EVA Air contract and experiences of new joiners
 

Good afternoon guys !

I've been considering the EVA Air contract and seen the threads over recent years. Any recent joiners to EVA Air able to shed some light on the training and processes involved. How long does the training take, and is there any other licence conversion necessary other than Air Law ? Not sure if an ATPL theory exam is part of the process..

Also, any words of advice or guidance from current EVA pilots on rostering, basing (Anchorage perhaps) would be really helpful. I'm expecting a busy roster and little downtime, so how much time is spent in Taipei and what are the best accommodation options. Especially interested to hear ideas or tips from guys with families as schooling is so expensive.

Thanks in advance and all the best.

I think the MD-11 guys do the ANC stuff and there were cutbacks on that machine. Advertisement says hiring for 747 and A330 so I would think Taipei is where you will stay.

Yes, I'd heard that the MD11 was being phased out and there was a downturn in air cargo towards the end of last year. Seems that ANC features quite a lot on the EVA cargo schedule and to points beyond in the US. A thread previously suggested ANC as a base and would be interested to know whether that would still be the case on the 744. Also, any other hints, tips or ideas of what to expect would be really helpful from a current or former EVA pilot.

No ANC base anymore, the 747 fleet is taking all the routes of MD11 and flying a lot. Flying around 80 hrs per month and getting your block days off you will spend very few nights in TPE. On the other hand if join the A330 fleet you will do mainly regional flights and spend many nignts in TPE. The B777 fleet, the best option, is just for locals and japanese guys. Company is talking about an expansion but there will be just a replacement of the old fleet, many orders are not confirmed yet. Maybe a very few increase in aircraft number. Life in TPE can be expensive if you wanna live a western life and the international schools are really expensive. The company has good standards and nice network all around the world, recently joined the Star Alliance, you can get zed tickets with other airlines and fly for free as extracrew with EVA... the contract is not so bad but in the region is one of the lowest. ;)

Safe flights

What about T&C? Thanks for the information.

MDT06

claser111, thanks for the information.

I see the contract is 8 block days off per month, but how much time off is there between trips on the 747 fleet ? It seems that not many days are spent in TPE so commuting may be a better prospect given the high costs locally.

Any details on licence conversion would be a help as well. I guess expat pilots operate on a Taiwanese validation and so there may be issues with converting the type rating on to a JAA or FAA ATP ? Anyone been down that path already then please feel free to share your experiences which I hope have worked out well.

Hi guys,
The contracts are pretty much the same with small differences between agencies. The most important thing is to be hired directly from the company, in that way you will have access to the seniority list. With the broker no seniority in the company and no promotions or fleet transfer. The B747 fleet is flying mixed operations cargo and pax, mostly cargo. Flying cargo the only "sure days off" are your block days off (8 per month), the rest of the days off you will get are planty of schedule changes and standby, you will never be able to plan your personal life in Taipei. For the A330 fleet the roster is more stable and planty of daily flights, rightnow only two long haul flights with the A330 (Vienna and Brisbane). Regarding the licence, your JAA or FAA must be converted into the Taiwanese doing an Air Law exam with the local CAA. To convert back you licence with the new type rating could be a problem because Taiwan is not recognized by ICAO, check with your CAA. Good luck!

Safe flights

That's funny.

You are right, that's funny... but this is the life over there and if you plan to spend few years in the company is better have a seniority. ;)

Bud, been there 5 years. Although in the neighboring "blue airline".
With them seniority list does not exist. Words from the Chief Pilot's mouth. Do you really believe that they will keep you and furlough their own more junior to you, in bad times? Or if there is one upgrade slot and there is you and a Taiwanese who will they choose? With agency or not you are just a requirement. If they need you, you will stay and maybe (that is a big maybe) progress with your career. There are no step increases in your salary. There is no bidding system. You have a time limited contract in any way, therefore forget about seniority, I mean the real one. Take your rating and find a better place (with seniority if you wish) is my advice.

Believe me my friend, if you have to stay there is better directly with company! Of course local guys they will always be a step in front of you...but between expats (that are becoming a lot) is better, and fair, to have a list of seniority. I can tell you right now few expats in Eva are gonna be upgraded, but just the direct hired from the company. ;)