Zlin....
 

Did we fly together?
It was a pretty good time there at the hotel. The expat group contained some of the best pilots I've ever flown with. Highly professional group of guys who knew their 'stuff'.
And its true what Zlin says...LEAVE company XXXXX that you used to fly with and don't ever bring it up in conversation. Its a deal breaker.

Korean 777 FO
 

Does anyone have any solid info on what the commuting contract is like for an FO at Korean? I understand there is no upgrade possibility but thats ok with me as I would likely use it as an interim job to get a job with a legacy in the USA. I am weighing my options vs taking a LCC job with JetBlue or Spirit while I wait. I have been at EK for nearly 4 years but I am sure that once we start taking DEC's I will have at least 2-3 years before an upgrade comes and I can't take these rosters for that much longer. Any info on the QOL and pay would be very helpful.

Thanks,

T&L

There are a few ex Korean FO's at EK. I'm sure if you ask around someone will tell you who. The one I flew with loved it but said the lack of a command prospect made him leave. He said he usually flew about 60-75 hours per month and the layovers were good. Hotel in ICN was great. Good social opportunities if you are single. If you don't need the upgrade then it's a good place to work as an FO.

This job is basically for those looking for days OFF to have a better lifestyle, not money. You can make it up to 13 days off in a row + travel days (normally 3).
Then you will have to pay back the extra 2 you used per month. Its simple. If you had good savings thanks to your organized finances and investments previously, 12.9k plus 1k per diem per month, its quite good. If you want only money, go to China.
KE is the best communting on earth. Business class travel, days OFF when requested and never even questioned, airplanes in wonderful shape, easy and very relaxed operation (excluding OE, which for me was super nice but for other might be stressing). After OE, you are on your own. 65-70 hrs average a month.

As a former EK slave, Korean is heaven.

Just around the corner!

Jungle drums say A380 positions for expat Capts is now approved (or FAA suggested). No beats telling of money though.

For those that way inclined.

PIC Requirement
 

KAL has a very silly requirement for captains which is not mentioned here.


MUST HAVE 4 YEARS AS AN FO.




they should really drop the requirement as some of us didn't have the right seat for 4 years before we made it as captains. If this has changed then please enlighten us .


Happy Landings

Wow… you really don't have 4 years as an FO in the airline world? Good on you!!! You're career has been far better than mine… spending over 11 years in the right seat. It doesn't have to be in the 777…

From the CCL page

B777 Captains
Rated

B777 PIC Type Rating
Operated type as PIC within 1 year
1,000+ hours on type
2,500+ PIC hours Airline Jet Transport
5,000+ hours Airline Jet Transport
7,000+ hours Total Time
Max age < 60 years (must join before turning 60)
4+ years F/O Jet experience (Airline Jet Transport)


K

KAL
 

yes sir i was fortunate enough to get the captain upgrade so no i don't have 4 years as an FO. I exceed every other requirement so I guess I am out ....

Ask around. There was a Canadian captain who left EK for KAL. On his first day at work his new employer asked for a quick review of his history. First question "where is your four years of FO experience". Answer: "I've never been a first officer - I was in the military and it just doesn't work that way". Response: "Then there is no job for you at KAL".

After pointing out this might be a bit convenient as he had resigned from EK, they did in the end relent and deign to let him work there even though he was dangerously under-qualified.....

Did somebody go at the roadshow?
any feedback?

AlsMOST 40 came in the second afternoon session

I heard there were just under 50 in the morning session and that the VP Flt KAL ops apologized to those who came as there were not enough seats - they delayed presentation while the divider in conference room was opened and staff brought extra chairs.

Now taking A380 DECs and will upgrade expat FOs - just fine tuning that contract.

First time I'd been in a group of so many seriously angry EK pilots...not much emotion just legitimate complaints. Many have had had enough. Number one complaint - days off and "the arrogant delivery" that is a constant

Very experienced gathering, nice contract if no kids to school.

I think this will be a real problem for bouncy castle now that they will upgrade and 380 hiring beginning.

Karma anyone ?

f.

Did I read this right.... KAL is now going to upgrade expat FO's? Wow... I've flown with many an EK FO who have said if KAL ever upgraded to left seat they would go! Another issue for EK management and potential boon to Korean

K

So what you guys are saying is that they will take you directly onto the 380 as a captain. If that's the case I am out of here. Heeeyaaa

Was that upgrade 380 F/o's only or was that for all fleets on their respective type? e.g 777 & 330

Now Actively recruiting A380 DECs. Put the Big Bus pay rates up on the screen which were same as 777, said they would probably be revised higher for 380 just using these numbers now as they had gotten approval for 380 DECs literally in last couple of weeks.

A little more vague on the criteria for upgrading expat FOs (yes - all fleets incl. 380)for now as final details of the program being ironed out in Seoul..launch date imminent. He did mention that he believed the FO upgrade candidate would have to complete one contract cycle to upgrade - ie 5 years.

Interesting times ahead for EK HR :E

So that's 170-180 over two days. if I was in the bouncy castle right now I would be worried !! But then again knowing them as I do they probably don't give a toss!

also in the US 20k salary is before tax and Uncle sam will take at least 40% of it.

Not sure
 

mm
I am not sure what you are trying to say, but the first $97,500 is tax free and the rest is taxable at your tax rate then minus the Korean paid taxes from your US liability. So it would be way less than 40%. Someone feel free to correct me. Was there today about 40 in the room. Talking to the pilots there I figure about half who showed up were serious about Korean, and 90% were serious about leaving.