To Emirates pilots' wives... | Page 2 | ExpatWoman.com
 

To Emirates pilots' wives...

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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 February 2012 - 18:22
Lol me too! :D THough some I am sure will do their best to avoid certain people as much as possible- I know there are some who regularly come out hunting for food, makes me wonder if DW/maid is horrible at cooking, or if they are just hungry all the time!! ;)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 February 2012 - 18:16
Thanks for the explanation, SkyKitty. I thought it must be that, but was a bit perturbed to think that only Captains were at the pointy end - surely co-pilots need to sit in the same cabin? ;)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 February 2012 - 18:10
"pointy end" in that post meant got upgrade to Captain. Obviously someone else's DH wanted and didn't get an upgrade (or more like, the DW thought he should have got it) and their nose was put out of joint. More often than not it's the DW's not the pilots themselves that are at the cause of the rivalry... most often the men are aware of where they need to work on to be accepted for a promotion, most pilots are at any given point, working towards something else, be it a new type, an upgrade or whatever!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 February 2012 - 18:08
Hmm well getting something different to what they were told is an issue with the company, not with the other employees. No excuse for them to act as you describe. Pity they can't let you 'house swap' with someone else who wants what you have & vice versa, but then I guess that opens a whole other can of worms doesn't it! Agree, they shouldnt snub you just because you are a pilots wife but just posted my experience to say it does cause a lot of resentment re housing issue. However, these days I think it has changed depending on how many children etc pilots have as we know quite a few in apartments. We ended up very happy at our compound with pilots, IT, engineers and all sorts of EK managers, a good mix and we all had a lot of fun times.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 February 2012 - 18:05
Excuse me poking my nose in, I'm not an Emirates pilot's wife, nor any kind of pilot's wife, but I'm confused. In a post I can't find now, someone mentioned being shunned at a pilots and family get-together after they said their husband had a "seat at the pointy end of the plane" - doesn't that mean their husband was a pilot and if so why the shunning? <em>edited by simpleasabc on 08/02/2012</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 February 2012 - 17:47
Hmm well getting something different to what they were told is an issue with the company, not with the other employees. No excuse for them to act as you describe. Pity they can't let you 'house swap' with someone else who wants what you have & vice versa, but then I guess that opens a whole other can of worms doesn't it!
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 February 2012 - 17:43
Just to add the engineers perspective into the mix. When we arrived 12 yrs ago with 3 small children we were put in a 3 bed apartment as per our 'entitlement' (even though at interview it was villa accom). Flight crew friends with no children were given 4 bed villas. They wanted the apartments, we wanted the villas. It caused a lot of heartache and resentment. After 3 yrs we were finally moved to a villa at safa park as the compound had become too noisy for flight crew! Obviously there must still be a lot of jealousy re the accom dished out by grade, hence the cold shoulder treatment. We solved our problem by getting out of company housing. Best move ever. Good post, always good to get both perspectives.In other postings we enjoyed a great mix of engineers ,pilots and it guys in the compunds.So sad that these things happen.
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 February 2012 - 17:32
The irony of it all is many Fo's who become captains move onto other carriers as DEC's,but thats OK is it. As Skykitty says it is supply and demand,the airline will do what it takes to keep a safe schedule going.Thus ensuring growth and expansion in an industry that is not faring too well at the moment. The criteria for DEC is VERY HIGH and it is that way for a very good reason. @funnyfish some of the comments made are way out of line and on a public forum. It is the spreading of mis information and rumors that causes this DEC/FO issue in the first place. Please don't presume on behalf of other pilots that they wouldn't accept a DEC position.Many will tell you what you want to hear. When the chips are down we will all do what is best for our own circumstances. If a person has the qualifications for a position,gets the position and is successful in that position, what right do others have( who don't qualify) to deny said person the right to said employment. I am not debating this issue,as dogcatcher says it is just so "high school" <em>edited by Nomad on 08/02/2012</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 February 2012 - 17:24
Just to add the engineers perspective into the mix. When we arrived 12 yrs ago with 3 small children we were put in a 3 bed apartment as per our 'entitlement' (even though at interview it was villa accom). Flight crew friends with no children were given 4 bed villas. They wanted the apartments, we wanted the villas. It caused a lot of heartache and resentment. After 3 yrs we were finally moved to a villa at safa park as the compound had become too noisy for flight crew! Obviously there must still be a lot of jealousy re the accom dished out by grade, hence the cold shoulder treatment. We solved our problem by getting out of company housing. Best move ever.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 February 2012 - 17:01
