SmartLynx
Join Date: May 2021
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You do all remember the base training incident with this outfit I hope? I would post a link to the youtube videos but as a newbie I am not permitted. Smart Lynx is not greta one to have on your CV when looking for the next job!
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Europe
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Did you ever fully read the final report on that training incident? I mean, I am not a fan of Smartlynx, but they are little to blame in that incident. And you might actually want to credit their instructor for bringing a plane with essentially only manual trim for pitch control and a double engine failure back to the runway without leaving a smoking hole in the ground.
About having them on your CV... in times of need, airlines are not all that picky about previous employers. Typerated and hours on type is what they will care about first and foremost. But we are in any case quite far from any pilot shortages in the coming years I suppose. Why anyone would take Smartlynx up on this expensive typerating and 'job guarantee' is a mystery to me.
About having them on your CV... in times of need, airlines are not all that picky about previous employers. Typerated and hours on type is what they will care about first and foremost. But we are in any case quite far from any pilot shortages in the coming years I suppose. Why anyone would take Smartlynx up on this expensive typerating and 'job guarantee' is a mystery to me.
Join Date: Oct 2018
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FredFlintstone
What is your point? You mentioned like it is the first and ever aviation accident in the history? Nobody would care what airline you fly for but your skills, professionalism and knowledge. How you perform in SIM and assessments. Airlines names are just a brand.
What is your point? You mentioned like it is the first and ever aviation accident in the history? Nobody would care what airline you fly for but your skills, professionalism and knowledge. How you perform in SIM and assessments. Airlines names are just a brand.
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Rome
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Greetings to all!
I have my online assessment and interview scheduled in the next few days.
Has anybody done it recently?
Any tips?
Any particular questions asked?
Any help will be highly appreciated.
I haven’t yet decided if I will go for their program should I be selected. Thought I’d do the selection process and decide.
I have my online assessment and interview scheduled in the next few days.
Has anybody done it recently?
Any tips?
Any particular questions asked?
Any help will be highly appreciated.
I haven’t yet decided if I will go for their program should I be selected. Thought I’d do the selection process and decide.
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: EUSSR
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You really have to wonder sometimes. Facts:
- Smartlynx fleet consists of 12(13?) aircrafts
- There is no planned massive expansion apart from 5 leased A330s announced in May 2021
- Hence Smartlynx will need ~85 pilots for operations (60 for existing fleet +25 to cover the new A330s)
- Smartlynx already had 2 Type Rating groups in May 2021
- Smartlynx are now organising 3 more Type Rating groups in Fall 2021
- assuming each group is at least 10 people, that means ~50 extra pilots or twice the amount of pilots needed to operate the fleet
- Smartlynx is asking 35k for the A320 Type Rating as opposed to a typical cost of 15-20k
- Smartlynx does not guarantee a job on completion of their Type Rating course, only "a job interview"
Join Date: Nov 2018
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Congratulations SMARTLYNX for your counter-performance :
Social_rating_ECA
SmartLynx rating page
Social Junk
I quote :
About SmartLynx: Latvian wet-lease specialist Smartlynx Airlines manages to fly relatively under the radar despite its more than questionable social practices.
A number of pilots are hired through a crewing agency based in Dubai, conveniently by-passing EU rules.
Finishing in the bottom 5 airlines in Europe when it comes to the Social Rating with an overall score of just 15, respondents also flag the low pay and little planning stability at SmartLynx.
TESTIMONIES:
“Contracted through an agency in Dubai to avoid European labour laws. Pay for a Captain is less than a cadet in other airlines and you can only get that if you work max hours. Opportunistic airline exploiting the suffering of unemployed aircrew in the current employment market. You could be away from home for 2 weeks and only do 3 flights.”
Pilots are self-employed on zero hours contract through an agency in Dubai to avoid European labour laws. Pilots are put on unpaid leave and then their rosters are changed to duties when they are needed.”"
Absolutely NO respects for its pilots, who get a miserable salary.
Not even a basic salary (gross, of course).
You get pay only if you fly, so many guys got a 2 months salary for the last 21 months.
