Emirates (EK) Interview - all you need to know about it (threads merged)
Join Date: Mar 2018
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Hi Cough. I understand what you are saying, as pilots we signed up for an unusual schedule and most of us accept that. However what EK rosters is beyond that, it is abuse. I have flown mid haul 24/7 operation before, but it was not like this.
If you lost a nights sleep, it was once a month or two instead of once or twice a week. It is not sustainable and it hit me hard after about a year on the line. After that it does not go away because there is no structure to the roster. You will go from midnight starts to early morning, midday, late and anywhere in between in one week, mixing between ULR/mid and turn arounds. You can't understand it until you experience it. I say this because I know, and I was warned before I came here but could not fathom it. Some people deal with it better than others, but not me.
What you say about training might have been true 5 years ago, but EK now hires pilots with no jet experience whatsoever. Some with only 2000 hours total. Consider this example. You are on your first training flight, you don't perform the best landing and the training captain "intervenes" and therefore must grade you a score of 2. You are thus sent back to the simulator. How is this a positive training environment for a new joiner who has perhaps never flown a jet before?
If you lost a nights sleep, it was once a month or two instead of once or twice a week. It is not sustainable and it hit me hard after about a year on the line. After that it does not go away because there is no structure to the roster. You will go from midnight starts to early morning, midday, late and anywhere in between in one week, mixing between ULR/mid and turn arounds. You can't understand it until you experience it. I say this because I know, and I was warned before I came here but could not fathom it. Some people deal with it better than others, but not me.
What you say about training might have been true 5 years ago, but EK now hires pilots with no jet experience whatsoever. Some with only 2000 hours total. Consider this example. You are on your first training flight, you don't perform the best landing and the training captain "intervenes" and therefore must grade you a score of 2. You are thus sent back to the simulator. How is this a positive training environment for a new joiner who has perhaps never flown a jet before?
Join Date: Aug 2004
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If you lost a nights sleep, it was once a month or two instead of once or twice a week. It is not sustainable and it hit me hard after about a year on the line. After that it does not go away because there is no structure to the roster. You will go from midnight starts to early morning, midday, late and anywhere in between in one week, mixing between ULR/mid and turn arounds. You can't understand it until you experience it. I say this because I know, and I was warned before I came here but could not fathom it. Some people deal with it better than others, but not me.
Join Date: Sep 2007
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If you lost a nights sleep, it was once a month or two instead of once or twice a week. It is not sustainable and it hit me hard after about a year on the line. After that it does not go away because there is no structure to the roster. You will go from midnight starts to early morning, midday, late and anywhere in between in one week, mixing between ULR/mid and turn arounds. You can't understand it until you experience it. I say this because I know, and I was warned before I came here but could not fathom it. Some people deal with it better than others, but not me.
I actively avoid ULRs, and have been very successful recently. My sleep pattern has drastically improved as a result and there are always enough guys that are willing to take your ULRs. As u said, some guys deal with it better than others, so personally a night in Jakarta (DXB +3) beats 2 nights in Seattle any day!
Join Date: May 2010
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Do NOT expect to be valued at this company by anyone, period.
Whaaaat?
Utter bollocks, and you know it
SOME might not listen to you, but most will. Period.
Unless you come up with some weird stuff, like 'you should engage the AP as soon as possible after TO, Captain, or we might be in trouble with the company in case you fu.. up'.
I'm sure my reputation precedes me, and I know I'm average at best, but seriously?
I have not seen the face of fear factor here in EK the last 15+ years, but I'm sure there might be some with a few of my fellow aviators. But not many.
Beyond your training, now that you are checked to line and proud of yourself for being a qualified EK pilot, don’t expect much on the line. Majority of commanders are friendly and relaxed but your opinion as an FO is all but worthless to most regardless of how much experience you have. I don’t blame them, the company fosters this attitude by holding them responsible for every micro event that happens on a flight. So of course they take it upon themselves to make every decision and naturally distrust everyone around them. If you think you are going to come here and be respected as a professional, forget it. You could be flying into your home base, or a destination which you have flown into hundreds of time, it won’t make a difference. Do NOT expect to be valued at this company by anyone, period. Fear factor here is real and a big problem and it is only getting worse.
