Flying in the Persian/Arabian Gulf
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Countonme
If everything is rosy in the garden, why have 3 more guys decided to leave, since carebear had enough?
I thought happy people stayed put? perhaps things are different in the middle east!!!
Cheese
If everything is rosy in the garden, why have 3 more guys decided to leave, since carebear had enough?
I thought happy people stayed put? perhaps things are different in the middle east!!!
Cheese
Join Date: Jun 2004
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hi,
last add in Flight international,
http://www.flightinternational.com
Region : Qatar
Company : Gulf Helicopters
Position Type : Permanent
Posted : Thursday, 17 Nov 2005
Job Type : Flight crew
good luck,
last add in Flight international,
http://www.flightinternational.com
Region : Qatar
Company : Gulf Helicopters
Position Type : Permanent
Posted : Thursday, 17 Nov 2005
Job Type : Flight crew
good luck,
Join Date: Nov 2001
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I hear that yet another instructor has just resigned, and that there has been no real substantive changes at Horizon over the past few months.
Countonme - can't work out why you still seem to think all is well - seems to me people wouldn't keep leaving if everything was rosy.
Countonme - can't work out why you still seem to think all is well - seems to me people wouldn't keep leaving if everything was rosy.
Here is a hint. If the package really was excellent, people wouldn't still be leaving in droves!!!
The only 'payrise' they have had since I left, is an allowance to allow for exchange rate fluctuations. This allowance changes month by month I believe, and seeing as it is an allowance, and not part of your basic pay, they can (and proabably will) remove it at any time, with or without your knowledge.
They have been promising a rise in the basic pay rate since 2001. But it still has not happened.
The only 'payrise' they have had since I left, is an allowance to allow for exchange rate fluctuations. This allowance changes month by month I believe, and seeing as it is an allowance, and not part of your basic pay, they can (and proabably will) remove it at any time, with or without your knowledge.
They have been promising a rise in the basic pay rate since 2001. But it still has not happened.
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They Did have options on the 139 when i was there, but these were cancelled. The S92 will fill the VVIP role, to be crewed and maintnained by nationals only apparently. Can't have foreigners working on the new stuff
As nooby said, the exodus is continueing, at least on the engineering side don't know about the Pilots.
As nooby said, the exodus is continueing, at least on the engineering side don't know about the Pilots.
Join Date: Dec 2001
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The last two 6 and 6 captains left during the last month. Don't believe the Flight mag ad which offers 6 and 6. The national GM won't allow any more 6 and 6 positions. For touring pilots it's 8 and 4 only, unless you want to go to Iran which is 4 and 4.
Of course, if you happen to be of the Islamic faith you just might be able to get whatever you want ;-)
Of course, if you happen to be of the Islamic faith you just might be able to get whatever you want ;-)
Join Date: Jul 2000
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Attractive packages
Back-track. To those of you blissfully ignorant enough ( and I mean that in the nicest possible, trusting way) in the sane world of Blighty to think that Gulf Helicopters is ACTUALLY offering what it advertises in Flight International (it ought to be called FLIT International at Gulf helicopters, based on the number of experienced expat Captains and engineers who continue to leave the company as I write this tome), here starteth the first lesson!
1) Welcome to the La-La (as in Arabic: No!-No!) land of HR and ''senior management'' at Gulf Helis! When GHC advertises ''Attractive Package'' they are merely talking about what most of us see after we are paid crap, can't afford clothes and are left only holding our own
...ing "Attractive Packages"!
2) As my learned friend has previously advised, it's all a LOAD OF BOLLOCKS! Gulf Helis hasn't actually put up their new-Captain's pay significantly for 4 years (and in fact now pays less than it did four years ago- factoring in the rates of inflation and cost of living in Qatar since - that's even with the ("Now you see it - Now you don't") Currency Allowance - which will inevitably disappear down the Swannee River (just south of Qatar Airways Hangar at Doha Intl. Airport) when the priceless GM (i.e. everything can be got for a cheaper price) has recruited enough odd-ball, disenfranchised, grossly cheap and hugely underqualified North African Islamic gentlemen to fill the 412's driver's seats!
3) No, chaps - life is NOT all Sweetness and Light in the richest per capita country in the world! Far from it! If HH the Emir TRULY wants to know why all of his experienced and valuable expatriate professionals are leaving Qatar, he only has to watch the antics of wee Mr. Mohd M. as he over-meddles so hopelessly with his private train-set (GHC) using his finely-tuned 'Souk Mentality'' (i.e. his addiction to saving pennies and losing millions of pounds) until he inevitably de-rails the whole bloody shebang!
