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Hmmm, what about the availability of the cork base? How senior is it? How many aircraft are based there? How long is the wait to access that option?

Thanks,

FP

Any movement on the time to upgrade for new hires?

I presume everybody starts on the A320 based out of Dublin or is it possible to get Cork?

Time to command is running at about 8-9 years at the moment.

Most people start on the 320 out of Dublin, some are offered a position in Cork. The Cork base is quite junior so it is usually possible to move down within a year.

I spoke to one of their current FOs and he said the last time it took them a couple of months to get back to people. Maybe with the shortage right now its going to be quicker but I wouldn't expect anything in the next 2-3 weeks.

Came across this thread while doing online research.

I'm an FO with a Gulf Carrier looking at returning to the UK/Ireland area. I have 2000+ hours 737 and just over 1000h Boeing widebody. I've just recently turned 30.
My wife never settled here and certainly things promised at interviews as far as command have not materialised. Gradient and regard for FOs is also an issue. We've made good money but we dont see a future here. So we want to move home.

Aer Lingus would suit me well as a job as far as lifestyle. Can anybody give me some feedback on if its worthwhile given my situation and hours?

Cheers.

Ongoing recruitment for the next few years although there may be some downtime during that time frame. You would fall into the direct entry pilot position with your experience, meaning a job in the right seat of an A320. Probably you would be on the A320 for 2-5 years before it is possible get a place in the right seat of the A330. Command time at the moment somewhere between 7-9 years for the A320 and around 20years for the A330. Although there is quite a large group of pilots retiring in the next few years they will be replaced with quite young captains so this time frame will potentially slow down quite a lot in the coming years.

Lifestyle for the A320 = 5 days on, 3 days off. Home nearly every night. (Overnight trips are available in London, Cork and Shannon) / Plenty of leave, most being in the winter but a guarantee of some during the summer season / Approx 800-900hrs a year.
Lifestyle for the A330 = Random roster, winters can be slow and then hectic in summer / Approx 600-800hrs a year / Similar leave to the A320 fleet.

Starting NET salary is very bad given the cost of living in Dublin & the tax rates. The pay only works out if you stay for the long run.

You mentioned you're quite interested in command. If I was you I would probably be trying to get into FR. 5 on 4 off roster and with your experience potentially a short time before being offered a move to the left seat. More options on bases or commuting. I don't want to scare you away from the EI option but it really does depend on where you want to be in the next 10-15 years and not just the immediate future. EI is more of a career option, FR would be better if you are looking at quick command & more immediate results.

Good luck!

Thanks for a very comprehensive answer.

I'm aware the pay is not the best but like I said it's a lifestyle choice due to family issues encountered out here.
I left RYR to come here and am not inclined to return as it's a dog an pony show now by all accounts.

I suppose I wondering overall if I'm too old to be taking a ticket and getting in line in a pure seniority system and I'm assuming previous experience counts for nothing bar knowing the ropes of commercial flying?

Seniority trumps all previous experience. There are certain checks you can skip if you have previous command experience however the actual promotion is only given when your number is called. 30 is not too old so you would still manage to fill your pension and have several years on the maximum salary.

About FR the grass is always greener on the other side, I was recently speaking to people who currently work there and people who have recently left. It seems like there is a misconception that it is an easier life elsewhere, that is not entirely correct. A days work in EI can be just as hard if not harder than in FR due to the earlier starts and later finish times when you compare the two. The real difference is annual leave if you manage to get primary summer months. The only downside to the summer leave is that the season is from April to October so peak summer leave is not guaranteed, but at least there is a chance!

Thanks,

To be honest I'm mostly looking at the lifestyle as far as family goes. Long days in EI or FR trump night flights and minimum rest West to East turnarounds in Middle East. Savings I have here will see me through the first year of rubbish pay hopefully.

I know guys in FR still and for me the instability that forced me out still exists. So going back is not my first preference.

Did anybody apply in 2019 and heard something or not. I did but have not heard anything. I have 6000 hours with plenty of jet experience. Just wondering if i should forget it or is there still a chance?

DF

it's game over if you have not yet heard

No worries:ok:

They are recruiting even more pilots this summer.

At the assessment day they showed us the statistics. It was 2,500 applicants, 240 invitations to assessment over 10 days. The first was last Monday (13th Jan) and the last is tomorrow as I understand. It was an interesting day, people of all levels of experience flying everything from the 73 up to A380 commanders, most butchered out at half time during the day, previous experience counts for little during those crucial morning group exercises. The stats from my day were 24 attendees and 7 got to the interview.

They did say they would wipe the slate clean and all can reapply in June, which is the next time they plan to run it.