So what is the new package?

has anyone seen the new numbers?

$1000 a month raise for AJX. $600 a month raise for AJV. Per diem goes to $976 a month. Yearly experience pay raise from 1% to 8% depending on longevity. Accomodation allowance is now $550.

Getting Concerned
 

Hello Folks, I have a JP Express interview in a week, and have found all the intel I need on the sim profile, but finding a list of all the potential tech questions has been interesting. Any suggestions other than pprune and japanpilotsforum ?

:ENew pay rates... Don't look that :}bad? Yes I know... Im poor that is why:ok:
What is the retirement age at ANA Express?

When you've paid off your third wife's mortgage, Merc convertible and the pool guy for getting the silly wench off your hands!!:mad::mad:

BMI revisited
 

Hi guys, and gals.

I have an interview next week-ish with AJX. I am terrified by this BMI thing on the medical... I am a bodybuilder (well, not as good as I would like to be) but still I love lifting weights. So, in order for me to get my BMI under 30, I would have to saw off a leg.

Now, I am working on getting my bodfyfat percentage down to 15-12% but that just ain't gonna happen in ten days.

So basically my question is: while I know I am ok by JCAB's rules (I checked) , will AJV/AJX follow that guidance or stick to their guns.. which would be bad for me.

Anybody with any insight, help would be greatly appreciated!

DHC-6

If you were invited to the interview and they are paying for airline ticket, hotel, sim after you reported your BMI to them (by reporting your height, weight during the application process) It seems to me that you should be concentrating in your sim profile and not the profile in the mirror

Good luck

I have an interview on aug. 7th and would like the chance to buy somebody a beer who works for JP so I can get your thoughts on working there. So if your gonna be around on the 6th, let me know. Thanks.

Airbusjim,

You might be lucky if one of the AJV boys is doing a sim (so going to the same building as you'll do the interview and sim ride) but, basically, the nearest AJV contacts to your pre-screening hotel are the guys going through the course (so have little idea of what it's like actually doing the job and living the life). The 'real' AJV pilots will either be away working or will be in NRT or KIX. Those going through the course are in the Mitsui Gardens Hotel in Kamata and this is normally where you'll find those doing a sim as well. I have no idea how you'd go about contacting one of them but a great test of your initiative, I'm sure :ok:

Good luck with the screening process.

The specs I received from Parc state under days off " Basically 10 day consecutively free of duty per month plus commuting days." Does anyone know what this means? Do you commute on your own time or are you given a day to commute? Does anyone have any experience commuting from the US? If so where do you commute from? How difficult is it?

Also, any information regarding US taxes would be helpful.

Thanks in advance.

Barge Inn or Jet Lag club in Narita any day of the week you will find one of us good for nothing drunks there:}

In AJV (cargo) we get 11 days in a row per month off.. It is your option to use vacation days in addition to the 11. Our commute is done on your time..

Many of us commute to the USA.. No problem at all.. You have a choice of a company paid business class ticket or $2,000 every month. Plus, we have ZED tickets if you want too.. Everyone has their own "System" but I buy a coach ticket, and then use miles to upgrade on the flight.. Works great for me, and I make about $300-500 per month, and fly non-stop..

Taxes will vary depending on where you live.. I assume you are American, so assuming you are not out of the country enough to qualify as an Expat, you are responsible for paying taxes like anyone else.. Of course, you can use all of the deductions associated with overseas living and travel..

BC

B767 JP Express Interview
 

Hi Guys,

Having an interview on the 14th of Aug. Can anyone advise what to expect after training is complete how things are vs what is presented by agency? Got family in the states and was planning to commute, but are there any viable alternatives?

thanks

For guys getting interviews....

How much time do you have? Captain or FO interview? Parc or HACS? Rated or non? How long after submitting application did you get the call for interview? Any new gouge?

Thanks in advance.

...request relay...
 

anybody out there?

Now that the option is there to get the visa and live in Japan , how much is the tax?
Can we bring the family along?
11 days plus ? how many from annual leave can be added?
How many nights spent in Osaka?
Any one flying after 60 years of age?
Read once that they might move the base to Okinawa?
After discounting the OIL price chaos and once it becomes normal ( we all hope) what are the plans for the cargo operation?
Did all the already hired get a pay raise also or only the ones with new T&C?
Anything you would like to add is welcomed.
Happy landings

"Parc or Crew" who is the better
 

Hi guys, Who is the best to deal with Parc or Crew?
Whats involved in the 6 months training?
They now mention Command Upgrades has anyone done one or is it lip service?
My info from both companies says
"Basically 10 days consecutively free of duty per month plus commuting days".
Then it says 24 vacation per annum.

