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Qatar 2015/2016

Old 14th Jul 2015, 15:32
  #21 (permalink)  
 
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LLuCCiFeR

If you chose to enter into debate I guess I would not get so frustrated,but what you write is on the verge of trolling. Apologies if you took offence at what I wrote (but it proves you are probably able to read the rest of my posts too!).

As ever Flytdeck, a well written post.

Regards
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Old 15th Jul 2015, 03:29
  #22 (permalink)  
 
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You might have a nice and paid off house by then, the question is: can you still afford to pay the utility bills and putting the kids through school working for a EU low cost?
I'm happy with an EU LCC, and won't be going anywhere else until my youngest has left school, which will put me firmly in my mid 40s.

For some of us, the chance to see our kids grow up whilst earning decent enough money is most important. I could join BA now (A320 rated etc etc), but the prospect of spending much more time away just doesn't appeal to me any more. I'm no longer single and in my 20s,

Last edited by FGE319; 2nd Oct 2019 at 21:22.
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Old 15th Jul 2015, 11:40
  #23 (permalink)  
 
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@FGE319

I'm happy with an EU LCC, and won't be going anywhere else until my youngest has left school, which will put me firmly in my mid 40s.

For some of us, the chance to see our kids grow up whilst earning decent enough money is most important. I could join BA now (A320 rated etc etc), but the prospect of spending much more time away just doesn't appeal to me any more. I'm no longer single and in my 20s, I'm married (to another pilot with the same LCC), we're both in the LHS and we're both home every night. I personally don't want anything else.
Good on you, that's exactly my point!

You obviously joined at the right time, still got a decent contract working for a decent company, got upgraded, and are able to enjoy life close to family, friends and other loved ones, in a moderate climate and with a (fairly) transparent legal system.

However, IMHO it would be fair to acknowledge that also the low cost industry is not immune to the degradation of T&C's. Just compare LCC contracts from 10-15 years ago to those of today, and you can see a clear trend vector...downwards.

So again, why waste time in a region where it's >45C in the shade, where they treat people like slaves, where you as infidel always get the short end of the stick in legal matters and where you need to beg for an "exit visa" in order to leave the country? Especially if you only want to go there for the money in order to pay off a mortgage and then want to return to work in Europe? By the time you return home (5-10 years), European LCC will probably have degraded substantially further.

Why not join a decent European LCC a.s.a.p. as in the long term those LCC T&C's also continue to spiral south, get a staff ('seniority') number, get a decent contract, try to get upgraded a.s.a.p, get the base where you and your family feels at home, live within your means, and take it from there? If one day it all goes t!ts up, the kids have grown up, the wife is still around (*), and/or you get the urge to earn some extra cash as a DEC to pay for that summer house or convertible car just before retirement, then you can always try to go to the Middle East.

(*) what are the divorce rates in the Middle East?
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Old 16th Jul 2015, 05:46
  #24 (permalink)  
 
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You obviously joined at the right time, still got a decent contract working for a decent company, got upgraded, and are able to enjoy life close to family, friends and other loved ones, in a moderate climate and with a (fairly) transparent legal system
Exactly.

One set of (grand)parents on the doorstep = no problems with childcare, not that there ever really is that problem anyway, as we've managed to get things so they're structured really well for us where we are.

Like I said, I'm not in it for the money, but to do a job I love in a way that fits with my personal circumstances, whilst earning about 4.5x the average UK wage can't be too bad.

Last edited by FGE319; 2nd Oct 2019 at 21:23.
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Old 19th Jul 2015, 18:02
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Sticking strictly to the initial question... All we see here are nothing but improvements, EVERYTHING the chief pilot promised on those flight crew meetings were accomplished and some surprises came along as well, like the increase on the housing allowance.

The list of improvements over the past year:
- Salary increase
- Education Allowance increase
- Hosing allowance increase
- Overtime paying
- ID90 tickets for up to 15 friends (effective on August)
- New company accommodations at The Pearl available
- International retirement plan
- At least 4 consecutive days off on a month guaranteed
- 50% pay for cargo dead heading repositioning.
- Business Class guaranteed for cargo dead heading repositioning.
- Online management of leaves, allows realtime leave period swaps and changes.

