So about EK...
Join Date: Apr 1999
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The one MAJOR consideration you should look at is just how LONG you want to be at EK!
If you give up a job at home in a seniority environment then going back will become an issue. In Europe, NA, OZ etc life as a junior pilot can be a bit difficult but with time the pay and rosters improve. Usually.
So you give up that seniority to get immediate benefits - more money and, for most, a big shiny jet. The lure of a large jet, unfortunately, clouds many peoples judgment.
I know more than a few pilots here, in their late 20's or early 30's who have come to the realization that they either have to go back now or spend the next 30 years at EK or as a contract pilot. I think this is why some of the younger guys are leaving. They have a very valid concern.
You are young and single now but won't be forever and as life passes your priorities change.
With time to command certainly above 7/8 years (unless something changes dramatically) this is a difficult decision. It means many years on a lower salary and I would NOT make a decision to come here on the HOPE that it will be faster than that.
You should be able to read between the lines here, take the posts with a grain of salt but with the realization that there is truth behind most and come to a decision.
If you give up a job at home in a seniority environment then going back will become an issue. In Europe, NA, OZ etc life as a junior pilot can be a bit difficult but with time the pay and rosters improve. Usually.
So you give up that seniority to get immediate benefits - more money and, for most, a big shiny jet. The lure of a large jet, unfortunately, clouds many peoples judgment.
I know more than a few pilots here, in their late 20's or early 30's who have come to the realization that they either have to go back now or spend the next 30 years at EK or as a contract pilot. I think this is why some of the younger guys are leaving. They have a very valid concern.
You are young and single now but won't be forever and as life passes your priorities change.
With time to command certainly above 7/8 years (unless something changes dramatically) this is a difficult decision. It means many years on a lower salary and I would NOT make a decision to come here on the HOPE that it will be faster than that.
You should be able to read between the lines here, take the posts with a grain of salt but with the realization that there is truth behind most and come to a decision.
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Transitcheck
I think the training department has come on a long way in the last 7 years and is constantly improving. It takes time to change a culture within a Company but I think MM has done a good job within the 'other' cultural constraints. 2 trainers from the 330 and 7 from the Boeing have been asked to leave within the last 12 months due to performance issues. 10 years ago, nobody would report a trainer for poor performance or grading, now they're more likely to.
I have had 3 bad experiences in almost 12 years, two of which I followed up on. One of the guys was an arse and has a reputation but I argued my case. I Passed but I had the confidence and knowledge to do so. There are still some arses, no denying, and one in particular in the Boeing office doing all the dirty work for someone above him who may or may not decide to come to work each day, depending on the mood he's in.
However, the great majority of trainers are good and getting better, although we have lost some talent due to overwork. Unfortunately, there are still a number of pilots who expect to be spoon fed and simply don't prepare or try to second guess every sim cheek by reading the 'Examiner Only' notes in great detail. That's probably why more have failed on this phase than previous.
I think the training department has come on a long way in the last 7 years and is constantly improving. It takes time to change a culture within a Company but I think MM has done a good job within the 'other' cultural constraints. 2 trainers from the 330 and 7 from the Boeing have been asked to leave within the last 12 months due to performance issues. 10 years ago, nobody would report a trainer for poor performance or grading, now they're more likely to.
I have had 3 bad experiences in almost 12 years, two of which I followed up on. One of the guys was an arse and has a reputation but I argued my case. I Passed but I had the confidence and knowledge to do so. There are still some arses, no denying, and one in particular in the Boeing office doing all the dirty work for someone above him who may or may not decide to come to work each day, depending on the mood he's in.
However, the great majority of trainers are good and getting better, although we have lost some talent due to overwork. Unfortunately, there are still a number of pilots who expect to be spoon fed and simply don't prepare or try to second guess every sim cheek by reading the 'Examiner Only' notes in great detail. That's probably why more have failed on this phase than previous.
Join Date: Sep 2002
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When I was your age I was only thinking about one thing and my whole life was driven by that thing only. In EK you are at the sweet spot! Fly and have fun in SAS, EK or wherever...housing, days off, schooling upgrade ...relax, you have 30ties and 40ties to think about it. If you try to reverse the order it will be expensive (divorce)
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If one is hell bent on leaving Europe to come to the sand you should probably think of Qatar or the Un-mentionable before EK.
The reasons are they both pay more than Emirates when you consider everything including hours worked.
Also Emirates will probably have a 9-10 year upgrade if you join now. The other airlines you are looking at 3 years max.
Emirates has a 5 year training bond now but I don't know what the other airlines have, if any.
