Female pilots in the Middle East
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: tama
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
To dundem:
I'll be furloughed next week...looks like I'll top out at 220 hours in the airbus. Not anything I can do, even though the price of oil is lower than it was when I started training...I'm still on the street next week.
Unless GF would consider me 30 hours shy of their requirement. But why should they? There are enough other pilot furloughees who have the time. I applied last night anyway. If it's meant to be, I'll have an offer at some point. All one can do is to stay positive and keep trying.
I'll be furloughed next week...looks like I'll top out at 220 hours in the airbus. Not anything I can do, even though the price of oil is lower than it was when I started training...I'm still on the street next week.
Unless GF would consider me 30 hours shy of their requirement. But why should they? There are enough other pilot furloughees who have the time. I applied last night anyway. If it's meant to be, I'll have an offer at some point. All one can do is to stay positive and keep trying.
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Sandpit
Posts: 361
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
So desperate?
I am sorry to hear about your furlough, and I know how that is, thats why I ended up in the sandpit. Now I have 5 years behind me and ready to move back to the states (if possible).
However if you really desperate you might try Qatar Airways, they are very desperate for A320 pilots and even B777 direct entry FO's. Give it a try, the major downside is Doha, a real dump.
However if you really desperate you might try Qatar Airways, they are very desperate for A320 pilots and even B777 direct entry FO's. Give it a try, the major downside is Doha, a real dump.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: tama
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
To Flying Croc:
I sent the application off to Qatar as well. Thanks for the suggestion. I just don't want to be stuck on unemployment in the US for too long without a flying job. Each month that will go by will make me one month less current and in this industry... if you ain't current, you ain't competitive.
I truly appreciate all the positive inputs that I have received. We've all been in the situation where we have had to make major decisions about our careers and when you make a couple of "bad" ones (at least timing wise) and end up with your dream job that lasts only 6 months....well...you become hesitant and extremely cautious.
I know there is a flying job out there where I can work hard and have job security. The novelty of working for a "major" US airline wore off quickly. "Been there, done that" pretty much sums it up for me. Just want to move on with my life.
Thank you all.
I sent the application off to Qatar as well. Thanks for the suggestion. I just don't want to be stuck on unemployment in the US for too long without a flying job. Each month that will go by will make me one month less current and in this industry... if you ain't current, you ain't competitive.
I truly appreciate all the positive inputs that I have received. We've all been in the situation where we have had to make major decisions about our careers and when you make a couple of "bad" ones (at least timing wise) and end up with your dream job that lasts only 6 months....well...you become hesitant and extremely cautious.
I know there is a flying job out there where I can work hard and have job security. The novelty of working for a "major" US airline wore off quickly. "Been there, done that" pretty much sums it up for me. Just want to move on with my life.
Thank you all.
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Sandpit
Posts: 361
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Etihad
Dear violet, just got an email today, Etihad is looking now for A320 Captains and FO's. Worth a try (for sure a lot better than QR), and remember do not rush to sell your house. Take it easy, go slow before you make a decision, there is no rush.
Good luck
FlyingCroc
Good luck
FlyingCroc
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Sandbox
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There are a few women flying for Etihad and as far as I know they are all westerners. Western European, Irish, South American, maybe others also. I have heard of no issues arising out of them being female and as far as I know they are settled and doing well.
Americans are accepted in the Gulf but, of course, you may get some flak over the Iraq issue and USA foreign policy from many nationalities, which has nothing to do with gender.
Keep your house, for now, take a look at flying out of Dubai, Ey in Abu Dhabi or Air Arabia in Sharjah. Air Arabia actually had the highest percentage of women pilots of any Gulf carrier at one point, (maybe they still do) you work hard there though and lots of night flights.
Do not be discouraged, go for it, if it doesn't work out.....then leave.
Americans are accepted in the Gulf but, of course, you may get some flak over the Iraq issue and USA foreign policy from many nationalities, which has nothing to do with gender.
