Japan lifestyle and Japanese contracts
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Japan lifestyle and Japanese contracts
I have secured a contract to live and work, based in Osaka, for a Japanese regional carrier ( subsidiary of ALL Nippon). If anyone has any info on accomodation costs, income taxes, living conditions, integrating with Japanese culture( if at all!) or any other useful info to help me in my decision it would be much appreciated! Anyone's opinion on these issues that was currently or recently on contract in Japan would be most invaluable....
Thanks in Advance
Thanks in Advance
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Hi Crager,
Command or FO?
Would you mind telling what sort of experiece you've got. Any time on type? And how long did it take to finalize the contract from the moment you applied.
Thanks in advance.
Command or FO?
Would you mind telling what sort of experiece you've got. Any time on type? And how long did it take to finalize the contract from the moment you applied.
Thanks in advance.
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Howdy,
as I'm also considering the "Japan-Deal" I would appreciate
if someone already there (in Japan) could enlight us with
some more details about the operation, housing, costs of living,
etc.
Thanks in advance
Regards
Dash8
as I'm also considering the "Japan-Deal" I would appreciate
if someone already there (in Japan) could enlight us with
some more details about the operation, housing, costs of living,
etc.
Thanks in advance
Regards
Dash8
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Im a Brit living in Japan. im a wannabee at the moment (doing my PPL next January after I leave here). Im here teaching English, so while I cant give you any piloting advice I can give you lots of Japan advice. Ive lived in Osaka since Nov 2001.
If you still need advice PM me or reply to this.
Gambatte ne (Good luck)
James
If you still need advice PM me or reply to this.
Gambatte ne (Good luck)
James
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Info needed...please
Are there any more people out there who can give some advice? on the above mentioned subjects?
Like what is the index of cost of living compared to EU? (EU being 100)
And any info on the possibilities to move the "family"? eg schooling and living ( yes i know its expensive but a little more explanatory info would be appreciated)
'Doomo arigatoo gozaimasu'
Pointer
Like what is the index of cost of living compared to EU? (EU being 100)
And any info on the possibilities to move the "family"? eg schooling and living ( yes i know its expensive but a little more explanatory info would be appreciated)
'Doomo arigatoo gozaimasu'
Pointer
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to Craiger - what sort of stuff did they ask you in the interview, and I hear the medical is a nightmare. Im heading off to the states in august for the interview, and am looking for some guidance.
In regards to the cost of living. My friends is japan say that the 2000 USD PM will cover some pretty good accom in Osaka. Im still trying to work out transport to/from Itami, and the viability of having a car in japan. The trains are pretty good apparently.
cheers
bateman
In regards to the cost of living. My friends is japan say that the 2000 USD PM will cover some pretty good accom in Osaka. Im still trying to work out transport to/from Itami, and the viability of having a car in japan. The trains are pretty good apparently.
cheers
bateman
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contract info??
This is or may not be correct. This is what i have been made to understand, if it is not correct please don't shoot the messanger as I got this from some one offered a contract package there.
Good Luck..
BASE Itami, Osaka
COMMENCEMENT DATE January & March 2004
A screening process in July & August 03 to include :-(i) Interview / Simulator Check(ii) Medical
DURATION 3 years.Training estimated 4/5 months and will be carried out at a location to be decided.
Captain: A gross Salary of USD 6,000 per month.
First Officer: A gross Salary of USD 4,000 per month.
DASH 8-Q400 ALLOWANCE For pilots who hold Dash 8-Q400 type rating at the commencement of the training period, a Dash 8-Q400 bonus of USD 5000 ( 3500 USD for First officers)gross at the end of each year of the initial 3 year contract period will be paid.
BLOCK HOURS 70 hours per month – subject to a maximum of 100 hours in 30 days. Hours in excess of 70 hours per month will be paid at the part of USD 85 ( 57 USD for First officers)per hour of part thereof.
DAYS OFF Whilst training: TRAINING 2 days per week.
