ATC Job in New Zealand
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ATC Job in New Zealand
Got an interview for ATCO job in NZ,presently based in UK,was wondering if anyone out there could give me some advise on working conditions etc? Looks like I'd be based in Christchurch.
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
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Hi No Speed
I know that several Poms recently declined job offers due mainly to the severe reduction in take home pay they would face. (The cost of living in NZ is NOT cheap!) Airways is unlikely to increase pay rates to match those overseas, such relativities seem to only apply to executives and managers.
If you would be bringing children with you then I would seriously think twice as the current system (NCEA) does little by way of encouraging students to 'excel' in their schooling. However, for a single person I would say 'come on over'!!! 
Airways doesn't have the facility to stream direct onto Approach radar due to contractual obligations with the union. You will find that if you are streamed onto radar it will be onto the Area/Enroute sectors.
The national radar centre is located here in Christchurch so all training and your final posting would be to there. They are also short in towers around the country so if they were to offer you one of those positions you would find the initial training would be at the Training Centre in Christchurch followed by on the job training at whatever tower they sent you to. We currently have 5 direct hires onto Area training at present, from Ireland the UK and Europe.
Airways offers a superannuation plan where you pay 3% of your base salary into the fund, matched by a 6% payment from Airways. We are employed on a base salary plus an allowance of up to 30% (depending on the sector) to cover penalty rates.
The union (NZ Airline Pilots Association-ATC Council) has a loss of licence scheme that provides benefits amounting to 3 times (I think) of your base pay should you loose your medical for any reason. Airways pays for you biannual medical as well as a spectacle allowance should you need them.
Working conditions are pretty good, we operate the Lockheed Martin Skyline system. Rosters are based upon a 4on 2off or 6on 3off cycle that is designed around maximum traffic flows and cover a 24hr period.
You can be required to return to work on your days off to cover sickness etc however you will receive overtime payments for the days worked, with a maximum of 1 call back in 10days or 2 in 32days to prevent fatigue. During any given shift we can work a maximum of 2hrs on a radar position or 2.5hrs on planner. Shifts are generally 6-7.5hrs long.
Airways offer a number of other initiatives such as an employee assistance programme where if you were have problems of any sort they will pay for counselling and the like. While some of my colleagues would disagree I think they are a very good employer who take an active interest in your health and wellbeing.
TP
I know that several Poms recently declined job offers due mainly to the severe reduction in take home pay they would face. (The cost of living in NZ is NOT cheap!) Airways is unlikely to increase pay rates to match those overseas, such relativities seem to only apply to executives and managers.
If you would be bringing children with you then I would seriously think twice as the current system (NCEA) does little by way of encouraging students to 'excel' in their schooling. However, for a single person I would say 'come on over'!!! Airways doesn't have the facility to stream direct onto Approach radar due to contractual obligations with the union. You will find that if you are streamed onto radar it will be onto the Area/Enroute sectors.
The national radar centre is located here in Christchurch so all training and your final posting would be to there. They are also short in towers around the country so if they were to offer you one of those positions you would find the initial training would be at the Training Centre in Christchurch followed by on the job training at whatever tower they sent you to. We currently have 5 direct hires onto Area training at present, from Ireland the UK and Europe.
Airways offers a superannuation plan where you pay 3% of your base salary into the fund, matched by a 6% payment from Airways. We are employed on a base salary plus an allowance of up to 30% (depending on the sector) to cover penalty rates.
The union (NZ Airline Pilots Association-ATC Council) has a loss of licence scheme that provides benefits amounting to 3 times (I think) of your base pay should you loose your medical for any reason. Airways pays for you biannual medical as well as a spectacle allowance should you need them.
Working conditions are pretty good, we operate the Lockheed Martin Skyline system. Rosters are based upon a 4on 2off or 6on 3off cycle that is designed around maximum traffic flows and cover a 24hr period.
You can be required to return to work on your days off to cover sickness etc however you will receive overtime payments for the days worked, with a maximum of 1 call back in 10days or 2 in 32days to prevent fatigue. During any given shift we can work a maximum of 2hrs on a radar position or 2.5hrs on planner. Shifts are generally 6-7.5hrs long.
Airways offer a number of other initiatives such as an employee assistance programme where if you were have problems of any sort they will pay for counselling and the like. While some of my colleagues would disagree I think they are a very good employer who take an active interest in your health and wellbeing.
TP
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Hi Jonny
We've a Norwegian couple, an Irishman and a 'Scouser' that I know of and perhaps I just haven't caught up with the tall Dutchman yet. That's not to say that he isn't here, may be just the other side of the roster to me.
TP
We've a Norwegian couple, an Irishman and a 'Scouser' that I know of and perhaps I just haven't caught up with the tall Dutchman yet. That's not to say that he isn't here, may be just the other side of the roster to me.
TP
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Think the so called tall dutchman is in fact the Irishman.
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sounds like the beginning of a very good joke.
