Avionco (khartoum-kabul)
Join Date: Feb 2007
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I am Cabin Crew. I am trained and have license on both aircraft types, I go where the ask me to go. The contract was back to them before 10 days. My friends from the USA will meet with me in Moscow as they have the visa now. You must to have a visa for Russia and Afghanistan plus Sudan. I took all my vaccination last week.
If you have nothing from the Canada company you should think to write to the airline.
If you have nothing from the Canada company you should think to write to the airline.
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Independence, Ky
Age: 50
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sxg...
ok so it sounds like you are not working with Avionco? They told me their contracts will not go out until sometime today at the earliest. If not Avionco, who are you working with?
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Independence, Ky
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cell phone service
Just curious what everyone is planning on doing for cell phone service. So far I have found everything to be incredibly expensive as far as cell phones go. Only alternative I can think of is Magic jack or vonage, but that is not a cell phone of course.
Join Date: Jun 2011
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contract information
Not sure if everyone is as frustrated as I am on this, but I have been told for about a week now that contracts should be out. The story keeps changing. First, they will be out that day, then when they aren't I'm told it will be out the next day, etc. The latest communication I received was that they would be out this weekend. They still have a few hours to meet that deadline, but I'm not holding my breath.
Perhaps someone with more experience can shed some light on this. Is this kind of delay the norm?
Avionco has had since June to prepare this contract, and I have been told they are waiting for one of the other dodd's to "review it". I would like to believe this should have been reviewed back in June and ready to go once all the other formalities had been met.
What are everyone else's thoughts on this? If we are paid in this fashion (delay, delay, delay), is this satisfactory to everyone?
Perhaps someone with more experience can shed some light on this. Is this kind of delay the norm?
Avionco has had since June to prepare this contract, and I have been told they are waiting for one of the other dodd's to "review it". I would like to believe this should have been reviewed back in June and ready to go once all the other formalities had been met.
What are everyone else's thoughts on this? If we are paid in this fashion (delay, delay, delay), is this satisfactory to everyone?
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Interesting Place
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to be honest I am not waiting for this assignment any more...the delay is not normal at all. I have been waiting since May for the June start and we are now end of July ...
What is killing me, is that I have let go two immediate jobs this season (end of May and another one in June) because I believed so much in this UN support as I have friends who've done that previously .....I can only blame myself..
Now I am thinking that Avionco must have a problem somewhere, it can't be normal.
But my question is : if there is nothing why would they keep us hanging in front of our computers for months?
They never keep their promises when they say they 'll be sending emails out to everyone. They say the same thing every time I call them...
i have read this few days ago :http://avionco.********.com/
Anyhow time will define the reality
What is killing me, is that I have let go two immediate jobs this season (end of May and another one in June) because I believed so much in this UN support as I have friends who've done that previously .....I can only blame myself..
Now I am thinking that Avionco must have a problem somewhere, it can't be normal.
But my question is : if there is nothing why would they keep us hanging in front of our computers for months?
They never keep their promises when they say they 'll be sending emails out to everyone. They say the same thing every time I call them...
i have read this few days ago :http://avionco.********.com/
Anyhow time will define the reality
Last edited by Tiyara; 24th Jul 2011 at 18:49.
Join Date: May 2005
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Avionco is questionable at best. I know several pilots who are waiting for final checks for over 2 years. The delay for them is that the company that contracted with Avionco did not pay Avionco so Avionco did not pay the pilots. This too could happen on this deal. Just pretty "iffy", plus, if you are American the State Dept has warnings out that Americans should not go to these two countries. If you go, and get stuck the US will not help you get out. I would not go without at least $2000 available. No ATM's in some of these countries, credit cards not accepted, travlers checks may not be accepted either. These are things that should probably be asked of Avionco. Also, you need your shots...you do not want to get them when you land in Sudan......check the internet for what shots are required...I would guess teatnus, yellow fever, meningitis and a few others.
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Independence, Ky
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not normal
OK good. I am glad this is not the norm. I too think something is going on and they are just not being truthful as to the delay. Either that or one of the business partners is slow at getting around to review the contract, which i can understand if that is the case, having been in business with a slow business partner before!
Most recent information I received on Avionco was on another web board, which i think was airline pilot forum, and it said Avionco had been paying their pilots "like clockwork". If I get screwed out of the last month, so be it, I will just get a lawyer on that. I am more concerned with getting paid for the other 5 (or 11 months). The contract is of utmost importance, and I trust we will not be encouraged to sign it expeditiously without properly reviewing it. Such is often the case when people stall at getting things out, they want us to make up for their lost time. Here it is 630 eastern, and still, no contract. I am not suprised at all.
Thanks for the heads up on the shots and the lack of available payment options. I'll make sure to take care of that.
Most recent information I received on Avionco was on another web board, which i think was airline pilot forum, and it said Avionco had been paying their pilots "like clockwork". If I get screwed out of the last month, so be it, I will just get a lawyer on that. I am more concerned with getting paid for the other 5 (or 11 months). The contract is of utmost importance, and I trust we will not be encouraged to sign it expeditiously without properly reviewing it. Such is often the case when people stall at getting things out, they want us to make up for their lost time. Here it is 630 eastern, and still, no contract. I am not suprised at all.