Whilst on line: There will be two types of roster patterns available. Candidates will choose the pattern at the commencement of contract. Both Roster patterns provide blocks of days off combined with 24 days vacation.
ACCOMMODATION DURING TRAINING Hotel accommodation for the full duration of the Training Period. In addition a living allowance of USD 50 per day shall be payable to each crew member during the training period.
Once online: (I) Single room hotel accommodation at layover stations other than the designated base of operations.(ii) An accommodation / living allowance of USD 2000 gross per month. Pilots will be required to pay for accommodation at operating base.
GROUND TRANSPORTATION DURING TRAINING
Ground transportation or allowance between hotel and training centre will be provided.
On lay overs, Ground transportation at outstations is provided.
AIR TRANSPORTATION TRAINING: Positive air transportation provided at commencement and termination of the training programme in respect crewmembers. In addition A-net will provide free return tickets to eligible dependants to visit once during the training period.
Once online:....An air transportation allowance of USD 1,000 gross per month pro rata shall be payable to each crew member towards the cost of commuting to Osaka base. Each pilot and his eligible dependants shall be entitled to reduced rate transportation in accordance with applicable A-net regulations for travel on A-net.
VACATION The entitlement is 24 days vacation per annum. Vacation may be awarded during the training period. Will be combined with Rostered days off.
SICK LEAVE Each pilot will accrue one (1) paid sick day for each two (2) complete months service. The maximum number accrued shall be twelve (12) days.
UNIFORMS & MANUALS Provided by A-net.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Maximum age 55 at date of entry. No history of accident / incidents.
Captains hold a current and valid ATPL licence including a radio licence acceptable for validation by the JCAB for the issue of a Japanese ATPL.- Total flight time in excess of 3000 hours- 1500hrs of PIC time including 500 PIC hours on 2 man commercial turboprop aircraft - Valid Class 1 medical- Valid ICAO ATPL - Current and valid Dash 8 type rating preferred.
-
First Officers hold a current and valid ATPL licence including a radio licence acceptable for validation by the JCAB for the issue of a Japanese ATPL.Hold a valid medical certificate issued by an ICAO member state
Total flight time in excess of 2500 hours (Including 1500 hours of PIC time. Half of copilot time is calculated as PIC time).- 500 hours on 2 man commercial turboprop aircraft- Valid Class 1 medical- Valid ICAO ATPL - Current and valid Dash 8 type rating preferred.
LOSS OF LICENCE INSURANCE Professional Loss of Licence Insurance will be made available to crewmembers at discounted rates.
TAXATION Candidates will be liable for Japanese Tax. an estimates of approx 20% per year depending on a candidates individual circumstances.
Good Luck..
BASE Itami, Osaka
COMMENCEMENT DATE January & March 2004
A screening process in July & August 03 to include :-(i) Interview / Simulator Check(ii) Medical
DURATION 3 years.Training estimated 4/5 months and will be carried out at a location to be decided.
Captain: A gross Salary of USD 6,000 per month.
First Officer: A gross Salary of USD 4,000 per month.
DASH 8-Q400 ALLOWANCE For pilots who hold Dash 8-Q400 type rating at the commencement of the training period, a Dash 8-Q400 bonus of USD 5000 ( 3500 USD for First officers)gross at the end of each year of the initial 3 year contract period will be paid.
BLOCK HOURS 70 hours per month – subject to a maximum of 100 hours in 30 days. Hours in excess of 70 hours per month will be paid at the part of USD 85 ( 57 USD for First officers)per hour of part thereof.
DAYS OFF Whilst training: TRAINING 2 days per week.
Whilst on line: There will be two types of roster patterns available. Candidates will choose the pattern at the commencement of contract. Both Roster patterns provide blocks of days off combined with 24 days vacation.
ACCOMMODATION DURING TRAINING Hotel accommodation for the full duration of the Training Period. In addition a living allowance of USD 50 per day shall be payable to each crew member during the training period.
