Zilch experience
 

Looking for advice please.... I am currently finishing off my MEIR / CPL in the UK. Got my MCC / JOC in September.

The boss (my good lady that is...) currently works in Doha, Qatar in a good job that she doesn't wish to give up. To save myself from being divorced before I am married since I have spent 9 years with her, she has asked me to move to Doha with her. Now I know that I pretty much have no chance of a job over in Qatar as all the airlines in the middle east look for folk with plenty of experience.

But out of total chancing my arm, does anyone know of any sort of job opportunities available in Qatar? It doesn't have to be flying nice shinny big jets either. I would even consider taking a job in a nearby country and travelling back to Doha on days off.

I have also done some topic reading and seen that life as a pilot in the middle east isn't all the great either, but neither is anywhere. To be honest, nothing is worse than having the missus giving me it tight.

Anything pointers would be appreciated.

GN

You can be a flight instructor in Doha, there is a quite famous aviation school there.







Or you can dump your missus and be a happier man out of aviation...

Firstly, assuming that you're not married, you will need to be if you intend living together officially. Qatar and UAE have restrictions on this.

Secondly, flying is obviously something you are keen on and have spent a considerable sum of money attaining your current level. You wouldn't be doing this unless you wanted a career as a pilot, right? So, whilst your girlfriend is currently in a good job, she must also respect your own desire to pursue your dreams and ambitions and should be supportive in that. Marriage is a partnership after all. If you want to develop further, the ME is not the region with your current experience, Europe will be.

It's always difficult for others to offer advice, however, my recommendation is that you stay and build up your hours. See how you progress. This then affords you the chance to visit this region without committing. The ME is not for everyone. In two years or so, if the relationship is still strong, you can re assess. Your wife/girlfriend may not even be working in Doha then. Most high flying jobs require flexibility and possible re location. Further, whilst commuting and long distance relationship can be challenging, a few years sacrifice now could be worth the gain long term. If her job becomes that important, and you marry, you may decide a flying career is not for you. And what about kids?

Lots to think about and I'm sure others may offer a different perspective. Mine is don't come out now as getting back into the flying business will be difficult if you've been out of the game for a few years. Continuity is vital if you want to get on the ladder.

Good luck....

Harry

'I have also done some topic reading and seen that life as a pilot in the middle east isn't all the great either, but neither is anywhere.'


I find this quite a strange comment.... why would you want to become a pilot then?

P.S Nice to see Harry posting again... I thought after the last pay review he had given up...... :) :)

I insist, if you are holding a EASA fATPL your best shot would be joining the aviation academy that is in Doha (don't remember the name, ask Google), from my time there I remember most - if not all - CFI were brits, young, and, judging how they preached, unexperienced. Salary was good and included a housing allowance that you could pocket if you were to share a place with your gf. Beware the Sharia, you both wouldn't need to marry if each had its own RP from a different sponsor but they are UNFORGIVING when it comes to cohabitation.

With the current embargo on Qatar, 'commuting' in and out from neighbouring states is impossible. It was always tricky by road (as you needed to transit KSA involving horrendous visa hassles). Now it's also impossible by air using any airline based in UAE, KSA, Bahrain or Egypt - and of course QR is also blocked from these destinations. Good Luck..