Whaaaat?
Utter bollocks, and you know it
SOME might not listen to you, but most will. Period.
Unless you come up with some weird stuff, like 'you should engage the AP as soon as possible after TO, Captain, or we might be in trouble with the company in case you fu.. up'.
I'm sure my reputation precedes me, and I know I'm average at best, but seriously?
I have not seen the face of fear factor here in EK the last 15+ years, but I'm sure there might be some with a few of my fellow aviators. But not many.
Beyond your training, now that you are checked to line and proud of yourself for being a qualified EK pilot, don’t expect much on the line. Majority of commanders are friendly and relaxed but your opinion as an FO is all but worthless to most regardless of how much experience you have. I don’t blame them, the company fosters this attitude by holding them responsible for every micro event that happens on a flight. So of course they take it upon themselves to make every decision and naturally distrust everyone around them. If you think you are going to come here and be respected as a professional, forget it. You could be flying into your home base, or a destination which you have flown into hundreds of time, it won’t make a difference. Do NOT expect to be valued at this company by anyone, period. Fear factor here is real and a big problem and it is only getting worse.
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dear colleagues,
I really do agree with most of the points mentioned here, but one thing I do not understand. To say it's impossible to put some money in your own pocket at the end of the month is simply not true. I have three kids, happily married, and yes life is tough, but I am still able to safe. How? I drive a small car, avoid shopping malls and try to put aside as much as possible. Where is the point to stay in UAE as an expat without saving some money?
Yes it's true, its getting crazy expansive here, but speaking for me, if I am unable to put an amount x aside monthly, I am leaving this place. There is no point of staying, if you not. Money compared to the rest of the world is still ok, the rest is, let's call it, xxxxxxxx.
I really do agree with most of the points mentioned here, but one thing I do not understand. To say it's impossible to put some money in your own pocket at the end of the month is simply not true. I have three kids, happily married, and yes life is tough, but I am still able to safe. How? I drive a small car, avoid shopping malls and try to put aside as much as possible. Where is the point to stay in UAE as an expat without saving some money?
Yes it's true, its getting crazy expansive here, but speaking for me, if I am unable to put an amount x aside monthly, I am leaving this place. There is no point of staying, if you not. Money compared to the rest of the world is still ok, the rest is, let's call it, xxxxxxxx.
Join Date: Jan 2018
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dear colleagues,
I really do agree with most of the points mentioned here, but one thing I do not understand. To say it's impossible to put some money in your own pocket at the end of the month is simply not true. I have three kids, happily married, and yes life is tough, but I am still able to safe. How? I drive a small car, avoid shopping malls and try to put aside as much as possible. Where is the point to stay in UAE as an expat without saving some money?
Yes it's true, its getting crazy expansive here, but speaking for me, if I am unable to put an amount x aside monthly, I am leaving this place. There is no point of staying, if you not. Money compared to the rest of the world is still ok, the rest is, let's call it, xxxxxxxx.
I really do agree with most of the points mentioned here, but one thing I do not understand. To say it's impossible to put some money in your own pocket at the end of the month is simply not true. I have three kids, happily married, and yes life is tough, but I am still able to safe. How? I drive a small car, avoid shopping malls and try to put aside as much as possible. Where is the point to stay in UAE as an expat without saving some money?
Yes it's true, its getting crazy expansive here, but speaking for me, if I am unable to put an amount x aside monthly, I am leaving this place. There is no point of staying, if you not. Money compared to the rest of the world is still ok, the rest is, let's call it, xxxxxxxx.
Even Cabin Crew are able to save after a few years as well. Although most don't have families/etc.
