Just seen this thread and thought I’d add a few more facts to highlight the sheer desperation ENAV and QCAA have reached …..
The debacle continues……Seats have now been potentially filled …. I say potentially, as most new recruits are either from a retirement pool , or Eastern Europe ( Hmmmm…..isn’t the new Fusion recruiter Eastern European……coincidence??….or jobs for friends/ desperation to fill slots with candidates the QCAA NON RADAR qualified ??? gatekeeper’s approve off?? ( I mean REALLY??? How can they make recruitment decisions on radar positions without radar experience?)


Now I have nothing personal against anyone from anywhere , however with very little experience of Heavy and complex traffic, no APS rating or any experience of approach/ director , licences NOT been verified and still NOT prior to employment…. allegedly…….This is NOT just reckless, its almost tantamount to what could be classed as pre meditated manslaughter…….putting people in positions that they are not qualified for or have experience of……just to fill a contract quota…
.Public SAFETY is CLEARLY a Low priority!……I wonder what the worlds press will make of it all ?? Remember QCAA gatekeeper ….the WORLD is watching!!

Now it’s not the new employee’s fault they have probably been fed the same fabrication that was fed to the initial ENAV/ Fusion trawl ……..however they along with the older hats will be on the front line and under the microscope……and NOT if……But WHEN it all goes wrong……..the investigation will highlight these reckless actions and the buck will stop with the ATCO in the seat!! ( after a stint in a local government establishment)

COME on Qatar, for the sake of PUBLIC SAFETY , the COUNTRY’s reputation , and protecting the workforce………
GET the Recruitment sorted!! Experience and Qualifications will ALWAYS support safety ……..the lack of…will NOT!

Good evening all,

Could any current Doha controllers PM me about the package and living conditions over there?

Cheers

Interesting reading
 

Very interesting reading people.

A few years ago there was a post on here asking about the package and conditions for working in Doha. I was following it at the time as I was interested myself and there was a very honest and frank reply from whom I believe was a current radar controller listing the pros and cons. Sadly that post disappeared very quickly, not sure why, but if I remember correctly it painted a damning picture of unprofessional management and job instability.

Undeterred I sought a second, and third, opinion from forwarded contacts which resulted in similar confidential replies.

On top of that it appeared that the recruitment process was nothing short of farcical with nothing more than a quick practical assessment determining whether you got the job or not. No personal or professional interviews with HR or any other department for that matter and it largely coming down to whether the one individual recruiter considered you compatible. I was actually told in a more recent follow up that certain previous controllers had been rejected because the recruiter wasn’t friendly with them irrespective of their ability to perform their duties which also adds credibility to some of the comments above.

I can’t comment as to whether that particular recruiter is still in position, I would hope not, but reading this thread it would appear that the process hasn't developed since then and it comes as no surprise to learn those making the decisions remain either unqualified or lacking experience in such matters.

For the record I didn’t apply back then and this isn’t a bitter and twisted follow up, I merely wanted to add my own experience and research to what has already been stated.

It’s disappointing that a unit of this stature doesn’t operate in a more professional manner as this would likely result in a more competitive selection pool considering the attractive package but it’s not difficult to see why people are reluctant to gamble on a move to Qatar when all of the past threads on this site are so negative.

I’m still at the stage where a move could appeal so if anybody, apart from the probable QCAA manager in this thread, has anything reassuring to add could they please do so or DM me privately.

Good afternoon;
Hamad ANSP is, was and will always be understaffed. In particular the Approach Radar staffing. Right now we may have the numbers (some have questioned the recruiting, but that is misplaced), but all signs point to many of those hastily employed will be terminated after the World Cup next year. This is to return to a budget that does not drain the QCAA. A 2019 budget. With the looming Acc sector that seems almost idiotic, welcome to HAMAD Internationals (QCAA AND) approach to business management. Everything but everything is knee jerk, there is no progressive thinking. Change is forced.

