Flying in the Persian/Arabian Gulf
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Qatar, great place to live, very safe expanding at an unbelievable rate, very good for families, not bad for single folk.
Gulf Heli's good company, working the guy's quite hard at the moment as they are a bit short (The exchange rate with the Dollar being so low is hurting the package and as a result they are having fun recruiting)
Hope that helps
Si
Gulf Heli's good company, working the guy's quite hard at the moment as they are a bit short (The exchange rate with the Dollar being so low is hurting the package and as a result they are having fun recruiting)
Hope that helps
Si
Join Date: Jul 2004
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SiClicK,
Thanks for that, had wondered about all these UK folk in the Middle East being paid greenbacks and then turning them into not a lot of Sterling at the current rates. Any idea if they allow rotations or are you expected to move out lock stock and barrel?
Ta again
Thanks for that, had wondered about all these UK folk in the Middle East being paid greenbacks and then turning them into not a lot of Sterling at the current rates. Any idea if they allow rotations or are you expected to move out lock stock and barrel?
Ta again
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6 weeks on = 42 days pay
6 weeks off = 42 days no pay
The situation isn’t as rosy as SiClick would have you believe. Engineers and pilots are leaving in droves, due to greedy and inept management.
Qatar is a safe but very very dull place, not counting the driving, which is all a little too exciting at times.
Administration is run by the “Indian mafia” who spend their days devising ways to screw every last Riyal out of you.
The deterioration in the pay and conditions in the last few years has been spectacular. I think SiClick is in the position of trying to find new employees, because his upbeat assessment does not bear much resemblance to the morale of the people I know still there.
good luck
6 weeks off = 42 days no pay
The situation isn’t as rosy as SiClick would have you believe. Engineers and pilots are leaving in droves, due to greedy and inept management.
Qatar is a safe but very very dull place, not counting the driving, which is all a little too exciting at times.
Administration is run by the “Indian mafia” who spend their days devising ways to screw every last Riyal out of you.
The deterioration in the pay and conditions in the last few years has been spectacular. I think SiClick is in the position of trying to find new employees, because his upbeat assessment does not bear much resemblance to the morale of the people I know still there.
good luck
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gn4p7,
thanks for the info, i hear all the time how all the Middle East operators are paying poor wages and not being very good places to work due to poor administration. However to be honest the wages look poor but there are always conflicting stories of conditions and people leaving in droves but these places still seem to tick along.
thanks for the info
thanks for the info, i hear all the time how all the Middle East operators are paying poor wages and not being very good places to work due to poor administration. However to be honest the wages look poor but there are always conflicting stories of conditions and people leaving in droves but these places still seem to tick along.
thanks for the info
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No Conflict
Staticdroop,
I don't want to end up telling you "I told you so".
Gn4p7 assessment is spot on except for SiClick's salaries that are actually slightly lower than stated.
The only thing bright about what is happening in Gulf at the moment is the sun that shines outside everyday.
I don't want to end up telling you "I told you so".
Gn4p7 assessment is spot on except for SiClick's salaries that are actually slightly lower than stated.
The only thing bright about what is happening in Gulf at the moment is the sun that shines outside everyday.
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Gulf Helis SITREP
SITREP:
N1 CREEPING LOWER AND LOWER (along with pilot and engineer levels) AND FAST APPROACHING THE POINT AT WHICH SELF-SUSTAIN WILL NO LONGER BE FEASIBLE. MUCH OVERPITCHING IN MANAGEMENT WITH PROMISES OF MORE EXPENDITURE - BUT THIS HAS BEEN THE STANDARD CHRISTMAS FABLE FOR MANY YEARS AT GHC I AM TOLD.
I AM TOLD THAT THE REMAINING DIEHARDS ARE A REALLY GOOD BUNCH, BUT ARE V. HACKED OFF AND ARE BUT A PHONE CALL FROM CHC AWAY FROM DEPARTURE TO NICER EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS WITH LOSS OF LICENSE, PENSION, MEDICAL (ON & OFF TIME) AND A FORTNIGHTLY PAY PACKET WHICH WILL EXCEED THAT AT GULF HELIS BY OVER 30%, (CURRENCY ADJUSTED).
