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EK A380 or A320 command really confused
Hello everyone, posted this in the EK thread couldn’t get a lot of inputs. I need advice from you guys a little confused now. My situation now is: - Done with 2000+ hours flying 320 now. Currently 24 yo. - My command will take another year from now to start. Age restriction of 26 yo and 3300 hours. - Presently as SFO flying 80-90 hours a month here and post command gonna be the same with 4 sectors and 2 sectors flight with layover pattern of 24-48 hours. So flying is hectic here as well, 4 days continous morning then rest and then couple of afternoon followed by morning again. - I have an opportunity to join EK now. Some people are advising me to get my command here build up atleast 1000 PIC hours and then move to ME and others are suggesting its a good opportunity for me considering my age as nothing can beat the exposure I will get there. - Money wise as a captain here my take home gonna be 6000USD its lesser than what I can make in EK. Cost of living I am very well aware of as I have stayed in Duabi before for couple of months, I don’t drink so only fun for me will be to go on a drive or for a walk on the beach with my wife. Considering all these points what do you guys suggest should I really go to EK and get my time on 380 and wait for my command there or take command here build up hours and then go there? Really appreciate your inputs and time and yes, if someone can shed some light on the roster there for 380 FO will be thankful. QR is taking time to give the joining dates, not sure about it. |
What will you do if 9 years from now the cycle goes down, and you'll be a surplus VSFO A380, having lost all connection and seniority from where you come from?
On the contrary, should the cycle go up by then, having taken the command you'll probably be close to walking as DEC to one of EK's smaller types, or be shooting at LH command back home. Of course, there may be other, outside-of-work reasons to consider. But 26 is an early PIC that will set you for life, and make riding out the storms much more convenient. |
Stay where you are, despite what many actually think about EK and the historical 380 rosters I’d suggest you take heed of what’s written on here. Generally speaking, the 380 FO roster has been the easiest and most user friendly for the past 5-6 years, that being said, as ever at EK, the sh1t lands on different fleets at different times, it appears that for now it’s the 380s turn. Don’t believe me, just wait someone will be along soon who actually still works there as I don’t anymore thank goodness. |
It is always so amusing to read the 99% negative comments on PPRUNE =) ... not much constructive. I would suggest you try to see what you actually really want to do . after all that is what makes you happy and look for what goals in life you want to have. I choose your option number 2, stay and get command. but I have many friends that years ago took the other path and are now although it takes a just a few more years sitting as CPT on 777 and 380 . There is no golden rule in aviation. do what you want , that is the best always be positive! Enjoy every moment. don´t be a negative complaining person, yea then your life will s#ck no matter were you are or in what position. Sure a command will give you an extra "insurance" , bot so will also SFI etc etc. I would have no problem recommending you to go for it . ... ( but what do I knopw. only been in the buisiness for 15 years =) ) . Good luck !
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Alright, better would be to take command and then eventually to look for DEC in middle east. Will work on that. |
Originally Posted by airbuspilot944
(Post 10451128)
Alright, better would be to take command and then eventually to look for DEC in middle east. Will work on that. |
Originally Posted by badmannen
(Post 10451109)
It is always so amusing to read the 99% negative comments on PPRUNE =) ... not much constructive. I would suggest you try to see what you actually really want to do . after all that is what makes you happy and look for what goals in life you want to have. I choose your option number 2, stay and get command. but I have many friends that years ago took the other path and are now although it takes a just a few more years sitting as CPT on 777 and 380 . There is no golden rule in aviation. do what you want , that is the best always be positive! Enjoy every moment. don´t be a negative complaining person, yea then your life will s#ck no matter were you are or in what position. Sure a command will give you an extra "insurance" , bot so will also SFI etc etc. I would have no problem recommending you to go for it . ... ( but what do I knopw. only been in the buisiness for 15 years =) ) . Good luck !
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Originally Posted by badmannen
(Post 10451204)
Just consider that if you do want to try out longhaul in a quick manner , it´s probably one of the best ways to go to head off to the dessert ( FYI, I got plenty of friends who did it and enjoy it, not all are miserable like it sounds like here sometimes ;) . Just for your info so you get some perspective you will be looking at roughly 10 years experience on shorthaul A320 and the like before reaching the min req for emirates, Qatar etc as DEC on the big birds =) .
If I want 380 why not join after 5-6 years after having my command hours with me which anyway gonna be gold. Considering QR with that I will have sufficient hours for them as well for DEC. |
Originally Posted by airbuspilot944
(Post 10451217)
The point now I am considering is that EK is asking for min age of 30 yrs and 7000 total hours and 3000 hours command on 50 tonnes and above for their accelerated command. For me to be there is another 5 years from now to meet EK requirements for accelerated command if at all they hire that time. And joinig EK also my command will come minimum after 5-6 years. If I want 380 why not join after 5-6 years after having my command hours with me which anyway gonna be gold. Considering QR with that I will have sufficient hours for them as well for DEC. |
Sounds like you have passed selection and have been offered a joining date, etc. I would just politely delay your join date until you have clarity over command back home and what you want. If you cant make a decision then dont feel forced to make one you might ultimately regret either way. I was close to command in my home airline and left for the 777. 5 years later I had to turn down a T7 command to go home for family reasons, starting all over again as 2 stripe FO with nearly 10,000 hours. Plan for the unexpected....