Keep your house, for now, take a look at flying out of Dubai, Ey in Abu Dhabi or Air Arabia in Sharjah. Air Arabia actually had the highest percentage of women pilots of any Gulf carrier at one point, (maybe they still do) you work hard there though and lots of night flights.
Do not be discouraged, go for it, if it doesn't work out.....then leave.
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: MIDDLE EAST
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
QR has all nationalities of female pilots on both seats (like 8 on 9 total), with your experience you might get 777 f/o, think of upgrade opportunities in 5 years minimum regardless of your flight time, Doha is a dump, it is the most expensive province of India (because we are up to the neck of indians), but if there's something about QR is that there is no racial or gender discrimination.
They treat us all like SH.......
My two cents, come try it out don't like it leave, but do not disassemble your home operation, just bring whatever you can fit on 2 suitcases and as you join buy cheap car until you are certain you are gonna stay....
They treat us all like SH.......
My two cents, come try it out don't like it leave, but do not disassemble your home operation, just bring whatever you can fit on 2 suitcases and as you join buy cheap car until you are certain you are gonna stay....
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Above and Beyond
Posts: 237
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Dubai,Doha,Abu Dhabi,Sharjah, All the same s@#$
FlyingCroc
All the same S#$%
and you know that.
If you want to come here to save money forget it.If want to ruin your life .Hurry up SANDPIT is waiting for you.
All the same S#$%
and you know that.If you want to come here to save money forget it.If want to ruin your life .Hurry up SANDPIT is waiting for you.
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Gulf playing Golf
Posts: 1,141
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Its so sad when people end up on the wrong shelf. I cant say I love Dubai, but I dont hate it. If I did I wouldnt not be here I hope.
It all a question of unfulfilled expectations. Dont expect to much, as we are the means to an end for them and they for us. Unfortunately the value of the money has been steadily decreasing. But whos fault is that? Some recovering alcoholic in the white house, that read children books upside down while not seeming surprised when airliners crash into buildings...
Its a weird world......dont take it too seriously
It all a question of unfulfilled expectations. Dont expect to much, as we are the means to an end for them and they for us. Unfortunately the value of the money has been steadily decreasing. But whos fault is that? Some recovering alcoholic in the white house, that read children books upside down while not seeming surprised when airliners crash into buildings...
Its a weird world......dont take it too seriously
Last edited by Payscale; 13th Sep 2008 at 04:53. Reason: typo
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: tama
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Again, thank you for all the useful, intelligent posts to my question about women in the ME. I have an "interview" scheduled with Qatar at their US roadshow this week and I was invited for an interview with Etihad.
As far as "selling the home", yes the house is now up for sale, but nothing is selling, foreclosure rates are ridiculous and if we do end up in the ME, will probably just rent the home until the economy and market improves.
Through the course of this post (and others), I have been able to come up with a good list of important questions that I must have answered by reliable sources.
I realize that there are many who believe that a woman should not consider working for a ME airline as a pilot; but if I'm offered the chance, I've got to try it. I no longer have a job and I don't want to quit flying.
If I do end up in the ME and hate it, well, I've been warned and I will not be whining here on this board. If I end up on a track to reach my goals and am relatively happy....well, I'll let everyone know.
Thanks again to everyone!
Violet
As far as "selling the home", yes the house is now up for sale, but nothing is selling, foreclosure rates are ridiculous and if we do end up in the ME, will probably just rent the home until the economy and market improves.
Through the course of this post (and others), I have been able to come up with a good list of important questions that I must have answered by reliable sources.
I realize that there are many who believe that a woman should not consider working for a ME airline as a pilot; but if I'm offered the chance, I've got to try it. I no longer have a job and I don't want to quit flying.
If I do end up in the ME and hate it, well, I've been warned and I will not be whining here on this board. If I end up on a track to reach my goals and am relatively happy....well, I'll let everyone know.
Thanks again to everyone!
