Tour indonesia

[dcoded]

Hey..

I am type rated on the B737 and I am thinking about doing a small "tour" in Indonesia to visit some carriers who fly the 737. What do you think about this idea? It's seems impossible to get in contact with them via mail. And I've heard that most carriers are expanding and are in need of crew.

Please, give me any advice on this plan. Is it crazy or might it work?
Don't know much about the culture over there. How would the look at me if I just walk in to their office and wanting to meet HR or chief pilot?
Btw, I am from Sweden (Have roots in the middle east).
Ticket prices are not a big deal (around 700EUR round trip)

Thanks!

[sonsal]

Its a good plan, definately not crazy.......do visit Sriwijaya airlines office as well, they are hiring...all the best........let us know how it goes for you....

[dcoded]

Yes, I was thinking of Sriwijaya. Have tried some times to call their operational office to get hold of Chief Pilot, but he's either not there or there's a language barrier..

Will let all of you know,

Thanks

[WYOMINGPILOT]

Here is a list of 737 operators in Indonesia. Lion Air, Garuda and Batavia are the largest operators and all hire Ex Pats.

Airfast Indonesia
Batavia Air
Citilink
Garuda Indonesia
Indonesia AirAsia
Kartika Airlines
Lion Air
Merpati Nusantara Airlines
Sriwijaya Air
Tri-MG Intra Asia Airlines

[brasmelzuit]

Airfast now only operate MD80,
Indonesia AirAsia : no longer use 737
Kartika : ceased ops
Tri-MG : doesn't have B 737 Classic..probably stil uses B 737-200 or B 727

One more, Cardig Air : cargo airline, operates 2 (or 3) B 737-300.

If it works, you're required to pay around us$3-4000 for your working permit, and another us$5000 for converting your FAA license to Indonesian license.
With THP around US$3-4000/month (after tax), you do the math..

[dcoded]

Thanks for the info.

I don't have an FAA license, I've got JAA, but I guess it will be the same.
Do I have to take some new ATPL exams and a checkride to get my licenses converted?

Is it hard to get a work permit? Or will the company apply one for me, or thats out of the question?

Thanks

[brasmelzuit]

As far as I know, CPL-IR should be alright.
Knock on the door, if the company hv interested on you, thay will apply it for you, but on your expenses. Almost impossible to get wrking permit by your own without any company offers you a position.

[NorthernGoose]

The most common misconception in indonesia is that there is a standard for things. For example, when you join with merpati airlines you are required to pay for your license conversion which is $4000. If you join with Lion Air there is no license conversion as they operate with a TAC. If you have the sponsor of a company the working permit KITAS is around $1200 USD this is not including the "extra costs" for processing. If you wish to convert your license privately you will not find anything cheaper than 5-6 thousand dollars, and you require a Kitas to begin the process.

The rules and regulations in Indonesia are written down, but the interpretation of them from company to company is where things become confusing. Most of the major airlines are now setting up their own flying schools to get National recruits into their companies, Merpati, Sriwijaya, Batavia, Garuda etc..

When you come to Indonesia you need to maintain an open mind and be persistent as things will not go as you might plan and usually entail a long wait.

Best of Luck

[dcoded]

Thank you all for your replies!
@brasmelzuit, Did you work/are you working in Indonesia at the moment?

Whats is your advice on the trip, how many days would you think I have to stay. I really don't know what to expect.

About Lionair, do they take expats that DON'T pay for line training via Eagle jet?

Yet again,
Thanks

[brasmelzuit]

I never heard any foreigner working for Lion Air that's not from Pay to fly program.
That's the way Lion Air making other source of money. (sucks, isn't it?).

I believe, you should stay for 3-6 months, to see your chances..

[ReverseFlight]

when you join with merpati airlines you are required to pay for your license conversion which is $4000

Recently upped to $4500.

[gerpols]

Check out Expressair.
They fly 737.
Owner is Osvaldo Carides, helluva nice guy.
Check pilotcareercenter.com

[training wheels]

Originally Posted by ReverseFlight

Recently upped to $4500.

Ah, so that probably explains why we got a pay rise last month ..