I cant remember what I did with mine. Was the app. sent to you in PDF form or was it sent in the mail? If it was sent to you electronically, then I would fill it in on the computer. If it was mailed to you, I would write it in very neat and clear block letters. Do typewriters even exist anymore??

In the autobiographical section I wrote my short autobiography. Flying history, job history, and added in some recent family history (marriage). If I remember correctly, they want you to indicate if you are planning to commute or not. In my opinion, this is a little bit of a trick question. You are applying for a job that is a commuting contract. I would be leary of saying you are not planning to commute. A lot of questions they ask you will come from what you write there so make sure its accurate.

Typewriter?

Actually, yeah. I have an IBM Selectric II in my closet. But then again, I'm kind of a pack rat. :)

Thanks for the info, anyone else had a comment on the type/handwritten/computerized?

Did mine on the computer, worked out good. I was asked a lot of questions about commuting such as, are you familiar with commuting, from where will you be commuting, you know it can be very stressfull etc. Also you might want to make notice of the date columm under flying experience, it's
DD/MM/YR and not the way you would normally write it in the US, caught that one myself right before I hit the send key,

Best of luck,
FD2

I sent mine on the PDF format and filled it out right out of the computer. just make sure that you don't round hours and that sort of thing, be accurate. The autobiographical is very important, make sure that you write about you and give them a sence of who you are and how you will cope with the commute and the support that you are getting from your family. Remember, you are NOT going to impress this folks with your "flight times" since they have apps from folks all over the world and folks that have flown heavy frames on long hauls. Most of the folks in our class now came down from the 747's and MD-11's and the other bunch where 737 captains. IMO the autobiographical section is very important:ok:

Thanks, guys. Good stuff.

FD2, the same guy on FI? You've gone over there, too?

With all the U.S. guys leaving the market, who's going to be left flying in the U.S.? :E

I'm also a PPWer & APCer as well as Lear70 nice to see guys reaching out for all available resources.

I went thru CReW as the pay seemed a little higher even though they don't have the retirement account now. I filled out the app. online and missed the autobio. section at the end, so Alan asked me to redo it and then they went thru and made doubley sure all the i's were dotted and t's crossed. Recieved a phone call a couple days ago asking if I had any questions about the sim profile and Mike Lee from CReW really took the time to explain EXACTLY what they wanted to see.

Luck to all including those already in class.

Jobear

Great Info Guys, especially those of you already over there.. I agree with all that has been written about the interview and sim process.. I think it is important to stress a good attitude. I was in a good situation when I interviewed because I already have a good job for a major carrier, just looking to leave the Middle East. I was honest with them about my situation, and found the enviroment to be very warm, and a lot of smiles. Same with the sim.. Obviously they are looking for an impressive performance (you should get the gouge from PARC well before the interview) but try to have fun with it.. I had them laughing a few times, and found myself just rolling with the punches.. Sometimes things would move a bit slower then you may want in the sim, but relax, take your time and again, try to have fun and show a bit of personality... (there are already soo many nerds doing what we do.. don't be one of them!!:8 )

See everyone soon...

Cheers,

777BC
AJV Capt. Class May 21st

Hey Birdcage,

I don't totally disagree with what you are saying but to any new guys trying for interviews don't show too much "personality", just be yourself! I've been with this lot for over 5 years now and anyone showing too much "personality" is like a raised nail waiting to be hammered!! The Japanese system runs on "not standing out from the crowd"!!

Just some more advice!

My friend, that is why I said "A bit of personality"...

:}

I am off to the golf couse to pick up my white gloves!

I'm arriving Sat evening, to start on course NQT6-15 on Monday.
Where will you fellows be? ....TGI's?
Shall we at least say 17.00 Sunday in the bar?

Oh...and what's with the gloves and headset thing?

Later
TAC

I believe we no longer frequent TGI's since they stiffed some of our guys pretty bad. Aparently a few weeks ago, the manager came up and said that one of the group left without paying for some beers. When the manager was asked what date this occurred, he said about 3 weeks prior. Having returned to the place many times since that date, he was questioned as to why he waited so long. No answer....

Also, aparently one of the bartenders made a pretty nasty comment about our group too. He didnt know one of the japanese persons at the bar was with the group when he said it and they overherd it.

Service there sucks, beer is way too expensive, and there are many better options around. Just FYI

Count me in! I think the PARC people are taking a few of us out on Sun, but would still ike to meet up.. Anyone out on Sat night?? assuming I can still stand after that long flight!! What about Outback?

BC

I have my flight info and will arrive the 23rd is the Tokyo Inn anywhere near where everyone else is? Keeping them crossed for the medical and chair flying for the sim....

Any idea on how long after interview invite to training is extended?

I am not sure where the Tokyo Inn is. We are mostly in the Shinagawa area. AJV guys around the Kamata area.