MEANWHILE, IF YOU HAVE A PULSE AND AN ATPL/CPL (H) WITH ANY OFFSHORE/212/412 TIME (OR NOT) THERE IS SEEMINGLY NO BETTER TIME TO GET A FREE TYPE RATING AND FAST HOURS. EVERYONE IS APPARENTLY MAXING OUT ON THEIR WEEKLY & MONTHLY HOURS AS PILOT LEVELS ARE REPORTEDLY BELOW 30% OF WHAT THEY WERE THREE OR FOUR YEARS AGO.
THEIR PILOT TURNOVER RATE THIS YEAR IS SUPPOSEDLY IN EXCESS OF 60%.
IT WOULD SEEM THAT INEPTITUDE AND FINANCIAL LETHARGY FROM THE INDIAN BEAN-COUNTERS AND LOCAL MANAGEMENT ALIKE ARE LEADING GH TOWARDS VORTEX RING AND A GRINDING HALT VERY SOON...............
N1 CREEPING LOWER AND LOWER (along with pilot and engineer levels) AND FAST APPROACHING THE POINT AT WHICH SELF-SUSTAIN WILL NO LONGER BE FEASIBLE. MUCH OVERPITCHING IN MANAGEMENT WITH PROMISES OF MORE EXPENDITURE - BUT THIS HAS BEEN THE STANDARD CHRISTMAS FABLE FOR MANY YEARS AT GHC I AM TOLD.
I AM TOLD THAT THE REMAINING DIEHARDS ARE A REALLY GOOD BUNCH, BUT ARE V. HACKED OFF AND ARE BUT A PHONE CALL FROM CHC AWAY FROM DEPARTURE TO NICER EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS WITH LOSS OF LICENSE, PENSION, MEDICAL (ON & OFF TIME) AND A FORTNIGHTLY PAY PACKET WHICH WILL EXCEED THAT AT GULF HELIS BY OVER 30%, (CURRENCY ADJUSTED).
MEANWHILE, IF YOU HAVE A PULSE AND AN ATPL/CPL (H) WITH ANY OFFSHORE/212/412 TIME (OR NOT) THERE IS SEEMINGLY NO BETTER TIME TO GET A FREE TYPE RATING AND FAST HOURS. EVERYONE IS APPARENTLY MAXING OUT ON THEIR WEEKLY & MONTHLY HOURS AS PILOT LEVELS ARE REPORTEDLY BELOW 30% OF WHAT THEY WERE THREE OR FOUR YEARS AGO.
THEIR PILOT TURNOVER RATE THIS YEAR IS SUPPOSEDLY IN EXCESS OF 60%.
IT WOULD SEEM THAT INEPTITUDE AND FINANCIAL LETHARGY FROM THE INDIAN BEAN-COUNTERS AND LOCAL MANAGEMENT ALIKE ARE LEADING GH TOWARDS VORTEX RING AND A GRINDING HALT VERY SOON...............
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Oracle has summed it up fairly accurately.
Gulf Helis is in a sad state of dis-repair at the moment. I have worked for them for more than 5 years and unfortunately have decided to resign at the end of this tour. The pay & exchange rate is one thing, but company direction is another.
Since the new Manager took over only 18mths ago, GHC has been on a downward trend. Lower management has been struggling to improve the situation but making no progress. All experienced pilots are leaving and most of the licenced engineers are on their way out. Where this stops nobody knows. Even the CP has resigned because he has given up trying to fight for improvement.
We used to have a good company full of motivated and experienced people. Now we have a company that that is only interested in one thing - the bottom line. Caution for all.
The direction for GHC is not good - sad to be leaving but even more disapointing to stay.
Gulf Helis is in a sad state of dis-repair at the moment. I have worked for them for more than 5 years and unfortunately have decided to resign at the end of this tour. The pay & exchange rate is one thing, but company direction is another.
Since the new Manager took over only 18mths ago, GHC has been on a downward trend. Lower management has been struggling to improve the situation but making no progress. All experienced pilots are leaving and most of the licenced engineers are on their way out. Where this stops nobody knows. Even the CP has resigned because he has given up trying to fight for improvement.
We used to have a good company full of motivated and experienced people. Now we have a company that that is only interested in one thing - the bottom line. Caution for all.
The direction for GHC is not good - sad to be leaving but even more disapointing to stay.
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I too have been with Gulf for a long time and it makes me sad to see how the company has gone downhill so quickly in the last couple of years.