I don't think we were talking about the logistics of it, only that DEC ALWAYS ALWAYS becomes a source of bitterness and controversy (either for the reasons you mention, or from jealousy of being passed over) While I agree that it seems unfair for FOs to be passed over, things have to be done to keep the schedule flying so DECs at times become necessary. I believe they only do it when absolutely necessary BECAUSE of the reasons you state. They have been holding off on it recently for that very reason. Go see trainign college churning out the upgrades at all hours of the night- there were sim sessions going recently as early as 3am!! However like in all jobs, there will always be that small percentage who are not, and never will be, ready for that next step. Some because of ability/attitude, others because they prefer less pressure and to keepa nice schedule/family life over an upgrade.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 February 2012 - 16:58
I found it quite amusing that IT/engineering would find flight deck living in their building an 'insult' or affront. Typically, flight deck get "better" acommodation then most so can't quite see what their issue would be? The ones that live in my building usually do so because of the location, or they are waiting on a villa, it's not like you really get too much of a choice anyway, so for them to be 'funny' for living in an aprtment is, as you say, just so "high school"!!!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 February 2012 - 16:58
Dogcatcher, you couldn't be more wrong, I am a pilots wife have been for many years, OH has been with 5 different carriers and we have a huge amount of friends here and in other countries who fly, not one of them would opt for DEC unless it's on to their current type. There is a lot of hysiteria around this subject currently as EK has guys who are FO's with 1000's and 1000's of hours and just as they are reaching the EK thresh hold for their command it could be extended for another 2/3 years due to DEC. DEC's will fix the current recruitment issues EK has, but will compromise standards. Everyone we speak to agree DEC's are dangerous. Even guys who came as DEC the last time EK did this this have said 3/4 years later they only now feel confident on type, with hours under their belts.....the same time as most spend as FO's!! EK has enough issues in training/HR/ recruitment Depts.... etc..... currently if they do decide in their wisdom to introduce DEC's once again, then not only will they have a lot of very unhappy pilots, but they are creating way more issues for them selves.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 February 2012 - 16:41
I'm sorry that you were shunned from the group for being a plots wife...what a riot! Just when I thought I'd heard it all! We've seen and heard people getting over looked for upgrades, it happens for a reason! I so agree, my husband has worked his tail off to be where he is. Our whole family has sacrificed a lot moving around, companies going under (weve had 3) and so much more, so those that arent captains yet their time will come...maybe! It seems now a days everyone wants to be the captain, CEO, vp etc and make so much money. With time and hard work it comes. The DEC thing is even more hysterical. Every pilot I know, and I know a lot would jump at a dec job but because certain people didn't qualify for dec or EK wasn't hiring dec's at the time the fo's and some wives are really nasty about it. but given the chance those fo pilots would take a dec job. Id put money down on that! Again what a riot and way to much drama! Ha ha sky kitty, yes cabin crew are just as bad! Can't comment on the engineers and their spouses but again I'm sorry you were shunned. How high school!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 February 2012 - 16:13
hey Yooper, again not an EK wife but my advice is for your husband to be himself, relaxed, calm and educated about the culture here. This is an opportunity for EK to evaluate whether or not your husband will fit but it's also a good time for him to decide if living in the middle east is good for him and for you. There are other jobs out there and EK is not the be all end all. No offense to EK people here but there are a lot of jobs to choose from at the moment and it's only getting better. It's been said that during the tour of the medical facility, housing etc that the trailing spouse is watched just as much as the potential new joiner. I've also heard that none of your tour is evaluated. I would go with the everything is being watched theory. Enjoy going out for dinner with the other candidates and their spouses. It's a good way to relax after a grueling few days. We came here about 10 years ago and still like it....although today's drivers were especially annoying! This is a pretty cool adventure and If you have kids they will be better for it. Mine have spent many many years as expat kids and are just amazing people. Theyre very worldly. Enjoy your time here and good luck to your husband. edited by dogcatcher on 08/02/2012 <em>edited by dogcatcher on 08/02/2012</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 February 2012 - 23:49
Hope this is okay, it is my first post...my husband and I will be coming to Dubai in a few weeks for the final interview portion with Emirates. Was wondering if, as pilots wives, you have any words of wisdom and advice??
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 February 2012 - 23:06
i don't have a travelling husband or pre-school children and weekends are family time lol hope you finally manage to find some like-minded pals !! Thanks Sue. Believe it or not i'm even MORE desperate for companionship than i sound! i believe it !!!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 February 2012 - 23:04
i don't have a travelling husband or pre-school children and weekends are family time lol hope you finally manage to find some like-minded pals !! Thanks Sue. Believe it or not i'm even MORE desperate for companionship than i sound!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 February 2012 - 22:41
i don't have a travelling husband or pre-school children and weekends are family time lol hope you finally manage to find some like-minded pals !!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 February 2012 - 22:26
BUMP
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 February 2012 - 21:48
scotsmumofone, it was me you spoke to, I got your email before they removed it. Check your inbox. Regarding the pool, I think we share the same villa compound pool.
