China Airlines/China Airlines F/O, (update)-Merged Twice!.
Join Date: Dec 2004
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sky330 & 29chev,
thanks for the info guys. it's definately helpful to get a good look at whats going on there. it'll no doubt help people make a better decision and/or be prepared for what they're going to face before they get there. nothing worse than a suprise you dont want.
sorry for the ton of questions, but as you surely know, some of these concepts are really strange for western pilots.
like i am gathering from your posts that you get your 8 days off, then you're pretty much working for the next 22 in some way or another.
i am fully aware of how widespread the unequal treatment of expats are at asian airlines. i was just taking my turn on the snide remark pony.
i hear what you're saying about not leaving a good job for that one. at the moment i'm sort of in a dilema. they have told me they want to interview me. i am at a job right now, but come this fall, no one knows how many of us will be left. so i'm trying not to prematurely leave this job, but not be caught with my pants down. i'm doing my homework on as many options as i can think of.
thanks for the help and good luck to you guys over there. sky, i feel for you being away from your family so much. hopefully you can get back to a normal life soon.
gonzo
thanks for the info guys. it's definately helpful to get a good look at whats going on there. it'll no doubt help people make a better decision and/or be prepared for what they're going to face before they get there. nothing worse than a suprise you dont want.
sorry for the ton of questions, but as you surely know, some of these concepts are really strange for western pilots.
like i am gathering from your posts that you get your 8 days off, then you're pretty much working for the next 22 in some way or another.
i am fully aware of how widespread the unequal treatment of expats are at asian airlines. i was just taking my turn on the snide remark pony.
i hear what you're saying about not leaving a good job for that one. at the moment i'm sort of in a dilema. they have told me they want to interview me. i am at a job right now, but come this fall, no one knows how many of us will be left. so i'm trying not to prematurely leave this job, but not be caught with my pants down. i'm doing my homework on as many options as i can think of.
thanks for the help and good luck to you guys over there. sky, i feel for you being away from your family so much. hopefully you can get back to a normal life soon.
gonzo
Join Date: Dec 2004
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can anyone shed some light on what the rosters are like if you're based in LAX? where do you fly to/from, etc.
how about for YVR? i hear its full, but it'd be good to hear about anyway.
thanks
gonzo
how about for YVR? i hear its full, but it'd be good to hear about anyway.
thanks
gonzo
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Out of the pollution.
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The first thing to understand (which CAL make as unclear as they can) is that YVR is NOT a base. It is simply a place where they currently allow you to take ELO. You will be based in TPE
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: HKG / BKK
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I've been offered interview dates in August. From the email I received, and the way I filled out the application, I presume it is for the 744 FO position.
I have read alot about them in this forum, however, I have been unable to find any info on FO payscales, work rules, etc.
Currently, I'm a furloughed pilot from a major US airline living in Chicago.
I'm just curious if this offer is better than some of the US job offers I have (Polar, World), as far as pay and work rules go.
Thanks for any info.
I have read alot about them in this forum, however, I have been unable to find any info on FO payscales, work rules, etc.
Currently, I'm a furloughed pilot from a major US airline living in Chicago.
I'm just curious if this offer is better than some of the US job offers I have (Polar, World), as far as pay and work rules go.
Thanks for any info.
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: australia
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Hi guys
I have been reading a lot on the Asian situation. i have back tracked a few months and it dont sound too good in most opinions but at the same time some good opinions seem to be out there as well. I am an aussie hold an ATPL and am thinking of applying to some of the companies in that part of the world. Is it too pre-mature to apply with 2200 hours ( 2000 on Turbo Props) OTTERS, KING AIR, balanced in both command and FO. From opinions out there, am i a little pre-mature in experience to be applying for these positions. i would rather spend half an hour on this site than waste 3 weeks applying to companies that wont even sneeze on my CV. i am happy where i am and in no rush and i will not pay for a rating. I've spend enough already.
And what do we think is the general cut off age for Airlines in Asi these days. i want to stay in the bush ops as long as viable as it is to much fun sliping down runways. i should menton i fly in PNG.
Ta..
I have been reading a lot on the Asian situation. i have back tracked a few months and it dont sound too good in most opinions but at the same time some good opinions seem to be out there as well. I am an aussie hold an ATPL and am thinking of applying to some of the companies in that part of the world. Is it too pre-mature to apply with 2200 hours ( 2000 on Turbo Props) OTTERS, KING AIR, balanced in both command and FO. From opinions out there, am i a little pre-mature in experience to be applying for these positions. i would rather spend half an hour on this site than waste 3 weeks applying to companies that wont even sneeze on my CV. i am happy where i am and in no rush and i will not pay for a rating. I've spend enough already.