Previously I've mentioned on this forum that "everybody's got to eat" and if you're in that situation then make up your own mind. Right now, for your own health (due to all the engineers leaving), I'd suggest you stay away from the place under all circumstances.
Shell, Total and Conaco are so concerned with the company's problems (read exodus of experienced people), they are going around the GM to the Chairman of the Board (who just happens to be the President of Opec at the moment). Shell is threatening to bring in and operate their own a/c. Conaco is so worried they have a full time auditor at Gulf everday to monitor the engineering on their a/c and to check the experienced levels of pilots assigned to their a/c. This on site presence has given them greater insite into how the place is falling apart with the result that the head Conaco auditor arrives in town today. Should be interesting!
I hope this helps.
Cheers and have a Merry Xmas.
Previously I've mentioned on this forum that "everybody's got to eat" and if you're in that situation then make up your own mind. Right now, for your own health (due to all the engineers leaving), I'd suggest you stay away from the place under all circumstances.
Shell, Total and Conaco are so concerned with the company's problems (read exodus of experienced people), they are going around the GM to the Chairman of the Board (who just happens to be the President of Opec at the moment). Shell is threatening to bring in and operate their own a/c. Conaco is so worried they have a full time auditor at Gulf everday to monitor the engineering on their a/c and to check the experienced levels of pilots assigned to their a/c. This on site presence has given them greater insite into how the place is falling apart with the result that the head Conaco auditor arrives in town today. Should be interesting!
I hope this helps.
Cheers and have a Merry Xmas.
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Regretfully the situation will not change until there are not enough pilots to fly the mission, or the engineers do not get the aircraft back on the line. Losing money is the only thing that the management will take notice of. The auditors can say what they like, but unless they cancel the contract, nothing will happen. This is not likely as they cannot start their own operation due to the Emir owning gulf helicopters, and he's not going to want competition to this cash cow.
I'd also like to say the decline started prior to the local management taking over. He was a little more subtle, but started the decline nonetheless. It’s also interesting that he has managed to retain a consulting role, at great expense I expect.
I'd also like to say the decline started prior to the local management taking over. He was a little more subtle, but started the decline nonetheless. It’s also interesting that he has managed to retain a consulting role, at great expense I expect.
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Pilot & LAE Salaries
There is alot of talk about pilot/LAE salaries and I would like to bring it all under the one heading if all agree. Possibly already been done so plse excuse my ignorance & just direct me to the right post if required.
I'll kick it off:
Gulf Helicopters (Qatar) - Pilots
Live on site Captain: Approx $65-68,000
Live on site Co-pilot: No such thing
Touring Captain: 6:6 or 2:1
Paid daily rate for days on-site
Capt: $284
Check capt: $295
TRE: $311
Touring Co-Pilot
$155
Benefits: None to speak of. No end service gratuity. Gov't medical when at work. Not much insurance.
Next year - Who knows ? Rumour of around 20% increase with strings attached
I'll kick it off:
Gulf Helicopters (Qatar) - Pilots
Live on site Captain: Approx $65-68,000
Live on site Co-pilot: No such thing
Touring Captain: 6:6 or 2:1
Paid daily rate for days on-site
Capt: $284
Check capt: $295
TRE: $311
Touring Co-Pilot
$155
Benefits: None to speak of. No end service gratuity. Gov't medical when at work. Not much insurance.
Next year - Who knows ? Rumour of around 20% increase with strings attached
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Sorry to pour cold water on your 20% pay rise sandbox, but this is the standard end of year rumour. Last years rumour was about the same, the result being a “technical allowance” of 10% to pilots & 5% to engineers. This was paid on the basic rate less gratuity so the actual pay rise was about 2% less than that. The only other pay rise in my time (almost 4 years) was a 3.5% increase if you’d been there 2 years. Once again this was an allowance on the basic rate less gratuity. Oh, and no bonus this year (one months basic salary) which was supposedly guaranteed last year. All this while the USD decreased in value by around 40%.
Last edited by gn4p7; 21st Dec 2004 at 02:20.
gn4p7, that is exactly why myself. and alot of others have quit. Sick of b******t and broken promises from that GM. But, as has already been posted, until they lose customers/contracts, or have an accident, nothing will change. Wouldn't like to bet on which one happens first though.