4) Further translation for interested applicants from Flit International: "VVIP Pilots wanted for S92 Operations" ACTUALLY means -- "Well guys, it's like this, we ARE getting ONE big ole S92, which if you join us thinkign you will fly, you will NEVER be allowed to sniff the paint of (being unworthy, an infidel and far too experienced), but Gulf Helicopters WILL shamelessly lie to you about this (and much else) and happily recruit you into the coal-face of the company's offshore 412 operations in Qatar (and Iran) on an 8/4 or 6/1 contract (4/4 ony in Iran as the man said previously), pay you ****, make you sign a huge f-ing BOND of about $40,000 US purely to get that utterly deceptive SNIFF of the S92 (- never to be sent on a training course or fly it, of course - it will only do about 120 hours a year), will promise to treat you increasingly badly (unless you are an Islamic Brother - because Gulf helicopters is a WHOLLY unbigoted, equal-opportunity (if not affirmative action) employer (NOT!), work you up to your maximum allowable duty and flight hours every week, (6 days on, 1 day off for 8/4 workers) gradually reduce all remaining contractual benefits, death insurance, paid sick leave allowance, local holiday entitlement and anything else that H.E. the White Ghost can come up with in his demented Master-Plan for 2006,7,8 (This was borrowed from Hitler's Plan for the Fourth Reich rising out of the ashes back in 1946).
5) Oh - and don't forget that perchance you will indubitably end up whilsting Dixie (or saying a few 'Hail Marys') as you gently flutter down towards the ogg on one engine and a large oath or prayer in some obscure spot 85 nms out to sea, - whilst back in the office the Senior Management (well, at least GM , Ch Eng & Ops Man) fiddle with themselves (or play golf all day) as Rome burns around them and the GHC hangar becomes more like a Souk alley workshop than a safe and professional aviation concern.
6) The future? Wow! - What a dreamer you are! Right now the company's survival is limited to a little over spitting distance. Some folks just need to experience total meltdown and abject company failure (or a major accident) before they finally bloody realize that SAFETY and INTEGRITY are the only acceptable foundation stones and essential concerns of any professional (and formerly renowned) International Helicopter company.
So boys - do you STILL want to work for Gulf Helis? If so, get your Funny Farm stall seat reservation at the door and bring your own Xanax!
1) Welcome to the La-La (as in Arabic: No!-No!) land of HR and ''senior management'' at Gulf Helis! When GHC advertises ''Attractive Package'' they are merely talking about what most of us see after we are paid crap, can't afford clothes and are left only holding our own
...ing "Attractive Packages"! 2) As my learned friend has previously advised, it's all a LOAD OF BOLLOCKS! Gulf Helis hasn't actually put up their new-Captain's pay significantly for 4 years (and in fact now pays less than it did four years ago- factoring in the rates of inflation and cost of living in Qatar since - that's even with the ("Now you see it - Now you don't") Currency Allowance - which will inevitably disappear down the Swannee River (just south of Qatar Airways Hangar at Doha Intl. Airport) when the priceless GM (i.e. everything can be got for a cheaper price) has recruited enough odd-ball, disenfranchised, grossly cheap and hugely underqualified North African Islamic gentlemen to fill the 412's driver's seats!
3) No, chaps - life is NOT all Sweetness and Light in the richest per capita country in the world! Far from it! If HH the Emir TRULY wants to know why all of his experienced and valuable expatriate professionals are leaving Qatar, he only has to watch the antics of wee Mr. Mohd M. as he over-meddles so hopelessly with his private train-set (GHC) using his finely-tuned 'Souk Mentality'' (i.e. his addiction to saving pennies and losing millions of pounds) until he inevitably de-rails the whole bloody shebang!
4) Further translation for interested applicants from Flit International: "VVIP Pilots wanted for S92 Operations" ACTUALLY means -- "Well guys, it's like this, we ARE getting ONE big ole S92, which if you join us thinkign you will fly, you will NEVER be allowed to sniff the paint of (being unworthy, an infidel and far too experienced), but Gulf Helicopters WILL shamelessly lie to you about this (and much else) and happily recruit you into the coal-face of the company's offshore 412 operations in Qatar (and Iran) on an 8/4 or 6/1 contract (4/4 ony in Iran as the man said previously), pay you ****, make you sign a huge f-ing BOND of about $40,000 US purely to get that utterly deceptive SNIFF of the S92 (- never to be sent on a training course or fly it, of course - it will only do about 120 hours a year), will promise to treat you increasingly badly (unless you are an Islamic Brother - because Gulf helicopters is a WHOLLY unbigoted, equal-opportunity (if not affirmative action) employer (NOT!), work you up to your maximum allowable duty and flight hours every week, (6 days on, 1 day off for 8/4 workers) gradually reduce all remaining contractual benefits, death insurance, paid sick leave allowance, local holiday entitlement and anything else that H.E. the White Ghost can come up with in his demented Master-Plan for 2006,7,8 (This was borrowed from Hitler's Plan for the Fourth Reich rising out of the ashes back in 1946).