Lot of people here are blaming ENAV/Fusion and IBG for certain recruiting methods resulting in incorrect individuals. You’re painting the wrong kangaroo mate. Blame QCAA. Since December 2010 they have been aware that they will host the World Cup in 2022. 12 years. 144 months. 4380 days. When did they begin planning for the World Cup?? In late 2021, and even then it was reluctant. Infrastructure around the rest of the country was on track. Accommodation, transport , common areas, entertainment etc etc. Everyone watched terrified as there was simply nothing done year after year after year. COVID cannot be blamed for this. Incidentally, there is quite a significant number of staff that want out. The obvious choice is the slicker and far superior managed ANSP’s to Hamad’s east. Many have successfully completed APC’s, but have yet to be employed by them as there was begging by their superiors (superiors at HAMAD) not to employ them just yet with the World Cup so close. Whether this holds remains to be seen but it’s safe to say the relationship now with those individuals that want to leave is tenuous at best. This is not the first time that begging took place not to take individuals from HAMAD, and it will not be the last. There is no learning curve here. It’s actually a very trusted method by the AND that’s stood the test of time. That methodology is simple yet very effective, Do everything the same way over and over again and expect different results each time. What could possibly go wrong? Works every-time.

There is lovely new equipment (hard and software. Software receiving regular updates), new airport, new procedures, yet the actual day to day operations are no different to that of the 80’s / 90’s. Ask any of the controllers if they know the full functional capability of the equipment they are using? It’s all hit & miss. None have been trained on the equipment. Training of course was available but staffing was too critical to release for training. Current understanding is self taught which we all know translates to trial and tribulation. Not the best approach to an ANSP that is home base to the fastest growing airline globally. The safety department and ATFM department exist in name and documentation only. This is to satisfy regulation and auditors. They even have a department fully staffed to address ATFM, but in actual practise, it has not been allowed to be implemented. Do you honestly for one moment believe that QTR AWY’s will allow themselves to be dictated to at home base ?? Never gonna happen. Everything here is based on expedition. If you dare think of placing a ‘hold for release’ on any aircraft, you’re questioned. Seen as a weak or incompetent controller. Never cancel the automated release. That thinking resulted in the most terrifying near collision I’ve ever seen here, in Dec 2020.

Revolved around the annual National Day celebrations and a B787 (QTR AWY’s) and a SuperMushshak (PAC MFI-17) trainer from the QEAF. Came within feet of each other. All the result of the unreasonable focus on expedition. There have been others, but to show just how expedition overrides safety here, that is the absolute worst I’ve seen. Losses of separation here are a weekly affair. The aeroficial tool cannot lie. Wake loss on dep/arr and sep loss in the TMA. Simply run roughshod over. A scapegoat will always be found (never a local of course) and you will either be thrown in jail or fired.

You cannot blame the controllers applying here, many of them believe that operations world wide are similar. Come to Hamad if you’re really looking for a challenge, you will absolutely find it here. However, know that the only thing standing between you and being fired is your individual ability. If your experience background is one of strict regulation, maybe this is not the unit for you.

This sort of ‘party line’ orientated forum does little for me. This is a little removed from the intent of this thread, however a colleague brought something to my attention and I thought it worthwhile that I add my penny’s worth. Having controlled in Qatar (first OTBD then OTHH Aerodrome) for a while I have seen numerous controllers come and go. Comes with being a contract worker. Fun bucket full or money bucket full ?, then bye bye. A few people mentioned the name Curtis in earlier posts. Biggest loss to Air Traffic Control in QCAA. There is much speculation as to why he was made redundant during COVID, most notably age and years of service. I call bull****!! However, as to the person, he was the full package. Very easy on the eye, charming, very intelligent, well read and treated everyone with the same respect. He was kind hearted but did not suffer fools easily. However, what he was best respected for was his controlling. He was in a league of his own. It’s hard to describe really, but to say he was good was ridiculous. He was at a level waaaay above everyone else. Yes there are many good controllers here, you have to be, you’re forced out of your comfort zone. However, he was unique. It could be absolutely suicidal crazy and Curtis was monotone in his controlling. Cool, calm, focussed. He was even able to joke and put other people at ease while he was handing ridiculous high levels of traffic. I never even heard of such a high quality of controlling before I came to Doha. To see him in action was a once in a lifetime experience. Everyone liked and respected him. Yes there were and are those jealous of him, but I don’t think he even noticed. He probably will never read this, but Doha will never see that high level of controlling ever again and they are all the poorer for it. It shows today, the working environment here has taken a distinct nasty downward turn since his departure. As to this being a Middle East option for controllers looking for adventure, I wish I was able to, but cannot answer the many questions that linger about this place. I’ve adapted somehow. However know that by coming here you are on your own. Even being extremely good at your job is absolutely no security at all. Good luck to all who apply.