And what do we think is the general cut off age for Airlines in Asi these days. i want to stay in the bush ops as long as viable as it is to much fun sliping down runways. i should menton i fly in PNG.
Ta..
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Perth, Australia
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CAL Website
Finally got to page 3 of the 5 page application, submitted it and it is taking ages to load the next page. Is this a common thing? Any way to speed up the process?
Billa
Billa
Join Date: Apr 2003
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To answer your questions about (latest) expat conditions at CAL, I got these answers from the interview process.
Salary $4660 USD/month (for 70 hours overtime at regular hourly pay over that)
Income tax is 20% and will be deducted (if you work over 183 days you can get a partial rebate)
Housing $37,000NT or 1100USD / month (taxed) for TPE base only
Per Diem $2USD /hr
G/S and Sim pay is $2800USD/month
Line Indoc $4164 USD/month
hotel accomodations for up to 7 months during training
Training bond (non-typed) 3 years/$20000USD (pro rated at months left PLUS 2 months salary!)
ELO bases can be applied for only after line check and may or may not be available. no straight answers about them but I've heard MIA, FRA and maybe YVR on 747 so far and maybe SYD on 340. there may be more in the future but who knows.
hope this sheds some light on the cash gents. now the working conditions are what I'm trying to sort through
cheers
Salary $4660 USD/month (for 70 hours overtime at regular hourly pay over that)
Income tax is 20% and will be deducted (if you work over 183 days you can get a partial rebate)
Housing $37,000NT or 1100USD / month (taxed) for TPE base only
Per Diem $2USD /hr
G/S and Sim pay is $2800USD/month
Line Indoc $4164 USD/month
hotel accomodations for up to 7 months during training
Training bond (non-typed) 3 years/$20000USD (pro rated at months left PLUS 2 months salary!)
ELO bases can be applied for only after line check and may or may not be available. no straight answers about them but I've heard MIA, FRA and maybe YVR on 747 so far and maybe SYD on 340. there may be more in the future but who knows.
hope this sheds some light on the cash gents. now the working conditions are what I'm trying to sort through
cheers
Join Date: Jul 2005
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hey,..any here got an interview with CAL in AUG?....would like to know what kind of the Q will be in the interview and checking the demand for the F/O with CAl at the moment.....good chance to get in?....Thanks
Join Date: Feb 2004
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That accomodation allowance is for captains.
F/O apparently live in lower standards and get NT$29,000 per mth. That equates to a 20 year old single bedroom apartment in town or sharing with others.
You can pay less but, not in Taipei, only out of town. Not a westerner "user friendly" place.
I wouldn't consider it with a family with children. Just too tough if the family is stuck there all the time. Could not do that to my family. Government schooling is just not suited to westerners and forget about expat schools($$$) on F/O salary.
You will work to a employment policy once you start and that will differ from what is said at the interview. Very hard to get an answer from the pay mistress beyond" you are being paid correctly"
Remember: ELO pilots lose the accomodation and DTA in ElO ports. The time spent in your country could also cause tax problems for your self.
The company will look at it if it is their interest only.
Finally, to my knowledge there has not been 1 expat upgrade to captain in the biggest period of expansion that the company has seen in a long time. That is, despite there being many expat F/Os and R/Ps that have more command hours than several local captains combined . Reason: you are excluded from the command pool.
It is a national pilots airline after all.
A captains lot is reasonable unless you fall out of favour with the management.
On the Interviews: Don't worry, I you have a licence and previous heavy jet time, you will be offered a job. That part is a "No brainer".
Medical is extensive but few fail .
F/O apparently live in lower standards and get NT$29,000 per mth. That equates to a 20 year old single bedroom apartment in town or sharing with others.
You can pay less but, not in Taipei, only out of town. Not a westerner "user friendly" place.
I wouldn't consider it with a family with children. Just too tough if the family is stuck there all the time. Could not do that to my family. Government schooling is just not suited to westerners and forget about expat schools($$$) on F/O salary.
You will work to a employment policy once you start and that will differ from what is said at the interview. Very hard to get an answer from the pay mistress beyond" you are being paid correctly"
Remember: ELO pilots lose the accomodation and DTA in ElO ports. The time spent in your country could also cause tax problems for your self.
The company will look at it if it is their interest only.
Finally, to my knowledge there has not been 1 expat upgrade to captain in the biggest period of expansion that the company has seen in a long time. That is, despite there being many expat F/Os and R/Ps that have more command hours than several local captains combined . Reason: you are excluded from the command pool.
