Some Questions about PIA Pilot Selection!

[Osman]

Aslamualikum Everyone!

I am the newest member of this very interesting website. However, I have been watching it for a long time. I have gained a lot of information about the inside of PIA and aviation through this site. I always wanted to become a commercial pilot in PIA but due to financial constraints I could not pursue my CPL.

Now I am 28 years old. The last PIA Cadet pilot advertisement stated that the max age limit was 30 years while in the case of Federal Government servants it is 35.

I must add that I am a CSP officer and currently posted in Lahore so my question continues that if I pursue a CPL NOW then will I be able to apply for the next 7 years in PIA as I qualify as a Federal Government servant !

What is the status of the last advertisement? I have heard that the selection process is still going on and that PIA is in desperate need of pilots! I am asking this question since I have been entrusted with the responsibility of inquiring ( for matrimonial purpose) about a candidate who is a CPL holder and is undergoing tests by PIA and claims that he will be selected in PIA on the above argument. How far is it true?

I know getting a slot as pilot in PIA is no easy job with a lot of push required at every stage.

Is it true that PIA pilots are quitting PIA as they feel dejected over the attitude of the management coupled with the low salaries ( although Fokker jockeys are getting 70 plus) and lack of promotions? I know an Airbus guy who is first officer for the last 15 years!

I have also heard that the rapid expansion of Emirates and Qatar Airways is another factor since PIA pilots are being offered very high salaries, luxurious accommodations and plenty of high tech stuff to command ( B777s, A345/6 , A380s/ A330s)

[Charliedelta11]

actually..to be honest..the reason why promotions had stopped in PIA was because of poor management..now..promotions ahve started..Co-pilots from the 747's and the A310s have moved on as captains onto the 737's and F27's , the process has just started and will continue till 2007 once all ATR's have arrived....this is for two reasons..first off..around a 100 + pilots are expected to retire withing the next 5 years , all very senior captains , the newly promoted pilots who are being given command are to take their place , to fill up the void , PIA will have to take around a good 150 pilots in the next few years to relieve the flying stress pilots have been under lately due to shortage of pilots....so if you are planning on getting ur CPL i'd sya go for it , u have a very good chance of getting in...and yes..the MIDdle east has alot of lucrative spots for pilots but remember...there..u will be hired on a contract basis and ur job is not as secure as it would be in a Pakistani Airline , i'd say try out for Air Blue...its a budding airline and i see a bright future for it...remember...PIA does not have anough pilots for its fleet of B747 , 737 , 777 and A310..anbd with the arrival of the 6 new 777's , and 7 ATR's , they will need a handful of pilots..
the rest is upto u ..

[Charliedelta11]

and the pilots have taken a stand In PIA now after poor management decisions..they want what they desrve..especially a rise in thier salaries..PIA is one of the lowest paying airlines in the international market..and the only increment in your salary is at the end of each year of service...but remember...becoming a pilot is easy...continuing for years is the difficult part..u stay away from your friends and family for ages..so do weight out your options before going ahead with it..i know what its like to be a pilot..heh..lifes tough..but its a wonderful job..

[AirBlue]

Airblue actually is hiring only those with ALTP / ATPL licences right now and with that you need to have 3000 hrs of flying

[AirBlue]

Department: Flight Crew
Position: Captain
No. of Positions: 6

Position Qualifications include:
Current CAA Licenses and Certification
Min 3,500 hours Total Flight Time
Min 2,500 hours on Airbus A320 or Boeing 737
Min 1,000 hours as PIC on Airbus A320 or Boeing 737
Good Communication Skills Required
Graduate Preferred
Managerial Skills and Experience Preferred



And for the CM2 position


Department: Flight Crew
Position: First Officer
No. of Positions: 12

Position Qualifications include:
Current CAA Licenses and Certification
Min 1,500 hours Total Flight Time
Min 1,000 hours as PIC
Experience on Airbus A320 or Boeing 737 Preferred
Good Communication Skills Required
Graduate Preferred
Managerial Skills and Experience Preferred