A-Net contract starting Nov 2005
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October interviews for March starts, friend of mine and I were called for interviews in Seattle, I declined due to family/ commute reasons, looks ok for single guys out of a job or looking to move up to something heavier!
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Join Date: May 2004
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Probably a good decision. It is getting hard here for guys with families as the overnights went from 0 to an average of 10 per month. We are getting seriously short on crews as more guys are leaving and the company doesn't seem to react.
Here are some goods and bads:
Goods:
The money
Brand new airplanes
Cute FAs
Bads:
Lots of overnights
More flying
Commuting standby on your own time off
Here's three of each. Give it a good though, because 3 years might be a long time if you don't like it.
Cheers
Here are some goods and bads:
Goods:
The money
Brand new airplanes
Cute FAs
Bads:
Lots of overnights
More flying
Commuting standby on your own time off
Here's three of each. Give it a good though, because 3 years might be a long time if you don't like it.
Cheers
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Join Date: Oct 2004
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Interview Questions
The interview questions on my day of testing were very straight forward and to the point. All I can really suggest is make sure you read through your tech section in the Jeps and study the information which they send out in the interview pack. On my day of testing there were three pilots from across the globe, and for what I can put together all three of us where asked separate questions. Basically, approx three tech questions per interview, questions from memory included;
•If you are flying a VOR approach, and find your self high on the inbound segment what will you do?
•Which is the critical engine to lose in a two engine aircraft with the only consideration being a strong cross wind from left to right?
•Colour of taxi way centre line and edge lighting?
•Colour of rwy edge lighting at 1000' to go from end rwy at intl airport?
•Colour of rwy center line lighting at 2000' to go from end of rwy at intl airport?
•Brief the VOR approach given in the group briefing prior to the interview (guess they are testing memory ability)
That’s all I can recall in the sense of tech q’s, pretty sure it’s about the lot for the three interviewees. The rest of the interview was very formal (typical Japanese style) with a basic discussion about how you think you will adjust to Japanese culture, amount of flying / overnights which you can expect and a general run down on the company itself. Nothing to stress about, dress appropriately, try and get there a few days early to allow your body clock to semi adjust (if you can or need to) to your ground work and you will be in.
Hope this helps.
CT
PS I completed testing in Aug for a Nov 2005 course
The interview questions on my day of testing were very straight forward and to the point. All I can really suggest is make sure you read through your tech section in the Jeps and study the information which they send out in the interview pack. On my day of testing there were three pilots from across the globe, and for what I can put together all three of us where asked separate questions. Basically, approx three tech questions per interview, questions from memory included;
•If you are flying a VOR approach, and find your self high on the inbound segment what will you do?
•Which is the critical engine to lose in a two engine aircraft with the only consideration being a strong cross wind from left to right?
•Colour of taxi way centre line and edge lighting?
•Colour of rwy edge lighting at 1000' to go from end rwy at intl airport?
•Colour of rwy center line lighting at 2000' to go from end of rwy at intl airport?
•Brief the VOR approach given in the group briefing prior to the interview (guess they are testing memory ability)
That’s all I can recall in the sense of tech q’s, pretty sure it’s about the lot for the three interviewees. The rest of the interview was very formal (typical Japanese style) with a basic discussion about how you think you will adjust to Japanese culture, amount of flying / overnights which you can expect and a general run down on the company itself. Nothing to stress about, dress appropriately, try and get there a few days early to allow your body clock to semi adjust (if you can or need to) to your ground work and you will be in.
Hope this helps.
CT
PS I completed testing in Aug for a Nov 2005 course
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Any of you guys went through the JCAB medical? I need some specifics on what to expect there. Got a leg injury and wonder if that might cause any problems?! Is there any running involved or stairmasters?!
Cheers!!
Cheers!!
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JCAB Medical, what a fun two days they were! My two days of testing went as follows;
1. Pysical examination with Japanese aviation medical examiner
2. Chest X-ray
3. Blood test (they take three voiles of blood!!!)
4. 2hrs with a Psychologist (personality profiling)
5. 1hr with Psychiatrist
6. Ophthalmologist
7. ECC (like an ECG but monitoring your brain waves, looking for spikes of energy which can be associated with epilepsy)
8. Stress test with a Cardiologist (completed on a tread mill, keep increasing the rate until peak heart rate is achieved [220 - your age while monitoring B/P and HR]
9. Ear, Nose and Throat specialist
Apparently the Japanese have a small tolerance for acceptable results. I was told 60% of initial test fail (not sure how accurate this is though) but glad I was in the other 40%.
