halfpv2sq

Hey guys and gals,

I've recently qualified as a commercial pilot with a major UK training organisation who supply pilots for Qatar Airways.

There is a strong chance that over the next month or two that I may receive an offer to work for Qatar Airways, obviously being based in Doha.

I'm a 25 year old single male and the main driving attraction for working for Qatar is the money - It means that I will be able to pay off my debt a lot quicker than working for a UK airline. I would have to agree to a minimum commitment of 4 years.

I'm totally confused about how I would feel working in Qatar, to be honest i'm pretty scared about living in the desert and not being able to able to easily socialise and meet many people. On the other hand as I previously said, the money is a big turn on.

I want to hear what you guys think about what I should do. From what I read Qatar is great if your an older expat. Should a young male stay in the UK, work for less, but enjoy a much richer social life?

Thanks for your insight and I look forward to hearing what you think!

flares

try Etihad or Emirates first

halfpv2sq

Unfortunately it's not that easy, both Emirates and Etihad only employ experienced pilots with a certain number of hours. Qatar is the only choice in my circumstance.

flares

OK probably not a bad stepping stone

Myusernamewastaken

Get whatever pilot job you can. If you don't need to pay for the type rating up front all the better. Have you asked anyone but the commercial school about the market for fresh pilots? As a pilot in Qatar you would probably quite soon find out that your work will take you outside of the country. BTW, you do know that airlines taking self loading freight normally have cabin crew?

halfpv2sq

See this is my problem, if I turn down a job at Qatar, I know I can get a job with Easyjet in the UK as a contract pilot. At first the pay is absolutely appalling and with debts to pay of it would mean at least a year of living out of a shoebox and eating Pukka pies and Smash.

Qatar Airways in comparison would let me eat like a king, but i'm worried that I would get so bored living in Doha that I would stop appreciating my job pretty quickly.

I almost forgot about the cabin crew!

Myusernamewastaken

Do you have that in writing?

I still think that you would need a reality check about the market for fresh pilots. You would have to ask others about Qatar but I would understand your concern better if you were talking about Saudi.

How much is the bond at Qatar and is it pro rata if you leave before 4 years?

Fossildog

Mmmm pukka pies

Sav123

I nearly quit my job 2 years ago to become a commercial airline pilot (something i had always wanted to do when i was kid) i went to OAA and was all ready to realise my dream.... however, my head ruled my heart and a potential £102k debt along with not having a job secured was something i didn't want to do... You mentioned that you think you may find yourself bored, however, there will be layovers in other countries which will break you out of the norm... i haven't moved to Doha yet (moving next month) but if i was you in your circumstance, clearing that debt should be your priority IMO as it will set you up for enjoying your life once its cleared!

halfpv2sq

I'm sorry I can't answer that, I'm still waiting to see the actual terms.

I guess you're right, debt clearing should always be the number one priority!

I would be joining on the short haul fleet so layovers would be somewhat limited, but thinking about it, the layovers that I will get will definitely break up the working week nicely.

scrubbedexpat141

Doha isn't that bad.

dohadesertdog

Lot of haters on Doha but i think there are equally as many who enjoy it here but dont feel the need to bleat about it. Ive been her 4.5 years and though im ready to move on thats for a combination of various reasons. 4 years with one of the worlds best airlines will set your career up v nicely. even if you do get a bit bored from time to time surely 4 years of your life in order to establish your career path is worth it?

plus those ID90's get you to all of QA amazing destinations for peanuts, that in itself is worth sacking off the UK!

Beware though i have a friend whose joined QA direct from a UK/NZ based school, has been here in Doha for 6-8 months and is still yet to fly, seems theyve been over-recruiting...............if theyve made u an offer id snap there hand off before its gone. imho!

DOHDUBMAN

I was in the exact same situation as you a few months ago mate. Allthough in different jobs

Search for my one week in Doha thread.

Ive been here for 7 weeks now and my opinion is even better than it was before

I wont say too much more though as ill be dragged through the coals for liking this place!

Best of luck

scrubbedexpat141

How very ****ing dare you like Doha.

DOHDUBMAN

I was going to say the same to your insane comment

"Doha isnt that bad"