That's all I remember from the past year, sure there is a lot to be improved but for such a short period of time I find the list quite extensive.

I'm not going to discuss if here is a good place to be or not, this is a personal decision and will vary immensely from people to people. Most important thing is to research a lot and talk to people living here.
Good luck!
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Old 19th Jul 2015, 22:25
  #26 (permalink)  
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Notwithstanding the encouraging advances outlined in the previous post by lfbb, I think it is widely recognised that Qatar is the runt end of the whole Middle Eastern airline experience. The root of that that is the management culture fostered by a particularly unpleasant individual at the very top. None of the Middle East airlines are exactly industrial relations wonders and delights, but Qatar are certainly in a league of their own. Nonetheless, needs must, and if you have no other option then I fully understand that you have to bite the bullet and just get on with it. Unfortunately, that may mean working at the rock bottom end of the industry, and it does not get much more rock bottom than Qatar. The only saving grace is they have some wonderful new aircraft in their inventory, and that could bring a few moments' pleasure to an otherwise awful experience. Fortunately for Qatar, pilots are like lemmings and despite the countless well-presented and erudite warnings on PPRuNe and the likes, there is a sucker born every minute who just thinks it cannot be that bad. It can, and it will be that bad, but most people are so dense they need to find out for themselves. Therefore just fill your boots and go off and do it - you owe it to yourselves.
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Old 19th Jul 2015, 23:08
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I'm sure I don't need to say that to professional pilots, but since I almost fell for that, here we go.... If you are considering QR please take your time to talk to people who are currently flying for Qatar Airways, do not make such important decision based on what you read on Internet, go after real people and real pilots! They will tell you all the good, the bad and the ugly of the business here. Before accepting the position I've read tons of posts on internet and almost gave up coming, fortunately I've got enough friends already flying here that convinced me to be a sucker and give it a try, so no surprises for me. I'm a happy sucker with the things that I knew would be good and not so much with other things that I knew would suck. So don't believe on what you read from me or anyone else, do your own informed decision based on talkes with people flying for QR, unfortunately real professional pilots usually don't have much time to be posting on websites, so better to give them a call on Skype.

Last edited by lfbb; 19th Jul 2015 at 23:30.
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Old 20th Jul 2015, 07:31
  #28 (permalink)  
 
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Are there any road shows planned for Europe? I have always had an appetite towards the ME carriers. Does the AUH one contact road shows?
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Old 21st Jul 2015, 18:10
  #29 (permalink)  
 
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Rock bottom is a bad thing?

The nice thing about a solid, rocky bottom is that one has something to anchor to. Ifbb is precisely right, every workplace has good and bad and every pilot will assess them differently.

There are pilots who come to Qatar and hate for many DIFFERENT reasons but in my experience those without there family here the unhappiest (including single pilots). We ALL have issues with something or another and we are ALL likely a bit homesick at times, but this airline has a solid financial footing, is growing, and offers many opportunities for those willing to give it a try.

As Ifbb said, talk or chat to some people who actually work here and ask the questions that are important to YOU. Sometimes a rocky bottom is a good thing especially if the water is shallow and you want to build something solid.
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Old 1st Aug 2015, 14:42
  #30 (permalink)  
 
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what can a newhire first officer can expect when joining QR in terms of training (initial/LPC/OPC), on line flying, roster, salary and command upgrade opportunity?

I heard that command upgrade is hard as they rely heavily on all your evaluations and seniority does not mean that much. Worst if you fail your command interview the first time you would never have chance anymore and be FO for the rest of your QR career. Can somebody please shed some light? thanks...
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Old 11th Aug 2015, 15:50
  #31 (permalink)  
 
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New hire first officer. I was a new hire and online within 4months. Pay increase before I arrived, no bond payments to be made (bonded for 3 years). Housing allowance increased. I was told the fleet I was going on and the fleet I was given didn't change. 4 days off per month in a row (commutable to Europe).

