hey Guys,
Currently on jet (corporate) , I try to figure out the pros and cons.
My main concern is that the A220 is not a TR so common and need to get a new TR if I want to move onto the A320 for example.
What about the bond ? 3 years ? for 36000 euros, is it correct ? (it is what I heard).
For me the positive points is the possibility to build hours quicker.
The cons : moving to Riga with a little family...

feel to share more informations and some points I may have missed.

Thanks a lot!

I'd say try Brussels Airlines and Air France over airBaltic.

The few I know at airBaltic have left or are about too.

Just some basic limitations. A little about a couple systems ( a couple tricky ones). Very few questions, just too see that you know the type you’re on.

What fleet are they on? How come they are leaving?

Roster, Roster and Roster, think twice if you want your family to move to Riga, if you have other options, take them.

6 on, 2 off, 6 on, 1 off, 7 on

If you like it like this give it a try, and yes, there are big differences between rosters for locals and others

As starters, from jet, an airline job would give you a boost in your career, so the A220 is not bad at all. If you are considering it, then do proper research specially since you are thinking to bring your family to Riga. Don't take me wrong, I liked Riga, but I was single, I'm no sure if with family is good (but that just me).

If you are looking to build hours and have a "better rating" then you should try RYR, WZZ (who are bonding you the rating), i honestly don't know about EZY thought. And yes, rosters , check the rosters.

I just want to chip in that international schooling in Riga is VERY expensive and the company will not chip in for that. So if your kids are of that age then you´d find yourself pay most of your salary in tutoring fees unfortunately.

DEC Q400
 

My current offer (initial email from them) says 5/4 5/3 guaranteed roster...

Not sure if it's all true or not.
Also I heard this confirmed 1.5 years captain on Q400 and then upgrade to A220 also has slowed down and it's longer wait due to delayed delivery?

Any news on that?

Any A220 fleet pilots in here?

I have few questions, PM if you can pls.

Cheers.:hmm:

hey Guys,

thanks for your inputs, though, I see you mention a lot about the roster but how about on A220 ? what roster to expect..?

The roster is non-commuting unless you take the 5/4 - 5/3. So far it has not been very popular because you lose bidding if you take it. As for the slower move to A220 => Nothing has been stated by the company except max 1,5 years on the Q400. The rest is just speculation.

Do not trust anything they tell you, there is a big gap between promises and real life. As fas as I know they just try to trick people to sign the contract and thereafter they will not remember to have made any promises at all.

Ask yourself why they hire all year long. As soon as people realize that they have been fooled they try to leave as soon as possible.

At least none of the guys I know did pay anything back as according to latvian law any kind of bond is illegal.

Hi everyone.

There is a lot of truth in what is said by @Jabulani and I am someone with a bad experience, just facts after 1 year there.

Fixed roster is only for DEC Q400 but you lose bidding yes and the captain bonus (of course they can't play with you so no bonu), but I know a CPT who choose it and he is happy. So to switch to CPT A220 they promise 18months (after line check) and if they can't respect it (bonus).

Concerning A220 :
No fixed roster at all ! 4days off in a row granted a months (not always when you want them... bidding is a dark world).

Summer is crazy to be honest, we are short of pilots so never bellow 85 block hours (from May to October included) with 8 days off or 7, about 10 to 15 nights outstation and no vacation during this period...
In winter it's more 5/2 5/4 5/2 and less nights outstation (I had 5 max)

Life in Riga:
As said above, moving to Latvia with a Familly can be a challenge as FO A220 with all the nights outstation, late CheckOut and early CheckIn around days off etc etc, so it's hard to commute as well , or you aren't from far away and close to airport.
Riga city is very nice, I like it a lot, in summer is super cool to just seat on a terrasse with friends etc.

As a conclusion I would say that to built quickly hours and experience it's a good company, working in a multi culture environment is a good point, but your social life will be reduce for sure..

Good luck,

Hi All,
I was wondering if someone can provide some more information about the on line test runned by Air Baltic ? what is it about ? are there Math or physic problems ? What else how much time ? is there a web site where it is possible to practice ?
Thank you in advance for your reply
FGF

Hi there , hope you are doing great.
Appreciate any feed back for the on line test ??

Have a great day ahead.

Happy landings !!!!

Hello! Will be the next 3 days in Riga for the assessment, anyone else going? in case someone want to meet for a beer drop a line! :)

Hi! Hope the assessment went good for you! can you please provide a feedback on how it was? Thanks!!

I passed a220 assessment a few months ago and it was easy. They were looking mostly at your attitude and crm skills.
After signing the contract and completing my conversion course and receiving uniform and airport pass i was fired without a reason. While being fired they mentioned something crazy like my ethnicity and background wasn't clean and white enough for them - don't know what it means whatsoever as i have a very solid background with reputable EU airlines.

I have no words...

Free A220 rating at least?