Rishworth and Parc for sure. I believe there is one more but I don't know the name.

Thanks so much. Any advice on which airlines are the best and worst, in the contract field. Some I'm looking at are ANA group (though I'm not sure if Parc and Rishworth have that one) and Air Pacific. I'm just out on the street from Aloha and just didn't know much about this before. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry to hear about Aloha. I flew with you guys alot when I was living in Hawaii. Best time of my life so far. As to your question, I am also new at contract flying so I don't have an answer for you but I am sure people will answer your questions pretty soon. Good luck with the job hunt.

Thanks, I really appreciate that.

AlohaG, sorry to here about your situation, not good conditions to start looking for a job, Vietnam Airlines hires only current and qualified, mainly on the small bus, my suggestion is to contact the big agencies with your details, they only make money when you are working-so they will be happy to put you back to work ASAP, pilots working in Japan seem to be very happy, good for commuting to Hawaii if that's where your at, good luck.

AlohaG: PARC, HACS (Hawaii) and IAC (Oz) hire for the ANA group. I use PARC and they have been fine for me. They sent a representative to Hawaii eariler in the week to meet with you guys at our request... They are also going to MDW to see the ATA guys.. Sad times for y'all.. Goodluck.

VA guys: ANY word on USA (or at least N. America) flying? I have read LAX via KIX a few months ago, and now nothing...

Thanks!!

I believe they are working out details like Sky Marshals etc., last word I heard was by the end of the year.
Cheers,D.L.

on ATR
 

Hello
I am a french ATR Captain and expect to move to Vietnam (VN) on ATR via contract (parc or rishworth).My wife and my 2 sons will follow me.
I would like some informations about lifestyle,cost of life in Ho Chi Minh,rooster and atmosphere in VN.We know Thailand and Japan,not Vietnam.
Thanks

Similar to Thailand in some respects, housing, plan on $1500, tuition for intl. schools $800-1000 per kid. Food is great here, very healthy and safe cuisine, large western style grocery stores available. Lot's of historical sites, Vietnam is very beautiful, many areas completely untouched by tourists, people are very friendly and helpful to foreigners, even though Hochiminh is 8 million plus, safe to walk anywhere in the city at all hours.

On the negative, air pollution and traffic is bad in the city, infrastructure badly lacking, housing prices going off the chart, construction noise everywhere, driving conditions treacherous as law enforcement (and driver education) is non-existent.

On the line, aircraft are well maintained (IMO) and bad weather is very infrequent, mostly day flying on the small bus, standard Airbus SOP and friendly flight attendants.

Cheers,D.L.

Agree with DL.But count twice as education fee for two kids(BIS,SSiS-around 1000$ per month,ABS-around 800$,)and decent 3 bedroom apartment around 1500$ can suck your pocket.Know some pilots(2+ kids)who has chosen airlines with an education support
PS. Heard that the French School is much cheaper(around 300$) but not sure
BRGDS,

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate the advice and the condolences.

Vietnam Airlines A330
 

I would appreciate any infos regarding the A330 fleet... routes, salary, roster, etc.... and by the way do they get enough drivers ????

Does anybody know what the normal wait time is to get a call?

As an ATR Captain, I am considering a contract with VLA.
What are the chances to be upgraded on the Jet fleet ?
Thanks for any info.

Actually there are at least four pilots from the ATR upgrading to the A320 now, all expats. :E

VNA
 

Dream Land,
Is there ANY scope for an expat A320 rated FO to join and then upgrade or is this a non starter?

I have a friend with 3 yrs A320,resigned for new job in India,offer cancelled last month due DGCA ruling against expat FOs.He needs a new job as hes already resigned from his old firm.

Thanks and good luck,good info,

IC

vietnam airlines medical
 

Hi,
Where do you take your FAA medical in Vietnam, do they make you take one when you join?
cheers
jc

It's seems to be totally up to the system Chief Pilot as to who upgrades, if you're doing a good job in his eyes and they need the captains, you will eventually have a shot, there is no seniority here, and up till now there is no mention of upgrade in the pilot contract.

Well I think you actually refer to the class 1 medical (FAA is a U.S. thing), it's given in a medical facility near the company headquarters in Hanoi, the certifying authority here is the CAAV, or Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam.

You need a Vietnamese Pilot's Licence in order to crew a Vietnamese aircraft.

When you arrive in Vietnam, you do a groundschool in HCMC, and a Vietnamese medical in Hanoi. They will then issue you a temporary Vietnamese pilot's licence based on your ICAO licence. It is valid for 6 months.

Before the 6 months are up, you must go back to Hanoi and write an "Air Law" exam. Once that is completed you will be issued a permanent Vietnamese Airline Transport Licence.


I am not sure if you need a valid medical when you go to Vietnam. You are supposed to have a current type rating, minimum 500 hours on type, and experience on type within the last 6 months.

I left Vietnam in 2006, so things may have changed, but I believe this is accurate.

the x-ray doctor!
 

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