope that helps you.

[bizjetbus]

I think maybe he meant 200 hrs on type...?

Do they only take rated pilots (captains) or also experienced corporate pilots rated on other types?

[Iver]

Flying Mechanic,

Thank you for the information. Sorry, I was not specific enough - he has nearly 200 hours of G550 time (he is typed and current). So, I assume a G550 FO position would be more likely. He actually has several thousand hours of flight experience including some A320/319 time before he was laid off from that gig as well several years ago. He spent time away from aviation and then got hired by a G550 operator in Europe - and he loved the aircraft and the variety of flying. So, ideally he is looking to get back into charter/corporate flying but in Hong Kong where he spent time as a youth. He is also looking into Dragonair as an option given his Airbus experience.

Some additional MetroJet questions:

- Are the G550s and G450s flown by common pilots?
- How are individual flights assigned among the G550 pilots - just who is available or within acceptable hours? I realise charter flying requires ultimate schedule flexibilty.
- Are there other duties for the pilots beyond flying duties?
- Is there still an exodus of pilots from MetroJet to other operators (due to Bert & Ernie)?

Again, PMs are welcome. I realise there are other G550/450 operators in the area. Any addditional information appreciated.

Cheers

[pattaya pete]

As far as I am aware Metrojet do not charter the G550/ G450 but they fly them purely for owners usage.

Cheers

[Flying Mechanic]

if you mate has 200 on the G550 then he should apply, better still knock on Metrojets door, show that he is really keen. Metrojet, HK Jet, Jet Av all in the same building, so knock on a few doors in oneday!

[Klimax]

I agree with FM. Current on the 550 and a couple of hundred hours, go knock the doors of all the biz operators at Citygate, don't forget the mentioned Jet Aviation HK, Metrojet, HK Jets. There should be a reasonable chance for an FO position for the right guy.

Not particular hectic, with an average flying of about 250+\- hours a year. Basically always on standby. Pretty good pay and housing. Hong Kong is great place for a periode of time, doesnt have to be forever.

Good luck

[envoy]

Pilots are assigned to owner/aircraft, and typically it is a two-pilot 'standby' arrangement. There are no rosters, pilot pools, aircraft/trip preferences or similar - this is not the airlines! The hours per year/days away depends entirely on the owner's rate of effort. Some fly a couple of times a month - others are away for all but a handful of days in a month. Metrojet observes crew rest/crew duty limitations on par with 135 ops.

There are -rare- instances of 3-pilot crews where there is some scope for rostering, but this is not the standard.

The majority of aircraft are HK 'B' registered, which creates some difficulties when it comes to supplementary crewing during leave, training etc. (HKCAD does not issue licence validations - you have to have a B licence to fly a B jet). Some pilots at MTJ find themselves loaned out to other aircraft in Metrojet to fill these gaps as necessary, which adds to the workload.

Additional responsibilities are available for those who are so inclined.

The absence of a type rating is not necessarily a hindrance if you have experience on similar types, but the tradeoff will be some sort of training bond or similar arrangement to offset the cost of a new rating.

[hawkerjet]

no one spends 45 Million on a biz jet, then hires a 200 hour rookie to ploe it around (unless its the owners son).



I believe that Tag in Hong Kong is bucking this trend with a new hire in the Challenger 605 hired with just under 500 hours total time and lower salary. I am not sure the salary so I didn't want to fan the flames, but I believe this has already started a very disheartening trend in Biz Aviation that I didn't see coming for at least another decade, " low timers in Biz Jets":sad:

[ImperialxRat]

They currently have an ad up on climbto350 for a Legacy 650 crew. I shot my resume off... we'll see what they say. The Bert & Ernie stuff is discouraging.

Anyone know how much vacation time you are given each year?

[Klimax]

Should be around 35 days paid leave per year.. Others call it 5 weeks.. :ok:

[Legacy49]

Does anyone work (or previously worked) for Metrojet in Hong Kong or know about the company. I would like to join, but looking for more information to make an informed decision if given the opportunity. Thank you in advance.

[mach92]

How's Metrojet these days?

[Taolino]

Hi Racer,
It's probably Long Time ago you've done your interview with mtj.
May I asking you what kind of questions they did ask you? How the Cie face to face happening?
I will have an interview in short time with them.
Thank you :ok:

[highflyboy]

Heck of a thread revival, but does anyone know if MetroJet HK will consider someone with a 2000+ hours a CPL and 1500+ multi turbine but no jet time. Thanks for all responses.

[Flying Mechanic]

What sort of turbo prop have you been flying?

[fury308]

Metrojet: Last one out, turn off the lights.

[fempilot]

Any update on pilot pay for FO and CA? Thanks!

[Laser651]

So any info on pay for Captains and FO.

[Klimax]

They still seem to get paid. But just hanging in there after the Swiss CEO almost managed to run the business into ground, before he left it hanging.

[lost_somewhere]

Any updated recruitment info on Metrojet (or indeed anyone else in HK)?
My CL605 gig in the Middle East is about to disappear and I have been looking East for some time now...

It seems there aren't as many 605s as there used to be in the region (more than happy for a change of type) but Metrojet was one of the Companies a colleague said I should speak to...

[LetsJetset07]

Hey Good Day,

How are you . Hope this find you all well.

I am a ATP Challenge 604/605 pilot. 2920 Total . 2678 Jet time.
Typed HS125 ,CL-604/605.
Open for : full time and contract.
Ready to relocate

On the looking for an FO job . Do let me know if any opportunity is available for me .

Thank you.

Happy Flying

[Flying Mechanic]

I do think Metrojet operates any of those types anymore. Possibly a 605 . My advice to anyone keen on Hk, go to HK with a good suit and a descent briefcase and go and knock on doors. I know guys / gals who have done it and have got jobs . One guy even got a 450/550 type that way .Good luck in your pursuit.