5) Oh - and don't forget that perchance you will indubitably end up whilsting Dixie (or saying a few 'Hail Marys') as you gently flutter down towards the ogg on one engine and a large oath or prayer in some obscure spot 85 nms out to sea, - whilst back in the office the Senior Management (well, at least GM , Ch Eng & Ops Man) fiddle with themselves (or play golf all day) as Rome burns around them and the GHC hangar becomes more like a Souk alley workshop than a safe and professional aviation concern.
6) The future? Wow! - What a dreamer you are! Right now the company's survival is limited to a little over spitting distance. Some folks just need to experience total meltdown and abject company failure (or a major accident) before they finally bloody realize that SAFETY and INTEGRITY are the only acceptable foundation stones and essential concerns of any professional (and formerly renowned) International Helicopter company.
So boys - do you STILL want to work for Gulf Helis? If so, get your Funny Farm stall seat reservation at the door and bring your own Xanax!
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Xavier95
There was a minor incident with one of the Horizon aircraft but this was some time ago now (at least 4 months) and was more to do with an instructor's decision making process than anything else. There was no major damage involved (an engine overtemp only) and no one was hurt
HOWEVER.........
This is from the horses mouth..........
"Engineers are being shafted by ******, obviously Za*** pulling the strings there, they still not got their passports, being held in limbo some where because they wont sign the Horizon deal, once ADA said they couldnt return there, horizon cut their salaries knowing they had no choice, and now **** is saying they are bound to horizon because they have accepted a few months pay so its auto matic, we only have the 3 main guys and one who seems to tour, everything else is done by ******, god help us"
I guess from those comments it is only a matter of time before the engineering really suffers. There were some measures being taken when I left some 6 months ago that seemed perilously close to being dangerous to me then - it looks as though things are only continuing to slide ever downwards.
Keep your eyes open and your chins up chaps !!!!
There was a minor incident with one of the Horizon aircraft but this was some time ago now (at least 4 months) and was more to do with an instructor's decision making process than anything else. There was no major damage involved (an engine overtemp only) and no one was hurt
HOWEVER.........
This is from the horses mouth..........
"Engineers are being shafted by ******, obviously Za*** pulling the strings there, they still not got their passports, being held in limbo some where because they wont sign the Horizon deal, once ADA said they couldnt return there, horizon cut their salaries knowing they had no choice, and now **** is saying they are bound to horizon because they have accepted a few months pay so its auto matic, we only have the 3 main guys and one who seems to tour, everything else is done by ******, god help us"
I guess from those comments it is only a matter of time before the engineering really suffers. There were some measures being taken when I left some 6 months ago that seemed perilously close to being dangerous to me then - it looks as though things are only continuing to slide ever downwards.
Keep your eyes open and your chins up chaps !!!!
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Join Date: Dec 2004
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Money
Ok. I'm a newbe to the prune.
Experienced twin operator in Aus. Looking for the pot at the end of the rainbow. Have read all the posting re drivers in the Middle East.
So who is the best to work for now and how much do they pay. I see the 6.6 roster is gone, but is that for all operators? I have a young family and am sick of the thought that in Syd top wack is A$85,000 gross. We all know we get paid **** for what we do but I was always under the impression that over in the Middle East you all lived like kings, I am gutted to see it appears not. I am looking for that job that has better prospects then the Aus side. Does anyone pay well and give good conditions. The 8.4 roster is too hard on the family.On a 6.6 or 4.4. or 8.4 do you get paid on your time off?
Can anyone help with info.
Experienced twin operator in Aus. Looking for the pot at the end of the rainbow. Have read all the posting re drivers in the Middle East.
So who is the best to work for now and how much do they pay. I see the 6.6 roster is gone, but is that for all operators? I have a young family and am sick of the thought that in Syd top wack is A$85,000 gross. We all know we get paid **** for what we do but I was always under the impression that over in the Middle East you all lived like kings, I am gutted to see it appears not. I am looking for that job that has better prospects then the Aus side. Does anyone pay well and give good conditions. The 8.4 roster is too hard on the family.On a 6.6 or 4.4. or 8.4 do you get paid on your time off?
Can anyone help with info.
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middle east pay
No end of rainbow here man. Best guys to work but worst money is Aerogulf in Dubai.
Second best is Abu Dhabi. Best pay hands down but accomadation is shocking. Yu will only be paid for when you work and medical beneis the same
Bottom of the heap is gulf Helis in Qatar. Their moto seems to be "let the beatings continue until moral improves." They include expense per diem in the pay quote they give you. You will only be paid for days you work and no bennies off work either.