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 February 2012 - 21:21
you get promoted when you prove you are capable and not before Yep, applies to all of us and some people just can't stand to see others successful... in Oz we call it "Tall Poppy Syndrome" *Like*
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 February 2012 - 21:15
you get promoted when you prove you are capable and not before Yep, applies to all of us and some people just can't stand to see others successful... in Oz we call it "Tall Poppy Syndrome"
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 February 2012 - 21:15
I guess I just dont pay any attention to any of it :)...not worth it....the husband has his job, he does qualify for what he does and worked alot of years and sacrifice to get where he is...certainly not going to let a few 'about faces' worry me so....dont let them get under your skin, not worth it :) sour grapes should never be in the vocab, ignore....you get promoted when you prove you are capable and not before Have to agree Sue.Yes DH worked very hard for many years to get to that point.As is said , nothing replaces experience. Water under the bridge. <em>edited by Nomad on 07/02/2012</em>
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 February 2012 - 21:05
I guess I just dont pay any attention to any of it :)...not worth it....the husband has his job, he does qualify for what he does and worked alot of years and sacrifice to get where he is...certainly not going to let a few 'about faces' worry me so....dont let them get under your skin, not worth it :) sour grapes should never be in the vocab, ignore....you get promoted when you prove you are capable and not before
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 February 2012 - 20:50
Yeah was wondering the same thing.... then the upgrade thing occurred to me. What some people don't realise is that not all pilots are suited to be captains, and for some people that is a hard reality to swallow. Add in DEC's and the nastiness can be astronomical, because some feel that jobs are being 'stolen'.... Don't worry, it's just as b!tchy for the cabin crew as well. I actually prefer socialising with the pilots than most of the CC downroute as they tend to not get into all of that cr@p!!!
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 February 2012 - 20:46
Possibly because of an all pilot compound and many were waiting for their UG.;) <em>edited by Nomad on 07/02/2012</em>
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 February 2012 - 20:39
DH seat in the pointy end????? and they swore at you????? for what reason????? We have never had a problem, or maybe...we just didnt notice :)
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 February 2012 - 20:37
Dogcatcher, that's some really good advice you've given. I moved over here 2yrs ago with a newborn to join hubby and was shocked with the negativity I encountered from some expats here. Hubby and I did the long distance thing for a while so he could focus on settling in here and do his training so I was lucky that I missed that settling in period. I also had our DD in Oz and he did all of that associated paperwork so it was an easy arrival for us - what a gem! It's great to get people's opinions on life here, both positive and negative, but you are spot on, it is ultimately up to the individual to make the most of this opportunity. As I mentioned, the negativity I faced on my arrival was devastating but I rose above it and am so much better for it. In a nutshell, I came here with a brand new baby, not knowing ANYONE and was determined to make friends for myself and my baby. The apartment building we were in had a Facebook page with a mums group which I quickly joined and attended one of the playdates at the pool. I put myself out there and introduced myself to some ladies and all was going well until they discovered through conversation that I was married to a pilot and BANG!!! Without a word of a lie, they literally turned their backs on me and wouldn't speak to me!!! I discovered later that they were all engineer and IT wives and felt that I had no right to live there and should be in a villa spending my days sipping coffees with the JJs! Needless to say, I didn't interact with them again and we are fortunate enough to now live in a villa in a great area with amazing neighbors who have become great friends (both EK and non EK). Hubby works very hard to provide for us so I've ensured that I've maintained my independence and have figured a lot of stuff out on my own. I try not to bug him for things or dump chores on him on his days off. Except maybe for today as he's just returned from a 9 day trip and I've been nursing a very sick DD for the last week (I'm also 36wks pregnant) so he's promised to amuse her this afternoon so I can catch on my chores (although I'm sure he will insist I have a nap!). I might just take him up on that! Anyway, good luck to the newbies joining us here. There will be ups and downs but try to stay calm and take it one step at a time. Ask your neighbors and the lovely ladies of EW for advice. You will find your feet and all will be well! Best wishes! Giggles I can so relate. Newly arrived here I went to a do had a similar experience with pilot issues.Couldn't believe the nastiness. This was the first time in all our travels in aviation (30 odd years) that I had experienced anything like it. Needles to say I got involved with like minded people both in and out of aviation and made the most of my time there. As you say It is all about attitude and how YOU make it work. All the best to the new girls. <em>edited by Nomad on 07/02/2012</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 February 2012 - 12:59
Good on you Giggles. I firmly believe "Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it."
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 February 2012 - 12:59
Good on you Giggles. I firmly believe "Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it."
 
 

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