American Pilots at Emirates
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American Pilots at Emirates
Do you like flying there? You have your family there and how do they like it?
Where were you before, and how does it compare?
Im at american eagle now for 12 years making the change is a hard choice to make.
If there are complaints, what are they?
Where were you before, and how does it compare?
Im at american eagle now for 12 years making the change is a hard choice to make.
If there are complaints, what are they?
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"Lighten' up there Francis!"
Jeeze there FHM. Give the man a break before he even gets here.
There is part of the problem with working here. Absolutely no slack.
He does bring up point though, there has been literally pages and pages of info. You have to do a little reading yourself. Then ask again after you have done the research.
Good luck, your going to need it.
There is part of the problem with working here. Absolutely no slack.
He does bring up point though, there has been literally pages and pages of info. You have to do a little reading yourself. Then ask again after you have done the research.
Good luck, your going to need it.
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Sure hope Flaphandlemover doesn't represent the general disposition of the average EK pilot. You must be a real pleasure to work with. Out of curiosity to which "FORM" are you referring? Does EK provide a form that answers the original question?
"
If you really want to come to Emirates... One essential requirement is:
TO BE ABLE TO READ.
READ THE FORM BE4 posting....
"
"
If you really want to come to Emirates... One essential requirement is:
TO BE ABLE TO READ.
READ THE FORM BE4 posting....
"
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I think he means read the "forum". All of your questions and more have been answered many times before. Actually most of the guys (and girls) here are a pleasure to fly with. One of the few silver linings at the moment.
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Of course he meant "forum." The point was if you're trying to imply that somebody's post was stupid, you should at least know how to write properly.
Last edited by Laker; 22nd Jul 2010 at 03:22.
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Hey Carlson Clan,
Since nobody has really answered your question, I will try to, in a short manner. They are correct in saying you need to go read the other older forums though as they go much more in depth. I am single and was previously a captain at a regional so I can only pass along things I see from my friends with kids and families, but here are the basics.
1. Emirates have totally and completely screwed any former rj driver due to an amendment to their policy with regards to time over 55 tonnes (115000 pounds roughly) If you are a b777 driver, it only screws you on the upgrade, if you are an a330 driver like me, your are completely f...ed and are locked onto a dying fleet as you cannot even transfer to the A380 and EK rarely allows transfer to the 777 fleet. So, be prepared for a long long time before you can upgrade. Things change overnight here, but as of now, they have screwed EVERY former rj driver, especially the ones on the a330 fleet.
2. FO pay here is good, if you are single. Add a wife and even 1 kid into the mix, and you will find Dubai to be horrific at swallowing money at every corner. Look no further than the local grocery store to discover a head of iceburg lettuce will cost you 5 bucks and a back of cruttons for that salad will add on another 5. There are many many hidden expenses in Dubai and its already a very expensive city
3. You don't even know what being tired is until you come work for EK. Fatigue is a HUGE problem here. Even if rosters go back to a normal value, you will be sleeping at all hours of the day. Translation, from family guys I have talked to, the wife and kids DON'T like it!
4. Frustration, Frustration, Frustration. Dubai will make you want to bang your head into a wall when it comes to getting anything done. This is multiplied with a family. Its a first world face with third world mentality. Going to the bank is one of the biggest pains in the ass you ever did know.
5. Travel back home is not free like it is in the US. It actually costs quite a bit here. The flight benefits are absolutely terrible compared to back home, and yes, even worse than the meager 24 passes you get a year at Eagle.
6. Heat. Say no more. Welcome to 50 C days with humidity
Now, thats just a start, go read some of the other threads. There are a few good things about working here. Getting picked up for work, they feed us like kings on the plane (although it is still airline food), very multicultural for the kids, opportunity to see the other side of the world, pretty good health care for you (not really for your family from what I have been told), and for the most part, you work with great people. My recommendation to you though is since you are a captain at Eagle, STAY there. If you must move, move to a major US carrier. You and your family will be much happier in the long run. That is just my opinion, others may share another.
Since nobody has really answered your question, I will try to, in a short manner. They are correct in saying you need to go read the other older forums though as they go much more in depth. I am single and was previously a captain at a regional so I can only pass along things I see from my friends with kids and families, but here are the basics.
