DHL NTR FO 777
 

Has anyone heard anything back yet?

NTR DEC 777 positions now available.

Any info on lifestyle/ roster on the 777 fleet? I’ve heard it’s a good firm to work for?

5 777s, 2 more this year, at least two more next year.
Rosters.. from what I hear, long patterns 10 days, multiple sectors, 5-6 days off rinse repeat trying to move to days off= days on-3.

New roster: 3 days on...... ;)

Dammit, there's always a catch

3:2 ratio sounds pretty close, 9 on 6 off. I've done both 2:1 (10-5) and 1:1 (7-7). Don't think I would do 2:1 long term, but we had a very decent amount of vacay days.

9/5 used to be an option on the 757, in reality it was more like 7/7. There's no reason why they couldn't do something similar. Plus 42 days leave and 6 wrap days.

Out of interest, what's the fleet of choice?? Both the 76 & triple seem to have proper global operations. And is there much positioning on other carriers or does the schedule generally get you starting/back to the UK?

Not for everyone I'm sure, but it looks an interesting job.

Now that's a good question!

So, for some clarity, because nothing upsets a trainer more than doing all the work and then finding someone didn't understand the deal.....

Always start and finish at EMA. Positioning where needed can be on DHK or on a sister airline (DHA, DHX, EAT, AeroL etc).

767 USA and China
777 Global, sometimes via some fairly lengthy routings. As the fleet expands these routes will change and grow, but right now I have no idea what the final picture will be.

120 OFF days pa, 42 days LVE so contracted to do 203 days work pa (365-162). Knocking off 3 days for annual ground recurrent (and to make the maths easier), work vs off is 200:120 or 5:3, at the moment working on On/Off at 2:1 so there's some extra days off to be had somewhere.

For me the 767 by choice, but that's because at my advanced age I can't be ars$d to do another TR. Horses, courses.

HtH

How about time to command. I’m assuming done on seniority?

Not going to comment on that, other that there have been some quick commands (business need) but basically seniority based. Plenty of command courses coming up - expansion gives opportunity.

Thanks DeltaHotel.

I've heard as low as 3-6 months

Mmmm. There have been some fast track commands based on previous experience and business need, but that's pushing it a bit given that there has to be the whole induction/initial training to do. As a principle, promotions should be based on seniority (assuming demonstrated suitability) but seats have to be filled. I make no predictions on time to command because growth is fast, people tend to take it as gospel and then get upset when it doesn't work out. A job applicant can have that discussion at interview.

Just to add to the comments Deltahotel made, the 777 fleet is still expanding and there is again a need for type rated DEC’s. Time to command is based on seniority and the first full command courses are set to commence in November, those courses will be for F/O’s that joined at 18 months - 2 years ago.
777 roster is not for you if time at home is what you’re after. Trips are generally 8-12 days with 4-5 days off in between.
Multiple time zone crossings, including Pacific Dateline, so rosters can be fatiguing if you’re unable to manage your rest.
However, in my opinion, the company is great, the people and fellow pilots are fantastic and the rosters will improve I’m sure once the fleet stabilises.

There is also an advert out for non type rated 777 Direct Entry Captains. 777 fleet will grow from 5 to 11in the next 12 months.

Hardest job....
 

I worked for DHK for about 7 years and can say without doubt that it was the hardest job I have ever had. The rosters have always been unstable and with so many late changes, rest could be impossible to plan. Do not believe this will get better as it has been so for many years now! The best thing about this company is the other pilots you work with. I am sorry to say that in my experience, there was never much respect from the top management level for the pilot work force.

To which I ask when were you there? I guarantee it’s a very different airline to the one you left (unless that was in the last twelve months). Where I do agree is that the pilot workforce is excellent.