It does doesn't it!!The 'sad' thing is however that Airways recruitment policy IS a joke.
They have no problem in spending $$$ travelling overseas to recruit people, spending $$$ relocating them here, spending $$$ on the training etc however they continue with the belief that it is fair and equitable to charge Kiwi's for the privilage of training towards an ATC licence with no guarantee of a job at the end of it. Unfortunately the punch line isn't particularly funny.
TP
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You can be required to return to work on your days off to cover sickness etc however you will receive overtime payments for the days worked, with a maximum of 1 call back in 10days or 2 in 32days to prevent fatigue. During any given shift we can work a maximum of 2hrs on a radar position or 2.5hrs on planner. Shifts are generally 6-7.5hrs long.
An email in response (that I was included in) referring to these condtions reads:
Interesting point of difference when you consider that there is another big thread running about the Australian recruitment.
As a comparison, in Australia you can be expected to work 21 shifts with 1 day off after 10 (i.e. 10 in a row max, one day off then another 10 etc.)
There is no maximum time plugged in for radar or non-radar. Most shifts are 8-9 hours. I often do TMA Radar for 2:20 without a break, because of how tight the rosters run.
Fatigue is 'managed' in accordance with a system that is based on the FAID system. The acceptable level is equivalent of driving at 0.05 BAC.
As a comparison, in Australia you can be expected to work 21 shifts with 1 day off after 10 (i.e. 10 in a row max, one day off then another 10 etc.)
There is no maximum time plugged in for radar or non-radar. Most shifts are 8-9 hours. I often do TMA Radar for 2:20 without a break, because of how tight the rosters run.
Fatigue is 'managed' in accordance with a system that is based on the FAID system. The acceptable level is equivalent of driving at 0.05 BAC.
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TinPusher
Some of your "recollections" of the Agreement (Contract) aren't quite accurate.
Superannuation is upto 6% personal contribution and 12% company contribution for an ATC member of the scheme, not a bad scheme!!
Recalls are to a maximum of 1 in 10 days, 2 in 36 days, although this is not a hard limit...you can work more by agreement....although the Association strongly advises against working in excess of the 1/10, 2/36.
Airways didn't just offer these (and other) good conditions...they were gained through long and often protracted negotiation by those VOLUNTEERS on the ATC Council of NZALPA. If they (Airways) could drop many of these conditions they would overnight!!! Airways concerned for your welfare...or their bottom line??? You decide!!
Seems like most ANS providers worldwide Airways are short of staff with no real prospect of competing with the big $$$ (or dirrams) of the sands. THey seem to be putting their heads in the sand hoping that the "lifestyle" in NZ will attract staff willing to work for less than they can make elsewyhere...trouble with this tactic is that foreigners will come and partake of the lifestyle...then bugg3r off again...
Some of your "recollections" of the Agreement (Contract) aren't quite accurate.
Superannuation is upto 6% personal contribution and 12% company contribution for an ATC member of the scheme, not a bad scheme!!
Recalls are to a maximum of 1 in 10 days, 2 in 36 days, although this is not a hard limit...you can work more by agreement....although the Association strongly advises against working in excess of the 1/10, 2/36.
Airways didn't just offer these (and other) good conditions...they were gained through long and often protracted negotiation by those VOLUNTEERS on the ATC Council of NZALPA. If they (Airways) could drop many of these conditions they would overnight!!! Airways concerned for your welfare...or their bottom line??? You decide!!
Seems like most ANS providers worldwide Airways are short of staff with no real prospect of competing with the big $$$ (or dirrams) of the sands. THey seem to be putting their heads in the sand hoping that the "lifestyle" in NZ will attract staff willing to work for less than they can make elsewyhere...trouble with this tactic is that foreigners will come and partake of the lifestyle...then bugg3r off again...
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"recollections" of the Agreement
Hi VA
My post you refer to was intended as a brief guide only.
[I]Superannuation is upto 6% personal contribution and 12% company contribution for an ATC member of the scheme, not a bad scheme!![/I]
Thanks for correcting my recollection
[I]Recalls are to a maximum of 1 in 10 days, 2 in 36 days, although this is not a hard limit...you can work more by agreement....although the Association strongly advises against working in excess of the 1/10, 2/36.[/I]
Yup, it's a guide only
Airways didn't just offer these (and other) good conditions...they were gained through long and often protracted negotiation by those VOLUNTEERS on the ATC Council of NZALPA
I'm very aware of the hard work that ALPA volunteers have put in over the years, if you are suggesting I've said otherwise then you need to read my post again.
[I]If they (Airways) could drop many of these conditions they would overnight!!! Airways concerned for your welfare...or their bottom line??? You decide!![/I]
Of course they would reduce conditions further, as they have tried in the past and I'm well aware of the fact that we as a group (barring a couple in the centre) have stuck together to retain the conditions we have. I haven't suggested otherwise and don't get your point
Airways also have an obligation to have a concern for my (and your) welfare. That's enshrined in law and they do run some good courses. They would be remiss as a business if they didn't have a care for the bottom line don't you think?