If you are in a reasonably stable secure airline with the command prospect I would personally see that through, given that the rapid expansion in the ME3 is finished for now and there is no immediate rush to join a seniority list there. I doubt I would have coped with being in Dubai age 26, but everyone is different. |
Originally Posted by airbuspilot944
(Post 10451217)
The point now I am considering is that EK is asking for min age of 30 yrs and 7000 total hours and 3000 hours command on 50 tonnes and above for their accelerated command. For me to be there is another 5 years from now to meet EK requirements for accelerated command if at all they hire that time. And joinig EK also my command will come minimum after 5-6 years. If I want 380 why not join after 5-6 years after having my command hours with me which anyway gonna be gold. Considering QR with that I will have sufficient hours for them as well for DEC. -Even if they told you that you will join on the A380 fleet, they can still change their mind and put you on the B777 with a horrible roster and uncomfortable cockpit seat. -Joining after a few years, when having the 3000h PIC for an accelerated command, doesn't mean that you will get an accelerated command. I know someone who waited more than 5 years for his "accelerated" command. No failed sim checks, just EK's ridiculous upgrade requirements when changing fleet. Expect another 3 years waiting time if they change your aircraft type. -Once you are in the left seat, they can still put you back in the right seat when you have to change fleet. Happend to some A330 Captains going to the A380. -An upgrade at EK might never happen if you fail a sim check. If you join EK now and you want to leave without any PIC hours, you will have to join a company as FO again and you probably have to wait a few years more for an upgrade. If you do your upgrade at your current company and join EK after a few years, you can always leave when you don't like it and join a company as Captain, with your previous PIC time. So, get the upgrade first if its close by. |
Bus Driver Man;
Make sense. Thanks a lot for your time mate. Will work on my command here only. Thanks everyone for your valuable inputs.[/left] |
Hope you noticed that people advising you on your career move all talk about their mates experiences. Not their own. Advice is only as good as the one dispensing it.. Find someone with Middle East experience in your present company and ask them. Good luck |
Maybe it is a dumb question: "What does your wife want?" A very wise captain once told me: "Happy wife, happy life".
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Always go for the big shiny shiny. Don’t bother with a little thing like command. Another one will come along anytime...... On a more serious note, NEVER EVER TURN DOWN A COMMAND! Good luck! |
You are 24! Stay get your command, gain experience and learn how to command. Then go to some heavy metal, have a lobotomy and collect the cash for 35 years or so. If you go to EK you will probably never go back to short haul and will be bored to tears in a few years. As a 320 commander you will have more options and a choice. |
An American friend of mine who is a non pprunner asked me to find out what an Emirates background check is like regarding your pilot training records from your last or even previous company before that.
He has 1 failed skills test in his life with about 3 or 4 jet type ratings but this failure is at his present company. Apparently the training department there is quite rubbish and he is worried how it will affect him going forward. He does not want to disclose it if he does not have to but wont lie if asked. So basically what do they request from your previous companies regarding your training, attendance record, references etc? Thanks on his behalf to any EK pilots or anyone in the know that replies. |
Most airlines are not allowed to disclose anything about your records anyway. Certainly in the UK, which is where many pilots at ek come from, so I wouldn’t see the problem. |
Get your command at home!!! Otherwise you might end up in that *** hole too long with bond after bond. Get your CPT upgrade and go to a decent Chinese carrier with 4 on / 4 off if you are interested in dollars. Big shiny jet . Yeah nice for a few weeks .. in the end it’s not much different from flying a medium jet aircraft.
Originally Posted by airbuspilot944
(Post 10450224)
Hello everyone, posted this in the EK thread couldn’t get a lot of inputs. I need advice from you guys a little confused now. My situation now is: - Done with 2000+ hours flying 320 now. Currently 24 yo. - My command will take another year from now to start. Age restriction of 26 yo and 3300 hours. - Presently as SFO flying 80-90 hours a month here and post command gonna be the same with 4 sectors and 2 sectors flight with layover pattern of 24-48 hours. So flying is hectic here as well, 4 days continous morning then rest and then couple of afternoon followed by morning again. - I have an opportunity to join EK now. Some people are advising me to get my command here build up atleast 1000 PIC hours and then move to ME and others are suggesting its a good opportunity for me considering my age as nothing can beat the exposure I will get there. - Money wise as a captain here my take home gonna be 6000USD its lesser than what I can make in EK. Cost of living I am very well aware of as I have stayed in Duabi before for couple of months, I don’t drink so only fun for me will be to go on a drive or for a walk on the beach with my wife. Considering all these points what do you guys suggest should I really go to EK and get my time on 380 and wait for my command there or take command here build up hours and then go there? Really appreciate your inputs and time and yes, if someone can shed some light on the roster there for 380 FO will be thankful. QR is taking time to give the joining dates, not sure about it. |
There is no doubt - Take the command on the A320!!
Once you have over 500 PIC hours, then you are a lot more employable for other DEC roles. |
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