I have managed to keep out of this thread so far. There is a sad grain of truth running through a lot of what has been posted but it is deeply buried in huge piles of bull**** such that I don't have the time or energy to address every point, suffice to say that a lot of what has been written is heavily tainted with bitterness and a large majority of it is factually incorrect or totally fabricated. Either way it is not a happy ship at the moment.
So what has dragged me from my soporific silence? Post #26!
I laughed at the earlier references to the turning point being when Curtis was sacked. The position of Fornicater in Chief has never been truly filled since his departure although a few are certainly doing their best. What else he brought to the table I'm not sure. I am certain the only person who could hold Curtis in such high regard as the author of post 26 is the man himself. Easy on the eye? 🤣 He might have been 20 years ago in a dimly lit room. As for the description of his godlike ATC ability I recall a very similarly worded tribute popping up after he was fired. Most people I know who worked closely with him have a very different view. I wasn't sure then but now I'm positive it was written by Curtis himself. The creation of a new account for the posting of this sycophantic fan fiction does little to dissuade me of my view.
Anyway, back to the shadows for me.

Is that the same Curtis that murdered 15 cats when he departed?

SAFETY is STILL being ignored!!
 

Hi again chaps and chappettes,

Didn’t think I’d be back on here again so quick……but it seems QCAA have outdone themselves this time,
ALL Leave Cancelled From 15th with less than 2 weeks notice….so any pending approved leave cancelled, no financial reimbursement , no leave carry over above the yearly carry over quota (22days) and no repayment of excess leave above the quota …….WOW a HUGE Financial hit for ALL , not such an attractive deal now !!
What a GENIUS move……just when you need all hands on deck and the full co-operation of the grass roots ladies and gents…….you pull the rug away, morale goes through the floor, co-operation and motivation disappears and I can’t begin to imagine what toll the resulting Guaranteed fatigue and almost certain staff reduction ( I would be very surprised if there isn’t a few jumping overboard prior to the ship sinking irrespective of any financial incentives that may have to be returned……and I don’t blame them!! ) WILL have on SAFETY….???

I have this on EXCEPTIONALLY good authority, First hand…..and the reason being, the training is that far behind…..it is BEYOND repair!! People are scrabbling around with NO idea what to do…..and panic measures are now being rolled out…..

GOOD LUCK Everyone……and let’s hope it’s someone else in the seat……when THE DISASTER happens!!

Merry Go Round Continues
 

The entire Qatar ANS / AND is a joke at best, a massive risk at worse with zero mitigation.



Bahrain and the UAE are vehemently opposing the QFIR as they know QCAA is not qualified to manage an FIR. The veneer of the QCAA ANS being a well managed organisational system is wearing off very very quickly. Incompetence, mistruths and misdirection that used to seem to work in the past, is not working anymore.



There is now on average a 160 losses of wake turbulence on final approach a month between Heavy & Heavy and about 140 between Heavy & Medium. Roughly 20 % average of all acft on final into Hamad International Airport are vectored below wake sep with nothing being done. That is just HIA final. Doha International Airport and Al Udeid are a separate matter entirely and exponentially increase those numbers. In Feb / March 2022, at least a 145 sep losses on departure by Tower with less than 4nm between them which obviously translates to a Radar separation loss as well in most cases. Bare in mind, as I stated before, “Hold for release” is not allowed under any circumstances and if it happens, pretty much encourages an “investigation” !? Some as low as 2nm between H & H. IF, and that is a big IF, dependent on nationality, when the occasional investigation does happen, it’s cursory in the case of certain individuals and damning in the case of others. Yet, none of this info was / is shared either with the regulator or IBG.



There has been a direct threatening of certain staff members in the last 18 months with employment services termination if they dared to leak details of one or any of certain very severe incidents. It’s pretty much an open secret amongst all staff members.



In the TMA alone there are on average 10 technical losses of separation a week going un-investigated, often at times despite reports from airlines involved.



The Safety Dept is no doubt withholding info from the IBG safety manager as there seems to be zero rehabilitative or corrective training happening. The only way to gauge if in fact information IS being shared, is the result of that sharing. There seems to now be no doubt that intentional concealment of facts as they definitely did not want IBG to obtain access to this data for fear of the response they will receive in the form of recommendations . IBG I am certain has now for some time suspected a break down in information sharing, but thus far has been unable to confirm. Bare in mind, this type of concealment does NOT happen at low level management (safety / compliance) without approval / instigation or in some cases, insistence from more senior levels of management.