Thanks for the heads up on the shots and the lack of available payment options. I'll make sure to take care of that.
Join Date: May 2005
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Keep in mind that if Avionco defaults on any payment you will need both a US attorny and a Canadian one...or one who can practice in both countries! When dealing with a company that is outside the US I have heard that people have gone to the US Embassy in the particular country and been paid immediately.
Stay up to date on the Travel Warnings. Don't jump on any deal until the fine print is reviewed.
This could be a great experience or the experience from ...he!!. Make sure you put some money aside to pay your taxes when you get back. You will need to file self employment taxes...
Stay up to date on the Travel Warnings. Don't jump on any deal until the fine print is reviewed.
This could be a great experience or the experience from ...he!!. Make sure you put some money aside to pay your taxes when you get back. You will need to file self employment taxes...
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Independence, Ky
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Contract has finally arrived
This evening I received the contract, and I am in the process of reviewing it. They do not have an official start date as of now, but should provide this shortly. Has anyone else received the contract?
Join Date: Feb 2007
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I am in Moscow and did go with the company in Canada. There is talk now that the airline may not continue with Afghanistan due to the rise in car bombs. They are asking us to sign a paper to say our family would not do legal against them if killed by act of war. Am maybe breaking my contract to return home. The airline is nice, but the job is not so nice. The airline will not to send the Russian girls or commanders to this job...
Join Date: Jun 2011
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Thanks for the follow up SXGuerra.
I think it is a good sign that they are considering discontinuing Afghanistan. It shows there is at least some concern there for safety of crews and the others involved.
I can understand why they would not want to send their employees there and contract it out, that makes sense.
How many are in your training class?
I find it interesting that they would have you sign a document on behalf of your family- and wait until they get you there to sign it! But, it hate to say it, but it is understandable they would want that to protect themselves, as it is a high risk for them too, and I am sure their insurance is pretty high for flying an aircraft in a warzone.
Once you receive the contract, ask as many questions as you can think of- and get the answers in writing. Always a good idea to save them on your computer, and save a hard copy at home, heck, even print one to take it with you!
I have asked a lot of questions from Mike last night and this morning, and he has corresponded in a timely fashion and put any fears of contracting with Avionco to rest. Of course, they can say anything they want at this point and take it back later, but that's why I have it in writing! I encourage everyone to do the same. Don't be afraid to confront him on things you have seen online either, and don't be afraid to ask tough questions. He has been forthright with me on every tough question I have asked.
Good luck to all as you make your decisions.
I think it is a good sign that they are considering discontinuing Afghanistan. It shows there is at least some concern there for safety of crews and the others involved.
I can understand why they would not want to send their employees there and contract it out, that makes sense.
How many are in your training class?
I find it interesting that they would have you sign a document on behalf of your family- and wait until they get you there to sign it! But, it hate to say it, but it is understandable they would want that to protect themselves, as it is a high risk for them too, and I am sure their insurance is pretty high for flying an aircraft in a warzone.
Once you receive the contract, ask as many questions as you can think of- and get the answers in writing. Always a good idea to save them on your computer, and save a hard copy at home, heck, even print one to take it with you!
I have asked a lot of questions from Mike last night and this morning, and he has corresponded in a timely fashion and put any fears of contracting with Avionco to rest. Of course, they can say anything they want at this point and take it back later, but that's why I have it in writing! I encourage everyone to do the same. Don't be afraid to confront him on things you have seen online either, and don't be afraid to ask tough questions. He has been forthright with me on every tough question I have asked.
Good luck to all as you make your decisions.
Join Date: May 2005
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With all that is going on in Afghanistan there is no way would I go there not for three times the money offered on this particular contract. My life and my family are worth way too much to do this on a wing and a prayer.
First, Russia has one of the worst maintenance histories...this is not saying that the particular airline involved in this contract is lacking...it is merely a general statement.
Also, what kind of maintenance facilities are there? what if you have an inflight mechanical and have to land in a city more dangerous than Kabul? the contract may have your home base that is safe but what if you have a mechanical and have to stay in some mud hut? This can happen....
I hate "what ifs" but in this situation I do think they should be looked at. This contract does not pay enough money....people are doing this due to the economy or because they cannot get hired by an airline here (USA). Is your life worth the thrill or being able to say "Hey I went to Afghanistan"?
Why won't the airline send their employees? Why did other airlines turn down this flying? Something just is not right....
First, Russia has one of the worst maintenance histories...this is not saying that the particular airline involved in this contract is lacking...it is merely a general statement.
Also, what kind of maintenance facilities are there? what if you have an inflight mechanical and have to land in a city more dangerous than Kabul? the contract may have your home base that is safe but what if you have a mechanical and have to stay in some mud hut? This can happen....
I hate "what ifs" but in this situation I do think they should be looked at. This contract does not pay enough money....people are doing this due to the economy or because they cannot get hired by an airline here (USA). Is your life worth the thrill or being able to say "Hey I went to Afghanistan"?
Why won't the airline send their employees? Why did other airlines turn down this flying? Something just is not right....
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Independence, Ky
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additional information to come...
Last I e-mailed Mike was on Monday. He said we should have some more information Yesterday. Obviously that didn't happen. What he did say is that UT Air has requested crews for Khartoum so things should start moving soon.