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Fedmagnet said:Does the new Netjets TA include Saudi?
C17CHS said:I interviewed in Dallas about a week ago. It supposedly takes two weeks or so to hear back. Unfortunately, one of the guys in my group has already been turned down. Not sure about the rest of the guys.
From their presentation, they definitely give the impression it is a professionally-run operation with the expected NetJets emphasis on safety and customer service. Working for NJME, you'll actually be an employee of NAS in Saudi. It's totally separate from US NetJets. I.e. If you want to go over to NetJets proper or NetJets Europe, you have to apply and interview like everyone else.
Compensation apparently varies based upon the individual's qualifications. They say they plug your numbers into a program and it tells them what to pay. Interesting. Pay is tax free in Saudi, but I'm still wary about if it's free from US taxes. Schedule is 35 days on, then 31 days off. Normally, to get the tax exclusion, you have to meet one of two tests--the bona fide resident test or the physical presence test. The physical presence test requires 330 days continuously in country. So, that one is out. Not sure about the bona fide resident test. I'm hoping to talk with some of their US pilots to see how they handle this.
Life Insurance and International Medical (Bupa) is paid for by the company. There's no 401K or retirement plan. It's a 3 year contract. If you leave before that time, you'll owe them a pro-rated sum of the training costs.
Per diem is a flat $100 per day while on your 35 day rotation. However, until you get checked out in Jeddah, it's $50 per day. They pay to fly you (coach) from an international airport in the US to Jeddah and back. When going TO Jeddah, the travel time is deducted from the 35 days. When traveling home FROM Jeddah, that time is part of your 31 days off. Working beyond the 35 days, or reporting early, is sometimes requested. However, we we're told this is not mandatory.
They put you up in a 4-star hotel while on your 35 day rotation. Right now, it's the Le Meridien when you're in Jeddah. I was surprised to learn they will set you up in a compound in a private residence if you want to be based there. However, that changes the whole compensation structure, etc. I don't have the details on that.
They have Hawkers, Falcon 2000s, and Gulfstream IVs. Your experience will determine what they offer you. With my modest time, I was told to expect the Hawker. Upgrades are based upon performance and potential, not seniority.
Right now, they are short of staff. Lots of turnover. They're flying A LOT right now. Some guys are reportedly hitting their 100 hour max within the 35 days. Outside employment is not prohibited, but is discouraged and must be approved by NAS. I think this has to do with not timing out.
NAS follows the US FARs to the letter.
Recurrent and other training will be scheduled during your 31 days off. However, expenses and per diem will be paid.
As far as the interview, the VP of Int'l Flight Ops was there from SC, as well as the Director of Ops from NAS, and another management person from Saudi. Everyone was extremely professional and cordial. Very comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Lots of time to visit with your comrades between the panel interviews and sim. You'll be partnered up with another candidate for the sim and fly in both seats. Takes about 1.5 hours for the sim for each pair. We were supposed to have simmed in the G100, but is was down for some reason. Ended up using the EMB-145. Profile included TO, holding, engine failure, procedure turn, ILS approach, and landing. They used Beauvais, France as the field...not sure if they change that up.
All in all, a very pleasant experience. This job is obviously not for everyone, but being able to live anywhere you want and have so much time off in a row does have its advantages. If you have any burning questions or issues, feel free to PM and I'll tell you what I know. Good luck.