You need to fast for 12 yours prior to having blood taken, but drinking lots of water leading up to the blood tests does wonders for your Enzyme levels.
1. Pysical examination with Japanese aviation medical examiner
2. Chest X-ray
3. Blood test (they take three voiles of blood!!!)
4. 2hrs with a Psychologist (personality profiling)
5. 1hr with Psychiatrist
6. Ophthalmologist
7. ECC (like an ECG but monitoring your brain waves, looking for spikes of energy which can be associated with epilepsy)
8. Stress test with a Cardiologist (completed on a tread mill, keep increasing the rate until peak heart rate is achieved [220 - your age while monitoring B/P and HR]
9. Ear, Nose and Throat specialist
Apparently the Japanese have a small tolerance for acceptable results. I was told 60% of initial test fail (not sure how accurate this is though) but glad I was in the other 40%.
You need to fast for 12 yours prior to having blood taken, but drinking lots of water leading up to the blood tests does wonders for your Enzyme levels.
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Stress test with a Cardiologist (completed on a tread mill, keep increasing the rate until peak heart rate is achieved [220 - your age while monitoring B/P and HR]
)Cheers
Moderate, Modest & Mild.
This is the first time I've heard of the JCAB medical involving a stress test - but then nothing would surprise me.
There is also the "marching on the spot" with eyes closed, and standing on one leg balance (inner ear) tests, Prince Buster, so depending upon the severity of your injury, it might have an effect.
The #7 test that Chilli Tarts mentioned, involved having your head wired up, and a series of strobe lights being flashed.
Likewise the ENT will also check you for imbalance problems associated with inner ear fluid problems by fitting some Coke bottle goggles with a light attached, and then shaking your head (to try to get those gyros to topple).
I covered the JCAB medical in another post on this forum a while back, including a few "helpful hints". Try here for a start JCAB Medical
There is a very strict set of guideline figures that the applicant MUST fall within - these are based on Japanese physical characteristics, which are - in some cases - difficult for the heavier-bodied Caucasian to achieve.
There was one fellow who failed several years ago because his pulse rate was too LOW (due to his superb fitness). Since then, they have revised their ideas in that area.
Get used to having a chest x-ray every 2 years, in spite of the fact that Japan has probably a zero incidence of TB now.
It seems to be a hangover of the early days of last century, when tuberculosis was rampant in Asia.
The PE is a fasting one - so no food for 12 hours beforehand, as this will affect many of the test results of the urinalysis and blood.
The eyesight tests include eyeball pressure, long and near distance vision, field of vision, and blind spot (along with another couple).
There is also the "marching on the spot" with eyes closed, and standing on one leg balance (inner ear) tests, Prince Buster, so depending upon the severity of your injury, it might have an effect.
The #7 test that Chilli Tarts mentioned, involved having your head wired up, and a series of strobe lights being flashed.
Likewise the ENT will also check you for imbalance problems associated with inner ear fluid problems by fitting some Coke bottle goggles with a light attached, and then shaking your head (to try to get those gyros to topple).
I covered the JCAB medical in another post on this forum a while back, including a few "helpful hints". Try here for a start JCAB Medical
There is a very strict set of guideline figures that the applicant MUST fall within - these are based on Japanese physical characteristics, which are - in some cases - difficult for the heavier-bodied Caucasian to achieve.
There was one fellow who failed several years ago because his pulse rate was too LOW (due to his superb fitness). Since then, they have revised their ideas in that area.
Get used to having a chest x-ray every 2 years, in spite of the fact that Japan has probably a zero incidence of TB now.
It seems to be a hangover of the early days of last century, when tuberculosis was rampant in Asia.
The PE is a fasting one - so no food for 12 hours beforehand, as this will affect many of the test results of the urinalysis and blood.
The eyesight tests include eyeball pressure, long and near distance vision, field of vision, and blind spot (along with another couple).
