J2 A320 FO position.

[Oddball77]

Anybody know what T&Cs they are offering?

[Barcli]

You only had to look a few posts further down on this page ...................As an SFO on the 757, flying 400 hours a year (which is 100 hours more than the last two years!): matching the companies 8% pension contribution expect about £3500-3700 a month take home in the winter flying 2 days a month, flying 10 days a month in the summer taking home £4100. Normal FO salary is approx £6000 less off your gross annual salary so deduct about £250 a month from the above figures, however if you join on the 737 expect to fly double the above averaged out over the year and probably about another £300 a month in sector/duty pay (this is a guess as obviously i don't fly it)https://www.pprune.org/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif https://www.pprune.org/images/buttons/report.gif (https://www.pprune.org/report.php?p=10219823)

[BAP]

Hello.

Sorry if this has been covered elsewhere.

I am currently looking over the fence from BA to J2, especially now that they have got A321’s, as I live in the NW - so would love a MAN base.

My biggest concern is workload in the summer. 5 on 2 off sounds pretty horrific. Especially as you don’t get much summer leave.

757 sounds amazing. But one must assume that most will be working like the 737 guys in the future.

I’m a current skipper on the A320 fleet at BA, but I can’t help to be curious about J2, as the work load at BA is sky high all year round.

Anybody on here that can enlighten me a bit more about life on a busy summer roster on the 737 and perhaps what the future holds for the Airbus at J2 at MAN?

Many thanks

[Superpilot]

Workload at your typical british Summer holiday airline...

You are not going to fly more than 80 hrs per month. You can hit 80 just by leaving the house 3 times per week.

UK-Turkey-UK = approx 8 hrs flight time
UK-Greece-UK (except Rhodes) = approx 7 hours flight time
UK-Canaries-UK = approx 8 hrs flight time
UK-Belearics-UK = approx 4 hrs flight time

Take 3 of the above 8 + 8 + 4 = 20 hours per week
x 4 weeks per month = 80 hours per month. Very occasionally it might happen you fly more, if you have leave the following week etc or if you take the overtime.

[bluepilot]

BAP, some eleven years ago I left a legacy airline to join Jet2, sure as you gain seniority in the legacy carriers your income increases significantly in comparison to Jet2, however it comes with the difficulties of long haul. Short haul in any legacy carrier is very hard work, usually involving multiple nightstops etc. Having joined Jet2 I have no regrets, with your experience you could join as a direct entry Captain and the benefits of a non seniority based airline are that should you want to branch into other areas (training, management etc) these positions will be available fairly quickly should you desire. The benefits for me are you rarely nightstop, yes in the summer you work hard, but due to the length of the sectors you tend to work less days compared to a legacy airline (more reserves and SBYs etc), you get home just about every night, the winters are quiet with extra winter leave options should you desire. In short I got my life back! It is a difficult decision, but if you live in the NW then I think it would really benefit your lifestyle, having commuted myself for many years it was not until I made the change that I realised just how much of my time was spent travelling or on SBY in digs!

Good luck with your decision.

[randon]

What is take home pay for a DEC?

[Flying Wild]

What is take home pay for a DEC?

Depends on how much you put into your pension. ~£5400-6000 dependent on how hard you work. Lower figure in the winter, higher in the summer. I’ve been averaging 70-80 hours a month over the summer.

I think the future is bright for the Airbus at Jet2. Joining now would certainly put you in a good position, especially if you come with a training background.

[bringbackthe80s]

Depends on how much you put into your pension. ~£5400-6000 dependent on how hard you work. Lower figure in the winter, higher in the summer. I’ve been averaging 70-80 hours a month over the summer.

I think the future is bright for the Airbus at Jet2. Joining now would certainly put you in a good position, especially if you come with a training background.

What exactly would a good position be, joining now? Just to try and understand, because salary wise I am not exactly impressed, base wise not exactly San Diego..maybe you refer to a nice working environment?

[Whitemonk Returns]

Yes I think they are referring to a nice working environment in a non London base for an airline that is growing. And that growth comes with non seniority based opportunities. Nowhere is perfect but 50% of the BA workload for significantly more than 50% of the BA salary works for many.

[BAP]

Thanks for the replies.

I used to work at Thomson years ago, so I’m very familiar with the charter flying. But at least back then, Thomson would give the pilots extra days off, and standbys were limited.

i get the impression that you don’t fly that many days at J2, which is a great bonus, but you have a lot of standby days; where you can’t make any plans, which I think would be an issue for me in the long run.

Not an easy decision, that’s for sure.

[Johnny F@rt Pants]

In the summer months you should expect to be busy, with minimal standbys, although there are block standbys occasionally where you have a 4 or 5 day run of being in standby and can be called to go to another base to cover for a few days. In the other seasons where flying tails off there are more standbys but J2 have started to look at the amount of cover and have started to stand people down when they see there is no point in having so many people on call. You can also take winter leave options that are made quite attractive, things like take 1 month off unpaid get 1 month off paid, and some part time options over the winter to give you more days off.

