Saudi A320
 

Some questions about the A320 program.

1. How many hours a month are A320 skippers flying?
2. Are all A320 pilots dual rated with the A330, and flying both airplanes?
3. What percentage of A320 flying is international and what percentage is domestic?
4. I've got an interview in Paris. What should I expect? Is there a sim ride for this interview? Is it at the same time or is it a two phase interview process?

Thanks,
GoForit

1. Been averaging 40ish a month on reserve (but being told that will dramatically increase starting in about 3 weeks).

2. No, not dual qualled, and so far not being told of any plans to dual qual us (would be nice, though).

3. No idea on percentages, but on reserve in April, I never left the Kingdom, had a line in May, so had 2 Int'l trips scheduled, and back on reserve in June, so who knows. But, as a reserve, expect a lot of domestic trips. (I seem to be drawn to Abha multiple times a day...)

4. No idea about interviews now. Last year, they were 2 part interviews -- first part was one day in Cairo (written test in the AM, interview in the PM). Then a month later, back to JED for sim and medical. The written was almost word for word from Acing the Airline Technical Interview (or something like that). Again, not sure if that is still the format today, but it was a straight-forward, relaxed, non-confrontational process.

Good luck, hope that helps.

Thanks BadAndy. that was the info I was looking for.

In general, are you happy there? How is the quality of life in Saudi City?

Also, how long did it take from the time you started training to when you were released to the line?

In general, yes I am happy here. I will be happier in a few weeks when my family joins me... I have my complaints, but that will be true anywhere. There are good points and bad points, but once training is done, the good points seem to outweigh the bad points (training was approx 6 months to get released, and most of us were ready to quit and go home at some point during the training... However, the senior guys convinced us to stick it out -- and they were right, it has gotten a lot better post-training...) For the most part, they just leave me alone to fly (no hassles from management here like the other M.E. carriers are experiencing. The only bad points stem from a lack of organization in general, and our managers being swamped with work..., not from malicious attitudes). And, the F/Os here are the best I've ever flown with, so work (flying) is actually fun.

As for life on the compound -- it is what it is. It is living in a compound away from home. It isn't home. But, the housing is okay and the other families here make it bearable (a lot of bbq's and more families coming so even more "gatherings"...). Life in the Saudia compound is definitely better than other places I've worked and lived (Kuwait and West Africa). And, as more families come (with kids), it will keep getting better (we all hope).

But, to answer your questions, yes I am happy here. Four months ago, I couldn't wait to get out of here and never return. Now, I'm moving the wife and kids over here for at least the next few years. There is a lot to be said for the stability here. Go figure...

do NOT GO IF YOU ArE TOLD TO BUY YOU OWN AIRFARE AND " WE WILL REIMBURSE YOU" I hjave many pilot freinds who have not received the moneys back since oct. just get the typical saudi runnaround. if they supply then it can be ok but if you need your money forget it.

True or Not?
 

I cannot belive this.\.
I think My friend is sucking for pitty party.

Is it true Saudi does not pay the over time to Pilots until like six months later?

I was told by he that the overtime flying for JAN flying will be paid in July Inshalla??

I don't blieve him, how can Kings airline be this unorganized?

surly they mus be more organized?

Nope....... but ask your friend how much FLIGHT TIME he is doing before he gets paid overtime.

Mutt

chuckunu,


Its true what you are saying. They paid Dec's overtime two months ago. JANs overtime is still not paid. I dont know why they do that but thats how it is. Six months later , over time is paid. It wasnt like that few years ago.....

Sam

Gentlemen, what are you talking about? I got my December overtime pay in February...:confused:

No one can tell for sure, they stopped giving out the paystubs in 2009.

They do pay what is owed, sometimes it just takes awhile to make it to you.

Metro301, pay stubs are still available, log on to the SAP system and print them out.

Mutt

Mutt, can u pm me the link please? there are about 50 different sites now and the links aren't working between them. I haven't seen a paystub since june of 2009.

GACA ATP exam
 

Hello everyone!
Does anyone have any information on the Saudi Arabian Airlines GACA FAA ATP exam?
Any helpful information would be appreciated.
Thanks

Chuck it is true, No Payment for the Joining ticket I was told to buy it and I would get paid back. that was back in Feb. There is no system in place at SVA to track and follow up on things like that. if there is it is a SECRET.
I still have No idea what my travel benefits are. what is a 3-1? a 4-1 and a 1-1?
those are tickets but not sure which ones we get and how much they cost.

The ATP study, if you can get the Computerized Gleim study guide.
That is the test. It seems GACA has just ripped it off. The test I took was that study guides practice test . All they do is print out the sample test results and stamp it.

Hope it helps,
also, after reading the post from above, when is the pay for Perdiem and Overtime supposed to be paid? is there anything written about this? How long have Pilots been allowing this to go on?
thanks
V2

3-1 - space positive. 1 per year for you and your immediate family. 1st class for Captains, I think Economy or Business for FO's.

4-1 - space available, Economy. 1 per year for you and your family.

1-1 - no idea, probably for company business.

ACM - space positive Economy, 1 per month only for you.

ID 50 - space positive, unlimited. 50% of full fare in the cabin you choose.

ID 75 - space available, unlimited. 25% of full fare in the cabin you choose.

ZED Fare - space avail, unlimited on other Airlines.

After 10 years you get a term pass. That allows unlimited 1st class, space positive travel for a 3% fee.

vtwo,

Suggest you ask your management for the COCKPIT CREW ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDE.... it will answer a lot of your questions....

Metro301, 1-1 is for medical etc.

Cheers

Metro, Mutt,
thanks for the explanations.
Mutt I did ask my boss, but got the Saudi Stare with a nice smile.

It looks like the collective minds here are a more valuable source of info.
Cheers

Your boss is a buddy of mine, but unfortunately they arent used to employing people..... so wander across the corridor to the office of the AGM Line and Administrative affairs and ask his admin staff......
Its an electronic document so easy to obtain.......... however, failing that, ask your neighbors, or failing that, review the documents given to you by HR, it should state, 1 3-1 positive ticket per year (Free but you pay taxes, same as ACM) 4-1 standby fare depends on destination plus taxes.... 1-1 medical, emergency etc...... ACM free for you not family and you pay the taxes.....

Good Luck.....

Mutt

Mutt,
yes your are right they are very nice but not used to employing peeps.
I did not receive any thing from HR, I am getting sick of the run around Why is every thing a mystery and a secret? . I will just sit back and relax. If it happens it does, what a unorganized Cluster f^c( this place is. good thing they are not worried about profits, customer service, or employee moral. the BIG Ball keeps rolling.
They do know the difference between between Mist and Fog though. That being said, the Ip's Are very sharp, they put a lot of country's to shame. But really???? what is point? .

Difference between Mist or Fog? i recall that from line training years ago in JED. all came down to the forecast vis.
Fog (FG) is observed or forecast only when the visibility is less than five-eigths of mile, otherwise mist (BR) is observed or forecast.
Airmans Information Manual

Good luck and enjoy the flights. I arrived in the late 70's and recently retired