So the way I read it is, 10days off at my house per month plus a day either side to commute.
and
24 days vacation per years accure at a rate of 2 days per month.

Any comments please.:confused:

I went thru HACS and have nothing but good things to say about them. They are always around to answer questions.

You commute on your days off. Most guys add their 2 vacation days onto this to give them more time at home.

Yes, you can expect to upgrade sometime into your first contract, at least thats what they are telling everyone.

ESPRIT

Vonkluffen,

Sorry, can't answer your first two questions as everybody I know is a commuter. The agencies pay your salary and it's up to you to sort out the tax. If you're from the US of A then Crew/HACS (whatever you want to call them) have a good understanding of the American tax system and they tax the bits that need to be. Everybody else makes their own arrangements in accordance with the law of their lands. So that leads to the 'bringing family bit'; haven't a clue (useful aren't I :ok:)

AJV (cargo boys) get 11 days off per month. AJX (pax boys) get 10. To those days you can add, if you wish, the 2 days of leave you get per month. You can, of course, save your leave and 'spend' it in bigger chunks.

At the moment, AJV are spending most of their time in KIX, or away on trips to and from KIX. The Company are offering to pay for all accommodation, rather than when you're only on company business, if you take a KIX base. This means you get to keep all of the money you get paid for accommodation each month ($550). The NRT based pilots have to pay for their accom whilst in NRT (and not on standby) and yo can reckon on 4/5 nights per month....ish...approximately....about. You can still retain NRT as your commuting base i.e. to fly to and from home but your base would not be NRT. All depends on your feelings about the environs of KIX and NRT.

There's a few heading the 60 way but I don't know about >60. The Company has a policy for those over 60 flying with other 'more experienced in life' chaps, so I assume it can be done; I just don't know if it is or not. I'm just far too polite to ask :}

Plans!! Crystal balls, rumours and wishful thinking abound, as in any airline. AJV now has 6 B767 freighters and is getting 5 more. The Company has set its business plan and seems just about as steady as any airline could ever be. Rumours talk of possible wet lease of 744s while they firm up the future of the 'stuff' going to the USA and sorting out a handling agent for the cargo. This would mean the loss of the ANC/ORD trip for a couple of years, as the Jumbo does the work. After that the smart money seems to be going on 777 freighters and the ANC/ORD (or, more likely, ORD) coming back 'in house' and flown again by AJV with 10 added to their aircraft. Time frame suggests 6ish years but luckily this is a rumour network, so you can't sue me if it all turns out to be complete garbage.

Everybody is on the new pay/remuneration package.



G'day Park n Shop,

Personal choice, obviously, but might I suggest Parc as the choice for those living in Godzone. There are those in Oz who use Crew and they're very happy with them, it's just that Crew seem a bit more US based, whereas Parc seem to deal with Europeans and Stralians pretty well. Overall, they are as good as each other (and their reps are just as friendly with the competition's clients as their own) but I think most Aussies would agree with me about Parc being the preffered choice for you......now you see how flamed I get :O I would, however, suggest you stick to one of those two agencies!

Training: Air Law groundschool before sitting the JCAB Air Law exam (no, reallly, it's great). A spot of Radio groundschool before sitting the Radio theory and law exams (far more enjoyable than previous groundschool). A bit of CRM, Dangerous Goods etc and then 767 'Systems' groundschool (all computer-based training). If you're type rated you get a shorter course. After/during that you do some fixed-base sims, learning the ANA SOPs etc (again, type rated get a shorter course) and then it's into full flight sims. If you're not type rated you have 2 sim tests. The first is for your type rating, the second for your JCAB ATPL. If you're type rated you just get the ATPL check. The sims revolve around the JCAB tests. After another lovely flight physical you get to go home for a bit (10 days ish) before starting your OJT/route training, whatever you want to call it. Another month is then spent in groundschool (with an occasional sim thrown in), learning the vagaries of the various airfields into which you'll operate, before you finally get your hands on a real 767. Capts do about 20-30 legs, FOs do about 15-24legs. The capts then get another chance to do 'battle' with JCAB, when they have their route check, whereas the FOs have an 'internal' test. Then you get to go home again before returning and flying the line in your normal time on/time off arrangement.

