For every moron who does a runner, the rules and hoops to jump through get stricter for those who choose to do their homework and go into it with their eyes wide open. Don't be that moron. Please.

My opinion? I can't believe a professional pilot would debate this idiocy on an open forum (whether bonds are necessary/good/evil is another question of course, and I'm NOT defending them, but that's not what the OP is asking). But "can I go there, then break the thing I KNEW I would be asked to sign before I even started the interview process"? That's beyond unprofessional. If you don't like training bonds, don't go. If you're worried your wife/family might not like it, don't go. These aren't challenging concepts.

"What's life like as a pilot for EK/QR?" is a MUCH more sensible question to ask. And it has been here, many times. Maybe read a bit? Of the many thousands of pilots employed by these carriers, don't you know ONE guy who works there!? Why don't you.....you know, phone them?

That guy rings a bell, Scoot Fella?

In other industries where they have high attrition rates they would increase the remuneration package not handcuff them to the company. It seems this only happens to pilots, I’m sure if you join a mid level management position in these companies you are not bonded in case you leave.

No much further back, in the expat captain Singapore airlines days. A deal far better than anything today, and on top of his APS pension, but still saw fit to steal from them and spoil it for everyone else.

Yes, but you are missing the point. You know what the package is before commiting. If you don't like it, don't go in in the first place.
By doing so, you are basically going in with intent to defraud. And now we either have bonds or self funded training.

OP asked if there are repercussions of skipping the bond. Maybe he really does not intend to skip it if it comes to that, but just by asking so gives bad vibes.

Living in the UAE is no different than any other ''western'' country, in fact it's safer than any ''western'' place i know of, the only restriction would be in ramadhan month where you should avoid eating or drinking in public out of respect for the believers, other than that it's great.
Some people talk **** because of lack of experience and wisdom, they think the grass is greener elsewhere.

Previous airline had a guy jump from UK AOC to QR without paying his bond. Someone knew someone in QR and had words. Chap went from 777 course to A320.

To the OP. Aside from the ethics or lack of in breaking a signed bond I strongly suggest reading this article in sky news. There are many other sad stories out there.

https://news.sky.com/story/i-was-thr...-debt-12923561

Not sure why this topic has so much interest, it looks like STEALING is an interesting and an enthusiastic topic, it's to our shame to bring our beautiful profession to this level.

Stealing? Really? How so?

Virga 208 - WHAT A CROCK OF SH.T

Having lived in Dubai for 14 years, I can categorically, emphatically state that living in the UAE is COMPLETELY different to living in other "western" countries.

Then stay in your ''western'' corner, we'll spend less time in traffic.

Of course its different … Criminals and fraudsters wouldnt like it.

Like the poor Nigerian who was murdered last week in bright daylight in Italy and no one helped him. Or the daily shootings, robberies and rape happening in western countries. You dont have that in the UAE. It is a very safe country where people like to raise their kids.

It happens to Licenced Engineers too. Slightly easier to break a bond though as one is unlikely to be 'rostered' through the country.

Unless you’re a woman who reports a rape and are then thrown in jail for having sex outside of marriage.

It took worldwide media interest for the last one to be released.

How about when you report a crime the police take your passport if they can even be bothered to investigate it? That's a lovely way to keep crime statistics low.

Don’t kid yourself that the UAE doesn’t have crime. They’re just much better at hiding it. Having no free press tends to help in that regard (remember the EK pilot who was the subject of a violent home invasion?) Can’t upset the carefully developed image.

We won’t even start about how certain nationalities are treated differently or how women are viewed as second class citizens.

But yeah it’s entirely like the western world!

If you’re actually trying to compare crime levels with the west while keeping a straight face, then I don’t know what else there is to say.

I am, yes there is possibly more crime in the west however you nor anyone else will ever know the real crime rate in Dubai or the UAE as it's simply not reported. So it's all lovely figures.

I go back to the comment before about a lack of fraudsters. Dubai is a safe haven for them, the never ending Ponzi schemes that the government do nothing about until it makes international news, the known fraudsters with arrest warrants that the UAE refuse to extradite etc etc.

Or whilst I lived in DSO the constant petty thefts that were reported on the local FB group.

I'll take my example, physically assaulted by someone, went to hospital to get a piece of paper showing my injuries (mandatory) to then show the police. Went to the police station and sat there for three hours before I was seen. Presented them with the paper and the name and address of the person who assaulted me. Did the police do anything? Hell no, to quote his words why do you want to make a big deal of this?

This carried on for a month or so before I formally complained. CID showed up and took the chap in. I was then called into the police station and made to sit next to the person who assaulted me. We both gave our version of events. I was asked if I would like to press charges, I said yes. It was then I was told I would have to forgo my passport whilst they investigated. The timeline was unknown and if I lost I would have to potentially pay money to the person, never mind not being able to work for the entire time they were investigating. Nevermind the accused now knew my name, address and place of work....

Is it any wonder people don't report crimes......

But yeah Dubai is totally safe and nothing every happens there, but go on tell me with your extensive time in the ME how wrong I am Dingleberry

Yes, quite possibly:}

Shall I talk you through my experience of being a victim of crime In SFO? It won’t take long.

I made no remark on handling, merely that the crime rate in Dubai is completely, utterly dwarfed by the west.

I’m sorry you had a poor experience. That said, if you’re going to claim points against Dubai, pick your battles. Crime isn’t one of them. Not by a significant chalk.

If you decide to leave pay your bond. Save your money and leave yourself that escape fund. You will sleep better. Who knows if they will find and penalize your contract with interest. I get the whole bond thing but what frustrates me is how the contract is set up. A global express XRS/5000 type rating at flight safety costs 68,000USD plus 10,000 for additional expenses. That's 78,000. Why are pilots being bonded for 115,000USD? I'm not sure what the airline life is like but this is the bond rate in the Middle East on a bizjet. Also five years? Why five? Two years is fair. If pilots are forced to stay this will reflect in their happiness. Does management want negativity lingering in the cockpit?

Lastly, you need to ask yourself some tough questions about your relationship. By the sounds of it Pilots work a lot in the ME. Is it safe to assume you will be gone most of the time? You know your wife the best. Can she live a solo life in the Middle East? When someone is lonely the only thing to do is spend money on nice expensive stuff to find that short term happiness. If you're asking you already know your answer. She probably wont like it. After a year she will want home. Take less pay if that's your circumstances and stay home. Don't play poker with happiness as. You will loose.

Hey Virga

this is a pretty good summary of the failings of the uae …..

and thanks, but I’m pretty sure that me not being in Dubai will make stuff all difference to the traffic. (Oh the driving there btw, has to be one of the most dangerous in the world. You might have less of a chance of being mugged - but dyin in a pile up……. Well you can’t deny that)

https://ivypanda.com/essays/united-s...ts-comparison/