Korean Air Non-Type Rated A330 Captains
 

Hi all
Just trying to get some info on the above Korean Air deal.
I have been reading quite alot of negatives about the work at Korean
Is the cockpit environment really that bad compared to say the Chinese carriers?
The A330 commuting contract gives around 12 block off days per month, meaning a working roster of around 16 days, with a package consisting of lodging at the Hyatt of $11k. The one real negative perhaps is that u have to pay for the type rating, is the type-rating done by Korean for u and then they cut the type-rating cost from ur salary??? For me the real thing is that of the work environment, i'm sorry if i have not been following many of the previous threads, but would be so grateful if u'll can give me some answers
Cheers

Any info on this fellows, would appreciate any update, Cheers!!

I will give it a stab, though I have left quite a while ago.
Failure rate is extremely high during application stage. If you passed your astronaut standard medical and interview, you will have to get your 330 rating. With that, you join KAL for another full rating endorsement course which will last approx'ly 3-4mths. This is where it gets interesting, where the local instructors who are aligned with unions, will do their absolute best to find ways to trip you during your OE and any casualty means extra bargaining chip in negotiating for higher pay due shortage of crew, especially on the 330. So do have a backup plan, an absence without pay from your old company is perhaps the best.
Korean copilots are similar to Chinese, most of them knew what they are doing, SOP wise, and that's IT. Learn to adapt to total loneliness, they are not rude, they just don't wanna open up to you, something that I respected and dealt with both Koreans and Chinese. But be careful when the shxt hits the fan, make sure that he does understand you, they all seemed to love to nod their heads even though they don't have a clue of what you're trying to tell them. Probably something to do with the Chinese/Korean pride stuff. You may come across the occasional bright ones, but don't count on them since they are very far in between.
On the 330, expect the occasional/seasonal acute tight crewing situation where requested off days are removed or shortened. Happens to few of my buddies and they were really pissed, so couple of them left as a consequence.
In a nutshell, it's not a bad geek, but it's one of the last few options. I was furloughed and appreciated the job, but had to leave due long period of no pay increase (can't blame them since droves are still applying) and my present job will shorten my retirement plan by half and this is a big plus point to my limited shelf life.

Really appreciate the info KAL Aviator, your input has been somewhat the feedback i have received from others. I cannot understand their desperation, and still pride and chauvinism take control! Do they arrange the CCQ 320 to 330 for u or do u have to arrange it by yourself?

You're welcome.
KAL will only hire you with a valid A330 rating, if CCQ is what you need, you'll have to do it out of your own pocket, regardless.
One more point to take note of, if you join without any experience on type, you're supposed to be thankful to the company for taking you in. In turn, it does mean that the guy on the right on line does tend to ignore you even more. It didn't bother me since I was rated, but it sure irked some of the non rated guys a lot when flying with the slightly more experienced + think they know it all kind of FO.
The desperation is felt only at crewing level, but somehow dissipated moving up the management chain, especially higher level and no pay rise will ever be considered from now on judging from the constant flow of applications from many desperate job seekers.

Thanks alot for all this valuable information. Appreciate it. How does the pay workout? They are offering 11k (guaranteed 65hrs) plus per diems and $125/hr over time. All toll how much does an A330 skipper make monthly? Also does the commuting roster work as well as it looks? They say 13 block off days per month with confirmed return Business Class ticket to home base.

Expect 11K + per diem. You hardly get overtime, if you do, you will be way too tired. Be mindful that any 3 crew or more ops will bring down your payable hours. Something that KAL has been very shrewd in screwing all the foreigners.
The commuting days off and business travel part are correct. Though take note of potentially forcefully reduced off days.

Is the 11K after Tax ? Whats the Tax rate there on that sort of pay ? Thanks for your input !!!

I believe its after tax paid by airline.

Hi all. I am currently in Korea visiting and I'm interested in flying for Korean Air. Do you think it would be worth while to go to KA HQ and have a chat? Would it help my chances of getting an interview? Or are things only arranged through places like GAP and Rishworth so it's not worth my time?