Beeroclock

Sure did..And i sent my passport like they asked!! Arranged for my roster to be built around the dates as i cant get leave.. Those dates have since come and gone!!Have now received another invite with more dates only problem i dont think work will be so willing to again build my roster for me to attend so i will probably have to decline..Oh well these things happen,good luck to all who do attend.

Cheers

fly2AK

Beeroclock.....Sorry about the misfortune, I wish I could have helped but unfortunately I have nothing to do with the recruiting here. I am just a pion line pilot!

ask26

fly2AK/skysod:

Do you get much help with finding accom or places to try. I don't know Dubai whatsoever and there seems to be a tremendous variety of places available. If you are willing to say how much are you paying and for what, and how did you find it. Overall so far are you making a profit?

fly2AK

Can't really say about whether the company is profitable or not yet. Still to early and a lot of cost in startup/expansion, so profits do take time and patience. With that said I don't have any concerns with FD and their sustainability or survivablity. You can find 2 bedrooms that are with in you housing allowance, right now I am paying a bit much at 180,000 a year, but there are cheaper places that are unfurnished and will range around 120,000 not including utilities/phone/internet/cable tv. A realtor can help you find places and will charge a small fee , but I think it is worth it.

fly2AK

my place is about 1,400 sq ft. Location has a lot to do with travel time. Without traffic you can plan about 30 min from the palm. Send me a PM and we will talk more.

RandyBMC

You can also check out Dubai Property Real Estate for Sale and Rent. Jobs in Dubai, Classifieds in Dubai with Dubizzle.com - it is where I have been looking. I am looking at 3 bedroom villas in Arabian Ranches, Jumeirah and Springs/Meadows. I know of folks in JBR that are at or under the allowance from flydubai as well.

Good luck!
Randy

Raging Balls

Hi all, got an interview coming up and was hoping to get more of an idea of what to expect in the initial testing phase - I read somewhere that there was an in depth explanation but since pprune have merged the threads I think some have gone missing!

Is it just general maths q's or there any particular areas I need to revise - equal time points, semicircular rule etc?

RandyBMC

I think it is fair to give you the information they provide. There really aren't any secrets, as they tell you exactly what the process will be once you arrive.

The first day is a quick intro to the company, followed by timed tests of math, reaction times, ATPL questions, and a stick and rudder test, almost like a video game.

The math test, which is what I was worried about, is general stuff, not aviation related. Basic algebra and geometry (Pythagorean theorem) and some decimal division and multiplication. The big thing with the math is time - try to skip anything taking too long.

The only other part of the written you can study for is the ATPL questions. It is JAA, not FAA, based.

You then head to the simulator for the evaluation.

The sim eval ride may be different for everyone, as even my partner and I had slight variations. It is a visual circuit with no flight director, autopilot or autothrottle, and no ILS or VASI/PAPI. From that, you will do a go around then get everything back. The engine fails and you do a single engine approach to minimums, see the runway and land. Everything is done out of DXB.

If you pass day 1, they call you in the hotel room and invite you back for day 2. It involves a full HR brief, followed by two psychometric tests that you can't study for. They then have upper management speak with you, in my case the Chief Pilot, who was a great guy. After a short break, you are then brought in for the panel interview with a pilot and an HR person, and I would bet that the questions asked are based on the results of your psychometric profile. They are all situational, with no technical questions other than maybe some small follow ups on your stories. Have a lot of your aviation stories ready. I used Checklist for Success by Cheryl Cage to prep for that part, and it seemed to work well. After the panel interview, you are brought to the psychologist, who gives you feedback on the tests you took in the morning. They are spot on! He may follow up with further questions as well.

Once compete, you then head to the clinic for a lengthy and thorough medical that involves a hearing test, eye exam, physical exam, bloodwork, urine sample, EKG, and chest X-ray. This is a long process, so bring a book (4 hours or more).

After the interview is completed, you will be notified 4-7 weeks from the date on success or not.

My general perception is that it would be a great place to work for. Everyone involved really gives you the idea that they want you to be there. The culture reminded me of Southwest, though tighter knit. The facilities are Emirates', and are extremely impressive.

I know there have been changes made to the process since I was interviewed. It now is a three day process, and my guess is they just moved the medical to the last day. I would certainly not study "the interview", but rather prepare yourself by doing some study on your personal stories and brush up on your math. They will get to know you through this process, so be yourself!

Hope that helps!
Randy

sky-diver

Good evening all.

I’ve read through all of the post in the thread and it’s all very informative. Thanks for that.

I just have a few questions and I hope those in the know can help with some answers.

