TonyWilliams

I doubt VERY seriously that Mekong will have a schedule (roster) for a start up,[edit for clarification: and you will] be going to a lot of the same airports over, and over, and over. In other words, just like reserve at ASA.

Today, I got picked up at the hotel at 8am, since we didn't get into that hotel last night until almost midnight. We were late after dodging and holding for ITCZ thunderstorms. It's amazing how tired that can make you.

Didn't get dinner, since the restaurant closed at 11pm. Oh, and fast food is not something you find in every third world country. Or all-night grocery stores. Or 7-11. And wandering around at night might not be the best plan.

Anyway, woke up too late this morning for breakfast, thinking I'd do one leg back to home base and then eat. No... turned into a 7 leg day; got into my "base" hotel just before their restaurant closed to get my first and only real food of the day.

So, got to bed just before midnight again. Normally, I'd get a call in the evening with the following day's pick-up time, but I've gotten them at 2am before. Six day work weeks are normal.

Like being on reserve in the US. Don't think that they're not going to get their money's worth out of you.

Shrek

Although I understand your skepticism about not flying to the same "places" - I beg to differ. I have been working in Vietnam for a year and a half and my schedule definitely looks like a carbon-copy of previous months. Double CXRs and Double DAD or HUEs are common.

They have been sending A321s - 3 within 40 minutes of each other from SGN-DAD (Danang) with a TOTAL of 100 people between the 3........lol.

Be prepared for anything over here if you decide to come. Also, there is no such thing as a true "start-up" over here - it is all Vietnam owned .......

Min rest? - If they CAN do it to you they will.......it is an expat thing - they NEED you but not necessarily like you. I don't want to come off sour - which can probably be read that way. There are some beautiful things in this country but always keep your hand on your wallet and your eyes open when deciding to come here.........

Apart from that - you have been warned........and have fun.

VFRinIMC

You can always call in Fatigued....

TonyWilliams

And the Mekong Airline Pilot Union will back you up when the Chief Pilot says, "adios". But, hey, that ASA job will be waiting for you, no matter what happens in Vietnam.

There is a reason that expat flying pays more. I'm confident that those that go will feel like they earned every penny when it's all over. And Jerry, Inc, would have made a nice, tidy profit on your labors.

The Dominican

You are missing the point, I don't know if it is more compared to the salary at ASA, but it is around 40% less salary and benefits than all other RJ contracts in S.E.Asia

hotelmode

I agree. How come you can tell people to turn down a job, but you can't even turn down a trip?

hotelmode

Do other contracts in SE Asia allow you to continue to gain seniority and longevity at a US airline for when you are done?

The Dominican

Again you are missing the big picture, if there where no taker they would improve the T&C's. We already are the lowest paid professionals in all the industrialized nations, so now we are going for the lowest of the third world nations too?

TimSmith

No. Other SE Asia contracts allow you to pay off your student loans, house, and car when you are done. Then when you choose to come back you have international experience, have proven you can make it through another country's training program and have made yourself more marketable overall. That means you can get a job with someone a bit higher on the food chain than a regional. And you can now enjoy the slopes at Tahoe, the fishing in Alaska, and the beaches in Hawaii because you have no debt and money in your bank account.

Unless you do the job for 40% less than market rate and then they figure out you really will work for nothing and lower your rate again in the next contract. Ask folks how Rischworth has tried to pass along expenses in the middle of a contract.

TimSmith

Go ahead. Turn down a trip because you are feeling a little tired. That may happen once. The next time they will probably send you home. Min rest is the regs? That is what will be used. If you try the fatigued card you may be seen as someone who cannot manage their time or as someone who does not want the job. They can terminate the contract. Over here you talk to the chief pilot and the union backstops you so you don't lose your job. You think the Vietnamese are as forgiving?

Naivete. It makes the world so much more adventurous.