1. Emirates have totally and completely screwed any former rj driver due to an amendment to their policy with regards to time over 55 tonnes (115000 pounds roughly) If you are a b777 driver, it only screws you on the upgrade, if you are an a330 driver like me, your are completely f...ed and are locked onto a dying fleet as you cannot even transfer to the A380 and EK rarely allows transfer to the 777 fleet. So, be prepared for a long long time before you can upgrade. Things change overnight here, but as of now, they have screwed EVERY former rj driver, especially the ones on the a330 fleet.
2. FO pay here is good, if you are single. Add a wife and even 1 kid into the mix, and you will find Dubai to be horrific at swallowing money at every corner. Look no further than the local grocery store to discover a head of iceburg lettuce will cost you 5 bucks and a back of cruttons for that salad will add on another 5. There are many many hidden expenses in Dubai and its already a very expensive city
3. You don't even know what being tired is until you come work for EK. Fatigue is a HUGE problem here. Even if rosters go back to a normal value, you will be sleeping at all hours of the day. Translation, from family guys I have talked to, the wife and kids DON'T like it!
4. Frustration, Frustration, Frustration. Dubai will make you want to bang your head into a wall when it comes to getting anything done. This is multiplied with a family. Its a first world face with third world mentality. Going to the bank is one of the biggest pains in the ass you ever did know.
5. Travel back home is not free like it is in the US. It actually costs quite a bit here. The flight benefits are absolutely terrible compared to back home, and yes, even worse than the meager 24 passes you get a year at Eagle.
6. Heat. Say no more. Welcome to 50 C days with humidity
Now, thats just a start, go read some of the other threads. There are a few good things about working here. Getting picked up for work, they feed us like kings on the plane (although it is still airline food), very multicultural for the kids, opportunity to see the other side of the world, pretty good health care for you (not really for your family from what I have been told), and for the most part, you work with great people. My recommendation to you though is since you are a captain at Eagle, STAY there. If you must move, move to a major US carrier. You and your family will be much happier in the long run. That is just my opinion, others may share another.
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A positive post, quick cc to Gulf News
I totally agree with these remarks, I have worked all over the world, and apart from the heat/humidity love UAE.
Yes there a problems, and many problems are highlighted in the local newspapaers. I would suggest as well as reading these fora, anyone should also read the on line news papers (take big pinch of salt), and understand that the news is gov controlled, but the sub text is not.
Level 6 English is needed to translate.
Food stuffs imported from the other side of the globe are expensive, and usually sold in the up market stores.
Look down market, slightly and then the cost of living is reduced, but yes still not cheap.
Just one word of advice: DONT CUT YOUR HOME LIFELINE. Your existance here is as a guest, and as such can be asked to leave at a moments notice, for the slightest infringement of the unwritten, or sometimes just unenforced rules and regulations. Such as miss parking in a "private" car park.
Glf
Yes there a problems, and many problems are highlighted in the local newspapaers. I would suggest as well as reading these fora, anyone should also read the on line news papers (take big pinch of salt), and understand that the news is gov controlled, but the sub text is not.
Level 6 English is needed to translate.
Food stuffs imported from the other side of the globe are expensive, and usually sold in the up market stores.
Look down market, slightly and then the cost of living is reduced, but yes still not cheap.
Just one word of advice: DONT CUT YOUR HOME LIFELINE. Your existance here is as a guest, and as such can be asked to leave at a moments notice, for the slightest infringement of the unwritten, or sometimes just unenforced rules and regulations. Such as miss parking in a "private" car park.
Glf
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Although I do not work for EK i would generally have to agree with a747jb.
