Air Japan (AJX) B767
Join Date: Apr 2006
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Thanks a lot for your help @iggle piggle,
and a couple more questions guys if you wouldn't mind.
- If you had family how many times during these 8 months could the family visit you, I gather from the thread its around twice, just want to confirm if its actually doable., seems you're pretty busy during your training there..
- Is it possible to extend your stay there nowadays during your work in order to attain a higher leave? for example staying 23 days to take 15+2 of vacation to make it total 17 off?
Thanks!
and a couple more questions guys if you wouldn't mind.
- If you had family how many times during these 8 months could the family visit you, I gather from the thread its around twice, just want to confirm if its actually doable., seems you're pretty busy during your training there..
- Is it possible to extend your stay there nowadays during your work in order to attain a higher leave? for example staying 23 days to take 15+2 of vacation to make it total 17 off?
Thanks!
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: USA
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You can have your family come over as much as you want during training. The company will pay for your spouse to come over twice and kids once. Outside of that it is up to you to pay for them. You really aren't that busy during training. That is why it takes 6 months!!!
After you are online you can do your days off however you want. I usually do two long extended absences each year. Once during the summer and then once during the winter. I use my vacation with those absences and not during each month. This summer I took 48 days off and this winter will have 36 days off. During the rest of the year I will work from 20-25 days between days off. Some think that is too long but I really enjoy the longer periods off. Helps me get a lot of projects done around the house.
And UNDBadger, whoever told you you would not upgrade here if you come in as an f/o is an idiot. Many, if not most, of our captains have went through the upgrade process here as an f/o.
After you are online you can do your days off however you want. I usually do two long extended absences each year. Once during the summer and then once during the winter. I use my vacation with those absences and not during each month. This summer I took 48 days off and this winter will have 36 days off. During the rest of the year I will work from 20-25 days between days off. Some think that is too long but I really enjoy the longer periods off. Helps me get a lot of projects done around the house.
And UNDBadger, whoever told you you would not upgrade here if you come in as an f/o is an idiot. Many, if not most, of our captains have went through the upgrade process here as an f/o.
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Galaxy FAR FAR Away
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I am currently flying in India with Jet Airways as a F/O on their B777 fleet and have about 500 hours on type. My wife is Japanese and I am therefore interested in moving to Japan provided I get a Job there with equal opportunity and Air Japan seems to be offering that.
jrmyl has posted some useful and encouraging information.
Could people already working there share some information regarding recruitment, training,work culture etc.
thanks
jrmyl has posted some useful and encouraging information.
Could people already working there share some information regarding recruitment, training,work culture etc.
thanks
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: south of the north pole
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I'll be going to Gatwick soon for interview and sim. Can anyone give me a headsup as what to expect.
You can PM me if you want. Possibly the briefing that PARC sent.
Thanks
You can PM me if you want. Possibly the briefing that PARC sent.
Thanks
Join Date: Feb 2013
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Hello everyone.
After a very very long application process I am very happy to say that i will be in the January class :-)
Thanks for all of you who took time to share infos about the screening and hope to see many of you there for a beer.
I was wondering if someone could give some info on the accomodation during the training when your family come to visit. I know AJX will pay ticket and accomodation for my wife to visit for a week. I understood it is better if she comes at the beginning of the training while it is not too busy and in any case before the sim sessions starts. I would like to have her longer than a week if that’s possible. So is it possible for her to stay with me in the company accomodation if she’s here for more than a week ? Is it something like a one bedroom apartment or is it something very small like a hotel room ? How do you guys usually do ?
Otherwise for thoose going for the screening, the gauges here in this forum are very acurate. Make sure you study the sim briefing pack very well. The whole process is extremely long but in my opinion it defenitely worths the patience.
After a very very long application process I am very happy to say that i will be in the January class :-)
Thanks for all of you who took time to share infos about the screening and hope to see many of you there for a beer.
I was wondering if someone could give some info on the accomodation during the training when your family come to visit. I know AJX will pay ticket and accomodation for my wife to visit for a week. I understood it is better if she comes at the beginning of the training while it is not too busy and in any case before the sim sessions starts. I would like to have her longer than a week if that’s possible. So is it possible for her to stay with me in the company accomodation if she’s here for more than a week ? Is it something like a one bedroom apartment or is it something very small like a hotel room ? How do you guys usually do ?
