Life in India
 

I accepted a corporate job flying a mid size jet in India. I would appreciate advise re: potential or common pitfalls about flying and living in India.
thanks

Hi & congrats on your new job !:)

India is what you make of it. Don't come with any pre-conceived notions ! Eg: Snake charmers roam the streets & wild animals cross busy city roads ( Though it's quite likely you might encounter these phenomena !;))

As an expat earning a decent salary in corporate aviation, you'll be able to afford a very comfortable lifestyle. A nice apartment ( Maybe with facilities like gym, pool etc), a full-time maid, chauffer etc ! The money you make here will buy you just about anything you want in India. I would look at one of the main metros to live in tough. Small town India can be a bit intimidating to the Westerner !

Don't know much about corporate flying in India. But get used to extreme ATC congestion at almost all the big airports. So carry plenty of extra gas on board !

Have fun in your new job & new life !

Xivil4dep
 

Thanks for the good advice on the ATC/fuel.

rajatgarg
 

Thanks for the "open your eyes and enjoy the country" kind of comment.
I have spent several years in Far East countries and mostly had a great time.

K

Hello Hialt

Can I ask who you are goin to be flying for ?


Spam

india
 

I have done work for a few crew leasing co. in India. Contract flight crew has been the best so far. Dont know if thats who your going with. Good luck to you and enjoy incredible india!

I feel that if you keep an open mind you will have a good time here. It also depends on where you will be based (climate, etc) and the schedule you will have to endure. Also if you are with family or on solo status. If you have any specific questions many of us here can probably answer them. Bombay always seems to have delays and almost always carry 1 hr of hold fuel going there. 90% of the time you need it. Delhi isn't as bad but still 45 mins minimum is a good figure. Congrats on your assignment.

The Land of Diversity
 

India is one of the most scenic places on planet earth. You have a variety of places to see from the Himalayas to the Kanya Kumari. Many places to go to on your days off.

You can have a meal costing between $1 and $100 and be satisfied with them both. You can live by spending $5000 or $500 and still enjoy life.

Dont buy a very expensive or a very Big car as the roads wont do full justice to your BMW and the petrol will be too expensive for your Range Rover or Escalade. Local Cars are very comfortable and suit the purpose. The Suzuki Esteem is my all time favourite and so is the SKODA Octavia.

Nevertheless you can rent a very nice apartment in the Metro's like Bombay or Delhi for $500 a month, unfurnished and then have a maid and driver for another $300 a month. Just be careful not to leave too much money and valuables lying around.

Bargain everywhere except the Big Malls where prices are fixed. You will get used to how you need to Bargain where. There are plenty places for Phone connections and Internet Cafes. Just make sure you get ones with the good deals like Airtel or Hutch.

The Airline culture is quite good with Pilots having a lot of respect in Aviation. Just be a little cautious in the beginning as anyone would have to be in any new place. And India will teach you how to mold in just Fine..

You are entering into an exciting experience in your Life. So Enjoy it.

Cheers!

Mav.

Must be a "George".......How did I pick it???????

Hialt

What type will you be operating?

Living In India !!!
 

I've travelled extensively in Southeast Asia for the past 25 years and have spent periods of time in India.
At present there are a lot of MNC folks living in different parts of the country, mostly executives, entrepreneurs, educationists, spiritual and health care seekers, dual residents etc.
Living in India can be an adventure on its own for a "Westerner". Contagious diseases , hygiene, bureaucracy, visible poverty, communal unrest, unpredictable availability of basic necessities like water and electricity etc. Most folks who travel regularly and relocate are aware of these conditions and prepare themselves and their families.
The outsourced pilot in India is basically, a highly paid manual laborer (you have no rights or protections and rules and regulations can be changed without warning).
Indian folks are warm, courteous and patient.
Anyways, before you decide to sign that .........line, take a trip by yourself /wife/kids and experience India. It may be "for better or for worse", not just a repeat after me statement.

flying
 

try to fly less
try to see india
try to save time for youself than being workohlic
you will see every thing folds the way you want:ok:
try to live the way you want
either things folds your way
or keep backpack ready depanding upon the employer.
best wishes

maverick
 

if you see sking slope in gulmarg
as i read in the newspaper ,it is one of the best slopes in the world.
and there is no speed limit, no rules, d what ever you want
cost....14 days all inclusive 500-1000 usds
i feel it is not that expensive