The situation is very much the same in Qatar. some may say it is worse 10 fold, but thats just a matter of opinion. The fact remains that it is not a place of green grassy pastures. It might sound good and may also seem exciting. maybe you even think you might be able to save all that tax free money you hear that we make, But sadly it's NOT so.
if your family is happy, if you have a decent job, then stay home..
if your down on your luck, have no job, bank took your house, wife left you for your best friend, dog died, kids runaway from home.. then after you think long and hard.. maybe you might think of coming out to this part of the world to start anew, but only if you must
.
poisoned by compromise
krunch
The situation is very much the same in Qatar. some may say it is worse 10 fold, but thats just a matter of opinion. The fact remains that it is not a place of green grassy pastures. It might sound good and may also seem exciting. maybe you even think you might be able to save all that tax free money you hear that we make, But sadly it's NOT so.
if your family is happy, if you have a decent job, then stay home..
if your down on your luck, have no job, bank took your house, wife left you for your best friend, dog died, kids runaway from home.. then after you think long and hard.. maybe you might think of coming out to this part of the world to start anew, but only if you must
.poisoned by compromise
krunch
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747
Dont agree with point 1!
Guys off the RJs were very very lucky to get a job on a widebody jet in the first place. Bet you couldnt do that jump back home. I couldnt where I come from. So you will sit 6-7 years until you get a command. Is that so long!!?
So now you complain you cant make the jump from the smallest category of jet around to the largest jet in the world in a record time... Please, drink some water. The heat and valid frustrations, which there are plenty of, are getting to you.
Dont agree with point 1!
Guys off the RJs were very very lucky to get a job on a widebody jet in the first place. Bet you couldnt do that jump back home. I couldnt where I come from. So you will sit 6-7 years until you get a command. Is that so long!!?
So now you complain you cant make the jump from the smallest category of jet around to the largest jet in the world in a record time... Please, drink some water. The heat and valid frustrations, which there are plenty of, are getting to you.
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Payscale makes a very valid point. Exactly how long would it take you to move from CRJ to Left seat of a wide body at a US Major?
I'm guessing the thick end of 2 (maybe 3) DECADES. So whilst I agree that its unfair and perhaps short sighted that the company moves the goal posts all too often, don't lose sight of the bigger picture:
1. As an EK F/O, you are on a better package than you were as a CRJ skipper back home.
2. You will get your wide body command 15-20 years quicker here than back home. I'm guessing you are in your early 30's? How many yanks are A330/A340/B777 skippers back home in their mid 30's?
Now put your toys back in the pram and concentrate on humping hosties, the very thing all single F/O's should be doing instead of whining on Pprune.
I'm guessing the thick end of 2 (maybe 3) DECADES. So whilst I agree that its unfair and perhaps short sighted that the company moves the goal posts all too often, don't lose sight of the bigger picture:
1. As an EK F/O, you are on a better package than you were as a CRJ skipper back home.
2. You will get your wide body command 15-20 years quicker here than back home. I'm guessing you are in your early 30's? How many yanks are A330/A340/B777 skippers back home in their mid 30's?
Now put your toys back in the pram and concentrate on humping hosties, the very thing all single F/O's should be doing instead of whining on Pprune.
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Just to play devil's advocate,
Many of the RJ drivers were skippers making captains decisions for many thousands of hours, they are now being bypassed by longtime F/O's who just happen to have the required time above 55T.
So just a different slant maybe who is more suited to command, those who have already done it or those with medium or heavy time?
However, I do agree in the big scheme it aint that long to wait. It's just the biased implementation that irks most of the people it affects.
Many of the RJ drivers were skippers making captains decisions for many thousands of hours, they are now being bypassed by longtime F/O's who just happen to have the required time above 55T.
So just a different slant maybe who is more suited to command, those who have already done it or those with medium or heavy time?
However, I do agree in the big scheme it aint that long to wait. It's just the biased implementation that irks most of the people it affects.
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I H, I agree entirely with your slant.
As I said, it is short sighted and foolish of the powers that be (AAR) to ignore carte blanche the experience of our F/O's because their previous type was slightly smaller than someone else'.
I do (did) feel their pain to a certain degree as my neighbour that joined a month after me, upgraded a year before me JUST because he was on the Boeing and I was on the Airbus. That year he got a bigger bonus than me, 120,000 more dhs than me, higher provident fund contributions, F/J class travel for him and his family...the list goes on.
Yes I was p1ssed off hugely at the time, but do you know what....... Having been in the Left seat for the last couple of years, that all now seems a distant memory. As indeed it will for the guys shouting and banging the table now.
