I joined EK as a DEC almost 15 years ago. I found the conversion course was not technically difficult but there was an awful lot of it and I seemed to spend most of my time trying to 'unlearn' the way I had operated for the previous 30 years (in 3 airlines and the military) and trying to learn the 'Emirates' way. I found the course to be more about time management and preparation rather than anything that actually happened in the sim or in the aircraft - maybe I was just lucky.

On conversion and on the line I never experienced any issues with F/Os who thought I was sitting in their seat.

Overall, I am glad I joined as a DEC as it served its purpose for me just as I served a purpose for EK as a DEC. But never regard working for EK as anything other than a business arrangement. If they need to make redunduncies today (Covid-19 or suchlike) then that's just hard luck - ask the guys who thought they were joining EK and never even got their joining cargo unpacked!

If you are not too old and would have other options if EK didn't work out, I would say go there and enjoy the experience but always remind yourself of where you would have been at your age if you were enjoying a full career with a legacy carrier, and plan your finances (especially your spending in DXB) accordingly.

Good luck.

Yes ,
It takes alot of practice to pancake a 777 on a f up GA or not rotate at all on departure because the FD doesn’t tell you too .

Gods gifts to aviation it seems - except , not .

The GA was, I think, a local Captain with a rather thick training file. I believe his next job was as a Flight Ops Inspector with the GCAA. I am not too familiar with the other case you mention.

indeed , but they are making out you need to be an austronaut to pass their course , it’s protectionism I know , but they’ve had some high profile fantastic command moments

They hire DECs because they need them, that's all. Considering the fleet size and expansion plans no FO will ever be concerned by the DECs intake, except the ones who have failed their command who will be pissed off anyway.

That's the perfect way to approach it. Problems start when people are unwilling to "unlearn" old habits and get trained in a different way to embody the Company operating procedures and that will cause headaches. I mean, it's not uncommon to have a DEC with several thousands of PIC time at highly respectable operators being reluctant to undergo some major social and cognitive changes in the daily operations because of their -rightly so- very respectable career path. It's just a matter of getting used to operate within the framework of a gigantic worldwide recognized brand which employs over 100 nationalities and flies in every corner of the world. For me, in my 20 years there, it has been an amazing journey. Would do it all the way again.

I would just stress to anyone considering this to make sure you do your research very thoroughly. And make sure you get advice from people who have been in the company for a long time, not 2-3 years!

24/7 operation - make sure you are fully aware of the type of duties. Deep nights on most trips in at least one direction, most turnarounds etc. There will be times where you are absolutely exhausted.

Roster - Ask people who have been in the company 7+ years how the rostering has been over that entire time. Ask in particular about day off requests and specific trip requests. Do not presume that if it has been ok in the last couple of years that will continue!

Compare the salary to cost of living. In particular look at the cost of property to rent/buy, school fees, likely monthly bills, groceries etc. Accomodation Allowance is frozen and not available all the time.

If planning to live in company accomodation visit it before you sign the contract. Make sure you are happy with the compound and where it is in relation to the rest of the city.

Company culture, in particular with regards to sickness/promotion etc. Especially if you want to progress your career beyond line captain.

Black swan events - how the A380 fleet in particular were treated during the pandemic.

Dubai - I really enjoyed my time there but its not for everybody. Make sure you visit first, ideally with your partner/family in the summer.

Sums it up nicely.

The only problem with visiting the middle east only in summer is you might get the impression that the weather is like that all the time, which it isn't. My opinon is the weather is perfect 9 months of the year and F***ing hot for 3 months. But I'll take that over 9 months of cold and/or wet any day!

Perfect for 9months of the year is a bit of a stretch!
I did like the weather, but got bored of endless sunshine for 15yrs.
But one factor is the horrendous air quality, I’ll take seasons and some rain over that any day.

But hey it’s all personal preference on that one!

Interesting.. I found 8 months of the year unbearable. The humidity is the gotcha. With 4 tolerable months where you could actually enjoy the afternoons outside; December through to March.

Continuing on this theme; visit with the family in April/May perhaps? Evenings are lovely but every afternoon well into the 40s. I coped with the weather well, I loved the perfect 6 months (imo) every year. But if the wife and kids are not going to leave every summer they need to experience just how unbearable it is.

I do believe is personal preference Dubai is just Concrete, Sun, Air Conditioning eternal living.
Good for a while there are get some Wide Body experience. But not forever.

Any info on the current housing situation, is it still Meydan South? Any info would be great. TIA

In terms of company culture, I was wondering as Captain what support or resistance would you get in the following scenario:

Currently they are still using Iranian airspace when most international carriers are not based on security grounds.

Let say that you as the captain decided that you are not happy to accept a flight plan over Iranian airspace, would be the response be?

This type of culture is a big one for many considering a move to another carrier.

I imagine the response will be on the line of: “our security team assessed the use of such airspace in compliance with our strict security requirements, in coordination with government agencies and so on… are you refusing to carry out your planned duty Captain?”
You know the ME can have a somehow fragile political stability at times, and a local carrier will overfly hotspots such as Yemen, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria, Iran, etc.
They have specific restrictions and procedures in place for each airspace, including prohibited airspaces. I doubt you refusing to fly over an “approved airspace” will go down very well with management.

so basically you are stuck having to follow the company policy and fly where pretty much no other international airline flies over with no added protections?

thank you, this answers my question, I will not apply.

Out of curiosity, what would you consider sufficient "added protections?" A squadron on F-16s going with you?

Not to take sides but (IMO) a good way to evaluate dodgy bits of airspace is: "are Emirates (and/or Lufthansa) flying there?"....

The added protections have already been negotiated..

Meaning: You are flying where no one else is and there is nothing that makes it safe. Sometimes the best thing is not use that airspace. Any airline not supporting a captain on this is unsuitable for many. Not to mention the reduced legal protections and lack of union representation amongst others. The money may be better but what is the price for this?

worth a read: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran_Air_Flight_655