[I]Seems like most ANS providers worldwide Airways are short of staff with no real prospect of competing with the big $$$ (or dirrams) of the sands. THey seem to be putting their heads in the sand hoping that the "lifestyle" in NZ will attract staff willing to work for less than they can make elsewyhere...trouble with this tactic is that foreigners will come and partake of the lifestyle...then bugg3r off again...[/I]
Mate you get no argument from me here either Refer my earlier post..
My post you refer to was intended as a brief guide only.
[I]Superannuation is upto 6% personal contribution and 12% company contribution for an ATC member of the scheme, not a bad scheme!![/I]
Thanks for correcting my recollection
[I]Recalls are to a maximum of 1 in 10 days, 2 in 36 days, although this is not a hard limit...you can work more by agreement....although the Association strongly advises against working in excess of the 1/10, 2/36.[/I]
Yup, it's a guide only
Airways didn't just offer these (and other) good conditions...they were gained through long and often protracted negotiation by those VOLUNTEERS on the ATC Council of NZALPA
I'm very aware of the hard work that ALPA volunteers have put in over the years, if you are suggesting I've said otherwise then you need to read my post again.
[I]If they (Airways) could drop many of these conditions they would overnight!!! Airways concerned for your welfare...or their bottom line??? You decide!![/I]
Of course they would reduce conditions further, as they have tried in the past and I'm well aware of the fact that we as a group (barring a couple in the centre) have stuck together to retain the conditions we have. I haven't suggested otherwise and don't get your point Airways also have an obligation to have a concern for my (and your) welfare. That's enshrined in law and they do run some good courses. They would be remiss as a business if they didn't have a care for the bottom line don't you think?
[I]Seems like most ANS providers worldwide Airways are short of staff with no real prospect of competing with the big $$$ (or dirrams) of the sands. THey seem to be putting their heads in the sand hoping that the "lifestyle" in NZ will attract staff willing to work for less than they can make elsewyhere...trouble with this tactic is that foreigners will come and partake of the lifestyle...then bugg3r off again...[/I]
Mate you get no argument from me here either
Refer my earlier post..
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Seems like most ANS providers worldwide Airways are short of staff with no real prospect of competing with the big $$$ (or dirrams) of the sands. THey seem to be putting their heads in the sand hoping that the "lifestyle" in NZ will attract staff willing to work for less than they can make elsewyhere...trouble with this tactic is that foreigners will come and partake of the lifestyle...then bugg3r off again
As for the big Dirhams....really? I think not. Controllers in many countries should have their employers over a barrel with the world wide shortage that is only getting worse. Maybe it's only a matter of time.
The Original Party Animal
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Bay Sector is an Area and Approach Control sector:
Area covered: Roughly the top third of the North Island (excluding Auckland Terminal Area)
Type of traffic: Mainly ARRs and DEPs to and from Auckland (Area Control) and Hamilton and Rotorua ARRs and DEPs (Approach Control)
Traffic Levels: Comparatively low (as anywhere in NZ)
If you're given the choice between Area and Bay: GO FOR BAY!!! (The Team Leader on Bay is an Ex-Maastricht ATCO, he's got the hang of it)
Area covered: Roughly the top third of the North Island (excluding Auckland Terminal Area)
Type of traffic: Mainly ARRs and DEPs to and from Auckland (Area Control) and Hamilton and Rotorua ARRs and DEPs (Approach Control)
Traffic Levels: Comparatively low (as anywhere in NZ)
If you're given the choice between Area and Bay: GO FOR BAY!!! (The Team Leader on Bay is an Ex-Maastricht ATCO, he's got the hang of it)
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Well, I for one went to the interview they held in Europe, and managed to complete the tests they had succesfully.
Unfortunatly I yesterday got a mail saying they didn't require my services ( I didn't fit their idea of "team fit" ).
So now only Aus is left, for a guy looking to come downunder.
Best of luck to the rest of you still dreaming of of going south.
Cheers,
Muldrake
Unfortunatly I yesterday got a mail saying they didn't require my services ( I didn't fit their idea of "team fit" ).
So now only Aus is left, for a guy looking to come downunder.
Best of luck to the rest of you still dreaming of of going south.
Cheers,
Muldrake
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Quote 'If you're given the choice between Area and Bay: GO FOR BAY!!! (The Team Leader on Bay is an Ex-Maastricht ATCO, he's got the hang of it)'
Spuds,
Would the ex-Maastricht guy be a Kiwi or a Pom ?????
Spuds,
Would the ex-Maastricht guy be a Kiwi or a Pom ?????
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Yep, Spuds, sure do. He took particularly good care of myself and my better half when we were down that way in 2001. I've tried sending him an e-mail on a couple of occasions but to no avail. If, or when you see him next, give him my regards.