Inflation is skyrocketing in Dubai and won't get any easier especially with Expo coming. We as pilots will probably be paying the price for that in the form of lack of pay raise and stolen end of year Bonus.
To answer your question in the first post yes rents will be going up considerably.
Stay in Europe and enjoy everything it has to offer.
The reasons are they both pay more than Emirates when you consider everything including hours worked.
Also Emirates will probably have a 9-10 year upgrade if you join now. The other airlines you are looking at 3 years max.
Emirates has a 5 year training bond now but I don't know what the other airlines have, if any.
Inflation is skyrocketing in Dubai and won't get any easier especially with Expo coming. We as pilots will probably be paying the price for that in the form of lack of pay raise and stolen end of year Bonus.
To answer your question in the first post yes rents will be going up considerably.
Stay in Europe and enjoy everything it has to offer.
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Thanks for all the replies.
I am not hell-bent on leaving Europe or settling in the desert, it is not a goal in itself.
I left Ryanair to come home to Scandinavia, I really like it here and want to stay, but not at any price.
It's just a tough gamble to go all-in on EK or the Middle East, risking to figure out it wasn't for you all along and then starting over again someplace else.
Keep em coming guys.
I am not hell-bent on leaving Europe or settling in the desert, it is not a goal in itself.
I left Ryanair to come home to Scandinavia, I really like it here and want to stay, but not at any price.
It's just a tough gamble to go all-in on EK or the Middle East, risking to figure out it wasn't for you all along and then starting over again someplace else.
Keep em coming guys.
@ Jack Schidt
"Most of the US will shortly become A380 as is the case in Australia."
The A380 has 4 flights a day to Australia.
The B777 has 8 flights a day plus three freighters a week.
B777 to ORD, SEA, IAD, BOS, JFK. Hardly "most".
The US is covered by freighters as well to LAX ORD, ATL and IAH as the "super" can not load the freight.
halas
The A380 has 4 flights a day to Australia.
The B777 has 8 flights a day plus three freighters a week.
B777 to ORD, SEA, IAD, BOS, JFK. Hardly "most".
The US is covered by freighters as well to LAX ORD, ATL and IAH as the "super" can not load the freight.
halas
Last edited by halas; 4th Dec 2014 at 16:42. Reason: too many US stops to remember
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Originally Posted by halas
@ Jack Schidt
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"Most of the US will shortly become A380 as is the case in Australia."
The A380 has 4 flights a day to Australia.
The B777 has 8 flights a day plus three freighters a week.
B777 to ORD, SEA, IAD, BOS, JFK. Hardly "most".
The US is covered by freighters as well to LAX ORD, ATL and IAH as the "super" can not load the freight.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Most of the US will shortly become A380 as is the case in Australia."
The A380 has 4 flights a day to Australia.
The B777 has 8 flights a day plus three freighters a week.
B777 to ORD, SEA, IAD, BOS, JFK. Hardly "most".
The US is covered by freighters as well to LAX ORD, ATL and IAH as the "super" can not load the freight.
As for freight... well, the 380 is designed to carry people. I'm glad 'cos I never wanted to be a freight-dog
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As a potential future applicant to EK (although looking less and less likely at the moment given all the stories of deterioration coming out of this company) I have to express my absolute disbelief that New York is a 24 hour nightstop. What is the routine for crews operating this route (and presumably the others) do you even get out of the Crowne Plaza?
With regards to applying to EK. If you're doing 1000 hours longhaul and don't even get to enjoy the destinations then seriously, what is the point?
With regards to applying to EK. If you're doing 1000 hours longhaul and don't even get to enjoy the destinations then seriously, what is the point?
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ByMonek,
I agree, things have gotten better over the last few years.
I stand by what I said though.....there is no gentleman's agreement between training pilots and the pilots here.....EVERYTHING is written on your form just as management wants it to be.
I don't understand your spoon fed comments. That seems to be applicable on an initial course not a 2 day re-validation. My point in the above lines about gentleman's agreement between training pilots and pilots being non existent says it all. Every other airline I have worked for we all looked out for one another....line pilots looked out for the training guys when they were flying the line and the training guys looked out for the line guys when they were in training. Here it is a one way street.
Cheers
TC
I agree, things have gotten better over the last few years.
I stand by what I said though.....there is no gentleman's agreement between training pilots and the pilots here.....EVERYTHING is written on your form just as management wants it to be.
I don't understand your spoon fed comments. That seems to be applicable on an initial course not a 2 day re-validation. My point in the above lines about gentleman's agreement between training pilots and pilots being non existent says it all. Every other airline I have worked for we all looked out for one another....line pilots looked out for the training guys when they were flying the line and the training guys looked out for the line guys when they were in training. Here it is a one way street.