Otherwise for thoose going for the screening, the gauges here in this forum are very acurate. Make sure you study the sim briefing pack very well. The whole process is extremely long but in my opinion it defenitely worths the patience.
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Close to somewhere
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Congrats koubri , I am happy that u made it. 
Can you give some details about the length of your process? I am planning to apply in december so I would be nice to know what has changed lately and what is expecting the guys who is about to apply.. Also It would be nice hear the interview process from someone who attended lately.
Thanks
Can you give some details about the length of your process? I am planning to apply in december so I would be nice to know what has changed lately and what is expecting the guys who is about to apply.. Also It would be nice hear the interview process from someone who attended lately.
Thanks
Join Date: Oct 2015
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I'll be going to Gatwick soon for interview and sim. Can anyone give me a headsup as what to expect.
You can PM me if you want. Possibly the briefing that PARC sent.
Thanks
Same here!! Anyone have been to LGW for Pre-screening??...
Feedback anyone??
Thank you!!!
You can PM me if you want. Possibly the briefing that PARC sent.
Thanks
Same here!! Anyone have been to LGW for Pre-screening??...
Feedback anyone??
Thank you!!!
Join Date: Oct 2009
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Upgrade
One think I would like to learn in detail
We know that there is a failure rate during command assessments. After 3 years do they do this assessment and a year later they start the upgrade process or they start the upgrade process just after the assessment ? What is the failure rate nowadays ? And what happens if you fail the assessment somehow, they give you another chance or they dont renew your contract for the second time or they renew your contract as a first officer next time ?
Thanks
We know that there is a failure rate during command assessments. After 3 years do they do this assessment and a year later they start the upgrade process or they start the upgrade process just after the assessment ? What is the failure rate nowadays ? And what happens if you fail the assessment somehow, they give you another chance or they dont renew your contract for the second time or they renew your contract as a first officer next time ?
Thanks
I find it very interesting that there are so many questions about the upgrade process from prospective new hire F/O's, yet they are not asking many questions about the F/O conditions etc.
In my time here, the company has consistently upgraded F/o's to Captain. BUT the initial contract was for F/O not potential upgrade Cap. I believe there is no reference in the F/O contract to any upgrade process.
There seems to be some expectation that the upgrade process will start 3 years after joining. At present there appears to be a plan for 16 upgrade slots a year. The company, seems to be targeting 48 new hire F/Os per year. Doing the math, it would seem that the upgrade time may take longer than that. Add into the mix the probability of some F/O's being given their second go at assessments.
Recently, the failure rate in assessments has been quite high, around 50%, historically it has not been this high. In the past, if one failed the assessment, then one went through the assessments again 1 year later. I believe the company applies the same concept as Mainline ANA, 2 attempts at command (assessment or actual upgrade course) and that's it but have not seen that as written policy.
We have had cases of contract being renewed for some F/O's and not renewed for others, so it depends on the Company's opinion at the time of renewal.
I am getting a sense that some are looking at this gig with the attitude of "if I show up and stay 3 years I deserve a command"
AJX operation is not rocket science but it has it's unique challenges and I reckon that, depending on an individual's previous experience or ability, it may take longer than 3 years to be ready for the move to the left seat.
By all means, look at AJX as an option where it is possible to upgrade to Cap, that would be normal for any pilot, but please come here with the focus on doing the F/O gig for a while, learning from the old farts in the left seat ( we may be old and grey but we actually do know a thing or two about this aviation thing) and EARNING the opportunity to move to the left hand seat.
Good luck with it all.
In my time here, the company has consistently upgraded F/o's to Captain. BUT the initial contract was for F/O not potential upgrade Cap. I believe there is no reference in the F/O contract to any upgrade process.
There seems to be some expectation that the upgrade process will start 3 years after joining. At present there appears to be a plan for 16 upgrade slots a year. The company, seems to be targeting 48 new hire F/Os per year. Doing the math, it would seem that the upgrade time may take longer than that. Add into the mix the probability of some F/O's being given their second go at assessments.
Recently, the failure rate in assessments has been quite high, around 50%, historically it has not been this high. In the past, if one failed the assessment, then one went through the assessments again 1 year later. I believe the company applies the same concept as Mainline ANA, 2 attempts at command (assessment or actual upgrade course) and that's it but have not seen that as written policy.
We have had cases of contract being renewed for some F/O's and not renewed for others, so it depends on the Company's opinion at the time of renewal.