Join Date: Sep 2007
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To say you can’t save is just BS! I’ve been at EK for 11 years and have 3 kids. Think of it this way; live how you would in your own country. Have a car, go out for the occasional dinner and drinks, go on holiday, take the kids out (plenty of Platinum and APC offers), put good internet and tv at home, go to work and DO NOT speak to the neighbors about the company. The last suggestion will dictate how long your EK career will last, I can’t emphasize this enough. Your life and your family’s life will be fine if you sit at home on a Friday night watching a movie with them then standing outside your villa with a glass or bottle in your hand talking about the last email that came through or lastest FCI. You wouldn’t do that in your home country so try not doing it here!
Just my 2 fils
Just my 2 fils
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seems the majority of people that have a stern hatred for emirates are the 777 crew. Any input from the 380 crew? I hear it's not that bad.
DISCLAIMER: I am not an EK employee, but I'm getting a paid trip to Dubai.
DISCLAIMER: I am not an EK employee, but I'm getting a paid trip to Dubai.
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lol, both 777 and 380 pilots have a hatred for Emirates. So do Cabin Crew/Ground Staff/etc...
Join Date: Jan 2011
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Interview
Just cancelled my interview with EK. Wont apply again unless there is a major overhaul of EVERYTHING!!!
Life is too short and I have a 10 month old baby. She means more to me than any job and Im not prepared to be away from her and my wife all the time with min days off just to fly a 777.
Wish all the best to current and future EK pilots but there is just too much unhappiness out there from current and past pilots for all of this to be a coincidence.
EK like CX has serious problems stemming from the global financial crisis where they knew pilots were desperate for jobs but dont seem to have realised the tide has turned.
I know myself too well and will get angry and just walk out on them out of pure frustration...not what I need in my life.
Good luck to all future applicants though...hope it pays of for you
Life is too short and I have a 10 month old baby. She means more to me than any job and Im not prepared to be away from her and my wife all the time with min days off just to fly a 777.
Wish all the best to current and future EK pilots but there is just too much unhappiness out there from current and past pilots for all of this to be a coincidence.
EK like CX has serious problems stemming from the global financial crisis where they knew pilots were desperate for jobs but dont seem to have realised the tide has turned.
I know myself too well and will get angry and just walk out on them out of pure frustration...not what I need in my life.
Good luck to all future applicants though...hope it pays of for you
Join Date: May 2010
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Luggage; there are a few happy'ish EK B777 pilots out there still. Me being one of them.
But agree, most of the guys I fly with are very unhappy.
Very, VERY unhappy.
The post somewhere here recently of NOT sharing a few bottles over the fence with your friendly EK neighbor makes a lot of sense.
I moved out of the EK nightmare in early 2000, so have have purposefully not had that (dis)pleasure.
17 days off in April - second to bottom bid
Senior 777 skipper.
Still enjoying (virtually) every day here in Dubai, with wife and kids
Yeah, let the beating begin ;-)
But agree, most of the guys I fly with are very unhappy.
Very, VERY unhappy.
The post somewhere here recently of NOT sharing a few bottles over the fence with your friendly EK neighbor makes a lot of sense.
I moved out of the EK nightmare in early 2000, so have have purposefully not had that (dis)pleasure.
17 days off in April - second to bottom bid
Senior 777 skipper.
Still enjoying (virtually) every day here in Dubai, with wife and kids
Yeah, let the beating begin ;-)
Join Date: Jan 2011
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Having spent the beginning of my career flying out of those busy US airports (with great ATC) and then 15 years in the ME I can say, unequivocally, that flying a 777 around the world (as EK does) is far more demanding than a small jet (or any jet) around the US and North America.
It is NOT our lofty standards but the reality. Africa, ME, India and West Asia, polar routes, long ETOPS sectors, war zones like parts of Africa, Kabul, Iraq........ the list goes on.
The fact that you can't see that says enough!
It is NOT our lofty standards but the reality. Africa, ME, India and West Asia, polar routes, long ETOPS sectors, war zones like parts of Africa, Kabul, Iraq........ the list goes on.
