Ask The Pilot

[Simo]

I don't know. If it was still VH registered, then I'd expect there might be licencing issues for AB pilots to fly it...though I'm sure there would be ways around that. At a guess I'd say it was done by the blokes who take delivery for QF....or any else who's equally expendable.

Is there different licensing issues between country's?

 

[jb747]

Is there different licensing issues between country's?

I have an Australian CASA licence. If I wanted to work overseas, then I'd need a licence from whatever country was to be my base. That would most likely entail doing both the ground exams and some of the flight tests again. Some licences are more portable than others...the Aussie isn't particularly so.

ATC rules differ around the world too. In some cases countries just go with th ICAO standard. Some, such as the USA, just have their own entire set of rules.

 

[jukebox333]

I'll most likely be off the air for the next week or so, as I descend into the bowels of outback SA and the Flinders.....

So you're going via Port Augusta, then, JB?

 

[QF WP]

or even Coober Pedy (connecting his use of the word bowels...)

 

[markis10]

Not to many pilots get to do this sort of approach and landing:

[video=youtube;caKrNA1l1MI]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caKrNA1l1MI&feature=youtube_gdata_player[/video]

 

[docjames]

Wonder what the crosswind limit for the 742 is with the shuttle attached?

 

[jb747]

Wonder what the crosswind limit for the 742 is with the shuttle attached?

http://www.flightglobal.com/FlightPDFArchive/1983/1983 - 1118.PDF


Some details there.....

Route home is Alice to Cadney, Coober Pedy, William Creek, Maree, Parachilna, Flinders, Broken Hill, Mildura, Albury, Melbourne.

 

[mjt57]

That would most likely entail doing both the ground exams and some of the flight tests again.

That's amazing that a pilot, qualified to captain an A380 with a world famous airline would need to requalify.

Of course, how many QF pilots would actually want to (work overseas) is another matter...

Interesting link to flying the B747/Orbiter article.

I don't suppose anyone noticed that it refers to Challenger and Columbia, the only two shuttles to suffer disasters...

 

[NM]

Of course, how many QF pilots would actually want to (work overseas) is another matter...

Given the prospects of promotion for some pilots at QF, opportunities with foreign airlines are likely to be very attractive options. Some foreign airlines are expanding quickly and offer promotion opportunities that may take many years to achieve with QF, if they are achievable at all given fleet changes and retirement rates etc. As JB747 has stated before, some QF pilots may never reach their goals of command due to limited promotion availability.

QF has also been reported to have sent pilots off to work at other airlines as part of their immediate staff reduction processes. I am not sure how many have taken up this option, but expect it may have been a viable option for some in their longer term career planning.

 

[Awesom Andy]

QF has also been reported to have sent pilots off to work at other airlines as part of their immediate staff reduction processes. I am not sure how many have taken up this option, but expect it may have been a viable option for some in their longer term career planning.

I think the general rule of thumb is that not many would choose to come back after seeing the outside world.

 

[jb747]

I think the general rule of thumb is that not many would choose to come back after seeing the outside world.

Historically, that hasn't been the case at all. Most of the guys who've been off with other airlines for a while come back with some pretty horrible stories about their operations. Sadly though, the FOs who are leaving now (currently a trickle, but I expect it will become a flood) will mostly not be seen again. Promotional opportunities have dried up within QF, so, there really is minimal reason for many of the blokes, especially the single ones, to stay.

 

[straitman]

Historically, that hasn't been the case at all. Most of the guys who've been off with other airlines for a while come back with some pretty horrible stories about their operations. Sadly though, the FOs who are leaving now (currently a trickle, but I expect it will become a flood) will mostly not be seen again. Promotional opportunities have dried up within QF, so, there really is minimal reason for many of the blokes, especially the single ones, to stay.

A friend of mine, ex Ansett and later SQ now works for Qatar and really loves them. He says the best thing is that they buy him(?) an brand new B777 every month.

 

[ajca]

I think the general rule of thumb is that not many would choose to come back after seeing the outside world.

Read the Emirates or Qatar threads on PPRune and you'll get some insight into how much the pilots in these "fast growing airlines" are enjoying the outside world...

 

[meloz]

My nephew gave up left seat in Australia (26 years of age when he got his command) for right seat with EK 6 months ago and is loving it.

3 more years and he is back in the left seat 777. He is now 32 years old. Not too shabby.

I'm also enjoying their ID 50 which seems more like ID 25 + taxes.

Meloz

 

[jb747]

My nephew gave up left seat in Australia (26 years of age when he got his command) for right seat with EK 6 months ago and is loving it.

3 more years and he is back in the left seat 777. He is now 32 years old. Not too shabby.

True, it isn't shabby. And perhaps I shouldn't make this comment at all, but, really, at 26-32 years of age, he's nothing but a babe....

 

[meloz]

7,000 hour babe all rpt.

Meloz

 

[jb747]

7,000 hour babe all rpt.

Very little to do with hours....

 

[meloz]

Very little to do with hours....

Fair call by you, as you have your reasons or beliefs.

Not sure how you can make the judgement without knowing the individual.

Meloz

 

[jb747]

Fair call by you, as you have your reasons or beliefs.

Not sure how you can make the judgement without knowing the individual.

Meloz

Fair enough....

I've flown with a very large number of people over the years. Many, perhaps even most, within that age range. I've also met some people who have managed the same sort of progression you mention. They generally fly very well...but think very little through. I'm sure there are exceptions. I can't think of any off hand.

 

[meloz]

Fair enough....

I've flown with a very large number of people over the years. Many, perhaps even most, within that age range. I've also met some people who have managed the same sort of progression you mention. They generally fly very well...but think very little through. I'm sure there are exceptions. I can't think of any off hand.

I understand your concerns, I have employed many that can't think. They were all around his age also and with good educations. I giggle at some of the silly mistakes I made at 18 but not at his age.

Serious question, how would you rate your performance at his age or when you first got your command?

Meloz