Vietnam Airlines (info please)

[NVpilot]

First of all, one must pass the medical examination prior to operating on the line, has there been a problem with pilots passing the initial screening? Not too much, occasionally a pilot will have to take care of some particular issue that may create a small delay.

There have been a few instances of pilots failing the medical after being hired, very few.

As far as how the exam is administered, please read the thread, someone has already posted a good description.

Sorry mate, no CAA here I'm afraid.

[josewoodward]

Thanks for the info

[bjlurzjet]

Interview

Is anyone going so Singapore in August for an interview with VAC? I would like to get paired with someone. Understand if you go alone and you're paired with someone that you don't know too well, it's tough> Let me know. Thanks,

[Lost in Saigon]

Originally Posted by kefz

priority is given to the viets now and the south east asians.. if ur white.. just wait a while my friend... the yellow skinned needs a job too ...

What are you talking about? Vietnamese Nationals? Vietnamese Nationals are hired "In House" by Vietnam Airlines. They are either ex-Vietnamese Airforce, or Cadets from the Vietnam Airlines Cadet Program.

The problem is there are not enough Vietnamese Nationals to satisfy the growing need for pilots at Vietnam Airlines. That is why they hire pilots through contractors like Parc, Europacific, and Rishworth.

The Contractors don't care about the colour of your skin, and Vietnam Airlines doesn't either. They just want a body in the seat for the length of the contract.

[varigflier]

When is the interview in August???

[flyboy320]

Understand if you go alone and you're paired with a VC, it's tough

Well bjlurzjet, you might be surprised, but in case they really hire you, there is a big chance that you have to work together with Vietnamese pilots. So better get comfortable with it right away.

[Dream Land]

Well bjlurzjet, you might be surprised, but in case they really hire you, there is a big chance that you have to work together with Vietnamese pilots. So better get comfortable with it right away.

Nice response, I think if bjlurzjet was concerned about flying with Vietnamese crews, I don't think he'd applying with the airline. The fact is, there is a very high failure rate at present time and applicants are only echoing the rumor that is on the streets, the real issue here is why does it take the Vietnamese TRE's two full simulator sessions to evaluate a pilot..!!?

[varigflier]

How experienced are the applicants? Are they being fair or is it more like a Korean Air thing?

[bjlurzjet]

I am heading over for an interview there on the 18th. I was just wondering if anyone might want to pair up since I've heard that it would just make things a little less stressful for the ride. I'm not afraid of flying with a "local" but why not try and reduce an already stressful event, that's all. Anyways, PM me if you want to try and get paired.

[Jimmy Do Little]

the real issue here is why does it take the Vietnamese TRE's two full simulator sessions to evaluate a pilot..!!?

Because they give you the first one - at their expence - as a refresher training SIM / SOP review. Then they actually do the evaluation in the following SIM session after you've been introduced to their procedures, etc.

Do you think you would find that level of fairness at Etihad, Emirates, etc?

[NVpilot]

Fairness, I think counting the evaluation as a six month check has a lot to do with it.

[huckleberry58]

Do they allow walk in's for the interview in Singapore? Where is it being held?

[UALSIC]

Good point NVPilot.

[Jimmy Do Little]

Call it what you like. The bottom line is this; if you show up with a good attitude and flying skills commensurate with the level of skill they request, the SIM check pretty much a no-stress event.

Regarding working with the Vietnamese (I see someone referred to them as the "VC" - tacky); if you would enjoy working with a bunch of friendly folks who don't have any hidden agendas or bad attitudes, then VNA is the place to be.

[bjlurzjet]

I mistyped the "VC" and when I re-read it, I see what you were saying about "tacky". With Rishworth, they've been abbreviating Vietnam Airlines as VAC and that's what I meant. Sorry if it offended anyone. In answer to the question if they take walk-ins, I believe you have to go through one of the contractors as someone posted earlier since they have to get your visa, and background checks started. I have an interview date on the 18th-19th of August. Also, if anyone has info to gouges or any advice, it would be appreciated.

[ia1166]

There is no interview. Just a back of the clock LPC, so in laymans terms it's a screening that if you pass will constitute your LPC. Therefore you arrive, touch on ground school, line training which is short and sharp, and you're off and running.

For what it's worth, VAC sim checks are old school. Lots of raw data, direct law and multiple failures. Not your new world AQP happy clappy or loft type scenarios so best get your books out and have a look at Emerg elec, triple adr and double hyd stuff. Unreliable speed also and imultiple ir issues. Circling one engine overweight. All with maximum cross wind. Double elevator fault after take off was on last months session.

Don't be put off. Just follow ECAM, know your stuff and it's fine. If you have never opened a book and think it'll be a breeze, then you may get a rude awakening.

[tamie]

Thanks for info.
What about procedure call outs? Do they give you a bit of time to review the kind of call outs they want to hear before screening? I have had three different procedure call outs in the last three years...
Is it screening with just 1 F/O and a checker Cpt on the left seat (for F/O screening)? Or they share a 4 hrs mission in sim with two F/O - each 2 hrs?

[A319rider]

Hey guys, still trying to make up my mind about vietnam. Can you shed some light about the rostering, turnaround times and days off that you currently have on the line? (Yes, I've read the threat but everything gets a bit confusing after so many different versions).
How long are the sectors your fly everyday? Do you have 30 min or 1 h turnarounds? Do you always fly 4 sectors or get longer 2 sectors days too? Do you get 1 or 2 days off?
And also if you have any more info that can be helpfull like recent house prices or lifestyle issues this would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance and I hope you can spare the time to answer my questions.
Safe flying.

[NVpilot]

Maybe they're too busy flying to answer..!

[tamie]

Hi!

The airport is in northwest of the city. I think most of the expat pilots live in the surrounding of Saigon in some nice houses (which are quite cheap to rent) or in some appartments in the districts close to the airport. There are some who are living in city center district 1 or 3 which is a distance to the airport but manageable.

Housing costs are quite high in comparison to the costs of living there. You will find something reasonable.

I guess all the expats will go to work by taxi or taxi-moped.

The city is very busy and noisy. As all big asian cities. But I am sure you will get your sleep when you need it!! Have you ever been to an asian city before?? Don't worry about the noise.