NotsoFast

HKG Pilots, I am sure there are at least 50 folks with the same questions. Are you guys happy there? Would you bid it again? If you have one school age kid, is it manageable? Where do most live? How is DB? Is it safe? If you brought your wife and or husband, what do they think? I am considering going, so these are honest questions. If you have your flame thrower on please just disregard this post. Thanks

BoxDawg

Probably not 50 folks, more like 5!

SeeDub

Talked to a bud who bid it. Bottom line that I got from him was that he would rather stay on the 72 panel than bid right seat HKG if he got a do over... and he is the ideal candidate for HKG - junior, single and no kids.

Of course that was in late 2008 and given the series of events that have occurred since the FedEx New Year Letter of Love and Support he may be singing a different tune now.

HKG guys, what say you?

atsfdx

I have not been here long enough to comment on all questions asked. I can comment on schools. Several are available. The EFS (English Foundation Schools) are probably the most affordable, but will still set you back 12K-15K per each kid you have in secondary (high) school. I haven't priced primary schools but all of this information is available online.

My 1000 sq ft apartment in DB cost me HKD 30,000 per month; that equates to $1200 USD over the FDA LOA allotment of $2700 USD.

For me, the monthly stipend (the whole FDA LOA) is inadequate, considering we are here for the sole purpose of doing the company's business. Please read the latest NC Message Line before bidding HKG. There seems to be pretty good guidance there.

The ride to CAN is 2+30 and arrives 2 hours prior to pushback. Gives you time to shower and flightplan. The ride home is painful. Imagine working 8-10 hours and then getting in a 2+30 ride back to HKG with a driver who may not be well-rested. You're exhausted and may have to keep an eye on him, too.

Lastly, take a look at the HKG bidpack seniority list. Call anyone on the list (during HKG daytime hours, please) and ask them what they think. That's going to be the best interactive advice you'll get.

Overnitefr8

Let's see. If you're doing a MEM A.M. hub turn, that should be day light time in HKG. Just call them collect from the AOC phones.

MX727

Put it on speaker phone or maybe over the AOC intercom.

skypine27

Hah! And see if you can get DW and BC in on the call!

MD11HOG

I flew in to CAN for the first time and could not believe the grimey air. I didn't even want to layover there, let alone move there. But then again, Mem-pho aint fo evbody.

GreaseA6

Fair question, I'll chip in. Don't know how many but lots more than 5 are calling and emailing questions, so obviously there is interest. Can't answer kid questions, don't have any except the observation that everyone's kid is being educated someway over here, so its doable.

Would I bid it again, yeah in a heartbeat, but everyone has there own life to live.

Unlike SeeDub posted, I'm here and haven't yet encountered an F/O, wife, kid, dog/cat, who is crying to go home. Doesn't mean there aren't any, but they aren't screaming out loud over hear. In fact most F/O's over here fear 2 things most, the "F" bomb and more senior guys arriving to push them farther down the list. It seems the single guys/gals go to work to rest up from there off time (personal opine). In fact many families are really enjoying there time here, I encounter that conversation way more than get homeitis.

I live in DB. Is DB safe, you gotta be kidding. DB stands for dogs & babies. Somehow we need to stick a P in there for Philippino domestic helper. They are cheaper than your lawn service back home. Every building has its own commissar, we are in the PRC don't forget. No personal vehicles except golf carts (which you cannot afford!!) Outdoor activities abound, tennis, hiking, boating, swimming pools, gyms, the occasional King Cobra (just joking, rumor only), baby carriage races, 12 to 20 ounce curls depending on you preference. Yeah we're all bored. Oh yeah Dragon Boat races, we're fielding a team this year.

Where do most people live? I would say the three most popular areas are: Discovery Bay, Tung Chung, and the Harbor Front serviced apartments over Kowloon side (also know as the FedEx dorms). The single crowd seems to live on HK Island along the Island Line MTR where a lot of night life can be found, go figure. I'm paying HK30,500 for a 1047sqft apt. Rental prices have come way down since last spring. Lots of expats being sent home so there are places to be had.

Work wise, the flying is great but the GT ride home does s#ck. The Sig told me they are trying to work in a rest period on either end of the GT but we'll have to see. Lotta good layovers, of course nothing like Des Moine in the winter but you have to give up something. Incheon in the winter is a close second. Other than that carry a lot of suntan lotion.

Its obviously a very personal decision. If you have friends or acquaintances who can put you in touch with folks with kids over here I'd certainly recommend that for a better view of education issues.

That's all I can do for now, date night with the wife in DB, French restaurant, bottle of wine (she had a glass) great food but right now the fog is rolling in. Any more questions I'll try to be helpful.

FedExBusBoy

Thanks for the info Grease........good to hear other than negative comments about HKG