[Snakecharmer]

Looking in as a left seat outsider whose priority is work / life balance, the BHX base, proper pension and Winter leave options look attractive... what chance a fixed roster (I'm currently on a 5/4) to seal the deal?!

[gliderone]

Looking in as a left seat outsider whose priority is work / life balance, the BHX base, proper pension and Winter leave options look attractive... what chance a fixed roster (I'm currently on a 5/4) to seal the deal?!

Don’t expect a Ryanair roster. But if the lack of 5/4 puts you off when you’re getting all of the above then I’d say you’re missing the point. Take it from me, I have relevant experience!

Don’t hang around, you might find yourself at the end of a very long queue.

[BehindBlueEyes]

Any idea about FO TR 737 opportunities at Jet2?

Thanks.

[Twiglet1]

Thanks for the replies.

I used to work at Thomson years ago, so I’m very familiar with the charter flying. But at least back then, Thomson would give the pilots extra days off, and standbys were limited.

i get the impression that you don’t fly that many days at J2, which is a great bonus, but you have a lot of standby days; where you can’t make any plans, which I think would be an issue for me in the long run. Not an easy decision, that’s for sure.

BAP 5 on 2 off too much for you, more days off like the good old Thomson days - If I was J2 I'd say stay at BA

[Flydajet]

what chance a fixed roster (I'm currently on a 5/4) to seal the deal?!

Seal the deal? Pffft.... mate I hate to break it to you, but i think you'll find you're skills at present aren't as valuable to them as you think.... unless your CV says 'thomas cook' as your last employer of course... judging from the other jet2 threads at the moment, The choice would appear to be very much theirs at the moment, not yours.

[BAP]

it seems like a rather negative comment, and not particularly helpful. Luckily others have taken the time to offer a more balanced and useful comment, and perhaps taken the time to understand what I meant by my post.

ATB to you though. :)

BAP 5 on 2 off too much for you, more days off like the good old Thomson days - If I was J2 I'd say stay at BA

[Johnny F@rt Pants]

what chance a fixed roster
No chance.

[Daily Dalaman Dave]

Looking in as a left seat outsider whose priority is work / life balance, the BHX base, proper pension and Winter leave options look attractive... what chance a fixed roster (I'm currently on a 5/4) to seal the deal?!

Im slightly confused, do you mean would they change their whole rostering system to accommodate you who wants fixed? I presume that’s not what you mean as it goes without saying that you’ve absolutely no chance whatsoever. They currently have several hundred top drawer experienced pilots banging down their door, so I’m afraid your skills aren’t exactly hard to come by.

[bringbackthe80s]

The salary is competitive against any other similar position in the UK (better than competitive when you take hours actually flown into account). The bases tend to suit because they're where we want to be; i.e. regional, close to home.

Not sure what's hard to understand about that.

You are not sure what’s hard to understand because I would guess your experience is limited to airline flying in europe. You can easily make 3 times that, in very nice places around the world (NOT china), in a very interesting and stimulating environment.This is why I was asking.

But like I said, I suspect the interest is mainly given by being based where one wants, and a nice working environment, which I agree are nice benefits to have.

What is worrying to hear though, is people at BA considering this job. And it’s not even the first time I see this. Incredible.

[Byrne11]

You are not sure what’s hard to understand because I would guess your experience is limited to airline flying in europe. You can easily make 3 times that, in very nice places around the world (NOT china), in a very interesting and stimulating environment.This is why I was asking.

But like I said, I suspect the interest is mainly given by being based where one wants, and a nice working environment, which I agree are nice benefits to have.

What is worrying to hear though, is people at BA considering this job. And it’s not even the first time I see this. Incredible.

How is that worrying? Utterly baffling. BA just had a strike, unless you’re from the London area it involves considerable commuting.
A lot of people make decisions on more than money. Some folks, me for one. Value being at home close to family. Instead of in the desert, or China or anywhere else for that matter. Home every night to my family, no commuting. Priceless.

[bringbackthe80s]

How is that worrying? Utterly baffling. BA just had a strike, unless you’re from the London area it involves considerable commuting.
A lot of people make decisions on more than money. Some folks, me for one. Value being at home close to family. Instead of in the desert, or China or anywhere else for that matter. Home every night to my family, no commuting. Priceless.

What can I tell you. Whatever floats your boat

[Pumal1w]

How is that worrying? Utterly baffling. BA just had a strike, unless you’re from the London area it involves considerable commuting.
A lot of people make decisions on more than money. Some folks, me for one. Value being at home close to family. Instead of in the desert, or China or anywhere else for that matter. Home every night to my family, no commuting. Priceless.

I work for the same outfit that you do, and I love it here for exactly those reasons!

[Whitemonk Returns]

BBthe80s please direct me to where I can get paid three times my salary without going to China, genuinely interested, I have had a look about and jobs paying £16,500 a month net and £9000 a month pension don't seem to be popping up?