I am getting a sense that some are looking at this gig with the attitude of "if I show up and stay 3 years I deserve a command"
AJX operation is not rocket science but it has it's unique challenges and I reckon that, depending on an individual's previous experience or ability, it may take longer than 3 years to be ready for the move to the left seat.
By all means, look at AJX as an option where it is possible to upgrade to Cap, that would be normal for any pilot, but please come here with the focus on doing the F/O gig for a while, learning from the old farts in the left seat ( we may be old and grey but we actually do know a thing or two about this aviation thing) and EARNING the opportunity to move to the left hand seat.
Good luck with it all.
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Japan
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gtseraf is absolutely right in his response and I will add what I responded to the same question on APC forum today:
The Command evaluation process has changed recently, but as far as I understand when your number is up (right now about 3-4 years in company) you will get evaluated. 4 times a year a small group of 4-7.
I think that there is a sim now ( a LOFT, I think) and you fly 5 or 6 regular trips in 2 months with an Japanese instructor/checker and they ask you questions and look at your flying and management skills. After all in the group have completed the evaluation, management have a meeting and they decide who will go forward and who fails.
If you pass, upgrade sim training starts within 2 weeks, if you fail, it depends. Some have been evaluated again in 6 months, some in 2 years. It goes case by case.
As far as the fail rates go, it used to be about 1 or 2 failures a year for 16 candidates. Recently looks like 50% failure on evaluations.
There are many reasons for this:
( I know I will get comments about this, but...)
some are not mentally ready for it, some lack the knowledge (not enough study), some don't have the right attitude, and some just need more experience. I had a conversation about this recently with a checker who was involved with the process and that is what he told me, adding that some will never upgrade.
It is not an automatic thing or an entitlement here, you must put in the book work, show the right attitude and eat the **** for a while. Once you are all done, its a great job, they leave you alone, but the whole progress to get there truly sucks
Hope that helps
The Command evaluation process has changed recently, but as far as I understand when your number is up (right now about 3-4 years in company) you will get evaluated. 4 times a year a small group of 4-7.
I think that there is a sim now ( a LOFT, I think) and you fly 5 or 6 regular trips in 2 months with an Japanese instructor/checker and they ask you questions and look at your flying and management skills. After all in the group have completed the evaluation, management have a meeting and they decide who will go forward and who fails.
If you pass, upgrade sim training starts within 2 weeks, if you fail, it depends. Some have been evaluated again in 6 months, some in 2 years. It goes case by case.
As far as the fail rates go, it used to be about 1 or 2 failures a year for 16 candidates. Recently looks like 50% failure on evaluations.
There are many reasons for this:
( I know I will get comments about this, but...)some are not mentally ready for it, some lack the knowledge (not enough study), some don't have the right attitude, and some just need more experience. I had a conversation about this recently with a checker who was involved with the process and that is what he told me, adding that some will never upgrade.
It is not an automatic thing or an entitlement here, you must put in the book work, show the right attitude and eat the **** for a while. Once you are all done, its a great job, they leave you alone, but the whole progress to get there truly sucks
Hope that helps
Join Date: Oct 2009
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Gtseraf
Thanks for your answer. You are right everybody is first asking about the Command upgrade because in my opinion it is the most important step in this career. On my side I have a really good gig right now so I want to know everything before I take this risk so I can make a solid decision.
But speaking of the FOs conditions of course everybody would like to know about them too and If you wanna give some information about it, it will be appreciated I am sure.
767 Autopilot
Thanks for your answer too. Do you know when they will fly 5,6 regular trips to evaluate you or they just do it without u realizing it ? And do u know what kind of questions they ask ? Aircraft systems, jeppsen or different scenarios to evaluate your ADM ?
And everybody talks about the right attitude, we know what a bad attitude is but the right attitude changes according to the culture. So can you mention about this right attitude and the **** eating a bit.
Thanks for your answer. You are right everybody is first asking about the Command upgrade because in my opinion it is the most important step in this career. On my side I have a really good gig right now so I want to know everything before I take this risk so I can make a solid decision.
But speaking of the FOs conditions of course everybody would like to know about them too and If you wanna give some information about it, it will be appreciated I am sure.
767 Autopilot
Thanks for your answer too. Do you know when they will fly 5,6 regular trips to evaluate you or they just do it without u realizing it ? And do u know what kind of questions they ask ? Aircraft systems, jeppsen or different scenarios to evaluate your ADM ?