I dont recall exactly how long it took from interview to offer, but I do remember that it was agonizingly slow. I think it was about a month or so.. maybe a bit more.

Good luck

For me it came after almost two months :ugh:

Worth the wait IMO:ok:

737 ops
 

Do you guys happen to have any info on the 737 ops in Japan or can you get it for me via pm please? I'd appreciate it.:ugh:

Hi bud
yup, no worries, get in touch with IAC...they have the best contracts in this part of the world.
Talk to Sam
[email protected]
cheers
TAC

Hi All,

Just wondering, are AJV still taking on Captains or is the break in captain recruitment as explained on the HACS website still in force? I passed everything in the selection procedure back in February but have heard nothing since. It seems unlike the ANA group to just leave someone hanging like this judging from what little I've seen of them that is.

Any info gratefully received.

Kirk out.....

They do take a while to get back to you, but they will. Hang in there:ok:

I think that the captain slots are filled for a while, but it will start again by the fall I think:D

Drop a line to your contract agency and ask them about your status

Toyoko Inn I found is right next to Haneda Airport, nice city and everyone so far has been great did the medical today. I have no idea how I did as almost no one spoke enlish and my Japanese is VERY limited; any idea if they let you know right away on a bust item for the medical? Sim on the morrow and I found out I am the only one being tested right now so the spotlight shinith on Jobear....








man I need a beer.

Blue skies to all
Jobear

Thanks for the info Dominican, I'll hang on a while longer and see what happens.

No bro! It takes three weeks for them to get the results back for the medical.:ugh:

tax
 

Any one know what to expect from the tax man? If paid abroad? If you take all money into Japan? After deductions % you end paying, (not tax brakets pls. ) Any other valuable info...
Take care

Depends on which country will be your residence. You will not have residence in Japan on this contract so you will not have the option to pay Japan taxes. You will have to comply with whatever tax regulations apply to your home country. Your salary is paid tax free so this is your responsibility and in the contract, you agree to release your employer from any tax liabilities. In the US, there are ways to get out of the first 85,000 (somewhere around there), but it is not easy to do. Right now I put aside 30% for taxes and that should cover me until I figure out how it will work.

...thanks. And if you reside in Japan... ?There are some jobs that you cannot comute , domestic operation.

I am here on a commuting contract so I will have to defer to someone else about japanese taxes, however, this link seemed to have a pretty good bit of info.

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2206.html

The problem deducting that $85,000 for US taxes is that if you fly to Hawaii (which they do almost every week on the AJX contract), you're technically back in the U.S.

You have to be gone from the U.S. for 330 days out of the calendar year, INCLUDING returns temporarily for vacation or even a flight into Hawaii.

That means you can't, more than likely, use the deduction based on that rule alone.

Someone said they purchased a home in Thailand or somewhere similar and are using that as their "home" and still get to claim the $85,000 tax deduction, regardless of how much you return to the U.S. I have not checked with an accountant to see if this meets the IRS guidelines or not.

More than likely, you'll have to pay U.S. income taxes on almost all of it.

Lear is correct on the 330 days. At AJX or AJV, that will be impossible. In order to qualify for the foreign earned income exclusion you must:
1. have a foreign earned income
2. tax home must be in a foreign country
3. one of the following
a. bona fide foreign residence
b. pay foreign tax in a country with a tax treaty with the US
c. out of the US 330 days
The specifics of each are located on the IRS website.
I am buying a house in Thailand (technically my wife since I cannot own it)but merly owning a house there will not quailfy me. I will have to have that as my actual residence (which we are doing). There are no set guidelines as to what the IRS uses, but I assume they are pretty picky. The info is on the website for those who are interested, but its too long to try to explain here.

http://www.hi-ho.ne.jp/yokoyama-a/ta...income%20taxes
III. Japanese income taxes on Expatriates' Compensation
III-1. Expatriates in Japan
Foreign enterprises have various interests in Japan through their branches,joint ventures with Japanese enterprises,liaison offices,and other forms of business arrangements in Japan. Usually the expatriates' assignment in Japan is for more than one year,and,under the Tax Law of Japan,they are liable for Japanese income taxes as resident taxpayers.
The expatriates no doubt have no intention to reside in Japan permanently,and they are treated as non-permanent resident taxpayers for the first five years of their residence in Japan and as permanent resident taxpayers thereafter.
The scope of taxable income in respect of non-permanent resident taxpayers is different from that of permanent resident taxpayers with respect to income from sources abroad which ,if not paid in Japan or remitted to Japan,is not taxable,while a permanent resident taxpayer is liable for income taxes on his/her entire income.
.... and CREW from HACS is a....
TOKYO August 17, 2006 In a tripartite joint venture designed to address the increasing pilot needs of the ANA Group and other airlines around the world, the Honolulu based crew leasing company Hawaii Aviation Contract Services (HACS), Japanese airline ANA (All Nippon Airways) and Japanese trading corporation Sojitz today established a new flight crew leasing company....
...cross your fingers, if this aply we all we be happy contract pilots.
Other agents, I have no clue what would be the deal.
After this promo HACS should give me some comision :)

Interview went well as did the simulator evaluation, on the 25th of May. Just awaiting the medical results. Do they get a prelim from the medical before they say yeah or ney from the interview/sim.