Many a time QCAA ANS has somehow in the past been able to “wing” it and survive. That survival almost always was played as a “huge success”. Of course, that was never the case.



The category of this media page / site is rarely paid attention to. Often it’s one of two things that govern that, one being to ignore and just hope to hell that nothing goes wrong and two, most commentary is viewed as that of an aggrieved party. This is not entirely unexpected. There does seem to however be a difference this time as I’m lead to believe that numerous communications have out of desperation been sent to international organisation’s that govern ATM safety and practices, including those of the Middle East. All from individuals within the employ of QCAA. The interesting part is that it was NOT the World Cup that drove those communications, but base levels of concern for safety practices and continued intentional comprising of safety standards, ineptitude of management and incorrect employment methodology. A major incident (aside from the potential monumental tragedy) can and will prove hugely embarrassing to all concerned as pretty much everything raised as concerns in this thread has now for well over 30 odd months been communicated to these organisations.

Be an air traffic controller they said. Great job, travel the world, work with intelligent people who have their heads screwed on. Two out of three is not a "technical loss" I suppose. What a bunch of c#£ts. I'm ashamed.

It would appear the majority of the posters here are correct. Doha seems to be a very toxic place to work. Goodbye team work. No thanks !!

Wow, quite the read. Fragile egos and broken noses at Doha aside, it still sounds like a challenge, so do they have any final cheque or end of service benefit scheme? This seems to be the one point not covered here then. Serco, GAL and most direct hires in the Middle East, except Oman, seem to have one that is unlimited. I would appreciate any info, maybe a pm would be a good way of dealing with this one.

More threats from management regarding freedom of speech and general working procedures. Watch changes in the radar unit with no warning is the latest. Now radar controllers will be working new airspace, on new equipment, with new and inexperienced staff, with procedures that aren’t finished, now with unfamiliar staff practices and all before a huge traffic influx for the World Cup. Sheer panic and desperation with poor and corrupt management have decimated the unit and morale is through the floor.

Luckily NATS are open for recruitment if you haven't seen...

You mean NATS is open for experienced controllers with ACS rating?

If you want to go to Aberdeeen...

There is no need to threaten the staff with anything like non disclosure, just watch FR24 during any inbound / outbound push. in spite of FRs time lapse delayed feed, you will find yourself wincing once too often. Our north westerly neighbour are filing weekly, often daily against us/Qatar for coordination failures & unsafe handoffs. MIDANPIRG / RASG meetings must surely be quite entertaining when Qatar Air Navigation Services are discussed.

Scotland is fine… there’s no position though

Is there usually an age limit to apply to Doha?

Disputing Accuracy?
 

Thank you most everyone for your continued contributions to the post I began not so long ago. Even those who are slinging the insults defending Qatar your comments are most welcome.

The purpose of this thread is entirely to warn, save, inform those experienced and qualified controllers of the current and past state of the QCAA. Those who need a break, a bone thrown,, are somewhat in a difficult position and just need a job so no amount of information will save them.

Those 1-2 individuals defending Qatar throwing insults will unfortunately one day regret their defence with the exception of a boy from Portugal, but 200 displeased ATCO's who are no longer there since 2001 can't be as wrong as the few currently satisfied staff. Bitter and twisted, I don't think that's accurate. In my case yes I'm very disappointed with the QCAA but I have a better job, in a better country with much better management so I am not twisted just on a mission to save those from that bad experience.

I'm sure everyone hopes these lack of standards, professionalism, real management and real recruiting won't end in some tragic event, thankfully that most likely won't happen. However I knew of a few controllers in Doha who left after experiencing some very close calls that they chose they couldn't be a part of and it probably haunts them to this day how close an accident came. The thing is that in great places to work or at least professional and average places, generally speaking these close calls, losses and scared shi...ss moments just don't happen or at a fraction of what they do in Doha.

I hope that one day they will cut the ties with all the local management (Ahmed and Company) there, get rid of the couple of senior controllers who just have an allegiance because they were desperate at some point and the QCAA gave them a break so they reinforce or influence the bad decisions being made there. If they can bring a qualified foreign ANS provider in to straighten this place up and run it like a professional branch it should be, then Doha would be a great place to go and experience for a couple of years.

Stay safe everyone