Best and Worst Airline in China
Join Date: Aug 2014
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I'm trying to get in, via Smile. I must say that they have NEVER pushed me in the direction of any particular airline. They've listened to what I'm looking for, and suggested the relevant airlines. Then I've chose one, and they seem extremely supportive. And no, I'm not paid to say this...
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Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Brazil
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You didn't get me.
I mean. Why a Broker who is a pilot a "the" company is going to PUSH the company; in order to get better rosters; salaries increases; or any kind of improvement if HE/THEY get money from "the" company?
I am not saying that the will push you to choose a company you dont want.
I mean. How can someone try to improve anything if he is involved within the company?
I mean. Why a Broker who is a pilot a "the" company is going to PUSH the company; in order to get better rosters; salaries increases; or any kind of improvement if HE/THEY get money from "the" company?
I am not saying that the will push you to choose a company you dont want.
I mean. How can someone try to improve anything if he is involved within the company?
Join Date: Apr 2018
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BCA now one of the worst
BCA initially had a good reputation but that has changed radically in the past few years. The facts are pilots are leaving in droves, rumour is they have 50 resignations in at the moment both chinese and foreign pilots. At least 10 foreign pilots have left in the past year alone.
BCA is not the highest payer anymore and there will be no pay increases for the foreseeable future due to HNA group teetering on bankruptcy.
The working environment there is toxic. There is a well established punishment and blame culture. $3000 fines are handed out like candy.
Training and checking is a nightmare. Zero english spoken from chinese instructors and checkers. Failures are common and numerous foreign pilots have been victims of failure and subsequent demotion to FO for extended periods.
Do you like to be quizzed by some office guy with a clipboard without notice when you report for duty?? If so, then BCA is the place for you..
The schedule comes out on sat night/sunday morning for MONDAY! there is no ability to request a specific day off. You will have zero control over your life during your time in China. IF your contractual leave is approved (its always a struggle) you will be hammered to get the 80hrs minimum in the 2 or 3 weeks of the month available to work. Vacation must be split over 2 consecutive months so they can get the flight hours out of you. Expect to work max duty and min rest.
Your actual block time will be reduced by the company by anything up to 20mins per day. They claim this is legal, but its just a brazen attempt to increase your work time and reduce your claim for overtime payments.
Recently all pilots instructed to answer a 450 question psychological exam to be done in home time. No explanation of who will assess you or what will be done with the results
Extended cockpit voice recorders have been fitted to half the fleet so far to monitor SOP compliance. Records will be reviewed and 2 "occurrences" will earn you a special line check.
Anybody thinking BCA is a good place to be then do yourself a favour and talk to some of the experience pilots who are there and counting the days until they can get out.
BCA is not the highest payer anymore and there will be no pay increases for the foreseeable future due to HNA group teetering on bankruptcy.
The working environment there is toxic. There is a well established punishment and blame culture. $3000 fines are handed out like candy.
Training and checking is a nightmare. Zero english spoken from chinese instructors and checkers. Failures are common and numerous foreign pilots have been victims of failure and subsequent demotion to FO for extended periods.
Do you like to be quizzed by some office guy with a clipboard without notice when you report for duty?? If so, then BCA is the place for you..
The schedule comes out on sat night/sunday morning for MONDAY! there is no ability to request a specific day off. You will have zero control over your life during your time in China. IF your contractual leave is approved (its always a struggle) you will be hammered to get the 80hrs minimum in the 2 or 3 weeks of the month available to work. Vacation must be split over 2 consecutive months so they can get the flight hours out of you. Expect to work max duty and min rest.
Your actual block time will be reduced by the company by anything up to 20mins per day. They claim this is legal, but its just a brazen attempt to increase your work time and reduce your claim for overtime payments.
Recently all pilots instructed to answer a 450 question psychological exam to be done in home time. No explanation of who will assess you or what will be done with the results
Extended cockpit voice recorders have been fitted to half the fleet so far to monitor SOP compliance. Records will be reviewed and 2 "occurrences" will earn you a special line check.
Anybody thinking BCA is a good place to be then do yourself a favour and talk to some of the experience pilots who are there and counting the days until they can get out.
Join Date: Sep 2016
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There is a definite conflict of interest if the agency has people involved in running the airline. Whilst, on the one hand it may seem to be suitable for trouble shooting any issues or problems, at the end of the day the agency people have a clear conflict of interest if there are any disputes with the airline.