Join Date: Jun 2005
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i dont know if they told you this in your interviews
of the +/- $6,100 (hawaii or parc)
take a slice of 22% on tax
it makes just over $4,700
then, while on training those long months you will just make 80% of those +/- $6,100
and take another slice of tax, again 22%, in other words
42% of tax of those initial +/- $6,100 is what you will get of salary while on training, yes, you will get aprox $50 per diem each day of class, some $1,500 per month, but your gonna eat those, unles your a mickey dee's type of guy (burgers) gotta live, to survive!!! je je
living there you will have to pay a lot if not all of those $2,000 of housing allowance to get a decent place of your dreams, if you dont mind cardboard walls and weird toilets! je je youll get sometin cheaper.
life, wel its diferent, and not cheap
if you dont have anything else better or anything at all, well go on, all the best
of the +/- $6,100 (hawaii or parc)
take a slice of 22% on tax
it makes just over $4,700
then, while on training those long months you will just make 80% of those +/- $6,100
and take another slice of tax, again 22%, in other words
42% of tax of those initial +/- $6,100 is what you will get of salary while on training, yes, you will get aprox $50 per diem each day of class, some $1,500 per month, but your gonna eat those, unles your a mickey dee's type of guy (burgers) gotta live, to survive!!! je je
living there you will have to pay a lot if not all of those $2,000 of housing allowance to get a decent place of your dreams, if you dont mind cardboard walls and weird toilets! je je youll get sometin cheaper.
life, wel its diferent, and not cheap
if you dont have anything else better or anything at all, well go on, all the best
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Speaking with acquaintances in Tokyo and Osaka, don't expect to get a decent apartment (or house) for under YEN300,000 (about $3,000) per month.
Key money is 2 months, although legally they are supposed to take only 1 month.
The accomodation allowances offered by the agencies is well short of what you will need, so if you do accept their offer be prepared to shell out an extra $1,000-$1,500 from your own pocket every month.
Key money is 2 months, although legally they are supposed to take only 1 month.
The accomodation allowances offered by the agencies is well short of what you will need, so if you do accept their offer be prepared to shell out an extra $1,000-$1,500 from your own pocket every month.
Join Date: May 2004
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As for the apartments. You can find a very decent place with 3 bedrooms for around 1000$ a month. Generaly, its all about location. The closer you are to a train station, the more expensive. The real killer is the key money. For a recent place, you can pay up to 6 months rent, and you might get back 1000-2000$ when you move out.
I know single guys here that commute and have a nice place for around 800$ with no key money. I live in an almost brand new place with concrete walls and close to everything, and pay 1200$.
As for taxes. Most guys pay under 10% and less if you have your family. Even though the cost of life is higher, by the end, the money is very good. A single guy (FO) can easely save 3000 per month, make it 5000 for Capt. Maybe 1000 less with a family.
I know single guys here that commute and have a nice place for around 800$ with no key money. I live in an almost brand new place with concrete walls and close to everything, and pay 1200$.
As for taxes. Most guys pay under 10% and less if you have your family. Even though the cost of life is higher, by the end, the money is very good. A single guy (FO) can easely save 3000 per month, make it 5000 for Capt. Maybe 1000 less with a family.
Moderate, Modest & Mild.
oxygen on, I think it's very unfair (unethical) of you to advise readers of this thread, the information you have.
This is my 6th year here, and checking back through my Japanese Income Tax statements, they ALL indicate a tax rate of approx. 22% - the first year being the exception, because I was not here for the full tax year.
How you arrive at 10% (and less) is totally beyond me, but it is obviously not legitimate.
As for the accommodation prices you have indicated - they MIGHT be possible if you are willing to live way out in the countryside, but prices around Osaka are going to set you back a minimum of JPY250k per month for anything half decent.
One of the guys here had a house (double story, as most are, and small by Western standards) and he was paying USD3000 per month.
I have NEVER heard of anyone - Japanese or foreigner - who is let off the key money (bond), unless they are living in a hotel!
Your post reads very much like a contract agency employee trying to lure candidates.
If you do manage to tempt a few with stories of tax at 10%, and accommodation around $1000, how long do you think they are going to stay once they discover the TRUTH?
The moral of the story then is that anyone who comes to Japan for an interview, make SURE you talk with other guys who have been here for a while to find out the real costs.
