PAL Pilot Exodus
Join Date: Oct 2006
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I have no doubt bupakers were actually in the know about the roadshow. But because of the good package they are getting there right now (for Captains) and the prospects of a quick (and I mean very quick!) upgrade for FOs, the idea of leaving - coupled with the recent infamous wave of returnees who may have brought with them sad and horrific tales about living in the expat world - doesn't seem to appeal to a majority of pilots anymore. Whatever the reasons, whether they have become allergic already to that thought or simply because they don't want to leave their cherished comfort zones, this whole expat thing is simply their own call. And I don't blame them.
Few years ago, the working conditions in bupak weren't as good as they are now. And because getting out seemed to be the trend back then, quite a number decided to leave. Some ventured out to other parts of Asia and some to the Middle East. But not everyone had their own success stories. Some went back because they were homesick, while others came back knocking at the door simply because they didn't hack it. Instead of shunning them away, bupak embraced these prodigal sons back into the fold, and in so doing, it gave the pilots the impression that there is simply no place like home. It was a good psy-war on the part of the management, so good that it successfully stemmed another wave of exodus to India.
On the money side of things, the downward spiral of the dollar has also made working outside the country now even less appealing. In fact, when the exchange rate started plummeting from 50 to 40:1, I have been losing more than sixty grand a month. Quite a big chunk in the pocket, though I see this as nothing but a short term anomaly because of the current market trend. But if the revaluation of the dirhams pushes through with the plan to unpeg it from the dollar, then I see myself laughing again on the way to the bank. Lots of dollars to save, and still just enough left to blow for the kids and the missus. And who knows when the next payrise will be? It could be next week, next month, or next year, money is the least of their worries here, but what the heck, I ain’t complaining a bit. Just last month we got our first ever bonus, which is not too bad at all for a company whose projection is to break even in 2010. Furthermore, this ‘minimal’ loss in my current take home pay is widely offset by a myriad of perks – free housing, free education for 4 kids, free annual travel to any leave destination, and the list goes on and on, which make a huge difference in your lifestyle as an expat. The wealth of experience and the knowledge I have gained flying international is also incomparable. In so short a time, I can say that as a pilot I have accomplished more than those who opted to stay. I am almost coming full circle in my career with the prospects of a command in a wide body almost in sight. Not bad for somebody who started an airline career only 4 years ago, eh?
Just recently, the company also announced the opening of the flight academy for children of expatriates who wish to become pilots. Priority will be given to them and they are guaranteed of SO positions in the 320 fleet. They will rise through the ranks and eventually become Captains here. Doesn’t it sound sooo good? Hmmm, the perks of being an expat.
So again, do you want to be an expat or not? Well, like I said, it’s all your call. We all chart our own course, and whatever your calling is, I wish you guys nothing but success in your chosen path.
Few years ago, the working conditions in bupak weren't as good as they are now. And because getting out seemed to be the trend back then, quite a number decided to leave. Some ventured out to other parts of Asia and some to the Middle East. But not everyone had their own success stories. Some went back because they were homesick, while others came back knocking at the door simply because they didn't hack it. Instead of shunning them away, bupak embraced these prodigal sons back into the fold, and in so doing, it gave the pilots the impression that there is simply no place like home. It was a good psy-war on the part of the management, so good that it successfully stemmed another wave of exodus to India.
On the money side of things, the downward spiral of the dollar has also made working outside the country now even less appealing. In fact, when the exchange rate started plummeting from 50 to 40:1, I have been losing more than sixty grand a month. Quite a big chunk in the pocket, though I see this as nothing but a short term anomaly because of the current market trend. But if the revaluation of the dirhams pushes through with the plan to unpeg it from the dollar, then I see myself laughing again on the way to the bank. Lots of dollars to save, and still just enough left to blow for the kids and the missus. And who knows when the next payrise will be? It could be next week, next month, or next year, money is the least of their worries here, but what the heck, I ain’t complaining a bit. Just last month we got our first ever bonus, which is not too bad at all for a company whose projection is to break even in 2010. Furthermore, this ‘minimal’ loss in my current take home pay is widely offset by a myriad of perks – free housing, free education for 4 kids, free annual travel to any leave destination, and the list goes on and on, which make a huge difference in your lifestyle as an expat. The wealth of experience and the knowledge I have gained flying international is also incomparable. In so short a time, I can say that as a pilot I have accomplished more than those who opted to stay. I am almost coming full circle in my career with the prospects of a command in a wide body almost in sight. Not bad for somebody who started an airline career only 4 years ago, eh?