And before anyone laments about me ONLY having to wait 4 years to upgrade, I joined here with a few thousand hours on the A330 AND previous command experience, so would have met the revised upgrade criteria in any case.
Just food for thought chaps. Having to wait a bit longer is not the end of the world in the overall scheme of things, and will soon be forgotten..... Remember this isn't the easiest operation in the world, with a combination of fatigue and dodgy destinations an extra year or 2 in the Right will do you no harm at all.
As I said, it is short sighted and foolish of the powers that be (AAR) to ignore carte blanche the experience of our F/O's because their previous type was slightly smaller than someone else'.
I do (did) feel their pain to a certain degree as my neighbour that joined a month after me, upgraded a year before me JUST because he was on the Boeing and I was on the Airbus. That year he got a bigger bonus than me, 120,000 more dhs than me, higher provident fund contributions, F/J class travel for him and his family...the list goes on.
Yes I was p1ssed off hugely at the time, but do you know what....... Having been in the Left seat for the last couple of years, that all now seems a distant memory. As indeed it will for the guys shouting and banging the table now.
And before anyone laments about me ONLY having to wait 4 years to upgrade, I joined here with a few thousand hours on the A330 AND previous command experience, so would have met the revised upgrade criteria in any case.
Just food for thought chaps. Having to wait a bit longer is not the end of the world in the overall scheme of things, and will soon be forgotten..... Remember this isn't the easiest operation in the world, with a combination of fatigue and dodgy destinations an extra year or 2 in the Right will do you no harm at all.
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humping hosties
Oblaaspop what the hell.. are you on a fix with this humping story?
What a level of morality and maturity for an EK captain! No surprise management treat the category like ****! People like you just deserve it.
Respect is something you have to conquer... but you are too busy humping hosties...what the hell!!
Hope you never get caught having premarital sex or sharing you flat with your hostie ..in the UAE that will open you the door for jail..habibi.
Better complaining on PPrune...
What a level of morality and maturity for an EK captain! No surprise management treat the category like ****! People like you just deserve it.
Respect is something you have to conquer... but you are too busy humping hosties...what the hell!!
Hope you never get caught having premarital sex or sharing you flat with your hostie ..in the UAE that will open you the door for jail..habibi.
Better complaining on PPrune...
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The biggest problem Americans face when coming here has a lot more to do with expectation, rather than the climate or airframe size etc.
This isn't the USA, its the UAE, you will need to stop thinking about things from the perspective of a westerner.
In my experience (been here a bit over a year but on and off for 7 years), the types who struggle the most are also the ones who have the expectation that things will almost be like home..mayby with a bit more heat and crazy driving. Reality check, its not, you are a second class citizen, you live in a bubble of western influence in either an apartment or villa and are surrounded on many sides by in some cases medieval attitudes.
Either adapt, leave, or don't bother coming, thats the reality. As an American you are already at a disadvantage on the basis that as a nationality you are less likely to tolerate the reality of the changes you will have to adapt too.
Am I being unfair? not from what I've seen so far.
This isn't the USA, its the UAE, you will need to stop thinking about things from the perspective of a westerner.
In my experience (been here a bit over a year but on and off for 7 years), the types who struggle the most are also the ones who have the expectation that things will almost be like home..mayby with a bit more heat and crazy driving. Reality check, its not, you are a second class citizen, you live in a bubble of western influence in either an apartment or villa and are surrounded on many sides by in some cases medieval attitudes.
Either adapt, leave, or don't bother coming, thats the reality. As an American you are already at a disadvantage on the basis that as a nationality you are less likely to tolerate the reality of the changes you will have to adapt too.
Am I being unfair? not from what I've seen so far.