The fact that you can't see that says enough!
Join Date: Jan 2011
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Luggage; there are a few happy'ish EK B777 pilots out there still. Me being one of them.
But agree, most of the guys I fly with are very unhappy.
Very, VERY unhappy.
The post somewhere here recently of NOT sharing a few bottles over the fence with your friendly EK neighbor makes a lot of sense.
I moved out of the EK nightmare in early 2000, so have have purposefully not had that (dis)pleasure.
17 days off in April - second to bottom bid
Senior 777 skipper.
Still enjoying (virtually) every day here in Dubai, with wife and kids
Yeah, let the beating begin ;-)
But agree, most of the guys I fly with are very unhappy.
Very, VERY unhappy.
The post somewhere here recently of NOT sharing a few bottles over the fence with your friendly EK neighbor makes a lot of sense.
I moved out of the EK nightmare in early 2000, so have have purposefully not had that (dis)pleasure.
17 days off in April - second to bottom bid
Senior 777 skipper.
Still enjoying (virtually) every day here in Dubai, with wife and kids
Yeah, let the beating begin ;-)
Im not against working for EK but there would have to be wholesale changes regarding scheduling, days off, commuting and just how the company treats you in general for me to consider them.
I wonder how long before airlines like the ME3 and CX etc realise the tide has turned and pilots dont need those jobs over there as they have a lot of choice at the moment.
I hear a lot of ME3 have gone to Norwegian on the 787 and from what I understand none of them seem to be regretting their decision which says a hell of a lot.
Good luck to you though, I hope it all works out for you.
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EK 777
I do enjoy the laughable Emirates arrogance that they’re more demanding than anyone else. You need the hours because of the way your training department, rostering and management operate, not because of what and where you fly.
There’s nothing special about flying the 777 nor operating into most/all of the EK destinations. Plenty of pilots with less than 1600TT operate into JFK, Moscow, DXB etc etc very safely and efficiently with no issues.
There’s nothing special about flying the 777 nor operating into most/all of the EK destinations. Plenty of pilots with less than 1600TT operate into JFK, Moscow, DXB etc etc very safely and efficiently with no issues.
17 XX days, or 10 XX days and 7 Rest days?
Ek-or-bust, if you want any credibility list the XX days off you've had for each of the last 24 months flying, not an anomalously good one-off roster (which was in a month where the system failed and everybody's bids were ignored. Maybe you should be a good fellow pilot and give your roster to the pilots in top/second bid group who got screwed with 8 XX days....... )
Ek-or-bust, if you want any credibility list the XX days off you've had for each of the last 24 months flying, not an anomalously good one-off roster (which was in a month where the system failed and everybody's bids were ignored. Maybe you should be a good fellow pilot and give your roster to the pilots in top/second bid group who got screwed with 8 XX days....... )
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17 XX days, or 10 XX days and 7 Rest days?
Ek-or-bust, if you want any credibility list the XX days off you've had for each of the last 24 months flying, not an anomalously good one-off roster (which was in a month where the system failed and everybody's bids were ignored. Maybe you should be a good fellow pilot and give your roster to the pilots in top/second bid group who got screwed with 8 XX days....... )
Ek-or-bust, if you want any credibility list the XX days off you've had for each of the last 24 months flying, not an anomalously good one-off roster (which was in a month where the system failed and everybody's bids were ignored. Maybe you should be a good fellow pilot and give your roster to the pilots in top/second bid group who got screwed with 8 XX days....... )
Join Date: Sep 2007
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I hear a lot of ME3 have gone to Norwegian on the 787 and from what I understand none of them seem to be regretting their decision which says a hell of a lot.
I know an ex colleague that works at Norwegian and says his roster has more blocks of flying than EK due to all the DH he has to do from base to base. Is he in uniform more times than at EK? Yes. Will he regret his move? No
Join Date: Mar 2018
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