No lip service, FOs get to upgrade after 3-3.5 years (in AJV, can't speak for AJX). AJV is very 'captain heavy' and it's normal for 2 captains to fly together, switching legs as PIC. The Company has no problems at all with having more capts, so FOs DO get to upgrade and they just accept the fact that they don't have very many FOs.

See above for time off. The Company are very understanding that people don't want to waste their time off commuting and are normally very good at scheduling, according to the time of arrival on your first day of work from Oz (or wherever) and, also, the day you want to go home (i.e. getting tou back in time for the evening flight etc).

Now, if this things doesn't post when I've typed all this drivvle I'm going to cry and stamp my feet ;)

Park n Shop,

What Pontious said about commuting is not exactly correct. If you live in Australia or NZ then the schedule works out OK so you can generally arrive in Japan on your first day of work and depart on your last day of work. But for North Americans and especially some of the European guys they continually get shafted and can't leave Japan until the next day. Usually they are on STBY on the last day and the company won't change the STBY times so they can leave on the lunch time flights home. Being on STBY on the last day of work is purely a draconian way of stopping guys from going home early when there is no work for them that day. There is no way they will ever call a guy out on STBY on his last day of work.

As for your comment of commuting days either side of the AJV 11 days or the AJX 10 days off - they do NOT exist. Not sure where you got commuting days from. 11 or 10 is all you get. You commute to and from Japan in YOUR own days off!!!

Absolutely is absolutely correct, so apologies is I give the wrong impression. I assumed from the location that Park n Shop would be commuting from Oz, in which case the flights usually do work out well, as do standbys etc. In the other cases please take Absolutely's advice when considering the commute (and it being in your time) but you can use your leave each month to add one or two days to your time off if you wish.

Thanks Pontius. Clearer picture now.
PS Check your messages.

Good day gents,

New to this side of the world...sort of...well, at least to this site. Quick question please:

I am with CReW, and am scheduled for an interview from 22-27 Sep with the AJX side of the house. Goods and bads from what has been posted here, I know....but from my perspective, it really looks like one of the better contract programs going. I'm intruiged to say the least...and for the most part, it sounds as if most the folks don't mind the program?

Reading back on this thread....I want to ask:

1. Understand you can go through the whooole process, do well, pass, get the thumbs up.........and not get the job?? WHOA...how many guys has THIS happened to??

2. Does anyone have any trip reports or info regarding the technical interview and sim? Heard there's an academic test too? I was sent a small packet of helpful info, some sim stuff....some jepps plates but not a real profile from what I can tell....and various questions for the interview....just want to make sure there isn't anything more out there?

Thank you for your help, I appreciate any helpful replies. I can pay in beer while I'm there...

Cheers,

Southernmostflyer,

Would you mind sharing your background and times. I just applied and although I meet the mins I do not have any wide body time. I have about 3000 hours as an FO on a CRJ and my only comand rating is in a citation. Anybody else in the know feel free to chime in.

Hey man.. I have not really heard of anyone who passed the screening, medical, shrink etc., and not get hired.. I guess there is some talk of guys being hired into some sort of pool, but that should not be the norm.. I am on the cargo side of the house and have had two buddies interview and pass recently, and both were offered classes later in the year..

As far as the interview, the tech thing is relatively new.. Word is it is questions from the US ATP written.. I wouldn't be too worried about it as the Sim remains the MAIN and most important part of the interview.

Hope it helps..

BC

Hey guys,

Anyone getting hired without wide body time. I meet the mins but most of my time is in the right seat of a CRJ and my only comand type rating is in a citation. I would reaaly like to get this job as it would allow me to move back to NZ.

Cheers

For Robbo, Yes pilots have been hired without the wide body time and yes there are CRJ guys here. If you want the job, study the sim profile carefully. If you want more details you can PM me.

Word from management is that no more CRJ drivers will be taken as DECs, so as F/Os maybe you have a chance. Good luck and study that sim profile to the letter!

Thanks for the input guys. I guess the first hurdle is getting an interview with the flood of Boeing drivers being dumped on the market by US carriers.:ugh:

Robbo,

Don't get to wrapped up in so many Boeing guys on the street.. I have had 2 friends interview with MD-11 time and A320 time only.. Doesn't seem to be a deal breaker especially with recommendations.

It's a shame about the CRJ thing.. Truely screwed a few of my buddies trying to come on due to the increase in the PIC requirement.. Many guys from the military or long-time major don't have it now!!

Tru DAT...