For you I would have a look at CHCGlobal. Not the Aussie version but the international version. Good pay Good benifits and a 6 and 6 rotation. Paid for your training days. Good allround outfit. Expenses over and above pay.
If you are determined to come play in the sandbox CHC has a base in Iran.
Finally....be careful what you wish for.
Second best is Abu Dhabi. Best pay hands down but accomadation is shocking. Yu will only be paid for when you work and medical beneis the same
Bottom of the heap is gulf Helis in Qatar. Their moto seems to be "let the beatings continue until moral improves." They include expense per diem in the pay quote they give you. You will only be paid for days you work and no bennies off work either.
For you I would have a look at CHCGlobal. Not the Aussie version but the international version. Good pay Good benifits and a 6 and 6 rotation. Paid for your training days. Good allround outfit. Expenses over and above pay.
If you are determined to come play in the sandbox CHC has a base in Iran.
Finally....be careful what you wish for.
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Job Options
For our new Australian friend - yes, ADA (Ad or Iran) or CHC (Iran) might be attarctive - although CHC there only offers 45 days about. GHC does offer 4 weeks on and off in Iran, but it is highly probably that the operation there will run down in the near future - so you might put your bum in a sling if you shot for that now. Still - not a bad deal though if you can get on with the locals, which is essential. They are a nice bunch actually!
Other option is Nigeria where there is a desperate shortage of IR Twin Captains and if you have anything useful :76, 412, 212, Dauphin, you will be sucked in by any of the operators there faster than you can fart! You should also be able to get/negotiate a 6/6 there without any hassle. Nigeria has its drawbacks, but so has everywhere these days, mate!
Good luck with your jobsearch!
Other option is Nigeria where there is a desperate shortage of IR Twin Captains and if you have anything useful :76, 412, 212, Dauphin, you will be sucked in by any of the operators there faster than you can fart! You should also be able to get/negotiate a 6/6 there without any hassle. Nigeria has its drawbacks, but so has everywhere these days, mate!
Good luck with your jobsearch!
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thanks
Ok, I see now the options are narrowing. Thanks for taking the time to post. Does anyone know what the cash is like. Aprox how much in a 12mth period?
I have heard Africa pays well. I have also heard that the only way in is through Bristows UK?
I am starting to think that Bristows Aus is a good option. They seem to pay the most. Skippers aprox $A130,000 gross. Thats for a 14 day on 10 off cycle. Can this be beaten in the sand pit?
Cheers
I have heard Africa pays well. I have also heard that the only way in is through Bristows UK?
I am starting to think that Bristows Aus is a good option. They seem to pay the most. Skippers aprox $A130,000 gross. Thats for a 14 day on 10 off cycle. Can this be beaten in the sand pit?
Cheers
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Probably not .... particularly for touring .......
Bare in mind that an Australia based touring pilot technically is liable for Australian Govt. Income Tax assessement will really depress you ...... You don't win (much)....
In fact you are better off with an Aussie job which pays tax free allowances than a M/E job which doesn't pay taxfree allowances! but will require you to lodge a return....
Be careful ...
Cheers
Bare in mind that an Australia based touring pilot technically is liable for Australian Govt. Income Tax assessement will really depress you ...... You don't win (much)....
In fact you are better off with an Aussie job which pays tax free allowances than a M/E job which doesn't pay taxfree allowances! but will require you to lodge a return....
Be careful ...
Cheers
Join Date: Apr 2004
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Whitehawkup,
You can tell me to stuff off if you like but if I was in your personal shoes I would seek out what appears to you to be a poor paying Oz-based job with a good family situation rather than chase "big" dollars in some arsehole of a country on the other side of the world. Remember touring means that Sod's Law dictates that you are guaranteed to miss important family occasions regularly.
There are some very satisfying twin jobs at home where other aspects make up for the "big" dollars.
When I started out no-one ever told me I was going to make a million out of operating helos.
GAGS
E86
You can tell me to stuff off if you like but if I was in your personal shoes I would seek out what appears to you to be a poor paying Oz-based job with a good family situation rather than chase "big" dollars in some arsehole of a country on the other side of the world. Remember touring means that Sod's Law dictates that you are guaranteed to miss important family occasions regularly.
There are some very satisfying twin jobs at home where other aspects make up for the "big" dollars.
When I started out no-one ever told me I was going to make a million out of operating helos.
GAGS
E86
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Bitmonx. The chief pilot at ADA is John Hanley. The best way to get in touch with him is by logging on to their web site at:www.adaviation.com Matter of fact I understand that ADA prefer on-line applications. Oh yeah one more thing, ADA is a good company with the exception of their disgusting housing site. Nothing, and I repeat NOTHING can prepare you for that dump!!