Cheers
TC
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Dear Halas,
Please read latest Ops update and note points....
A380 replacing 777-300 ER on......SFO and IAH, more to come and just stay posted to these pages if you don't read your updates. Perth is just waiting for the bridge construction before the A380 runs that route. Please I beg you, this is not an A380 vs 777 thread and do not let it go that way, I am just giving the thread poster and yourself the valuable information that if you are on the 777 you are not "the premier fleet" anymore!!
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Rexbanner, EK have the attitude that the less time you spend on a layover the less tired (there is no fatigue in EK's eyes/mandate) you will be when you get back to Dubai. Now, as you are not tired on your return to Dubai you are therefore pleased and most willing to go on your 9 day extravaganza to Asia-Australia-NZ-Australia-Asia before your return to Dubai and then another America trip.
I used to drink alcohol but living in the Middle East I have been converted to sobriety. When I used to drink I would fall asleep on my bed on rare occasions and wake-up later with a sore head, feeling groggy and the TV might be on and then I would put myself into bed. These days and with this pattern/demand in flying, I do not need to drink alcohol for it to have the same effect on me.
Jack
Please read latest Ops update and note points....
A380 replacing 777-300 ER on......SFO and IAH, more to come and just stay posted to these pages if you don't read your updates. Perth is just waiting for the bridge construction before the A380 runs that route. Please I beg you, this is not an A380 vs 777 thread and do not let it go that way, I am just giving the thread poster and yourself the valuable information that if you are on the 777 you are not "the premier fleet" anymore!!
------------
Rexbanner, EK have the attitude that the less time you spend on a layover the less tired (there is no fatigue in EK's eyes/mandate) you will be when you get back to Dubai. Now, as you are not tired on your return to Dubai you are therefore pleased and most willing to go on your 9 day extravaganza to Asia-Australia-NZ-Australia-Asia before your return to Dubai and then another America trip.
I used to drink alcohol but living in the Middle East I have been converted to sobriety. When I used to drink I would fall asleep on my bed on rare occasions and wake-up later with a sore head, feeling groggy and the TV might be on and then I would put myself into bed. These days and with this pattern/demand in flying, I do not need to drink alcohol for it to have the same effect on me.
Jack
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I want to revive this thread by asking about personal issues at EK. How does EK help with time off or leave when a pilot has personal problems?
Im talking sick or dying relative, divorce and so on.
I have this nightmare of being stuck on the other side of the earth with a dying parent and my employer telling me it's not their problem. This is actually a deal braker for me, any experience on the matter?
Im talking sick or dying relative, divorce and so on.
I have this nightmare of being stuck on the other side of the earth with a dying parent and my employer telling me it's not their problem. This is actually a deal braker for me, any experience on the matter?
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Hey guys thanks for all your posts
I had my selection process 10-13 Nov and still waiting for feedback. We were 9 and 4 were sent home after day 1. Yesterday another one was informed NOT selected after almost one month waiting.
Any idea what could have happened? Also for the rest of us when can we expect a reply from EK.
I am in a difficult situation since I have 4 kids and one will be OUT of coverage for everything but I have no job for more than 3 months now and apart from some private jobs that might arise this month there is nothing else in the horizon. So perhaps EK is my best option, at least safe and stable.
Regarding Meydan I am good with it. Schools will be an issue and I lived 5 years in Doha whilst working for QR so used to the ME.
Unfortunately the cons I read here seem to be more than the pros...
Anyone in similar situation can give me advise (family with 4 kids) or that know someone...
Thanks in advance
Colo
I had my selection process 10-13 Nov and still waiting for feedback. We were 9 and 4 were sent home after day 1. Yesterday another one was informed NOT selected after almost one month waiting.
Any idea what could have happened? Also for the rest of us when can we expect a reply from EK.
I am in a difficult situation since I have 4 kids and one will be OUT of coverage for everything but I have no job for more than 3 months now and apart from some private jobs that might arise this month there is nothing else in the horizon. So perhaps EK is my best option, at least safe and stable.
Regarding Meydan I am good with it. Schools will be an issue and I lived 5 years in Doha whilst working for QR so used to the ME.
Unfortunately the cons I read here seem to be more than the pros...
Anyone in similar situation can give me advise (family with 4 kids) or that know someone...
Thanks in advance
Colo
Colo18,
Your questions were answered when you asked them before you did your assessment. Reread them, the answers haven't changed.
The Don
Your questions were answered when you asked them before you did your assessment. Reread them, the answers haven't changed.
The Don