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Hey guys,
Just to clear some things up about my post for the guys who originally asked the question. The gentlemen below me make a very valid point about command and I must say that if looking at it from a command sense, they are absolutely correct. I am much faster here onto a widebody than anywhere back hom. Unfortunately, in this case, I did not mean to sound like I was talking about a command. I would simply like to transfer fleets, in otherwords, a330 FO to A380 FO. However, I cannot. This transfer may even hurt my time for command, hard to say. The point is, I cannot transfer onto another fleet for a better quality of life, which to me is nearly as important if not more so than that of a command, because EK will not let Airbus drivers go to the Boeing but in rare cases, and myself, and many other rj guys, do not have the over 55 tonnes time to transfer to the A380. I was simply trying to point out that you can get stuck with a rotten quality of life here at EK at a moments notice, many rj guys had just that very thing happen. I am not arguing what I may or may not deserve based on other folks ideologies, just trying to show guys who are considering EK from an RJ position things they should and have the right to consider. For the record, in many respects, nearly all in fact, I agree fully with all the posts below mine.
Just to clear some things up about my post for the guys who originally asked the question. The gentlemen below me make a very valid point about command and I must say that if looking at it from a command sense, they are absolutely correct. I am much faster here onto a widebody than anywhere back hom. Unfortunately, in this case, I did not mean to sound like I was talking about a command. I would simply like to transfer fleets, in otherwords, a330 FO to A380 FO. However, I cannot. This transfer may even hurt my time for command, hard to say. The point is, I cannot transfer onto another fleet for a better quality of life, which to me is nearly as important if not more so than that of a command, because EK will not let Airbus drivers go to the Boeing but in rare cases, and myself, and many other rj guys, do not have the over 55 tonnes time to transfer to the A380. I was simply trying to point out that you can get stuck with a rotten quality of life here at EK at a moments notice, many rj guys had just that very thing happen. I am not arguing what I may or may not deserve based on other folks ideologies, just trying to show guys who are considering EK from an RJ position things they should and have the right to consider. For the record, in many respects, nearly all in fact, I agree fully with all the posts below mine.
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Hey sheik, what's wrong with humping hosties? As long as they're female of course. But with a name like oblaspoop I wouldn't be too sure which way the aim is... And it's not just the single guys who dabble, as we all know... 
Anyway if you're living with a hostie, the cops would already know all about it. If you make no waves, they won't care.
As for workplace morality, that's quite funny bearing in mind our employer and "management"!
Carlson, no offense but they expect a certain level of English language proficiency here; it might pay to work on your grammar if you want the job. (Disregard if you're American.)
Anyway if you're living with a hostie, the cops would already know all about it. If you make no waves, they won't care.
As for workplace morality, that's quite funny bearing in mind our employer and "management"!
Carlson, no offense but they expect a certain level of English language proficiency here; it might pay to work on your grammar if you want the job. (Disregard if you're American.)
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OMG
I didn't realise the Pope (aka Stuffmyarse) posted on these forums!
I do apologise for testing your morals your Holiness. Indeed the mere thought of 2 young, single heterosexual people having a bit of how's your father of an evening must really go against everything you stand for?
How about 2 young choir boys? More to your liking perhaps?
What irks me is that I wrote tons of relevant stuff and all you can do is focus on a tiny scrap of humorous nonsense just to have a poke!
As you can see from the above, its really not worth your effort as (often demonstrated) I can destroy ANYTHING you say with one blow of my tongue!
Keep em coming Arse boy
I didn't realise the Pope (aka Stuffmyarse) posted on these forums!I do apologise for testing your morals your Holiness. Indeed the mere thought of 2 young, single heterosexual people having a bit of how's your father of an evening must really go against everything you stand for?
How about 2 young choir boys? More to your liking perhaps?
What irks me is that I wrote tons of relevant stuff and all you can do is focus on a tiny scrap of humorous nonsense just to have a poke!
As you can see from the above, its really not worth your effort as (often demonstrated) I can destroy ANYTHING you say with one blow of my tongue!
Keep em coming Arse boy
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As regards the 3000 hour above 55 tonne requirement for transfer to FO on 380, and indeed upgrade on 330/777, I believe this is more from an insurance requirement. Cheaper premiums and all that! MEL cost a lot of $$$$$.
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Maybe written english is Sheik's strong point but it clearly states "all single f/o's" should get back to humping the hosties. No where did it mention anything about extra marital activities or captains demeaning their respect by "humping the hosties" . Maybe sheik you should give up your rants even you cant make sense of them anymore.