Interview with CAL/Cal Expats/Happy at Cal? - Merged
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Margaritaville
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Bustie,
What the heck is your problem? I'm trying to help this guy if I know what he's looking for. I'm sure he's not just looking for happy pilots from CAL.
I do have a lot to say about CAL and EVA, + and -. You're the one that's not contributing here, so shusssss.
What the heck is your problem? I'm trying to help this guy if I know what he's looking for. I'm sure he's not just looking for happy pilots from CAL.
I do have a lot to say about CAL and EVA, + and -. You're the one that's not contributing here, so shusssss.
Join Date: Nov 2005
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I have heard horrow stories about CAL....Cockpit environment etc etc.....but we are all proffessionals and would like to think otherwise. How is it working there on a daily basis....everyday work.
Join Date: Aug 2004
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Just submitted my app last night via e-mail, within a few hours I received the message " we are impressed with your qualifications, however, you are not on our priority list. We will contact you if a position becomes available. Thank you for your understanding." Has anyone gotten this e-mail, and later called for an interview, or is it over?? (46 yrs old, ATP, 5050 ttl, 3870 PIC, 1200 airline turboprop SIC, lots of Alaska piston PIC).
Join Date: May 2004
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more of the same
ok, so what is it about CAL that you all hate so much???
how bout specific problems and how long did it take you to figure it out and how much jet time did you get before you decided to get out of there? couldn't you say you got some jet time and that enabled you to be available to other more appealing(to you) companies?
how bout specific problems and how long did it take you to figure it out and how much jet time did you get before you decided to get out of there? couldn't you say you got some jet time and that enabled you to be available to other more appealing(to you) companies?
Join Date: Oct 2003
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For me its mostly cultural issues that in themselves are a pain but you could put up with them...the prob is they become safety issues and I don't like flying in unsafe situations.....do a web search for "CAL+accidents" and you'll see the history. Everyone has a different risk tolarence yours may be higher than mine and the CAL world won't bother you but as for me the risks are to high time to get out.....There is an old saying...."I hold a bucket in each hand one is getting filled with cash the other Bulls--t...when ever one or the other fills up I will leave" Well the bulls--t bucket has filled up much faster than the cash bucket and it's time to leave!!!
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Taiwan
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The problems have been well expressed previously.
Join as a Capt on the wide body. Thats as far as you can go, so therefore its just can you put up with the CAL system. The pay is reasonable. There are some good aspects to their system.
I found TPE not that bad a place to live, but I don't believe its a 5 year propersition. Look around as see the long termers. They are generally quite dark about things. That may be the city, the Co, the commute, the culture. Doesn't matter the reason, the result is the same. Time to leave.
If you join as an FO, then thats great as long as you understand that is as far as you will go. You fly along side some who are very marginal in standard (that includes expats). Most FOs want a career, an opportunity at progression. That is not available to you. CAL are now publically acknowledging that. Previously it was observation. Its not the pay that is attactive.
AS for how long that take to see. Thats up to you. Look critically at whether CAL is still offering what you want out of life and career. Don't just hope it will get better. It will not get better. CAL doesn't want it to get better.
Join as a Capt on the wide body. Thats as far as you can go, so therefore its just can you put up with the CAL system. The pay is reasonable. There are some good aspects to their system.
I found TPE not that bad a place to live, but I don't believe its a 5 year propersition. Look around as see the long termers. They are generally quite dark about things. That may be the city, the Co, the commute, the culture. Doesn't matter the reason, the result is the same. Time to leave.
If you join as an FO, then thats great as long as you understand that is as far as you will go. You fly along side some who are very marginal in standard (that includes expats). Most FOs want a career, an opportunity at progression. That is not available to you. CAL are now publically acknowledging that. Previously it was observation. Its not the pay that is attactive.
AS for how long that take to see. Thats up to you. Look critically at whether CAL is still offering what you want out of life and career. Don't just hope it will get better. It will not get better. CAL doesn't want it to get better.
Join Date: Mar 2004
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Do expat F/O's usually get placed on flights with a national captain, or is it random?
What's the likelyhood of F/O's and expat captains being on the deck?
Anyone know the total number of expat captains?
Lastly, any info/thoughts on CAL maintenance would be appreciated.
What's the likelyhood of F/O's and expat captains being on the deck?
Anyone know the total number of expat captains?
Lastly, any info/thoughts on CAL maintenance would be appreciated.
Join Date: Jun 2001
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Swampy,
I am an expat Capt. To answer your questions:
1) In 2 years i have only ever flown with another expat F/O 4 times;
2) Number of expat Capt's on 744 fleet is 90+ (no idea about other fleets). Number of local Capts on 744 is 130-150;
3) The books are usually clean. My previous company, one also much spoken of here in this PPRUNE forum, measured up very poorly in this area, where they used to carry lots of stuff in the DDL. This was indeed a breath of fresh air.
I agree that you come with your eyes wide open, take the money & the home leave and that's it. If you must come, make your decision based on what's on the table right this moment, not what seems to be implied will happen. If you can live with that, you'll probably do alright. Good luck
I am an expat Capt. To answer your questions:
1) In 2 years i have only ever flown with another expat F/O 4 times;
2) Number of expat Capt's on 744 fleet is 90+ (no idea about other fleets). Number of local Capts on 744 is 130-150;
3) The books are usually clean. My previous company, one also much spoken of here in this PPRUNE forum, measured up very poorly in this area, where they used to carry lots of stuff in the DDL. This was indeed a breath of fresh air.
I agree that you come with your eyes wide open, take the money & the home leave and that's it. If you must come, make your decision based on what's on the table right this moment, not what seems to be implied will happen. If you can live with that, you'll probably do alright. Good luck
Join Date: Oct 2004
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It's easy for you guys to say "join as a Captain", we would if we could, the problem is some of us don't have the experience that their looking for. We have to start somewhere, get the experience from CAL and get out, that's my plan anyway.
Last edited by Medwin; 24th Nov 2005 at 12:14.
Join Date: Oct 2003
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Would someone in CAL please advise if they are currently hiring captains. Have 12,000 + with extensive A340 and A330 PIC time.
Thanks for any info you can give
Cheers
A340Jock
Thanks for any info you can give
Cheers
A340Jock
Join Date: Jun 2001
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Agree the maintenance was very good. This part of their efforts to make the airline safer. Reduce the number of risks the crews need to deal with.
The locals love the A330, short haul flying. A lot of locals have medical problems that are managed more easily without the stressors of long haul. A rapidly expanding fleet. You never know.
The A340 is not expanding, so may be difficult to get on. Known as the holiday fleet, because of their network.
If you have nothing else, then apply. If successful, be very prepared for a difficult 6 months transition into the company. After that the job settles down.
The locals love the A330, short haul flying. A lot of locals have medical problems that are managed more easily without the stressors of long haul. A rapidly expanding fleet. You never know.
The A340 is not expanding, so may be difficult to get on. Known as the holiday fleet, because of their network.
If you have nothing else, then apply. If successful, be very prepared for a difficult 6 months transition into the company. After that the job settles down.