Flying in the Persian/Arabian Gulf

[Airtoday]

ROTORBOY

Many apologies. I do try to reply to all (and will send a personal message). If there is anyone else like Rotorboy who has not received a reply from me yet please have patience.
Amazingly I have had over three hundred replies to this Ad.
Some people have had a reply immediately because I have been sitting in front of the computer when their mail arrived. Other times I have been away for a few days and have been a bit overwhelmed.

That Pprune should be the number one venue for looking for pilots when you need them is now, to me, beyond dispute. I know that Flight International must be quaking in their boots with £300 plus slots for one week only.

Thank you all for the (even very negative) replies.
And many, many thanks for the positive.

Ray Diato

[rotorboy]

Airy toad,
no problem, check your PM.

Thanks

RB

[Airtoday]

Our requirements are about the same. Without the type rating those replying, who are qualified, would come down to twenty per cent. With the type rating and experience on type (212), we would have a choice from 20 out of 300. This does not mean, of course, that we would restrict future employment to those only who meet every one of our requirements.
From the 20 qualified, maybe three quarters are making inquiries for the sake of "could I have an option if I choose to leave here."
I end up with five serious contenders for one or two available positions.
Which, of course, is the aim of the game.
I hope this answers your question.

[Mikila1A]

ADA...New School

Hey All,

Can anyone dispell a rumour that we are hearing that ADA is opening a flight school (Horizon Aviation) somewhere in Al Ain (UAE) or close to there.

Apparently a bunch of 206's, Astars and maybe one or two mediums.

or is this a rumour, yes rumour....can you imagine a rumour here

[SASless]

Must be a rumor....or rumour....the actual helicopter to be used is the now out of production Commanche's left over from the cancelled US Army contract. Seems the sidestick controls will allow for Jhrobe wearing students to maintain their cultural identity. Primary trainers will be ex-US Army AH-1's for the same reason....front seaters will have access to the same style side stick controls.

[Autorotate]

Yes the school does exist, sat down and chatted with their GM and Deputy at the Dubai Airshow. They have a number of Bell 206BIIIs and are adding some AS350-B3s later this year or beginning of next.

Not sure if it is tied up with ADA but they have a Sheikh behind it and he seems to have a bit of money to throw at it. If you want a contact there drop me an email.

Autorotate.

[Airtoday]

Retire at 60

Maybe I should have started another thread for this subject but it is extremely relevant to where I began.
Abu Dhabi Aviation, in their wisdom, have decided that their pilots will retire at 60 years old.
This came as some surprise to many who were approaching this age as the UAE allows pilots over that age to continue in two pilot operations until they are 63.
Suddenly, at Aerogulf, in Dubai, I am never going to have a recruitment problem. Thank you very much Abu Dhabi.
I wish you had told me this two months ago because these people with between eleven and twenty thousand hours (mainly on type and offshore) are a Godsend to a small company..

Airytoad

[Spunk]

So, does that mean that I have to wait another 30 years before I can apply for a job at AeroGulf???

[Airtoday]

Another 30 years

I guess it does Spunk.

Sit out there and bide your time.

Airytoad



BUT?

[SASless]

Age Limit.....

So long as you can toddle out to yer ride....you can fly in the USA. Why, down in the GOM...there are pilots in their 70's who have had dual hip replacements....must be something about sitting in Bell seats for two many years!

[spinwing]

Don't get too excited yet! ... as with most things at ADA they may reviewing their age 60 decision .... ssstay t t tuned in fffolks ...

[Airtoday]

Logic

Hi Spinwing

Logic would dictate that they do not do this when they are short of pilots. To me it would be blatently obvious that if I needed people to fly my aircraft I would keep those with the most experience as long as they are fit and healthy. If Abu Dhabi find that they would prefer the younger untried types then I would be extremely grateful for their castoffs if I have space for them.

Airytoad

[rotorboy]

Hey Dave,
I was wondering if you ever did get my email regarding flying in the UAE, experince, oppertunitys general living/lifestyle questions.

Thanks

Barry
RB

[spinwing]

Aahhhhhh Yes!

..... dare I say, you have been around long enough to know that "Logic" really has nothing to do with decision making in the UAE has it? mmmmm ....

[Yarba]

Spinwing has it right. The matter of maximum acceptable age has not yet finsihed running its course at ADA, so Airy Toad may not be getting any cast-offs yet. The final answer should be decided fairly soon.

[Airtoday]

Right Decision

Congratulations to ADA for making the right decision for their pilots and their company. I hear that they are going to retain those approaching sixty. Maybe not the best news for us who could have benefitted from their experience and skill but the right decision for everyone else. I applaud you for your eventual common sense.

Airy Toad

[Airtoday]

Dangerous Place

There are, and have been, many dangerous places on earth. Dubai is not one of them. It is a safe haven for people of all nationalities.

In the last two months I have offered work to two Americans and have gone through all of the lengthy paperwork involved; and have them say (at the last minute) "It's too dangerous in the Middle East, I'm not coming".

"Stay in New York or LA and get mugged or shot."

I, now, am looking for a good and honest helicopter pilot who wants to live and work in one of the better places on this planet.

Replies to [email protected]

Dave

[RDRickster]

Airtoday, how about providing a little balance in your commentaries? A "safe haven?" Holy Exageration, Batman! I've spent some time in the middle-east, and I have to say the New York is MUCH safer. Granted, with large populations you have to conduct yourself with a degree of care, as with ANY city (meaning, use your "street smarts" when in town). There are threats in EVERY environment, but there are MORE threats to Westerners in your neck of the woods than in other areas. To claim otherwise is ignorant or at least irresponsible. There are other opportunities for pilots with equal pay and quality of life issues, so why work for you? With increased risk, there should be increased pay; however, it seems that the folks with experience in your area indicate that is just one of many items that seems lacking. You need to package your adventures in employment opportunities in a more accurate light. That way, the candidate knows exactly what they are getting into and both will be happy (and put some more meat on the table you cheap @#$%^&*).

[Mikeb]

RDRickster.. Like many people I think you have formed your opinion of Dubai and the UAE based on the constant garbage broadcast on your wonderfully impartial TV news stations.

I live both in Dubai and the UK and am in the process of moving to Dubai full time with my family. From my personal experience I feel Dubai is the safest places I have ever visited. Crime is not an issue, drugs and violence do not seem to exist. The people are friendly and generally helpful. I can leave my car unlocked with my mobile phone on the seat while I go into a shopping centre without the worry of it being stolen. Tell me if there is anywhere in the US that you can do that? I have been to New York and there is just no comparison, Dubai is so much safer.

When we announced to our friends and family that we were moving out to Dubai, the ignorant people said "Oh don't they make the women wear head scarves and walk three paces behind the men!" The people who have been there or had done any research said "I wish we were coming with you"

Why do people love bashing the Middle East? Maybe they are just looking to blame some other part of the world for the problems in there own country?

As for working in Dubai, if I had an ATPL/CPL and the relevant qualifications I would love to...

[Staticdroop]

Sounds interesting working in the middle east, there are problems everywhere, good weather etc. I just wish i could get an answer to my email regarding opportunities I know you may be busy or already have your people just a quick note to say #@*** off fatso will do.