Edit to include pay for Licenced Engineers.
Basic Pay= US$184.00
Doha Allowance=US$42.00
Technical Allowance=US$9.00
Giving the grand total of US$235.00 per day worked. This pay is valid for all LAE's upto but not including Shift Supervisors, and is only valid for expat LAE's, as locals are paid more.
noooby
Edit to include pay for Licenced Engineers.
Basic Pay= US$184.00
Doha Allowance=US$42.00
Technical Allowance=US$9.00
Giving the grand total of US$235.00 per day worked. This pay is valid for all LAE's upto but not including Shift Supervisors, and is only valid for expat LAE's, as locals are paid more.
noooby
Last edited by noooby; 20th Dec 2004 at 21:19.
Uh oh! It is back to truck driving for me! Better wages...better benefits...achievable bonus plan....same b------t but at least you are in yer own home country.
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$-rate tied pay raise at Gulf Helis
HOT PRESS (or COLD PRESS - depending how you look at it!)
Up to 22% Pay rise for pilots in the works this week - BUT this is still not a fixed increase on basic - rather a 'currency/exchange rate correctional allowance' which will be recalculated every month and adjusted according to the value of the US$. Daft? Of course! Workable? Never in a month of Sundays! Suspicions? That the bleeding bean-counters will use any future excuse (coup in Rajisthan etc etc) to lose the 'adjustment' %age as soon as possoble once pilot manning levels increase significantly (probably by 2007!).
This is supposed to have brought GHC pilots up to par with ADA - but as we all know, ADA can't get pilots at their current [better] salary, so how will GHC fare with a lesser daily rate??? Not well, it is believed. Meanwhile the engineers are still stuck in economic obscurity without hope yet in sight. Rather daft, n'est-ce pas?
After all the promising talk and encouraging mutterings of $100 extra per day, the Keralite bean-counters and fiddlers-in-chief (the dark side of the Force) seem to be winning - is there a Luke Skywalker anywhere out there with a Light Sabre ready to get rid of The Evil Emperor and his muddling Minnions?
Hope so - otherwise Gulf helis will still proceed southwards at a steady, self-destructive pace. Whether the Chairman (Blessings Upon Him) is able to turn this around (without the use of an assault rifle in the company offices) remains to be seen!
A Merry Christlemouse to all our happy readers!
Up to 22% Pay rise for pilots in the works this week - BUT this is still not a fixed increase on basic - rather a 'currency/exchange rate correctional allowance' which will be recalculated every month and adjusted according to the value of the US$. Daft? Of course! Workable? Never in a month of Sundays! Suspicions? That the bleeding bean-counters will use any future excuse (coup in Rajisthan etc etc) to lose the 'adjustment' %age as soon as possoble once pilot manning levels increase significantly (probably by 2007!).
This is supposed to have brought GHC pilots up to par with ADA - but as we all know, ADA can't get pilots at their current [better] salary, so how will GHC fare with a lesser daily rate??? Not well, it is believed. Meanwhile the engineers are still stuck in economic obscurity without hope yet in sight. Rather daft, n'est-ce pas?
After all the promising talk and encouraging mutterings of $100 extra per day, the Keralite bean-counters and fiddlers-in-chief (the dark side of the Force) seem to be winning - is there a Luke Skywalker anywhere out there with a Light Sabre ready to get rid of The Evil Emperor and his muddling Minnions?
Hope so - otherwise Gulf helis will still proceed southwards at a steady, self-destructive pace. Whether the Chairman (Blessings Upon Him) is able to turn this around (without the use of an assault rifle in the company offices) remains to be seen!
A Merry Christlemouse to all our happy readers!
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This is very typical in my experience; all the increases have been allowances therefore the basic rate never goes up. They are then free to remove the allowances at their leisure. Notice also they said up to 22%, this is all part of the carrot and the stick game that has been played many times before to disappointing outcomes around feb the next year. The fact that the engineers are getting sweet FA is not surprising. It was the stated aim of the GM to get rid of the “Bristow’s style of Engineer” and replace him with engineers from countries that will be happy to work for the money offered. I only hope the remaining engineers vote with their feet, as have many before them. Sadly only an Accident will change this policy, by then it will be too late.
Glad i'm out of there
Glad i'm out of there