Go to Real Estate agencies and check out accommodation prices for yourselves.
For NZLeardriver, JEX has a restriction of 1.5 hours from Itami by public transport, public transport excluded Shinkansen, taxis, and boat transport. (In other words, bus, monorail, and local train was okay).
What's the deal with you A-Net dudes?
(Heard a few Canadians in your Q4000's today
)
This is my 6th year here, and checking back through my Japanese Income Tax statements, they ALL indicate a tax rate of approx. 22% - the first year being the exception, because I was not here for the full tax year.
How you arrive at 10% (and less) is totally beyond me, but it is obviously not legitimate.
As for the accommodation prices you have indicated - they MIGHT be possible if you are willing to live way out in the countryside, but prices around Osaka are going to set you back a minimum of JPY250k per month for anything half decent.
One of the guys here had a house (double story, as most are, and small by Western standards) and he was paying USD3000 per month.
I have NEVER heard of anyone - Japanese or foreigner - who is let off the key money (bond), unless they are living in a hotel!
Your post reads very much like a contract agency employee trying to lure candidates.
If you do manage to tempt a few with stories of tax at 10%, and accommodation around $1000, how long do you think they are going to stay once they discover the TRUTH?
The moral of the story then is that anyone who comes to Japan for an interview, make SURE you talk with other guys who have been here for a while to find out the real costs.
Go to Real Estate agencies and check out accommodation prices for yourselves.
For NZLeardriver, JEX has a restriction of 1.5 hours from Itami by public transport, public transport excluded Shinkansen, taxis, and boat transport. (In other words, bus, monorail, and local train was okay).
What's the deal with you A-Net dudes?
(Heard a few Canadians in your Q4000's today
)
Join Date: May 2004
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Just to make things clear. Most of the people on this contract are not here for the long term. So our definition of ''Decent apartment'' might be different. I could never dream of having the kind of accomodation i could afford in my home country here.
If i was here to spend the rest of my career, i would probably be looking for something around 3000$ or even buy. But this is not the case. If you look at the outskirts of the city, where 80% of us live, you can easely find what i was refering to.
Now regarding the taxes. There is probably quite a difference between a Dash 8 salary and 737 or 767. So that might explain the difference in taxation level. And you only pay taxes on your base salary, which is about half of what we get.
If i was a contract agency guy, i would recommend this contract. And the fact is that i don't. There are many issues to settle here before i could say its a great contract.
Capt M. Are you one of those guys that slow us down to 150kts by MIDOH?
If i was here to spend the rest of my career, i would probably be looking for something around 3000$ or even buy. But this is not the case. If you look at the outskirts of the city, where 80% of us live, you can easely find what i was refering to.
Now regarding the taxes. There is probably quite a difference between a Dash 8 salary and 737 or 767. So that might explain the difference in taxation level. And you only pay taxes on your base salary, which is about half of what we get.
If i was a contract agency guy, i would recommend this contract. And the fact is that i don't. There are many issues to settle here before i could say its a great contract.
Capt M. Are you one of those guys that slow us down to 150kts by MIDOH?
Moderate, Modest & Mild.
Are you one of those guys that slow us down to 150kts by MIDOH?
The ATC preferential treatment of All Nippon is another thing that sticks in my craw - it is so blatant.
Yesterday I had an ANA aircraft that was 5 miles behind and 2,000' above (in stronger headwinds) given track shortening to put him ahead of us. He was still slower, and so we were given absurd speed reductions and further vectors off course to let him get far enough ahead (10nm).
Today I saw a JAL MD81 which was taxi-ing out from spot 23 told to hold abeam spot 20. The reason? - an All Nippon 777 which was still completing its landing roll on 32L was given the "red carpet treatment"....cross 32R and take C4 direct to your spot.
The kickbacks to the JCAB from All Nippon must be pretty lucrative to let them get the treatment they do. (I've been told ANA employ quite a few JCAB staff, post retirement).
(Ahhhh, that feels better).
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taxes
Not sure about this because I'm not there yet, BUT my understanding is that the Q400 HACS employees are paid by HACS, US company, and hence taxed at US rates...
Any confirmation from HACS employees?
Thanks
Any confirmation from HACS employees?
Thanks