And everybody talks about the right attitude, we know what a bad attitude is but the right attitude changes according to the culture. So can you mention about this right attitude and the **** eating a bit.
Join Date: Jan 2014
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Yes, you know when you are being evaluated. You have a meeting with management where you go thru some training manual pages about the program and expectations. As far as the questions go, mostly Operations manual and different country regs. from Jeppesen manual and other book stuff. Depends on evaluator, some don't ask anything.
Attitude is something that you can not always change. It is not bad vs. good, but about respecting the local way, understanding your position and adapting your behavior to fit in. Some people get it, some just don't. You must remember that we are always outsiders, "cheap labor" (some-one said "we are their Mexicans") temporary help. In their mind we are not equal to the host. There are many other things I could say, but it will not make a difference. This job is not for every one, either you fit in, or you don't.
Attitude is something that you can not always change. It is not bad vs. good, but about respecting the local way, understanding your position and adapting your behavior to fit in. Some people get it, some just don't. You must remember that we are always outsiders, "cheap labor" (some-one said "we are their Mexicans") temporary help. In their mind we are not equal to the host. There are many other things I could say, but it will not make a difference. This job is not for every one, either you fit in, or you don't.
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JCAB Rated Captain and Air Japan
Hi Guys,
I would appreciate it if anyone had any info about what the recruitment process is for a non 767 rated Captain with a JCAB ATPL with Air Japan, in particular what kind of simulator evaluation? And also any idea of length of training, of course its Japan Im sure it will be long, but hopefully not so long as I have the JCAB licence already.
Kind regards
Thunderbird320
I would appreciate it if anyone had any info about what the recruitment process is for a non 767 rated Captain with a JCAB ATPL with Air Japan, in particular what kind of simulator evaluation? And also any idea of length of training, of course its Japan Im sure it will be long, but hopefully not so long as I have the JCAB licence already.
Kind regards
Thunderbird320
Join Date: Jan 2006
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thunderbird, if you haven't read any of this thread yet, I suggest you do that and then come back and ask questions. Everything has been covered pretty well and not much has changed in several years. Good luck.
Join Date: Oct 2006
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In addition to what jrmyl wrote....., the difference between a JCAB licensed pilot and a non-JCAB is about a month or so....., but! the chances that you will be paired with another JCAB rated pilot are about as good as ISIS changing their ways because you put a French flag on your FB profile...., sooooo, you are on your non rated partner's training schedule.
Join Date: Nov 2008
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As TD says, it's a matter of getting lucky and getting paired up with someone who has the same qualifications as you.
IF you get a JCAB ATPL partner then you will save about six weeks of training. You will not have to do the first two weeks, which are the air law and radio classes and exams. Having avoided those you will join your classmates for the 767 type rating course. So you'll have about four months of ground school, FBS and FMS sims, culminating in your 767 type rating check ride. You'll then miss out on the next month of 'training', during which the rest of the class will do the additional sims ready for their ATPL check. After that you will do the two weeks of airport briefings, followed by your OJT (line training). Whether you are able to 'jump ahead' of the rest of the class and do the airport stuff and OJT is just a matter of guesswork. You may do that or you may have to wait a month while they catch up with. It's unlikely if the others are FOs and you're capts but never say never here
If your partner does not have the JCAB ATPL then you'll still avoid the air law and radio but you'll be stuck as his 'sim buddy' for his ATPL 'training', so you'll save a whole two weeks
IF you get a JCAB ATPL partner then you will save about six weeks of training. You will not have to do the first two weeks, which are the air law and radio classes and exams. Having avoided those you will join your classmates for the 767 type rating course. So you'll have about four months of ground school, FBS and FMS sims, culminating in your 767 type rating check ride. You'll then miss out on the next month of 'training', during which the rest of the class will do the additional sims ready for their ATPL check. After that you will do the two weeks of airport briefings, followed by your OJT (line training). Whether you are able to 'jump ahead' of the rest of the class and do the airport stuff and OJT is just a matter of guesswork. You may do that or you may have to wait a month while they catch up with. It's unlikely if the others are FOs and you're capts but never say never here
If your partner does not have the JCAB ATPL then you'll still avoid the air law and radio but you'll be stuck as his 'sim buddy' for his ATPL 'training', so you'll save a whole two weeks