Muscat Muscateers
 

Why can I not locate the Muscat Mutterings thread??

What has been happening in Oman? Has there been any action to rectify the dangerous list to starboard? Does anyone still work there?!

Previous thread
 

It was deleted as a waste of bandwidth.

Anything new can be added here.

simulation in life environment
 

hi folks,

there has been a lengthy discussion about the things that are done and more often not done in Muscat ACC's admin regarding traffic levels, safety, contracts,.....

But i have the impression , now we have reached a new dimension. The are really doing it! For a while it was only a rumor that the admin comes up with a sector split for North. But now they really do it, they are simulating new airspace structure in a live environment. And because some controllers refused to work it, now every morning the chief of ACC himself and/or some of the other office guys sit in position and simulate new procedures in North.

Explanation, i cite:
" we don't have a simulator that can properly reflect the strip board.
And anyway there is no legal requirement to simulate before new structures are implemented.
And we are basing this on our vast experience.
We (the office) sat together and were discussing the risks of doing this, so we even have done a risk analysis.
We don't need to publish anything for this evaluation, because nobody is affected outside of Muscat, we just call UAE and Teheran to use another frequency and that is it.
No there are no new procedures between the new sectors and since we didn't really change the airspace besides splitting it and extending it a bit to the south and the west we don't need a new licensing for it.
The system will not allow a handover/takeover (as is mandatory for the other sectors) until mid next year but we write a hand down item to use caution when operating the sector."

Somehow i'm loosing track here. Is that just me having some idiotic major concerns or is something going horribly wrong here???:eek:

Splitting North Sector
 

Great news!
It's only about 3 years late, but better late than never.

I totally understand the Muscateers reluctance to do anything without sim trials. But what is better, continuing the same way that you have for the past 10 years, or giving something new a try?
In reality, what is the difference to simply introducing a new frequency for one of the areas?

The split was tested at length when first mooted, and the team recommended immediate implementation, with each controller getting several days in the sim to famil themselves with the changes.
If it is the same split as was then recommended, the changes to the current setup are small and easily adapted, but have the advantage of reducing the North controller's traffic levels by around the 50%.
Apart from wanting extra breaks, why would anyone not want this to go ahead?
Regarding the handoff function...UAE operated without one until only very recently, when it crosses or approaches the sector boundary, hand it over. Rocket science it is not.

Even the most cynical amongst you must admit that at the very least, management are trying to alleviate a real problem.

the split
 

Ok, maybe i'm panicking or i'm still just too pampered with proper airspace design from Europe. And it's not the new sector i'm worried about (Even though in my opinion the simulated split is the worst of all options). I am just worried about not following any proper rules. New sector yes appreciated but as i learned it , that was

1.Design on paper
2. Design on Sim
3. Design procedures on sim and adjust on sim
4. safety case
4. prepare the live system
5. prepare documentation (updates and amendments)
6. go online

and not the other way around....

I'm with you Carkiller, the live environment is no place to start trialling new sectors and procedures, never, middle east circus or not. The other thing is the office staff have not maintained currency in any shape or form, working on position irresepctive of the trial is dangerous and lunatic. Muscat is an accident waiting to happen.

The Magic Kingdom
 

OK Muscateers sing along with me:

M......I.....C.....K......E......Y.....

M......O......U......S.......E.......

Well....am finally getting kicked out of here tomorrow night.
Have to spend 24 hours in AUH before coming back in as a tourist.

Anyone want to meet me for a beer?

I know I keep asking, but can someone please tell me if the new salary has been approved yet. If so, when is it going to be implemented?

the good old money topic
 

did you really expect that we'd ever see some more money?:=

It's already close to a miracle that after just 16 months we've been granted an (by far not adequate) rise in housing allowance.:D

you get patient here and learn to live with what you get, or you leave, like most of the expats do right now, another 4 on the run by years end....:{

meeting up for a beverage
 

Hey Farrell, next time you are in Shannon, give me a shout!
I'll stand you a Guinness or two.

Good luck

broadcast the off watch message and don't forget to turn out the lights

I am considering a move to Muscat, am very aware of salary issues and am not too concerned. Would appreciate it if someone can try give me an expected timeframe for the OR4100 increase and what the holdup may be. Also, there is a rumour doing the rounds that Oman is not hiring any expats at all for the forseable future due to political issues, comment anyone?

I just hope the DG will take a decision pretty soon because I´m freezing my a:mad: off where I am right now!
I´d go any time!

Two more about to hand in notice as well, if my sources are correct.

That makes six.