Quick interview-simulator question please:

The handout they give you to study refers to speeds in the vref+40, +60, etc.

Is it simple enough to say that if the weight of the aircraft never changes from start to finish ( at least thats what the CReW handouts infer...) would it be safe to just know the speeds and order them set accordingly....if not, is there the standard weight/speed card that you can refer to...or do they expect som sort of basic knowledge of what it should be prior to the sim...? Am I stressing....uh, thinking too much?


DIFFERENT path...

I have read thru as many posts on the ANA program here, and for the most part, I must conclude that the majority of comments/posts are all on the positive side of the scale. This, to say the least, is a bit refreshing...but I'm a glass half full kind of person anyway.

Interview/ops/schedule/days off aside......................................
How are the trips?

Crews typically get along? My background has dealt with a very large group of unhappy and bitter pilots.....it would be ammmaaaazzzinnggg to find a place where that was the exception and not the rule.

Usually 2 pilots or are the legs long enough to warrant more?

And most importantly...layovers! Good? Rockin? Crazy awesome? Crappy?

Flight attendants hot?

They mingle with the pilot types on layover or is that taboo?

Best layover? WORST layover?


THANK YOU for all on this site for posting all of this information. I appreciate all of your insight.

Kind to think of it, I did go through after him. Maybe my dumb ass messed everything for you guys. Sorry:eek:

I am going to ignore the other post and respond to Southern..

To your first question, the answer is simply YES..
Yes, there the weight should remain constant at 260k
Yes, there is a speed card right in front of you, and the CDU based on current or set weight
Yes, you are thinking too much.. he he he.. Its all good as the Sim is key.

I can only speak for the Cargo side of the house when it comes to layovers..

I know the the PAX guys have fun but it normally involves sheep, hot oil, WW2 uniforms, and Nick Cave records, so I guess if that's your thing...

For us, we have been known to have a bit of fun in ANC, ORD and (umm, umm) BKK. Sadly, I think the legal bills piling up from ANC have tamed everyone a bit, but there is still fun to have..:E

As far as crews getting along.. Like anywhere you go, we have a few tools. But 99% of the time, guys get along well... be it on trips or hanging around in Japan.. Best group of guys I have ever worked with, truely.. (Yes, I am the tool.. he he he)

As for our flight attendants, what can I tell you.. If you are into bondage, bubble wrap and hot "boxes" you will love it... (We are cargo:8)

Hope it helps..

BC

...And yes, you can blame the Dominican for the "demise" of the RJ drivers here. :* Just kidding dude.

With the screening, as long as you don't crack any Japanese/Asian jokes during the interview and do really well on the sim, you guys should be alright. The medical and the psychological tests shouldn't be that difficult - well, unless you're really, really overweight, had any type of eye surgery (ie lasik), and have a history of admission to the mental ward.

The layovers at AJX are pretty good. Depends on how you make of it. We only have 3 so far. The girls will go out during layovers, but not every time. And they can range from hot to ugly, but majority of them are hot and not overweight and they seem to giggle a lot. :confused: One of the China day trips, you will average 9+ hours block. And on HNL trips, flight time will exceed 8/9 hours especially during the fall and winter months on the westbounds (still 2-pilot crew).

Otherwise, like Birdcage and the others said, it's a laid-back job and the majority of the pilots do get along fine, except for....I'll just stop here.

HEY! Not very nice going through my overnight bag man:=

Truth be told, I did not go through your bag, I just saw you and a small Danish man getting searched in Customs.. :=

he he he

I guess it would depend where our comapdre just got in from.......they could find anything in his bag:ok:

its been quiet here
 

first post. i have an interview in OCT
Any new news or rumors?
read the whole forum. thanks for everyones input great stuff
Thanks

Just read the minutes from our recent pilot meeting with the company, and it sounds pretty quiet.. Airplane #6 comes soon, and a couple of new Asian cities, as well-as ICN layovers, that's about it for now!

Goodluck with the interview!

BC

Recent changes on the interview!!!!!!!!!!!! A pilot that I have been in contact with just passed his interview:D and posted this comment on another site

"Day one- Medical 4.5 hours

Day two- Written test, MMPI, Board Interview and SIM.

Seems to be a change in the Board Interview. Have read and been told pretty light on the technical side. Not the case anymore. A good 15 minutes on , turbulence, de-icing procedures, Jepp Charts, ICAO holding procedures, RVSM, Class B, G, D airspace."


Brush up on that info and good luck:ok: