Thinking about the Middle East? QATAR interview

[flytdeck]

Recently returned from an interview at QATAR Airways. They are actively seeking pilots for their every growing fleet of Boeing and Airbus aircraft. For further information, this link; http://www.qatarairways.com/global/en/c ... -deck.page; is a good place to start.

The attached document is my impression of the interview process. It was substantially more positive than the Emirates selection procedure (purposely using kind words here).

Answers to many questions about QATAR Airways (the good and the bad) are available on PPrune in the Middle East section.

Canada offers many opportunities, but sometimes excellent experience is available in other areas of the world. If airline style aviation is your passion, then it may be wise to explore further afield than this one, small, airline aviation challenged country.

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Wow, great information. Thank you very much for sharing in such a professional manner.

[JMACK]

I was on the GX course with a Canadian lad from Qatar he quite liked it there! No more no less said they were good to him and it was pretty good! Wished he could get something at home but not in the cards! So all in all happy on the VIP birds he also flew CL-605.

If I was in the market I'd check out Qatar for sure!

Jim

[flytdeck]

Not for everyone, but some might enjoy working here. A very interesting mix of nationalities on the flight deck and in the cabin.

Will be making the trek to start work there next month. More information then....

[flytdeck]

Those who contacted me looking for salary information at Qatar Airways, check the following link:

http://www.pilotjobsnetwork.com/jobs/Qatar_Airways

Link gives info on salary, hiring requirements, fleet, etc. Remember that salary is tax free and does not include flight time pay. Accommodation is paid for.

Downside: In the summer, one checks the pool temperature before diving in to make sure it is not scalding HOT!!!

[TeePeeCreeper]

Those who contacted me looking for salary information at Qatar Airways, check the following link:


Downside: In the summer, one checks the pool temperature before diving in to make sure it is not scalding HOT!!!

Nah, don't worry, all the outdoor pools are chilled.
Congrats, and enjoy Doha, it's not a bad place to call home 11 months of the year

Regards,
TPC

[flytdeck]

Nah, don't worry, all the outdoor pools are chilled.

Darn. Thought they would be a good place to cook lobster....

[flytdeck]

Newly arrived in Qatar. Have attended the indoctrination show and so far it is quite impressive. Some rough numbers from memory which makes them highly suspect:

Current fleet: 107
Aircraft arriving per month: 1.5 (how do the put the two halves together? )
Target fleet size: 250 Do the math on how many pilots they will need until they reach their full fleet size.
Pilot required this year: 700+
Pilots starting every two weeks: 30 - 40

The training process can be fairly intense or very relaxed, depending on experience on type and the fleet. There are quite a few joiners who seem to be "parked" waiting for the next training phase. Nice way to earn a paycheque!

There is little tolerance for those who do not get their head in the books and learn the aircraft and procedures. Most but not all of the pilots I have talked to are very happy to be here though one has to remember that this is not a "legacy" airline.

If you have the basic qualifications and want to move ahead, this seems like a good opportunity though there are other options to explore in the area.

[flying4dollars]

Newly arrived in Qatar. Have attended the indoctrination show and so far it is quite impressive. Some rough numbers from memory which makes them highly suspect:

Current fleet: 107
Aircraft arriving per month: 1.5 (how do the put the two halves together? )
Target fleet size: 250 Do the math on how many pilots they will need until they reach their full fleet size.
Pilot required this year: 700+
Pilots starting every two weeks: 30 - 40

The training process can be fairly intense or very relaxed, depending on experience on type and the fleet. There are quite a few joiners who seem to be "parked" waiting for the next training phase. Nice way to earn a paycheque!

There is little tolerance for those who do not get their head in the books and learn the aircraft and procedures. Most but not all of the pilots I have talked to are very happy to be here though one has to remember that this is not a "legacy" airline.

If you have the basic qualifications and want to move ahead, this seems like a good opportunity though there are other options to explore in the area.

Congrats on the job! I'm certain it will be a great experience at a growing airline. Too bad they don't consider Beech 1900 time Or anything smaller than a 'large' turboprop.

Who needs a gym when you can sweat it out in the heat Have fun over there!

[flytdeck]

Our CEO made three interesting statements over the last week:

1/ The airline will double in size by 2020 and carry 2.5 times as many passengers as it does today.

2/ The only reason they have been able to keep up with pilot induction is due to the many carriers going bankrupt or laying off pilots.

3/ Though Qatar Airways is relying on Direct Entry Captains, they must "nurture" young pilots. He also stated that the cadet program would expand to include foreign candidates.

A bottleneck appears to be the lack of space at the current airport and delay in opening the NEW airport. Optimistically it will open in December (the wags asking "what year"?) Though there is an influx of 20 - 30 pilots a week, not sure how many are leaving or being "poached" by other Middle East carriers.

Very impressed by their high standards in training and their training equipment and facilities. There is a wee bit of rough edges evident with changes in policy and introduction during training sessions. Exams, presentations, and training material often out of date though the new policies are readily available to pilots. It must be a bit frustrating for the instructors!

Many pilots are currently waiting for their aircraft training to start. For them, it is a chance to take a leisurely approach to studying the manuals while having a good chance to look around and find a permanent place to live, all while on the payroll.

Weather and temperatures still very nice here. Not for much longer I suspect.

[flytdeck]

Training finished and on the line. Line instructors would excellent and patient thought there is some inconsistency in procedures. There are some grey areas in the manuals and they are weighted heavily to an Airbus standard, even on the Boeing. Not serious issues, but does promote a bit of confusion until the "real" company NOPz becomes apparent.

Excellent back end crews. Interesting that some pilots here continue to show very little respect for the flight attendants. Though an integrated CRM course is part of the curriculum, some still operate to the "old school" standards. It is a shame as the FAs work very hard. Most are only here for three or four years but there are some eight year and more "senior" cabin crew. The ones I have met are very organized and intelligent individuals. Personal briefings are critical as the crews are young and often reticent to speak up. They must be reminded and encouraged to be part of the safety "team" and made aware that the entire crew shares the same objectives.

First officers all well trained and keen. There is a range abilities and attitudes, just as with Captains. Also a few Clickheads in the group but again have not encountered any personally. I do hear stories from my flight deck crew. Sense an underlying perception of paranoia with some though not at this juncture sure why. There is a "gatekeeper" that tracks digital data from every flight and can identify "anomalies" or non-compliance with SOPs. The SOPs are quite clear, however, and a call into the gatekeeper's office may result in disciplinary action if there is not a good explanation. Best to be pre-emptive with an Air Safety Report if things go off the rails.

Interesting flying to new destinations. Hotels range from excellent to ho-hum but all clean. Definitely working much more than from previous carrier but also netting more. Housing pricey but not outrageous. Day to day living expenses same or less than Canada. A pint of beer costs more than an SUV fuel fill. Detailed car wash and vacuum @ $9.00 or $6.00 further out of the city.

Temperatures have reached 48C. The rule is that outside workers stop work when temperature reaches 50C. It is odd that the temperature never seems to get that high. Normal days high around 40C but it does not feel too bad outside as the humidity is still quite low. It will change shortly I have been told. Good air conditioning essential.

Qatar Airways still hiring though there is a "pool" at the moment as they catch up with training. Still looking for qualified Captains though maximum age now 59 (must be on site by 59th birthday). Again, this may change as there are 7 more B777s arriving along a mess of B787s, A350s, and A380s. Not sure what is going on with the A320 fleet at the moment but they are announcing new routes every month.

There are other operators in the region but from what I have seen so far, this is a good place to consider. If you already have some flying time to your credit, you need a minimum of 6000 hours for right to left seat on the A320 plus six to eight years with the airline. Believe 8000 hours required for the wide bodies.

Still only here a relatively short time. Will update this in a few months.

[broompusher]

Good write up..just a few corrections....

There is a "gatekeeper" that tracks digital data from every flight and can identify "anomalies" or non-compliance with SOPs. The SOPs are quite clear, however, and a call into the gatekeeper's office may result in disciplinary action if there is not a good explanation. Best to be pre-emptive with an Air Safety Report if things go off the rails.

Best bet is if something happened that you are unsure about, go to the 'Gatekeeper' first, get them to have a look at the data (they are all very nice gentlemen and very much on your side. If your flight was non-compliant/unstable, they will discuss it with you. If it needs to go further, they will then advise you to submit an ASR (Air Safety Report).

Normal days high around 40C but it does not feel too bad outside as the humidity is still quite low. It will change shortly I have been told.

Depends on the wind direction. If it starts blowing from the East (from the water) it get 'sauna' humid. I personally am not a fan of the humidity.

you need a minimum of 6000 hours for right to left seat on the A320 plus six to eight years with the airline.

Incorrect. To upgrade on the 320 you need 5000 hours total, 1000 on type (A330/340 time counts as on type). The average time to the Command interview is 3-3.5yrs from the date of your final line check (for FO's...not sure how long for SO's). The Command training/process will take an additional 3-5months. On the widebodies the requirements are 6500 hours total with 1000 on type (or 2000...can't remember off the top of my head).

[flytdeck]

Broompusher. Thanks for taking the time to post the corrections. Have been taking copious notes as there has been a flurry of interest from my former workmates in Canada. Will be taking a keener interest in the wind direction for more than just the active runway.