Global Supply Systems
 

Over the last couple of years, in response to advertisements in Flight International, I have sent my CV in to GSS on a number of occassions to be considered as a First Officer on the 747-400. Never had a reply.

Personal basics are age 49, 9000 hours of which 5000 hours are on multi engine turbine, but all on aircraft weighing in at only 5700 kgs. 3000 hours on multi piston. Most of the flying carrying cargo.

Am I wasting my, and their time applying? Does anyone who reads this forum work for the company? I would really appreciate any useful and relevant advice.

I know about the command issues regarding British Airways pilots, and I know that at my age should I join the company I would never get a command, that does not bother me.

Hi 707, I have applied once and they wrote me a mail saing that my CV was good and their intention was to call me as soon as they would have need pilots......I am still waiting since two years......:D

Think of it as a lucky escape. There are far better jobs out there.

Thanks for the replies, I know this sort of work is not for everyone.

I guess I have been switched on to the company by the advertisements that specify the opportunity to fly a 747 with modest experience requirements. I have spent many years flying smaller aeroplanes in some really challenging environments, and I must stress using multi crew SOP's derived from big aeroplane Operations Manuals. I have been fortunate to fly for smaller but correctly run companies.

I grew up looking at Aer Lingus 707 and 747's climbing out of Dublins old runway 24. Hoped one day I would fly one.

Keep the replies coming, interested to hear all your views.

biggls
 

OK have been in very same position my self a few years ago. Try to visit the the chef pilot and personally give him your CV. You do not have a position yet and it worked for me, if you can blag your way past his security you must have something and the next time he is thinking of a new FO you might just come to mind. Good luck and be persistant

Thanks Mike. In my particular position, and I do stress it is only my own situation, the bond issue is not a problem to me. At my age I am looking to make a final flying move. In my view high bonds only present a problem if one decides or needs to leave before the period of bond ends.

Having worked mainly in ad-hoc companies, flexibility in terms of rostering and indeed days off has been the norm for me over 20 years or more. My experience has been that in a reasonably run operation its give and take, and as long as there is as much give as take then that is something I and my family can live with.

In respect of time to command, I said in my original post that I would not expect ever to make command. There are issues I understand with British Airways retirees taking precedence for command posts, and of course there is the point that although I would regard my own flying experience to be every bit as challenging and valuable as anybody else's, there is still the point that I have no experience in flying large transport aeroplanes.

Really appreciate the replies, and would welcome any further information.

Like you S44, I'm no longer in the GSS loop (thank god), but I hear that £25k bond is now done via a bank loan in the employees name, because so many left without paying it. Does such a big bond matter if you dont intend to leave? ... well yes; Because people cant afford to leave (especially now), the company can pay very low without fear of its pilots walking - And lo; the pay (and other terms) is low!

I disagree that they would always get you home for your day off if you asked. The realities were that your a/c would be delayed by 1, 2 or even 3 days, and it is your only means of getting home. You will be working your days off whether you like it or not. And it is not infrequent.

S44 -

The Flight ads have never stated that requirement, only that "Preference will be given to pilots with jet airliner experience."

So what's the correct requirement?

If a company cannot be bothered to extend to you the common courtesy of a reply, after receiving you CV, then they normally are not worth working for.

Communication problem? Fare enough. I guess when your pay is screwed up and you are not getting the correct amount payed in every month, it will be a communication problem also?

707- Try this No +44 1279682904, CTC - Good guy. But also ask the Q - Why have over 25 FO's left in the last 14 months, this is out of a Pilot force approx 95. Other down sides are long trips that frequently are extended, no union (BALPA) recognition. Poor salary in comparrison to the other UK operators that fly the same type - (BA/VS) and lastly a totaly ridiculas bond 25k which I understand has now been ammended to some kind of bank scheme- so even if you want to leave after a few years you will have to pay back the bank.
Traditionally GSS was a dumping ground for EX BA guys who already had the 744 rating, but since the retirement laws changed this source of Pilots has dried up. On the plus side the company has a good contract with BA world cargo and concidering that they only operate 3 aircraft a reasonable route structure.
I notice that the latest ad in Flight International has ommited the " Expanding Airline" Plug - perhaps that might tell you something. Good Luck.

Global Supply Systems.
 

Thanks stingaling and ikea monster, I accept all of the points you have raised, but stress in my admittedly peculiar circumstances the operation still appeals to me.

Ikea monster, I telephoned the number you supplied, unfortunately it rang out as number unobtainable, do you have any further help you can offer? I would be very grateful for a "Private Message" if you are able to, tried to send you one but was unable.

Thanks again to all that responded for the very useful and considered replies.

Has anybody had a call for interview yet ?

High'n Fast

707 - Try +441279682917 or +447778879764. Good luck

Got one in a few days time. Anyone got anymore info than is on their site.

Global Supply Systems
 

Thanks once again for the replies. Thanks especially to ikea monster for the numbers. Rang the landline number you gave and was directed to Kim Jeffries, Chief Training Captain is on leave.

Kim confirmed that as a minimum they require 500 JET hours.

I am really gutted, had a feeling, despite some of the negative points that I would have really liked the work. Might help if future advertisements were a little more explicit.

Good luck to those who have interviews, and thanks again to ex and current GSS crew who sent me PM's, you are a great crowd.

Whatever GSS failings, there is no denying that. The egotistical pricks you sometimes find in passenger airlines wouldn't hack GSS type operations very long, with the result that there is a very good atmosphere.

I left GSS last year.
Now I keep bumping into many ex GSS guys in HK who feel, like me, that the management there are devious, untrustworthy....basically a lying bunch of bar stewards, watch out!
I think these days it would only suit low time, inexperienced folks who want the B744 rating and willing to put up with the forementioned stuff.
I for one thought we were duped by the management there and so do a lot of other good nice ex GSS people...pity.