1. I’ve just submitted an application, however the server timed-out. Has anyone else had similar problems recently? Is there an automated e-mail to say it’s been received?
2. How strictly is the 2500hr TT limit being applied? I’m short of that, but have 1500hrs on the 73.

Thanks in advance if you can help.

SD

RandyBMC

Can't answer those questions. I do know that they just changed back to a 2 day format again.

Considering all of the applicants, I would think they are pretty firm on the time requirements. It is certainly good that you have all of the 737 time, maybe they will make an exception?

Randy

sky-diver

Thanks for the feedback Randy!

I hope they can make an exception - sure does sound like a great airline to get involved with for the long term!!

SD.

Scottish_Flyer

I’ve read through all of the post in the thread and it’s all very informative. Thanks for that.

As sky-diver says, a very informative thread - refreshingly few whingers and moaners! Just the facts which is the important stuff for those wanting to be a part of FD.

Just a question if I may regds timings. I applied online at the end of July. I have 2600 TT, 2400 B737 time but havn't heard anything yet? Is this time scale usual or would this seem to be heading for the big wastepaper bin?

Also has anyone resent an updated app once a suitable timescale has passed?

All comments appreciated

Cheers

SF

RandyBMC

I don't know what a reasonable time would be at this point. Maybe some of the other guys doing an interview presently can help you out with that one. I applied really early on (before FZ started operation and was just an idea), didn't hear anything, then received an email after a friend of mine checked on my status about 6 months later.

Hope that helps!

Randy

primeco

Hi Randy BMC quick question. I read in your previous post that you worked for south west. Any reasons for you leaving?whats the job market like at the moment? I know the economy is in shambles just been thinking of making a move out of my current job so am really open to anything at the moment. your comments and thoughts will be appreciated.

happy contrails

fly2AK

Primeco, I think you misunderstood Randy in regards to southwest. He said FD reminded him of the southwest culture. I know Randy and he was not at southwest, I am sure Randy will correct me if I am wrong. The market out here (in general) is not good by any means. The US has thousands of pilots on furlough and that has fueled the reason for many to come to the middle east for work. There is work out here for pilots but the competition is pretty tough. Scottish_Flyer to address your questions on time, to be honest the lowest time guy I have met here has over 4000 hrs. In my class alone one guy was about 4500, 2 of us were 10,000 hrs and the other had 8000 hrs and we all had B737 time as well. Don't let this discourage you because the one thing you have going for yourself is you do have over 2000 hours B737 time and right now the company has been focusing on guys/gals with the B737 type rating, it just may take a litle bit of time to get to you. I spoke to someone who said it took him 9 months before he heard anything from FD, sucks I know, but be patient and your time will come. Right now there are a lot of high time pilots on the street looking for a job. Good luck I hope that helps, if you make it here I think you will enjoy your time with FD.

sky-diver

Hi flyA2K,

It looks like I may be short on hours, I just hope the time on type will help! I’m fairly sure Scottish_Flyer and I are in the same boat…

I’m certainly not put off – just need to keep my fingers crossed!

Thanks again!

SD

RandyBMC

primeco,

As AK said, not Southwest. I was at a Legacy carrier in the US (the oldest airline in existence as a matter of fact, if you go back to the first airmail flight in 1926 on Varney).

The job market in the US right now is totally nonexistent. There are a few regional carriers (RJ) still hiring, but my family and I are done living on Ramen Noodles I worked up from the flight instruction position, as many of us did, and worked for peanuts during a big chunk of my life. The Middle East is one of the few spots you can be a new joiner and make a decent livable wage from the start in.

In particular, FZ has a great opportunity potential. You get to be part of building a new airline, with decent culture and people already on the ground. I am very excited about this chance to restart my airline career!

Again, feel free to PM me if you have any questions or are heading out for an interview.

Hope that helps,
Randy

primeco

Thanks alot Randy BMC and FLY2AK i guess i just misread your comments about southwest. All the same i appreciate your honesty. Your right about the US because i had a friend who has been trying to look for work there and lets just say he is doing odd jobs just to stay a float. I guess i just need to think things through and decide what i want for my family and my career. I will take you up on your offer Randy BMC as with the current airline i work for flys to DXB on a daily basis so once i see it on my roster will be sure to PM you. Once again thanks for the info guys and wish you happy contrails

RandyBMC

Cool primeco, I look forward to meeting you and having a chat.

Take care!
Randy

fly2AK

Sky-Diver.....I hope you make it out here. You have the time and experience to do the job, right now it's just a matter of competition and there is a lot of it out there, but I am sure in time it will work out, lets just hope for sooner rather than later. Good luck.

Fly