Russia opens doors
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: Sandpit
OAA = Oxford Aviation Academy
Some are good some are bad. There seems to be no average operator, the guys I flew with (As Capt) where either extremely sharp or so bad that it made me think if one can buy a licence or obtain it from a box of cornflakes?
One common denominator is the huge cultural divide between Westeners and people CIS countries and the very basic command of English language. My better half being Ukrainian I am dealing with this daily. However in the Cockpit and cabin alike this means more often than not, misunderstandings and conflicts resulting from the above.
Another problem is the Soviet style system where you need to have a millions of papers and stamps to operate an aircraft. The whole CAA structure run by old Aeroflot muppets will not change, though it needs to, until the last of the old school have gone.
Some are good some are bad. There seems to be no average operator, the guys I flew with (As Capt) where either extremely sharp or so bad that it made me think if one can buy a licence or obtain it from a box of cornflakes?
One common denominator is the huge cultural divide between Westeners and people CIS countries and the very basic command of English language. My better half being Ukrainian I am dealing with this daily. However in the Cockpit and cabin alike this means more often than not, misunderstandings and conflicts resulting from the above.
Another problem is the Soviet style system where you need to have a millions of papers and stamps to operate an aircraft. The whole CAA structure run by old Aeroflot muppets will not change, though it needs to, until the last of the old school have gone.
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: L1
Russian contracts
Been there, done that...
One of the most enjoyable contracts I have had. The biggest challenge was the language barrier and basic conceptual communication. At first I was ready to pull my hair out. Coming from an air carrier that was known for it's Hitler mentality, it took a while to lighten up and try to approach the root of the issue.
Along with the automated technological issues such no computer projected flight planning or reporting. Everything was back to the basics and completed by the F/O before door closure. WX and other environmental reports could be 48 hours old and of no use. I remember being stuck in another country because the dispatch people back home did not understand why I needed some confusing info such as a take-off alternate. It was CATII/III there when we wanted to depart. We took a six hour delay before the issue was resolved, then the fog had cleared.
MX personnel were quicker to sign of the log, rather than fix the problem.
Some would actual call the interpreter to understand what the write up meant.
Once I learned to lighten up and work with the issue, instead of screaming my bloody head off, life became enjoyable and I saw progress.
I really enjoyed it there, at times think about going back. Accommodations were good, salary was never less than 6500 euro's a month and the food was fantastic. Biggest issue in Russia right now is the old guys and gals converting to today's international World of Aviation. The guys and gals that don't need CRM get hammered with it and the ones that need it never have an fricken clue about what it is. Once that generation goes away, Russian aviation will accelerate at a marvelous rate.
One of the most enjoyable contracts I have had. The biggest challenge was the language barrier and basic conceptual communication. At first I was ready to pull my hair out. Coming from an air carrier that was known for it's Hitler mentality, it took a while to lighten up and try to approach the root of the issue.
Along with the automated technological issues such no computer projected flight planning or reporting. Everything was back to the basics and completed by the F/O before door closure. WX and other environmental reports could be 48 hours old and of no use. I remember being stuck in another country because the dispatch people back home did not understand why I needed some confusing info such as a take-off alternate. It was CATII/III there when we wanted to depart. We took a six hour delay before the issue was resolved, then the fog had cleared.
MX personnel were quicker to sign of the log, rather than fix the problem.
Some would actual call the interpreter to understand what the write up meant.
Once I learned to lighten up and work with the issue, instead of screaming my bloody head off, life became enjoyable and I saw progress.
I really enjoyed it there, at times think about going back. Accommodations were good, salary was never less than 6500 euro's a month and the food was fantastic. Biggest issue in Russia right now is the old guys and gals converting to today's international World of Aviation. The guys and gals that don't need CRM get hammered with it and the ones that need it never have an fricken clue about what it is. Once that generation goes away, Russian aviation will accelerate at a marvelous rate.
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,338
Likes: 1
From: Uh... Where was I?
Warniiiiiiiiiiiiiing!!!
This is the second post regarding russia and pilots.
Don't you realise that if Russia opens to foreign pilots, our countries will accordingly open to Russian pilots??????
IF SO, WE ARE FU*KED, FUC*ED, AND F*CKED
Don't you realise that if Russia opens to foreign pilots, our countries will accordingly open to Russian pilots??????
IF SO, WE ARE FU*KED, FUC*ED, AND F*CKED
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
From: Not over the Rockies anymore.
Paranoia..........will destroy ya..........
Lighten up Microburst.
Whatever happened to hiring based on experience and qualification? Oh, right.......
I'd rather fly in the back with a drunk russian who's got stick and rudder skills than with our 250 hour wonders who are clueless when the "operating system" takes a dump!
Lighten up Microburst.
Whatever happened to hiring based on experience and qualification? Oh, right.......
I'd rather fly in the back with a drunk russian who's got stick and rudder skills than with our 250 hour wonders who are clueless when the "operating system" takes a dump!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,338
Likes: 1
From: Uh... Where was I?
I am sure you all do love mother Russia.
But it is human nature to look for better salaries. Same as many americans and europeans go to the Middle East bacause they pay better and tax free, Many russians would come to Europe. Not only O'leary would love that, but any other airline, because pilot salaries would be halved in no time.
Paranoia?
I don't think so
Fear
Certainly.
But it is human nature to look for better salaries. Same as many americans and europeans go to the Middle East bacause they pay better and tax free, Many russians would come to Europe. Not only O'leary would love that, but any other airline, because pilot salaries would be halved in no time.
Paranoia?
I don't think so
Fear
Certainly.
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: Sandpit
Dessas. You must be kidding right 
Per capita I would say that Ukraine and Russia have more good looking women around than most of the European countries. One could find a Babushka with a beard and 200kg of "Insulation" but why settle for that?
Per capita I would say that Ukraine and Russia have more good looking women around than most of the European countries. One could find a Babushka with a beard and 200kg of "Insulation" but why settle for that?
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,052
Likes: 0
From: In transit
Per capita I would say that Ukraine and Russia have more good looking women around than most of the European countries.
How to spot a millionaire :
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
From: Not over the Rockies anymore.
Aviaservice,
I wouldn't put too much into what that cat (lpokijuhyt) is saying/writing!
Judging by a couple of his/her comments on a couple of other threads, we're dealing with a complete tool!
I wouldn't put too much into what that cat (lpokijuhyt) is saying/writing!
Judging by a couple of his/her comments on a couple of other threads, we're dealing with a complete tool!