It is a national pilots airline after all.
A captains lot is reasonable unless you fall out of favour with the management.
On the Interviews: Don't worry, I you have a licence and previous heavy jet time, you will be offered a job. That part is a "No brainer".
Medical is extensive but few fail .
Join Date: Jun 2000
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I have many friends living in Taipei on salaries of about NT$60000, they live in nice apartments for much less than your quoting.
Jeez!
Salary + housing will leave you saving nicely in Taiwan.
Jeez!
Salary + housing will leave you saving nicely in Taiwan.
Join Date: Aug 2004
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I appreciate everyones input about this. I have since turned down my interview for August at CAL. Simply to many complaints and people quoting about non upgrades etc. It would be stupid for me to leave my 737 job here to chase a type rating. To hard to try to do this with a family which is my situation. CAL have always being EXTREMELY proffesional to me and this was a hard choice.
International Trader,
I appreciate your honesty about the family situation and schooling. I appreciate all your comments.
To those who are carrying on good luck. As with the interview package they sent me it is straight forward from those I know who have gone and done it already. No technical questions just simply "Do you like Chinese people" "Do you mind working long flights with a younger chinese pilot with less experience then you have?" "What do you do to relax?" "Excelerated training are you used to and cappable of it?" They want to know if you can work with them for long hours at a time. The sim eval is based on a 737-800 or 747-400 which has been beat to death in this post. Normally 737 for non widebody type history. You will fly off RWY 05 in RTCP Chaing Kai Shek airport. Saiko 1Mike Departure. (Spelling is not acurate) lol. Into steep turns, stall recovery, vectored to an ILS 05. Takeoff visual circuit land on 05 again. Take off vectored VOR05 appr. Then takeoff V1 cut then 6-8 mile ILS on 05 to a landing.
This was in the package they sent me hope this helps for those going would have recieved this same thing so it wont help you.
I applied for the A340 F/O possition but I dont think that the interview or sim is any different for A340/B747.
Have fun.
International Trader,
I appreciate your honesty about the family situation and schooling. I appreciate all your comments.
To those who are carrying on good luck. As with the interview package they sent me it is straight forward from those I know who have gone and done it already. No technical questions just simply "Do you like Chinese people" "Do you mind working long flights with a younger chinese pilot with less experience then you have?" "What do you do to relax?" "Excelerated training are you used to and cappable of it?" They want to know if you can work with them for long hours at a time. The sim eval is based on a 737-800 or 747-400 which has been beat to death in this post. Normally 737 for non widebody type history. You will fly off RWY 05 in RTCP Chaing Kai Shek airport. Saiko 1Mike Departure. (Spelling is not acurate) lol. Into steep turns, stall recovery, vectored to an ILS 05. Takeoff visual circuit land on 05 again. Take off vectored VOR05 appr. Then takeoff V1 cut then 6-8 mile ILS on 05 to a landing.
This was in the package they sent me hope this helps for those going would have recieved this same thing so it wont help you.
I applied for the A340 F/O possition but I dont think that the interview or sim is any different for A340/B747.
Have fun.
Join Date: Apr 2003
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International Trader: I was quoted these figures for housing duiring the interview. Are you sure the F/O housing is only $29000NT? I didn't have enough time to see any housing or visit any expats online to know what could be afforded for that amount.
My sim eval was on the 737-800 (as was my entire group's) but you won't know until you arrive in TPE. You may get 744 sim if it is available. I don't think it is based on your experience.
Interivew as stated above. Non-technical in nature. Just want to get to know you a bit and see if you would fit in. Asked about if I've worked with Chinese people before, about my previous work experience, hobbies, any emergencies inflight, etc. Nothing you could prepare for really. Expect about 5-6 training captains and one VP or even the Chairman to be present. They all have your online application and ask questions from that.
CAL won't release an actual contract or 'training agreement' until you agree to take the position. Hmmm.
any other questions are welcome.
cheers and good luck
My sim eval was on the 737-800 (as was my entire group's) but you won't know until you arrive in TPE. You may get 744 sim if it is available. I don't think it is based on your experience.
Interivew as stated above. Non-technical in nature. Just want to get to know you a bit and see if you would fit in. Asked about if I've worked with Chinese people before, about my previous work experience, hobbies, any emergencies inflight, etc. Nothing you could prepare for really. Expect about 5-6 training captains and one VP or even the Chairman to be present. They all have your online application and ask questions from that.
CAL won't release an actual contract or 'training agreement' until you agree to take the position. Hmmm.
any other questions are welcome.
cheers and good luck