I am a fresh graduate of a local flying school, privately funded.
Like the other pilot wannabes, I am anxiously and eagerly hunting for a job with our local airlines but unfortunately, I missed the recent Direct Intake held by AK and FY due to technical reason. It would take another half a year for the next call up.
Waiting is killing - waiting to be called up for entry test is indeed a pain in the neck. Some even waited for 1 whole year before they got their chance. After you have been called, you need to face competitive selection processes with just slight chance for you to shine through.
Then I heard this alternative path for us (Fresh Grad pilots). A self-funded type rating for B737-classic with a job guaranteed, offered by our neighbor country - Indonesia. With USD 30 000, you get yourself a rating and a job secured and from what I have heard, the selection process is not as rigorous as our local airlines due to distress demand for pilots over there.
To some people, money is not a problem. But sir, I would like to ask for your opinion regarding this matter as well as advices on the career prospect. There will be 2 - 3 years bond with the airline and by that time we should have enough flying experience to be marketable worldwide.
Sir, we all heard about Indonesia and their safety issues but this opportunity is like a life line for a desperate peasant looking for a job of his/ her dream. With awareness of their safety issues, things that still fogging me is, will we be marketable enough after 3 years working there? Does the fact that we worked for Indo Airlines tarnish our value to be hired by other airlines in the future? Please help.
Thanks for your time and thought sir, really appreciate it.
Regards,
Hazman
Boeing 737-200 Classic
Hi Hazman,
I know it is a dilemma for many graduates who have invested quite a lot of money at the flying schools and still waiting for a flying job.
Yes, the Indonesian opportunity could be a lifeline for some new pilot graduates that have been waiting for job offers. The B737-200 classic is not a great plane to fly as it is rather old with very basic technology. If they promise to give you a conversion onto the Boeing 737-400 planes which have EFIS (electronic flight instrument system), then it would be useful for future job applications.
To be fair, any hours accumulated from flying the B737 classic will count as far as experience is concerned.
Working with an Indo airline would not tarnish your records. Any future flying jobs would depend on your performance, experience and how you carry yourself. You will be surprised that when the job market opens again in Malaysia soon, the hours you have accumulated is an advantage as compared to one who is still waiting.
