In Relation to the question a couple of posts above...EI are initially looking to recruit 35 F/O's.

So Just to make sure I know how the application works.

I have to print out the form, fill it out with my pen and then scan it, attach it as a picture file and then email it to them!?!?

Has anyone else have a better soloution to this!?!

Regards,

Can anyone shed any light on a typical FO roster based out of DUB. Are they into touring like BA?

Royboy this is so you get an early introduction into how "integrated" all the systems and sections are in EI. If you find the application process frustrating, wait until you get in here and try and request a day off!!!!
Superpilot (humble aren`t we?!!) No you dont do tours. IT`s there and back(twice), then come in the next 4 days and do it all again. There are of course single trips rome, dubrovnik,madrid etc. Shorter trips such as AMS and CDG are normally paired with another trip of same length or less. Overnights available in LHR and you might occasionally be required to go Cork or Gatwick for up to 4 nights.

I don't want to rain on any ones parade but please come in with your eyes wide open. The difference in T&c's when compared between the ROI vs. Non ROI bases is huge. At a recent union meeting the average age of captains was given at just 39. There are zero proposals for expansion. Our CEO is increasingly being quoted as saying that we are open for sale but clearly not to FR so who knows what the future will hold. The recruitment would appear to be filling the void left from those who have availed of early retirement packages and the associated shift of seats.

It is unclear at this stage which bases they are recruiting for. It could well be a case of first in first served. In any case there is a global base agreement which effectively means that those at lgw and bfs who are nearing the end of their freeze since hiring into those bases will now be entitled to bid into the ROI and quite possibly displace anyone at the bottom rung of the ladder. To spell this out in black and white you coulees quite conceivably start in Dublin and then be shifted off to wherever depending on your seniority number.

So you want to fly a 330? Think again. No expansion planned at all and a very very very long wait unless you want to spend all of your salary on living costs in Washington.

DUB and ORK are the only legacy Aer Lingus bases.
LGW, IAD and BFS are the low cost bases in Aer Lingus.

All forms of renumeration (basic/sector/performance/overnight pay etc), pension, terms and conditions are far far poorer in these bases than in the Republic of Ireland. (Lower than Ryanair and Easyjet all-in). You have very little union protection either. You will operate to EU OPS limits as opposed to the legacy practices in the ROI.

Another point worth noting is that all of these vacancies are there because a tranche of senior boys were paid serious cash to leave. They still retain notional seniority and the ability to bid for any vacancies outside the ROI. At the same time the remaining pilots had their retirement age raised to 60 from 55. There is no expansion planned. So dont expect any early commands either.

A number of f/o's have been leaving recently as a result of this bleak career outlook. Mostly to the middle east, but some to Monarch, Virgin, BA and even Easyjet(!).

The airline is owned by staff, government, pilots (dont ask) and Ryanair. Nobody is interested in buying right now because of that toxic mix. The upcoming Irish budget wont help either your renumeration nor the company's business plan.

Anyone who does apply should check their contract carefully. I expect they will attempt to water them down even further, especially anyone entering the ROI directly.

IMHO The only people who should apply are those desperate to get home to Ireland (even then no guarantee) at any cost, and those without enough hours to go elsewhere.

Anyone within 5 years of command or longhaul shouldnt touch EI.

Alt Crz Green:
Absolutely true.

This might read like an attack on EI but despite all its failings its still a pleasant place to work. I just want applicants to have their eyes open about their career prospects.

People in bfs and lgw will be offered the roi before any new starters. So if you pass selection be prepared to fill the gaps left by them. If type rated be prepared to be bonded for 7k over 3 years. If not rated, 21k over 3 years or reduced salary. If rated, you will start on 40k basic with about 8k flight pay that is fully taxed. Pension is matched up to 9%. You will fly between 800-900 hrs a year. Best of luck to everyone.

Roster pattern
 

Can any Aer Lingus chaps share their roster - PM if required:

Can you request a base choice - LGW in my case
Is it 5/3 roster, 4/2 or some other combination
How many uncalled standby's a month
What are the likely start/finish times on earlies or lates

What is your gut feel on job security - I know EI has been through a pretty tough time in recent years and although I think it's proably a better option than my current Flybe deal, I do have the prospect of right seat Embraer 195 for £41k incl allowances within perhaps the next year and a high level of job security at my current employer. In short Flybe are expanding, making money and buying more jets.

Incidentally was at DUB the other night sandwiched between the Shamrock's and nearly walked over to say Hi and get some inside gen - in the end chickened out but I've always had a soft spot for Aer Lingus and those Airbus A320's look vv nice!!

Best regards,

Desk-pilot

most of the current FOs are thus 10-20 years from command. Obviously expansion and resignations cam change things but newbies can bank on a very very long stint in the RHS

pure and utter drivel i reckon. your assuming the status quo will remain the same. top of seniority capts will no doubt be offered a package in 7 yrs time irrespective of their retirement age of 60 re pension.

Given that EI will probably be sold off long before that, your speculation is rather optimistic Bearcat.

On the other hand - if the new owner isn't O'Leary - there might be a re-think on expansion at some stage. The recession won't last forever.

No a partial pass still counts as a first attempt, if you pass the area you failed,it still counts as a first time pass..

A fail is only if you did not pass the section you repeated.

So you're not really in BA.....or on the 777.
Fail!

Just kidding.
Good luck.

The LGW base is not working out. It will close. :ouch:

No Eirjet

A fail is also a failure of 2 or more sections on an initial flight test, not just the failure of a retest section :=

Sorry my bad i was mis informed,your right indeed...:O

But the question on the application form asks if you have ever repeated a flight test. If you partial passed, the you had to repeat the test of the section of the skills test that you previously failed. On wording alone that seems like a yes to me.

It says if you have had to repeat a flight test, not repeat a section. I would have said a partial does not count as a repeat as having to do a section again is not repeating a test. As always, just an opinion

Jamin,

Your point is sound, and I hope so becuase I partialled my IR, but I always thought of it as a repeat and not a first time pass (first series - yes).

Guys, i think you should be more worried about not holding an A320 type rating if it applies to you.

Agreed! (and I'm not TR'd either....:{)

The above says it all really. Doubt whether EI will be looking for low-hour newbies trying for that elusive first job whatever the entry criteria states. I would love to be wrong...

HW