Are the current pending resignations due to no increase, or are the working conditions playing their part as well?

zkjaws
 

No PMs please!:rolleyes:
Let others (me) know, too.

Thank you!

Oh dear......rumours in the office say that Muscat will not be shot of me for another year......sigh.

getting quiet here...
 

i expected there would be some more words here after the latest rumour saying that another one of the expats has been sacked by the management.:confused:

but maybe just no one left to complain...

Sacked for what?

Attitude and sick leaves. So they say....

31 Dec
 

i heard that the very last day of the year 2008 was some night in Muscat ACC
all airports in UAE got shut down coz of fog,:)
then you can imagine how it became in Muscat airspace:ugh::ugh:

Last Shift of 2008/Contract
 

The last shift of 2008 was coincidentally the last shift of my contract in Muscat.
Thanks to the disruptions caused by the fog, the night passed pretty quickly and I was able to finish in Muscat relatively unscathed.
The last 20 or so months have been an experience and I thank those who have contributed to the pleasant parts of it.
I wish you well in your next assignment.

Jaws

Hey folks, it´s been awefully quiet here! Are there A N Y news regarding the recruitment process and salary?

"Are there A N Y news regarding the recruitment process and salary?"

From what I gather, an increase has been approved, is on its way and will be announced soon.

If the pending increase does get official approval, are they planning to recruit many controllers?
Also, I believe that the tenders are out for the new ATC system, any ideas as to which systems are being condsidered, and what time frame would be involved to full implementation?

I heard Muscat might be hiring soon. Any news on the salaries? I've been looking for number$, but what I find seems to be a bit dated.
How does the Oman package compare to Bahrain and Abu Dhabi?

Muscat are currently hiring Expat controllers.
Previous applicants on file have been contacted.
A number of staff required immediately, with more to follow.
Positions will be advertised in the usual channels.
Can't mention Salary here except to say it has increased recently.
You will have to acquire and compare packages & living conditions yourself, then make your own decision. It is pointless discussing/debating here as there are too many differing opinions.

Contact info
 

Does anybody here have contact info for the ACC jobs in Muscat, Oman?

Please PM me the info if you have them, would like to check it out...

I am also interested in contact info, please PM me.

Muscat Hiring
 

I have heard through the grapevine that the new package in Muscat is OMR4000 per month (all inclusive).
This is still way below what you can expect in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain & Dubai, where you will probably get more than this as your salary and then accomodation, schooling, medical and flights home, etc on top.

Panamanian
 

Hi,,,,anyone Could Tell How Much Is Ro4000 In Usd, Thanks

Rials
 

That should make it around 10 400 USD, give or take a little on the going rate...

life in muscat
 

mind you life in Oman (Muscat) is so much cheaper than UAE,bahrain,qatar
in every way(expenses,rents...etc).

Thk U Northern,,,,,,,,,i Have An Offer To Work At Muscat,,,,as I Am From Colombia Center Artcc,,i Will Appreciate If Anyone Can Give A Heads Up Of What Can I Expect,,,,thaks In Advance,,,,first Time In The Forum,,,,,

bocas,we have 2 laitn americans who would help you regarding saving wise and exchange.....etc.
jaws im sorry but life have went cheaper since you left.
salary here is 4000 RO fr expat here and thats is confirmed

Abu Dhabi haven't moved...UAE control moved, Abu Dhabi's turn next :E

Muscat still around 1600 Riyals short of the market going rate unfortunately, it would be the jewel of the Middle East again if they made their package competitive. ;)

Muscat will always be short by a couple of thousands?!
the salary in uae few years ago was around 28000 AED and since then it jumps a thousand every year till it reached what(58000-60000)
we dont have as much oil as you do FSS,you know the whole story with being an authority...etc
just ask around,rents in muscat have gone down and its nothing like last years.
4000 R.O is a good deal and rents dropped and thats a fact.and who ever want to come is most wellcome,And who ever have left it was good knowing you

Well... actually, I've told by a Muscateer that the Landlord's agent demanded an increase in the rent a fortnight ago for renewal of the annual tenancy agreement this month under the pretence of adding another floor to the building. Pay up or move out.

this is exactly why sometimes i dont wanna post anything at all ,on such fourms.coz it make me vomit,there is more destructive comment here more than constructive ones?!:ugh:
my friends,its not a jungle here,we recently had a royal decree restraining any landlords fooling around in rents under any reson,so if there is anyone to be blamed it would be the tenant taking crap from landlords,and instead of obeying blindly every thing told them they should go ahead and complain.we are getting good feedbacks and C.V's and things are pointing to the bright side.
maybe to some people its bad news and to some its good