707 - Why not wait till the CTC is back from leave and then try to have a chat with him. The office staff with respect are not Pilots - last year GSS hired at least one european that only had turbo prop experience - the goal post can be moved.

However - the recent post by Mk 1 Eyeball tells a story that is not far off the mark. So be warned.

As an ops guy still think, after the departures to HK, the remaining crews were some of the most decent Flightdeck I have worked with.

707,
Sorry that you have had such a poor experience with GSS. As just 'one of the troops' I am embarrassed by it. I shall be in the office this week and will try and find out why comms are so bad

F16
Should you be fortunate enough to have any days off down route then they will be part of your contracted 18 days.
Good luck with the interview.

707 - Look at the post from ND (There is no cause for despair; never despair. ...) - Give um another call.

Global Supply Systems
 

Thank you all once again for the continuing replies to my original thread.

I have been away flying for a few days without e-mail access and to return to the encouraging responses is really heartening.

Thank you ikea monster, I will give it another bash and try to contact the CTC upon his return from leave. I am though very wary of becoming a pain in the rump to the staff at GSS if I am not what they want. I am really motivated to try and realise what is probably a forlorn and childish dream to fly a really big jet and so I will make the call.

Thanks as well to mark one eyeball. If my call gets me anywhere I will be mindful of your advice.

Nil desperandum, please don't be embarrased by my experience with the company. I have spoken directly to only 2 GSS employees, Kim and Kerry. They were both perfectly charming, and whilst the answer I received from Kim was not what I wanted to hear she was very kind and happy to answer my query. I did receive some private messages from current and ex GSS employees. Their messages were all well balanced offering negative as well as positive points, I viewed their messages as those from very decent people, all of whom I would have thought any company would be proud to call them part of their team.

F16, the very best of luck with your interview.

Thanks again, I will let you all know how I get on.

707 - I know how you feel, I've been trying GSS for the last year as I'm confident that it's the job for me. Although the recruitment ad states only a "preference" for those with jet airliner experience, I believe the CTC insists on 500 hours jet time, and of course he's quite within his rights to stipulate that requirement. I too am wary of becoming a pain by telephoning.

GSS
 

I left GSS earlier this year after 3 years employment on the B744F. My reason for leaving was to move into the left seat with another Company again after the change in the law for over 60,s.
It is sad to read the few very negative posts regarding GSS Management. My time with GSS was most enjoyable. A friendly, safe, and professional operation.
Obviously with only three a/c and a worldwide operation, some disruptions are inevitable, but I always found the ops staff and Management did their best to keep roster inconvenience to the minimum.
If you don't fancy the loco,s with multi sector days etc GSS is a great option.
You can earn more elsewhere but you will work a whole lot harder.

a friend just got an interview, hes got about 500 on a heavy jet

Does anyone know if GSS operate with heavy crews on any of their sectors? If so what are the onboard inflight rest faciliies like? I was also wondering if unlike Dragonair cargo are you allowed ID travel for yourself and family on GSS flights? Thanks

The Cav:cool:

Yes, many of the flights have a relief pilot on board, sometimes 2 for some trips to HKG. The upper deck has 4 old style club reclining seats plus a separate area with 2 bunks. No travel concessions for family on GSS flights or any other airline for that matter

Did anyone get a job offer recently after last round of interview in November? Just wondering, who can afford to accept that?
It seems time to command is about 8-10 years now. If they are looking for experienced guys, probably, it is time to increase basic somehow

As mentioned in my previous reply, this job is only good for inexperienced folks who want the B747-400 rating at any cost. It does not deserve people with good experience as the money and conditions are not suitable for the experienced guys. Remember you are going to be trod on by the BA nigels coming over with minimum time....think about that.

pilot31 -

Forgive me for making an assumption, but that sounds to me like a few of the candidates were perhaps unaware of the Ts & Cs. Why would someone bother to apply for a job and enter the selection process without knowing the basic package on offer? :confused: If one has the type of experience GSS are looking for, but the lack of pay during training, comparatively low starting salary, BA secondees etc, are deal-breakers, then don't apply. :=

Perhaps I'm being too simplistic, but I speak as someone who would only apply for a specific job after having done the necessary research, and would be 100% happy to accept an offer if lucky enough to be presented with one.

Back to the top.

Global Supply Systems.
 

I do know that some companies are reluctant to divulge the detail of their terms and conditions until the candidate presents themselves for interview, this sometimes results in wasted time for all parties.

In this thread, as in most others it is clear that different people have different needs and expectations. In my case, despite the negative points that have been pointed out, I felt, and still do feel that GSS may well have been the job for me. Others plainly feel that is not the case for them. I just wish I had those 500 jet hours.

Let me wish you all a very Merry Christmas and the hope that your needs and expectations are met in 2008.

Is the 3000 hours TT set in stone? Would be very interested, and whilst I can more than exceed the 500hrs multi-turbine requirement, I'm not that close to the 3000 hours TT.

Cheesy - I'm not sure how set in stone 3000 hours TT is, but if you don't have jet time don't bother. Although the ad only states a jet time "preference" it is effectively a mandatory requirement.

Recrutiment???
 

I already have applied twice in one year and I have never had an answer.:sad::sad::sad:
I have more than TT 6000, almost 3000 in heavy jet, JAR license.:cool:
So maybe they are not hiring pilots at this moment or we need contacts:confused::confused::confused::confused:

RAFAT: I've 1500 hours jet, but well short of the 3000 TT. Looking for interesting flying and a job I can settle down in near London flying a great type - GSS seems to be a pretty good punt.

I would suggest giving them a try then.