Plus, the Airline just requested the pilots to sign a contract amendment (more disrepectful, of course) or they get fired. What's the point of having a contract if at the first bump it's changed...
Keep away from that company.
Far, far away.
Social_rating_ECA
SmartLynx rating page
Social Junk
I quote :
About SmartLynx: Latvian wet-lease specialist Smartlynx Airlines manages to fly relatively under the radar despite its more than questionable social practices.
A number of pilots are hired through a crewing agency based in Dubai, conveniently by-passing EU rules.
Finishing in the bottom 5 airlines in Europe when it comes to the Social Rating with an overall score of just 15, respondents also flag the low pay and little planning stability at SmartLynx.
TESTIMONIES:
“Contracted through an agency in Dubai to avoid European labour laws. Pay for a Captain is less than a cadet in other airlines and you can only get that if you work max hours. Opportunistic airline exploiting the suffering of unemployed aircrew in the current employment market. You could be away from home for 2 weeks and only do 3 flights.”
Pilots are self-employed on zero hours contract through an agency in Dubai to avoid European labour laws. Pilots are put on unpaid leave and then their rosters are changed to duties when they are needed.”"
Absolutely NO respects for its pilots, who get a miserable salary.
Not even a basic salary (gross, of course).
You get pay only if you fly, so many guys got a 2 months salary for the last 21 months.
Plus, the Airline just requested the pilots to sign a contract amendment (more disrepectful, of course) or they get fired. What's the point of having a contract if at the first bump it's changed...
Keep away from that company.
Far, far away.
Join Date: Oct 2018
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There is a significant dislike close to level of hate among crew towards management of the company. Stress level is very high due to concerns about financial stability among flight crew. Financially, you are not able to survive whole year without side job/extra job or winter job and this is applicable for both captains and first officers. Expect to be send from one base to another for short period of time and if you do not accept expect to be punished with unpaid leave. Contract include unlimited unpaid leave so you may end up having 0 hours and 0 euros in whole year.
You may expect full income only up to 4 or 5 months during 1 year. Which is 1,5-2 K for first officers and 4-4,5 K for captains (only if you have 10-15 days of active duty per month). Keep in mind this amount is before income tax, social security contribution and European health insurance. You are responsible paying those and if not you are taking the risk to be investigated by your residence country tax authority or country you are operating.
Rumours saying that management is very proud to find cheapest commercial pilots in Europe while they are exploiting vulnerable group of pilots.
Like Dukaster said;
Keep away from that company.
Far, far away.
You may expect full income only up to 4 or 5 months during 1 year. Which is 1,5-2 K for first officers and 4-4,5 K for captains (only if you have 10-15 days of active duty per month). Keep in mind this amount is before income tax, social security contribution and European health insurance. You are responsible paying those and if not you are taking the risk to be investigated by your residence country tax authority or country you are operating.
Rumours saying that management is very proud to find cheapest commercial pilots in Europe while they are exploiting vulnerable group of pilots.
Like Dukaster said;
Keep away from that company.
Far, far away.
Last edited by uberfly; 8th Dec 2021 at 16:26.
Join Date: Oct 2018
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Just refused poor offer of SmalrtLynx
Just received an offer of the contract and it’s ridiculous.
Few days ago their CEO made a conference that they don’t have any debts anymore and they want to expand rapidly, as well to offer great contracts for their crews. Well… contract and company approach is just a joke.
Contract is with Dubai agency, that in real life is located in Vilnius. No chance for any EU contract. Agency is not able to answer simple questions about job conditions and contract itself looks like trash. They “guarantee” job for 7 months per year, rest can be unpaid leave. And this “guarantee” is not a part of the contract.
CPT can get 5000€ per 23 days, but when you’re at home for 5 free days, they will not pay you for days off, but put unpaid leave, even in summer period. This salary may happen only between April and October, other months you get unpaid leave, or if you work, salary is reduced by various amounts, like “ground fee” for sby or travel day. So you will be lucky to work in winter and get some money.