I know for a fact that at Xiamen some current pilots have established an agency and are recruiting expats esp from a DXB LCC. Again, whilst that has apparent advantages it also has major disadvantages and patent conflicts of interest - are they really going to fight for you in a dispute or ensure contractual compliance when it may jeopardize their own position?
One should be close to an airline but not too close when it is really needed. A working relationship at arms length is always important to ensure a degree of independence and objectivity.
Join Date: Sep 2005
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This is an important point.
whilst that has apparent advantages it also has major disadvantages and patent conflicts of interest - are they really going to fight for you in a dispute or ensure contractual compliance when it may jeopardize their own position?
One should be close to an airline but not too close when it is really needed. A working relationship at arms length is always important to ensure a degree of independence and objectivity.
whilst that has apparent advantages it also has major disadvantages and patent conflicts of interest - are they really going to fight for you in a dispute or ensure contractual compliance when it may jeopardize their own position?
One should be close to an airline but not too close when it is really needed. A working relationship at arms length is always important to ensure a degree of independence and objectivity.
Join Date: Sep 2015
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Wickusvandermerwe
BCA REALLY SUCKS !!!!
i'm a prisoner of the company right now.
dont even consider to apply to BCA if you want to have a normal life.
Better options are out there, and even with more money and less hours.
BCA REALLY SUCKS !!!!
i'm a prisoner of the company right now.
dont even consider to apply to BCA if you want to have a normal life.
Better options are out there, and even with more money and less hours.
Only half a speed-brake
We spend more than 22 days outside base ....
I wish you both guys well.
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Join Date: Feb 2018
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What rotation I have doesn't really matter.
For people on the 4/4; 5/4; 6/3 or 6/2; we are outside our base 85% or the month.
People we are paying 30 days Hotel to stay in Shanghai only 6 FULL days; people with family they spend 22/23 nights also out; they see their family 6 days a month....
It really sucks; you are stuck on a Chinesse Hotel 1 star with horrible foosd...
The hotels are really **** in China. The roster in that company is crappy. People is leaving and will continue leaving...
For people on the 4/4; 5/4; 6/3 or 6/2; we are outside our base 85% or the month.
People we are paying 30 days Hotel to stay in Shanghai only 6 FULL days; people with family they spend 22/23 nights also out; they see their family 6 days a month....
It really sucks; you are stuck on a Chinesse Hotel 1 star with horrible foosd...
The hotels are really **** in China. The roster in that company is crappy. People is leaving and will continue leaving...
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Join Date: Feb 2018
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We got an email more than 1 month ago from one of the lovely Bosses...
What changed in one month?
NOTHING¡¡¡
Same ****.
Same crappy roster
No increased salary
No reduced layovers
No reduced split dutys.
What changed in one month?
NOTHING¡¡¡
Same ****.
Same crappy roster
No increased salary
No reduced layovers
No reduced split dutys.
Join Date: Oct 2018
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Expat Pilots China Southern
Hey guys,
Was thinking of applying to be a commuter pilot at China Southern. Out of curiosity does anyone know how many pilots CSA has and what % are on the commuting contract. I assume all on the commuting contract are expats right?
Was thinking of applying to be a commuter pilot at China Southern. Out of curiosity does anyone know how many pilots CSA has and what % are on the commuting contract. I assume all on the commuting contract are expats right?
Join Date: Mar 2008
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There is no intention whatsoever to join CSA and there is an ulterior motive for wanting this information. Be careful.
Just look at the questions asked and the way they are asked.
FOR SURE not a pilot. Journalist perhaps.
Cheers,
Join Date: Oct 2018
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Well said !
China Airlines by far. For all the horror stories you hear about China, at least you are paid well.
What used to be a great job, has fast turned into one of the worst around.
Conditions eroded, min rest turn arounds nearly everywhere, staff travel expensive (full fare cheaper on some routes).
Failure rate amongst Ex Pats over 50% on some fleets.
Oh and non ICAO state, so your licence is not recognised anywhere else in the world.
What used to be a great job, has fast turned into one of the worst around.
Conditions eroded, min rest turn arounds nearly everywhere, staff travel expensive (full fare cheaper on some routes).
Failure rate amongst Ex Pats over 50% on some fleets.
Oh and non ICAO state, so your licence is not recognised anywhere else in the world.
For those not in the know the caac has imposed a extra sim on all foreign pilots ! Short notice and if you call in sick or go home on your normal roster kiss your caac lic away ! It’s a stark reminder to all foreign pilots your not working in a country that gives much credance to human rights !