Just recently, the company also announced the opening of the flight academy for children of expatriates who wish to become pilots. Priority will be given to them and they are guaranteed of SO positions in the 320 fleet. They will rise through the ranks and eventually become Captains here. Doesn’t it sound sooo good? Hmmm, the perks of being an expat.
So again, do you want to be an expat or not? Well, like I said, it’s all your call. We all chart our own course, and whatever your calling is, I wish you guys nothing but success in your chosen path.
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: USA
Age: 46
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expatula: well said kabayan.
i can only say congratulations to everyone in the pinoy pilot world.
the pay increase & work condition improvement in pal & bupac will not happen if not for the pinoy pilot exodus. without unions, fair justice & labor system in the philippines the exodus was our only means of empowerment for our profession.
the dismal attendance in the ethihad interview may be a fruit of expat pilots' efforts.
those who have left for abroad & succeeded are those with the skills. not just flying skills but also international personal skills.
they are the philippine bananas for export: superior quality!!!
they have not only raised the quality of their lives but also of the lives of the pinoy pilots who stayed.
to the expat pinoy pilots, you are the new heroes of our times.
Mabuhay ang pinoy pilot!!!!
i can only say congratulations to everyone in the pinoy pilot world.
the pay increase & work condition improvement in pal & bupac will not happen if not for the pinoy pilot exodus. without unions, fair justice & labor system in the philippines the exodus was our only means of empowerment for our profession.
the dismal attendance in the ethihad interview may be a fruit of expat pilots' efforts.
those who have left for abroad & succeeded are those with the skills. not just flying skills but also international personal skills.
they are the philippine bananas for export: superior quality!!!
they have not only raised the quality of their lives but also of the lives of the pinoy pilots who stayed.
to the expat pinoy pilots, you are the new heroes of our times.
Mabuhay ang pinoy pilot!!!!
Last edited by kapalmuks; 8th Feb 2008 at 23:01.
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: asia
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gO or Not to gO
tOUGH CALL AS WE MAKE GOOD MONEY NOW AND OUR MANAGEMENT IS MUCH BETTER THAN PAL OR ANYBODY ELSE - PERFER TO STAY HERE..................
wE SHUOLD RENAME THIS THREAD bUPAC STAYESS
wE SHUOLD RENAME THIS THREAD bUPAC STAYESS
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: earth
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good time to get on with PAL?
been reading about PAL, wondering, is now a good time to get on with PAL or any other filipino airline?
Last edited by lowandslow2006; 18th May 2008 at 13:10.
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Pilipinas
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Butuan Airbus Video
For those who haven't watched it yet, video footage of the A320 accident aftermath in Butuan.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Lnxzdvj7jI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Lnxzdvj7jI
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Alabang, Muntinlupa, Metro Manila
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Flight School
Greetings. I just wanted to ask. Would you guys know when PAL will recruit new cadets for flighst school? If so, what is the procedure to end up becoming a pilot for PAL?
thanks guys!
thanks guys!
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: US
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New Cadets
I asked a few officers from PAL and they said that October batch is already full. The next batch will be this January of 2009.
Are you planning to go there?
I'm planning to go to another flight school cause I can't wait enough that long.
Are you planning to go there?
I'm planning to go to another flight school cause I can't wait enough that long.
Join Date: Jan 2008
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word of advice
if you plan to take up flying, might as well do it outside the country. you will be exposed to a safer training environment and with adequate support from the authorities.
conversion is easy. just make sure you fly a cessna 172 or 152 outside.
conversion is easy. just make sure you fly a cessna 172 or 152 outside.
Join Date: Nov 2007
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PAL Aviation School
Hi!
I was wondering if anyone of you know what kind of jobs do fresh graduates of PAL Aviation School get into? Where do they usually go to build their flight hours?
Calvin
I was wondering if anyone of you know what kind of jobs do fresh graduates of PAL Aviation School get into? Where do they usually go to build their flight hours?
Calvin