This unlimited unpaid leave is in fact a leash, cause even if they put you on forced holidays with no pay, they expect you to operate and be available whenever they need you, even on short notice. If not, they will reduce from your “holidays”, that, guess what, are unpaid as well.
So it’s nothing different than XXI century slavery.
Roster pattern doesn’t exist. Nothing mentioned in contract, company answers they they “will try” to plan 23 on/ 5 off, but absolutely no guarantee. I remember my friend working there, told that before was around 21/9 and was quite happy about, but now they don’t provide this.
Notice period, if you want to leave is 45 days, but if you resign within 4 months from the last training, you have to pay training bond, around 4000€.
All insurance, tax etc. is your responsibility, they give you absolutely nothing! And they expect you will pay insurance by yourself for all year long and prove it to them, even when they don’t pay you, cause you must be available to work all the time.
Right now they send people to Nigeria. My friend says hotel and general conditions there are bad. There is a high level of covid infections among crew, so they get reduced salary when they have to isolate themselves.
I decided to refuse their offer. I rather wait for my previous company, that at least give some social contributions and don’t expect me to show up at work immediately when they send me for few months of unpaid leave. Looks like they want to catch people asap, cause they know that any other offer that will show up next weeks will have a better condition.
Few days ago their CEO made a conference that they don’t have any debts anymore and they want to expand rapidly, as well to offer great contracts for their crews. Well… contract and company approach is just a joke.
Contract is with Dubai agency, that in real life is located in Vilnius. No chance for any EU contract. Agency is not able to answer simple questions about job conditions and contract itself looks like trash. They “guarantee” job for 7 months per year, rest can be unpaid leave. And this “guarantee” is not a part of the contract.
CPT can get 5000€ per 23 days, but when you’re at home for 5 free days, they will not pay you for days off, but put unpaid leave, even in summer period. This salary may happen only between April and October, other months you get unpaid leave, or if you work, salary is reduced by various amounts, like “ground fee” for sby or travel day. So you will be lucky to work in winter and get some money.
This unlimited unpaid leave is in fact a leash, cause even if they put you on forced holidays with no pay, they expect you to operate and be available whenever they need you, even on short notice. If not, they will reduce from your “holidays”, that, guess what, are unpaid as well.
So it’s nothing different than XXI century slavery.
Roster pattern doesn’t exist. Nothing mentioned in contract, company answers they they “will try” to plan 23 on/ 5 off, but absolutely no guarantee. I remember my friend working there, told that before was around 21/9 and was quite happy about, but now they don’t provide this.
Notice period, if you want to leave is 45 days, but if you resign within 4 months from the last training, you have to pay training bond, around 4000€.
All insurance, tax etc. is your responsibility, they give you absolutely nothing! And they expect you will pay insurance by yourself for all year long and prove it to them, even when they don’t pay you, cause you must be available to work all the time.
Right now they send people to Nigeria. My friend says hotel and general conditions there are bad. There is a high level of covid infections among crew, so they get reduced salary when they have to isolate themselves.
I decided to refuse their offer. I rather wait for my previous company, that at least give some social contributions and don’t expect me to show up at work immediately when they send me for few months of unpaid leave. Looks like they want to catch people asap, cause they know that any other offer that will show up next weeks will have a better condition.
Join Date: Jan 2016
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On their careers (talent.sage.hr.) page, i see some positions for B737NG/MAX Technical, Performance Engineering and Chief Pilot?
Do they have plans to add Boeing's or change their fleet?
Do they have plans to add Boeing's or change their fleet?
Join Date: Jan 2022
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Interview questions
Hi everyone, I just got an email for an online interview, it lasts 30 min and will be based on tech. Questions.
has anyone been through that step already? Any idea on what questions they ask?
Thank you for the feedback!
has anyone been through that step already? Any idea on what questions they ask?
Thank you for the feedback!
Join Date: Jul 2009
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Smart Lynx don't offer proper contracts, rosters or salaries. All through agencies. Some crew were with Mountain High Crawley in the U.K and were never paid correctly or final payments when they were let go.
As mentioned they are using a Dubai agency now for employment contracts. No benefits such as retirement etc.