Honestly I cannot complain. Its a bit hot out here at the moment but I'm not in DOH very often.
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Old 13th Aug 2015, 10:53
  #32 (permalink)  
 
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Qatar 2015/2016

@prisoner,
Check your pm please, thanks
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Old 19th Aug 2015, 00:24
  #33 (permalink)  
 
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Always take a family summer holiday in the country you might be about to work in, as well as all your other research!
If you can achieve that in ramadam, all the better.
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Old 19th Aug 2015, 00:34
  #34 (permalink)  
 
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I did that recently.

Didn't want to get there and then complain about it being hot! No ****
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Old 19th Aug 2015, 04:26
  #35 (permalink)  
 
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qatar 2015/2016

guys any info regarding the testing screening ? for qatar ? the more recent the better please...A320 FO
thanks
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Old 19th Aug 2015, 08:42
  #36 (permalink)  
 
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I left QR in 2011 and it was the happiest day of my life. The airline is a terrible place to work and Doha is a dive.

I would want to waste another day of my life in that city.
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Old 20th Aug 2015, 20:01
  #37 (permalink)  
 
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Flytdeck + lfbb thanks for sharing that info
I just feel no one really knows how it is unless they experience Qatar themselves. Info from friends who live in Doha and works for Qatar doesnt count. Cause everyone have react/feel/think differently about everything.
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Old 20th Aug 2015, 22:51
  #38 (permalink)  
 
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Angel Little Catamite Airways (End your career here)

Little Catamite airways.The worst job I ever had as a Pilot.I learned there that money cannot buy happiness.

Do yourself a favor ,if u wanna join a ME Airline,please choose
E_ _ _ _ D. The best considering the big 3.

When I left Doha to my home country before joining the Best Option airline,I cried remembering that I waste 365 days of my life working for Little Catamite Airways .

You cannot compare AUH or DXB with DOH.

Choose wisely! Don't forget the bond if you not have the type rating before joining.For example If they offer you the A330 and you are typed on A320.Ask for A320 no matter what.If not u will be ........ for 3 yrs at least.
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Old 23rd Aug 2015, 23:16
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Choosing wisely

Emirates, Qatar, and the Airline that shall not be named. All have advantages and disadvantages. Collectively, it is the decision to live in this area that is the most important.

QA likely offers the best upgrade path at this time though living in Qatar does not offer the upbeat lifestyle of the UAE. It DOES offer a very secure family living environment and many educational options for children AND adults.

Over the last while I have noticed a change in attitude with the people I work with. Previously most considered QA a pitstop on their aviation career path. Now many appear to be thinking of this airline as a long term commitment, especially with the recent changes in time off.

This forum gives such a narrow perspective on such an important decision. As mentioned previously if you are interested in a ME carrier, then TALK to people who work here and investigate those aspects that are important to you and your family. My personal needs are more than met, but YOURS are so completely different and ultimately are the most important.
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Old 24th Aug 2015, 13:20
  #40 (permalink)  
 
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I worked at QR for 3 years and left back in 2012 so am in a good position to offer a balanced fair judgment. Although I would never describe my time there as a dream, it was a far cry from the nightmare described by other people on this forum.

I will start with the good points, Money is good (paid the deposit on my house), job security is the best, Command potential within a few years (hours dependant), any aircraft worth flying they have and you will get a chance to transfer, Interesting flying, good staff travel, New pension fund!!

Now the bad points, The country is not great to live in, the weather is extreme and there is really nothing to do. Good schools are hard to get into and everything except fuel is expensive. There are some lovely local guys working at QR but in general they are dismissive and unlikely to treat you with the respect one might expect. The company is OK but don't expect them to do you many favours - you are there to do as you are told, (I asked for some time off when my gran died and was told no!).The 320 roster is hard, 90 hours a month, lots of 4 sector days and night flights to India. Other fleets are much better, I went 340 for a year and it was a dream - 6 flights a month to only LHR or CDG! They can be very unforgiving regarding training issues or mistakes on the line and FDM is used to keep tabs on people. They have been know to fire people quite easily, but that being said fly like they want and don't be a dick and you will be fine.

Looking back on my time there I would generally say I was glad I went but am in no hurry to return. If you have a good Jet job already and are fairly happy I would say don't consider going, but if you are in a situation were you need a job or want a new rating or need to get jet time or have a career break to fill then go, its not that bad and you might even enjoy it.
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