Violet
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: inside the CB
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
violete
gf is as ggood as the others life in bah is great we have few femal pilots with no gender issue qatar,ek,ettihad,oman,and air arabia all have femal pilots dont beleive all those bull **** u hear try it by u r self and im sure u want be disapointed good luck
gf is as ggood as the others life in bah is great we have few femal pilots with no gender issue qatar,ek,ettihad,oman,and air arabia all have femal pilots dont beleive all those bull **** u hear try it by u r self and im sure u want be disapointed good luck
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: spain
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Violetta, there are something I forgot about female pilots there. There are some Arabian companies (I don’t know if it applies to all) which include the immediate firing for a female pilot who gets pregnant. I ignore your intention about this point, may be you aren’t interested, but it is very important to clear that with the companies if your future plans include babies. I am afraid that gender influences in this point with that companies.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: tama
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks Andorra,
No plans on kids, really don't have the patience for them and I figure if I change my mind some day, I'll adopt. Personally, I don't think I would want to be a mother and a pilot at the same time. That idea brings up a lot of other issues. I'm not saying that it can't be done, but it is the personal choice that I made many, many years ago and I've been happy with my decision.
I am more concerned with topics that suggest that you can not leave the country that sponsors you without their permission (what about a weekend trip to Jordan?) and how difficult it is to get your spouse sponsored for a work permit (to be cost effective, husband has to work too). Hopefully, I will have the answers to these and other pertinent questions in the coming weeks.
Violet
No plans on kids, really don't have the patience for them and I figure if I change my mind some day, I'll adopt. Personally, I don't think I would want to be a mother and a pilot at the same time. That idea brings up a lot of other issues. I'm not saying that it can't be done, but it is the personal choice that I made many, many years ago and I've been happy with my decision.
I am more concerned with topics that suggest that you can not leave the country that sponsors you without their permission (what about a weekend trip to Jordan?) and how difficult it is to get your spouse sponsored for a work permit (to be cost effective, husband has to work too). Hopefully, I will have the answers to these and other pertinent questions in the coming weeks.
Violet
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Gulf playing Golf
Posts: 1,141
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi There,
It not a problem leaving the country on days off. On the crew portal you click on the off base request and go on your trip...
There are 12 female pilots with ek. Some single others married. I know some of the hubbys are working.. It wont be a problem.
EK is different from a US carrier. Dont expect to be taught everything. Expect to study hard in you own time and answer questions from the instructors.
Cheers
It not a problem leaving the country on days off. On the crew portal you click on the off base request and go on your trip...
There are 12 female pilots with ek. Some single others married. I know some of the hubbys are working.. It wont be a problem.
EK is different from a US carrier. Dont expect to be taught everything. Expect to study hard in you own time and answer questions from the instructors.
Cheers
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: London
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Far East
Violet,
Have you thought about Vietnam. They will take you with your A320 time and the money is very good. There are plenty of yank pilots here and also girls in both left and right seats.
Check out the contract with PARC or RISHWORTH.
They offer one month on - one month off (that should beat your vacation record!) and six weeks on, two weeks off (most of us do that as its more cash!).
Good luck
Have you thought about Vietnam. They will take you with your A320 time and the money is very good. There are plenty of yank pilots here and also girls in both left and right seats.
Check out the contract with PARC or RISHWORTH.
They offer one month on - one month off (that should beat your vacation record!) and six weeks on, two weeks off (most of us do that as its more cash!).
Good luck
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: A332FDECK
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Female Pilots In Etihad
EY has 5 lucky ladies now. They're from different nationalities and age ranges from 24 to 36 First Officers. Maltese, Irish, French, Thai and the latest is an American...if I'm not mistaken. The Maltese and Irish are on A330 soon to be CCQed on to A340, French girl is an FO on A330/345/346. Thai is on A320 and the American is on 777. There are no Emirate lady pilots yet.
As to whether they're enjoying or happy with the job there....God knows...!
Hope this info's useful to you.
Cheers.
As to whether they're enjoying or happy with the job there....God knows...!
Hope this info's useful to you.
Cheers.