They make money out of the type ratings and don't always offer employment at the end.
If they operate in the U.K this year, I am sure U.K immigration will be checking if the respective people have the required work status now Brexit has happened too.
As mentioned they are using a Dubai agency now for employment contracts. No benefits such as retirement etc.
They make money out of the type ratings and don't always offer employment at the end.
If they operate in the U.K this year, I am sure U.K immigration will be checking if the respective people have the required work status now Brexit has happened too.
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Thessaloniki
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Originally Posted by Ricardo_vipe
Hi everyone, I just got an email for an online interview, it lasts 30 min and will be based on tech. Questions.
has anyone been through that step already? Any idea on what questions they ask?
Thank you for the feedback!
has anyone been through that step already? Any idea on what questions they ask?
Thank you for the feedback!
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Europe
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LOWEST T&C ON THE MARKET.
No basic salary
Expect to be paid for about 150-200 days per year.
€220/day - €300/day
+€15/h
Pilot must pay for his own social security / health insurance and TAXES !
To the new CHIEF PILOT / TECHNICAL PILOT, Expect a total of €70.000 GROSS.
Smartlynx is using "MHC" / "MOUNTAIN HIGH CONSULTANTS" to do their dirty work.
"MHC" is also known as AIRBORNE / FRIST 2RESOURCE. Both being bottom feeder crew agencies.
"MHC" closed shop in the UK, after the fall of Primera, due to all the unpaid pilot salaries.
"MHC" and it's Icelandic Directors, just moved to Latvia, under a Maltese Umbrella Company Registration to continue their "business" practices.
Google link to MHC (UK)
CAVEAT EMPTOR
Don't come back here and moan
I DID WARN YOU
No basic salary
Expect to be paid for about 150-200 days per year.
€220/day - €300/day
+€15/h
Pilot must pay for his own social security / health insurance and TAXES !
To the new CHIEF PILOT / TECHNICAL PILOT, Expect a total of €70.000 GROSS.
Smartlynx is using "MHC" / "MOUNTAIN HIGH CONSULTANTS" to do their dirty work.
"MHC" is also known as AIRBORNE / FRIST 2RESOURCE. Both being bottom feeder crew agencies.
"MHC" closed shop in the UK, after the fall of Primera, due to all the unpaid pilot salaries.
"MHC" and it's Icelandic Directors, just moved to Latvia, under a Maltese Umbrella Company Registration to continue their "business" practices.
Google link to MHC (UK)
CAVEAT EMPTOR
Don't come back here and moan
I DID WARN YOU
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Thessaloniki
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Originally Posted by Ricardo_vipe
Hi, I have around 4000h jet, o applied in December, mid I guess.
Join Date: Oct 2021
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Originally Posted by Ricardo_vipe
Hi everyone, I just got an email for an online interview, it lasts 30 min and will be based on tech. Questions.
has anyone been through that step already? Any idea on what questions they ask?
Thank you for the feedback!
has anyone been through that step already? Any idea on what questions they ask?
Thank you for the feedback!
I am in the same situation, I have got mine later next Friday so I will keep you posted if you are not done by then. Please do the same if you go through it before Friday.
good luck
Join Date: Jan 2022
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Originally Posted by whistling turtle
Well I guess you haven't worked in many airlines as I've seen it happen in more than one. It's not only specific to Smartlynx. There is a shortage of instructors everywhere..
I actually worked in Smartlynx a few years ago and I have friends still there so I suspect I am better informed about the situation there than you are. But you can take the information it or leave it, makes no difference to me.
I actually worked in Smartlynx a few years ago and I have friends still there so I suspect I am better informed about the situation there than you are. But you can take the information it or leave it, makes no difference to me.
Thanks and good luck
Join Date: Apr 2007
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Originally Posted by Ricardo_vipe
Hi everyone, I just got an email for an online interview, it lasts 30 min and will be based on tech. Questions.
has anyone been through that step already? Any idea on what questions they ask?
Thank you for the feedback!
has anyone been through that step already? Any idea on what questions they ask?
Thank you for the feedback!
Many thanks