There was talk during my interview of a possibility of visa's for pilots...

"The Contract"
 

I was readng IAC's contract with AJN/AJX and ANK. It says that you get an economy class seat to and from work and at all other times. Is this true? Whom has the best deal for the ANA flying now? I am interested but not flying in economy commuting to Japan. Thanks.

Did they say a confirmed economy class seat?? Right now, you are on your own getting to and from Japan. You get a commuting allowance and access to ZED fares to commute, but I dont think any of the agencies offer confirmed travel to and from work (unless you pay for it).

Traditionally the 767 flying has been a bulked up salary - you do not live in Japan therefore tax, accommodation, commute travel and all else is YOUR responsibility and ANA do not want to know anything of any of your perceived problems.
Domestic flying obviously has slightly different considerations but the aim of ANA to minimise exposure and play hardball would be unchanged.

Yes as things are changing around the world regarding a lack of experienced Captains so may the attitude of ANA (and/or JAL) change in regards T&C's. Maybe happening already, maybe not.

It may well be the best (only??) example of ANA moving beyond operating aircraft as they were operated in the 1970's (well maybe 1980's if very generous!); set up subsidiarys (spelling??) and try to divide and conquer the pilot market even if it means leaving aircraft sitting uncrewed on the tarmac.
Loss of face and all that more-than-interesting concept.

As always - make sure you do your homework so you don't bitch later!!
Simple really!:ok:

Your confirmed economy seating for commuting is only for a couple of events:

Travel to Japan from the U.S. for the beginning of training and afterwards back to the U.S.

Travel to Japan from the U.S. to start your contract.

Travel from Japan back to the U.S. to start your vacation, then back again when vacation is over.

Travel from Japan back to the U.S. at completion of your contract.

Anything on your off days each month is YOUR responsibility to buy ZED fares for. Business class ZED to/from Japan runs around $1,000 and is space available. Easier to go up through Alaska or something than straight to L.A., loads are pretty high these days, and business class (and first) are usually pretty booked and difficult to get on.

This was a bit of a surprise for me, as well. Most of the other contracts offer business class positive-space travel for those events.

You will find you can only buy economy ZED tickets through ANA staff travel; there are no business class ZED tickets available. If you want to fly business class you will have to buy full fare tickets.

Oh, that BITES!

Here in the U.S. you can buy ZED tickets for any class of travel you are willing to pay for...

That takes some of the interest out of it for me. I don't fly coach class Internationally more than 4 hours... can't take being packed in like a Sardine.

That's correct Lear70. You can NOT buy a Business Class ZED ticket on any ANA contract job.
Also you do NOT get confirmed tickets to and from your Vacation, as you mentioned earlier. Going on Vacation is your problem as per normal commuting.

A bit of a gray area here. If you come and go on the Gen. Dec. then are you really in the USA for the purposes of this ruling? Just don't use credit cards or leave any other trace of your overnight in Hawaii and it's a non-issue.

That said, both the commuting contract and fact you are being paid by a U.S. Company are problematic. With a commuting contract one possibility is to use the daily per diem rates ( food and lodging ) for your days in Japan. Narita is presently $262/day. Multiple that by roughly 255 days in Japan/working and you still get $66,810 tax deduction. Either that or, as done by the guy in Thailand, spend most of your time off outside of the USA. Then you still qualify for the foreign earned income exclusion based on the 330 days in a foreign country clause.

The best deals come with a resident visa and pay from a foreign company. If it's a commuting contract it is also preferable for the commute to be to an "exteneded layover" in your home base. Again, coming and going on the Gen. Dec.


Typhoonpilot

Then, as typoonpilot mentioned, would it be more prudent for guys over at the States to go through Parc or IAC vs. HACS? I'm currently debating whether or not to make the move and send my app. in. I understand that all 3 pay pretty similarly. I'll definitely need to consult with my CPA on the taxes though.

So far, except for the commuting on your own, it actually seems like a great place to work. And if you can minimize the taxes, that would even be a bigger frosting on the cake.

I, as an american, went with PARC for that reason. However, there are some other differences that we previously discussed. Mainly insurance for yourself and dependents. The PARC insurance is not very "american friendly". PARC also does not have a 401k like HACS does...