Once online: (I) Single room hotel accommodation at layover stations other than the designated base of operations.(ii) An accommodation / living allowance of USD 2000 gross per month. Pilots will be required to pay for accommodation at operating base.
GROUND TRANSPORTATION DURING TRAINING
Ground transportation or allowance between hotel and training centre will be provided.
On lay overs, Ground transportation at outstations is provided.
AIR TRANSPORTATION TRAINING: Positive air transportation provided at commencement and termination of the training programme in respect crewmembers. In addition A-net will provide free return tickets to eligible dependants to visit once during the training period.
Once online:....An air transportation allowance of USD 1,000 gross per month pro rata shall be payable to each crew member towards the cost of commuting to Osaka base. Each pilot and his eligible dependants shall be entitled to reduced rate transportation in accordance with applicable A-net regulations for travel on A-net.
VACATION The entitlement is 24 days vacation per annum. Vacation may be awarded during the training period. Will be combined with Rostered days off.
SICK LEAVE Each pilot will accrue one (1) paid sick day for each two (2) complete months service. The maximum number accrued shall be twelve (12) days.
UNIFORMS & MANUALS Provided by A-net.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Maximum age 55 at date of entry. No history of accident / incidents.
Captains hold a current and valid ATPL licence including a radio licence acceptable for validation by the JCAB for the issue of a Japanese ATPL.- Total flight time in excess of 3000 hours- 1500hrs of PIC time including 500 PIC hours on 2 man commercial turboprop aircraft - Valid Class 1 medical- Valid ICAO ATPL - Current and valid Dash 8 type rating preferred.
-
First Officers hold a current and valid ATPL licence including a radio licence acceptable for validation by the JCAB for the issue of a Japanese ATPL.Hold a valid medical certificate issued by an ICAO member state
Total flight time in excess of 2500 hours (Including 1500 hours of PIC time. Half of copilot time is calculated as PIC time).- 500 hours on 2 man commercial turboprop aircraft- Valid Class 1 medical- Valid ICAO ATPL - Current and valid Dash 8 type rating preferred.
LOSS OF LICENCE INSURANCE Professional Loss of Licence Insurance will be made available to crewmembers at discounted rates.
TAXATION Candidates will be liable for Japanese Tax. an estimates of approx 20% per year depending on a candidates individual circumstances.
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According to a report drawn up by the Economist Magazine that I saw on CNN, Osaka and Tokyo are the two most expensive cities on the planet.
I live in Osaka, and it is definitely a lot more expensive than England.
We pay about 600 pounds a month in rent for our apartment. We have two rooms, kitchen/dining area and small bathroom. It is possible to rent a house, but of course the cost will increase.
There are some service agents that speak English, but im sure your company would be able to sort out the main things for you such as apartment and how to register as an alien.
I find that I spend about 160,000 yen (800 UK pounds) a month of my salary, the rest I can save. Thats not living too sparsely either.
Intergrating into Japanese life can be.... interesting. You are always going to be an outsider, and culture shock comes and bites you when you east expect it. But its a lovely place to live and there are some great places to visit.
Public transport is well priced and very efficient. The Japanese love new things, so second hand cars are really good bargains. A lot of my friends have bought them and shipped them home and made a packet.
Food can be very expensive in supermarkets (2 USD for one Tomato!!!) but you find cheap places and eating out is very well priced as long as you avoid the really posh looking places.
There are quite a few International Schools in the Osaka area, but I dont really know anything about them.
Thats all that seems relevant for now.
If anyone wants any more info Id be pleased to help, PM or email me.
Ill be in Japan till Christmas, so get in touch
James
I live in Osaka, and it is definitely a lot more expensive than England.
We pay about 600 pounds a month in rent for our apartment. We have two rooms, kitchen/dining area and small bathroom. It is possible to rent a house, but of course the cost will increase.
There are some service agents that speak English, but im sure your company would be able to sort out the main things for you such as apartment and how to register as an alien.
I find that I spend about 160,000 yen (800 UK pounds) a month of my salary, the rest I can save. Thats not living too sparsely either.
Intergrating into Japanese life can be.... interesting. You are always going to be an outsider, and culture shock comes and bites you when you east expect it. But its a lovely place to live and there are some great places to visit.
Public transport is well priced and very efficient. The Japanese love new things, so second hand cars are really good bargains. A lot of my friends have bought them and shipped them home and made a packet.
Food can be very expensive in supermarkets (2 USD for one Tomato!!!) but you find cheap places and eating out is very well priced as long as you avoid the really posh looking places.
There are quite a few International Schools in the Osaka area, but I dont really know anything about them.
Thats all that seems relevant for now.
If anyone wants any more info Id be pleased to help, PM or email me.
Ill be in Japan till Christmas, so get in touch
James
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Advice please....
Gentlemen,
Konbanwa! I am exploring the possibility of finding an airline or corporate flying job in Japan and would like some pointers from those of you in the know....
Me: ICAO ATPL with B777 and Lear 45 type ratings
2300hrs on B777, total 2600hrs
Age 33 and able to obtain Japanese spouse visa
Japanese language limited to names of food so far
Which Japanese airlines hire expat FOs? What can I expect?
Since I can get a spouse visa, will the airlines direct hire someone like me or I have to go through the agencies like IASCO or HACS?
Thats all I can think of at the moment. Any info/contact will be greatly appreciated.
Domo arigato gozaimasu!
Konbanwa! I am exploring the possibility of finding an airline or corporate flying job in Japan and would like some pointers from those of you in the know....
Me: ICAO ATPL with B777 and Lear 45 type ratings
2300hrs on B777, total 2600hrs
Age 33 and able to obtain Japanese spouse visa
Japanese language limited to names of food so far
Which Japanese airlines hire expat FOs? What can I expect?
Since I can get a spouse visa, will the airlines direct hire someone like me or I have to go through the agencies like IASCO or HACS?
Thats all I can think of at the moment. Any info/contact will be greatly appreciated.
Domo arigato gozaimasu!
Moderate, Modest & Mild.
The contract as posted by Hajj Man looks fraught with pitfalls for those of you who haven't worked under contract, or with the Japanese before.
They bend and break it whenever they want to, and you'll find that the contracting agent will not back YOU up.
As an example, "VACATION The entitlement is 24 days vacation per annum. Vacation may be awarded during the training period. Will be combined with Rostered days off."
So for reasons that are solely those of the company, you now find that a sim will not be available for 2 weeks after your ground school, or, a training captain isn't available, or, JCAB cannot schedule you for your final check for a couple of weeks.
You will now be "awarded" VACATION leave of 2 weeks - leaving you with 10 days for the rest of the year.
"Both Roster patterns provide blocks of days off combined with 24 days vacation."....in other words the company will assign you leave, piecemeal, when it suits THEM.
Forget about slipping away for 7-10 days.
"Ground transportation or allowance between hotel and training centre will be provided.".
Now while that sounds fine, the "allowance" will ONLY be for public transport, and whilst the public transport in Japan is fairly good, unless you read Kanji (or Hiragana in many cases) you are going to be battling.
Furthermore, the transportation needed to get you from hotel to the training centre may very well involve changing busses/trains, with a considerable walk between the two OUTSIDE. Japan is more humid than Singapore in the summer (ie. you sweat like a pig), and FREEZING cold in winter...it snows in Osaka!
"Once online:....An air transportation allowance of USD 1,000 gross per month pro rata shall be payable to each crew member towards the cost of commuting to Osaka base. Each pilot and his eligible dependants shall be entitled to reduced rate transportation in accordance with applicable A-net regulations for travel on A-net."
The so-called "reduced rate" transportation is not worth a pinch of goat's sh!t in the company I'm with.
As an example, an ID75 that I enquired about, from Osaka to New Zealand, would have had to have been based on fare of NZD10,000.
Also be very wary of the clause 'applicable...regulations for travel". You will find that because you are not employed directly by the airline, you are precluded from MANY of the entitlements.
Living in Japan IS expensive, especially the utilities, telephone, water, electricity, and gas. It is not uncommon to have a gas bill of 30-40,000 yen (AUD500 - 600) per month, during winter.
Additionally, all of your bills come ONLY in Kanji, and if you miss paying them on time the service will be disconnected, and you'll be charged a re-connection fee.
Quite frankly, I don't see the F/O's salary as survivable at all.
As for the Captain's - you MIGHT save a small amount - but not if you have a family.
International schools cost about USD10,000 per annum, per child.
The only airline of which I'm aware employs expat F/O's is Air Japan (an ANA 767 subsidiary).
"TAXATION Candidates will be liable for Japanese Tax. an estimates of approx 20% per year depending on a candidates individual circumstances."
Without a doubt you will HAVE to employ a Tax Agent to do the tax for you.
Additionally, there's another 5% tax on everything you purchase. I recall reading somewhere recently that this may be increased.
IMO, give this contract a wide berth, until the salary and conditions are improved.
Don't be fooled by the smiles and sugar-coated tongues!!
They bend and break it whenever they want to, and you'll find that the contracting agent will not back YOU up.
As an example, "VACATION The entitlement is 24 days vacation per annum. Vacation may be awarded during the training period. Will be combined with Rostered days off."
So for reasons that are solely those of the company, you now find that a sim will not be available for 2 weeks after your ground school, or, a training captain isn't available, or, JCAB cannot schedule you for your final check for a couple of weeks.
You will now be "awarded" VACATION leave of 2 weeks - leaving you with 10 days for the rest of the year.
"Both Roster patterns provide blocks of days off combined with 24 days vacation."....in other words the company will assign you leave, piecemeal, when it suits THEM.
Forget about slipping away for 7-10 days.
"Ground transportation or allowance between hotel and training centre will be provided.".
Now while that sounds fine, the "allowance" will ONLY be for public transport, and whilst the public transport in Japan is fairly good, unless you read Kanji (or Hiragana in many cases) you are going to be battling.
Furthermore, the transportation needed to get you from hotel to the training centre may very well involve changing busses/trains, with a considerable walk between the two OUTSIDE. Japan is more humid than Singapore in the summer (ie. you sweat like a pig), and FREEZING cold in winter...it snows in Osaka!
"Once online:....An air transportation allowance of USD 1,000 gross per month pro rata shall be payable to each crew member towards the cost of commuting to Osaka base. Each pilot and his eligible dependants shall be entitled to reduced rate transportation in accordance with applicable A-net regulations for travel on A-net."
The so-called "reduced rate" transportation is not worth a pinch of goat's sh!t in the company I'm with.
As an example, an ID75 that I enquired about, from Osaka to New Zealand, would have had to have been based on fare of NZD10,000.
Also be very wary of the clause 'applicable...regulations for travel". You will find that because you are not employed directly by the airline, you are precluded from MANY of the entitlements.
Living in Japan IS expensive, especially the utilities, telephone, water, electricity, and gas. It is not uncommon to have a gas bill of 30-40,000 yen (AUD500 - 600) per month, during winter.
Additionally, all of your bills come ONLY in Kanji, and if you miss paying them on time the service will be disconnected, and you'll be charged a re-connection fee.
Quite frankly, I don't see the F/O's salary as survivable at all.
As for the Captain's - you MIGHT save a small amount - but not if you have a family.
International schools cost about USD10,000 per annum, per child.
The only airline of which I'm aware employs expat F/O's is Air Japan (an ANA 767 subsidiary).
"TAXATION Candidates will be liable for Japanese Tax. an estimates of approx 20% per year depending on a candidates individual circumstances."
Without a doubt you will HAVE to employ a Tax Agent to do the tax for you.
Additionally, there's another 5% tax on everything you purchase. I recall reading somewhere recently that this may be increased.
IMO, give this contract a wide berth, until the salary and conditions are improved.
Don't be fooled by the smiles and sugar-coated tongues!!
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I can't talk about about the contract specifically, but speaking from 2 years experience with NOVA teaching English, Japanese companies do try to mess you about and treat you in a way we in the west would consider bad. Japanese workers get absolutely shafted, but they dont seem to mind!!! It's the Japanese way they always tell me when I ask why!!
Japanese workers are expected to not take their paid vacation at all!!
Unpaid overtime is a big problem too. Most Japanese workers to OT for free!!
Most train stations in Japan have English signs on the station and some have English announcements. On buses or if you are living in a rural area you might have a problem, but not in the city and surrounds.
James
Japanese workers are expected to not take their paid vacation at all!!
Unpaid overtime is a big problem too. Most Japanese workers to OT for free!!
Now while that sounds fine, the "allowance" will ONLY be for public transport, and whilst the public transport in Japan is fairly good, unless you read Kanji (or Hiragana in many cases) you are going to be battling.
James
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Thanks for the replies gentlemen. keep 'em coming!
Kaptin M,
You seem to know alot about Japan. May I ask if you know of Japanese airlines who hire direct than through agencies? As I've mentioned before, I am able to obtain a spouse visa...
Anyone know if JAS hires expat FOs for their 777 fleet?
Regards.
Kaptin M,
You seem to know alot about Japan. May I ask if you know of Japanese airlines who hire direct than through agencies? As I've mentioned before, I am able to obtain a spouse visa...
Anyone know if JAS hires expat FOs for their 777 fleet?
Regards.
Moderate, Modest & Mild.
777Efoh, JAS and JAL are one now (as of October last year), and both operations are effectively JAL although some JAS flights still operate with Air System callsigns.
The only airline of which I'm aware that recruits direct entry foreigners is Air Do (Hokkaido International Airlines) - they have a couple of 767's - however I'm unsure as to whether they take non-Japanese F/O's.
You need to do what we all had to do, write to each and every airline.
Best of Luck with your endeavours.
The only airline of which I'm aware that recruits direct entry foreigners is Air Do (Hokkaido International Airlines) - they have a couple of 767's - however I'm unsure as to whether they take non-Japanese F/O's.
You need to do what we all had to do, write to each and every airline.
Best of Luck with your endeavours.
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Kon-nichi-wa
777Efoh, Some small Japanese airlines directly hire FOs. But I think FOs are all Japanese, not expat. Anyway try Skymark/Fair/SkyNetAsia.
Give me PM if you have question.
Sayou-nara
c152driver
777Efoh, Some small Japanese airlines directly hire FOs. But I think FOs are all Japanese, not expat. Anyway try Skymark/Fair/SkyNetAsia.
Give me PM if you have question.
Sayou-nara
c152driver
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Kaptin M,
Thanks for your encouragement. Managed to ask a JAL Japanese FO thru a friend recently and was told JAL and possibly ANA do not take in foreigners.
Can try their subsidiaries though. I'm just wondering since JAS is now merged with JAL, does that mean hiring for JAS is now through JAL?
Anyway, I've sent out resumes to a couple of non-Japanese airlines who are/may still hire during this slow period and hopefully something comes up. In the meantime, I'll also write to the Japanese airlines...
c152driver,
Please check your PM.
Have a good sunday everyone!
Thanks for your encouragement. Managed to ask a JAL Japanese FO thru a friend recently and was told JAL and possibly ANA do not take in foreigners.
Can try their subsidiaries though. I'm just wondering since JAS is now merged with JAL, does that mean hiring for JAS is now through JAL? Anyway, I've sent out resumes to a couple of non-Japanese airlines who are/may still hire during this slow period and hopefully something comes up. In the meantime, I'll also write to the Japanese airlines...
c152driver,
Please check your PM.
Have a good sunday everyone!