[Fletch]

What is worrying to hear though, is people at BA considering this job. And it’s not even the first time I see this. Incredible.

​​​​Perhaps more of a reflection of a deterioration at BA, coupled with an ongoing improvement at Jet2. The Jet2 lifestyle seems to suit a lot of folk.

I could be wrong, but the fact folk are now leaving BA for other carriers is quite a statement of how far conditions/lifestyle at BA have fallen (even more so when compared to other flag/legacy type carriers).

​​​​​​Seems to be a Profit not People management culture at BA.

[Johnny F@rt Pants]

What is worrying to hear though, is people at BA considering this job. And it’s not even the first time I see this. Incredible.

I’ve got news for you, we have had numerous BA pilots join us over the last couple of years, all citing lifestyle.

[Stocious]

I doubt they were very senior at BA!

[Flydajet]

I’ve got news for you, we have had numerous BA pilots join us over the last couple of years, all citing lifestyle.

Which is so great that they recently went on strike...

[bringbackthe80s]

I’m always a bit puzzled when someone who decided to be an airline pilot has as his highest priority being home every night, and possibly never ever leave his home town.
Like I said, to each their own.

[Stocious]

I guess some people actually want to spend some time with their family and friends.

[Flying Wild]

I’m always a bit puzzled when someone who decided to be an airline pilot has as his highest priority being home every night, and possibly never ever leave his home town.
Like I said, to each their own.
Interesting comment. When I started flying I was single and my goal was to get into BA and see the world. Then I got married, then I had kids. It's amazing what having a family will do to your outlook. I quickly realised that I did not want to spend my life killing time in a random city waiting to get back home when I could be home every night. Granted, it might be in the middle of the night, but at least I can still kiss my children goodnight and sleep next to my wife.

My priority is Family, then work. I'm glad that I can fly for a profitable, expanding airline which delivers excellent customer service and is only 30-40 mins from home. It also pays fairly well - yes, it could always be better, but having done just under 600 hours in the last 12 months I'm fairly happy with my lot in life.

[Jumbo2]

I doubt they were very senior at BA!

Most came from within the bubble and the other few were very junior indeed.

[Flydajet]

I'm glad that I can fly for an airline.... which delivers excellent customer service.

I thought you said you fly for BA? :}

[Pumal1w]

Interesting comment. When I started flying I was single and my goal was to get into BA and see the world. Then I got married, then I had kids. It's amazing what having a family will do to your outlook. I quickly realised that I did not want to spend my life killing time in a random city waiting to get back home when I could be home every night. Granted, it might be in the middle of the night, but at least I can still kiss my children goodnight and sleep next to my wife.

My priority is Family, then work. I'm glad that I can fly for a profitable, expanding airline which delivers excellent customer service and is only 30-40 mins from home. It also pays fairly well - yes, it could always be better, but having done just under 600 hours in the last 12 months I'm fairly happy with my lot in life.

Spot on! After spending over 15 years with a long haul lifestyle, I’m now spending every night at home, with a fixed roster, with my family/kids.

Certainly makes me realise what I’ve been missing over the years.....

[Flying Wild]

I thought you said you fly for BA? :}

I’ve never said that...

[gliderone]

I’m always a bit puzzled when someone who decided to be an airline pilot has as his highest priority being home every night, and possibly never ever leave his home town.
Like I said, to each their own.

Everyone is entitled to an opinion. However once you have kids this opinion changes pretty quickly!

[CEJM]

Does Jet2 offer part time options i.e. 75% or 50% year round?

If they do, I assume you start full time and apply to go part time after a few years service?

[Whitemonk Returns]

You will join on a 75% contract straight away if you dont have previous jet experience and optional winter leave options are available immediately as far as I'm aware, you have to bid for OWL but I don't know anyone who dosent get it unless you are a trainer, then it gets a bit more complicated. They have just introduced fixed part time contracts of varying length, with all of the time off over the winter, but you need to have at least one years service to apply I believe.

They are also mandated to discuss flexible working options for people but you generally need a VERY good reason to bag one of those, generally some high level family commitments such as caring for a parent/child.

[macdo]

I’m always a bit puzzled when someone who decided to be an airline pilot has as his highest priority being home every night, and possibly never ever leave his home town.
Like I said, to each their own.
You are quite right, each to his/her own. But I would say that eventually, when the downroute hotel has lost its charms and the thought of another night drinking with a crew half (third!!) your age begins to pall, most will yearn for their own bed and the company of their friends and family.

[CEJM]

Whitemonk, thank you! I will send you a PM in the next couple of days.

[Black Pudding]

Has anyone done the sim assessment in the last few weeks that could PM e-mail me the sim profile, details etc and what is asked of in the sim assessment. I have an assessment in January and want to get some practise in. They’ve not sent me the details yet and I think are on leave until the new year. Please PM me and I’ll send you my e-mail address, thank you.