I keep reading guys from here , saying where I am it’s not that bad blah blah blah .In the same breath when you go out with them they say oh well that guy yeah he had issues ! Yeah he failed a sim his fault 3 years later when it’s their turn to fail a sim piss of one chinese guy it’s a different story ! Well I’ve been here 7 years somehow survived. Keep my head low fly home mostly once a month ! Once or twice a year stay a few extra week ! It’s money and the worst job in aviation
As far as the best or worst job yeah tianjin racks up there as worst I’d stay away from Hna group the caac hates them right now ! Google all the bent airplane in China you will know why ! Shanghai Beijing both expensive! The smaller companies air Guilin ect pay a good bonus ! But like the west management changes and so do working conditions!
Cheers fellow aviators
Join Date: Apr 2012
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Turmoil is an understatement. You have the guy with the clipboard asking questions when you go to work, extra written tests and checkrides, extra punishments and blame, CVRs that record several days of cockpit talk for audits, 6 month medicals at 4 months, schedules and contracts made of rubber, etc.
On top of that, there is daily life in China, where parents beat up street cleaners who object to their kids laying droppings on the sidewalk.
On top of that, there is daily life in China, where parents beat up street cleaners who object to their kids laying droppings on the sidewalk.
Join Date: Jan 2012
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Punishment or joy
BCA initially had a good reputation but that has changed radically in the past few years. The facts are pilots are leaving in droves, rumour is they have 50 resignations in at the moment both chinese and foreign pilots. At least 10 foreign pilots have left in the past year alone.
BCA is not the highest payer anymore and there will be no pay increases for the foreseeable future due to HNA group teetering on bankruptcy.
The working environment there is toxic. There is a well established punishment and blame culture. $3000 fines are handed out like candy.
Training and checking is a nightmare. Zero english spoken from chinese instructors and checkers. Failures are common and numerous foreign pilots have been victims of failure and subsequent demotion to FO for extended periods.
Do you like to be quizzed by some office guy with a clipboard without notice when you report for duty?? If so, then BCA is the place for you..
The schedule comes out on sat night/sunday morning for MONDAY! there is no ability to request a specific day off. You will have zero control over your life during your time in China. IF your contractual leave is approved (its always a struggle) you will be hammered to get the 80hrs minimum in the 2 or 3 weeks of the month available to work. Vacation must be split over 2 consecutive months so they can get the flight hours out of you. Expect to work max duty and min rest.
Your actual block time will be reduced by the company by anything up to 20mins per day. They claim this is legal, but its just a brazen attempt to increase your work time and reduce your claim for overtime payments.
Recently all pilots instructed to answer a 450 question psychological exam to be done in home time. No explanation of who will assess you or what will be done with the results
Extended cockpit voice recorders have been fitted to half the fleet so far to monitor SOP compliance. Records will be reviewed and 2 "occurrences" will earn you a special line check.
Anybody thinking BCA is a good place to be then do yourself a favour and talk to some of the experience pilots who are there and counting the days until they can get out.
BCA is not the highest payer anymore and there will be no pay increases for the foreseeable future due to HNA group teetering on bankruptcy.
The working environment there is toxic. There is a well established punishment and blame culture. $3000 fines are handed out like candy.
Training and checking is a nightmare. Zero english spoken from chinese instructors and checkers. Failures are common and numerous foreign pilots have been victims of failure and subsequent demotion to FO for extended periods.
Do you like to be quizzed by some office guy with a clipboard without notice when you report for duty?? If so, then BCA is the place for you..
The schedule comes out on sat night/sunday morning for MONDAY! there is no ability to request a specific day off. You will have zero control over your life during your time in China. IF your contractual leave is approved (its always a struggle) you will be hammered to get the 80hrs minimum in the 2 or 3 weeks of the month available to work. Vacation must be split over 2 consecutive months so they can get the flight hours out of you. Expect to work max duty and min rest.
Your actual block time will be reduced by the company by anything up to 20mins per day. They claim this is legal, but its just a brazen attempt to increase your work time and reduce your claim for overtime payments.
Recently all pilots instructed to answer a 450 question psychological exam to be done in home time. No explanation of who will assess you or what will be done with the results
Extended cockpit voice recorders have been fitted to half the fleet so far to monitor SOP compliance. Records will be reviewed and 2 "occurrences" will earn you a special line check.
Anybody thinking BCA is a good place to be then do yourself a favour and talk to some of the experience pilots who are there and counting the days until they can get out.
Wtf ? That’s crazy .....now i understand wha’s behind 300,000$ per year .....No,No
Is it true that u can’t just resign and leave ?
