Fly for Chinese Airlines

What’s the positive aspects of working for Chinese Airlines

With the nation on course to eclipse North America as the world’s largest travel market, Chinese Airlines are among the fastest growing on the planet. China will need thousands of airline pilots every year for the next two decades.

With such booming demand, Chinese Airlines are offering huge pay package and favourable roster options to tempt foreign pilots. A number of carriers are advertising well over USD300, 000 tax free annual remunerations.

"Before I was flying anywhere from 80-100 hours a month. Here, I only fly 50 for pretty much three times the pay," said Jeff Graham. He left his job with cargo airline Southern Air in San Antonio, Texas two years ago to work for a carrier in Shenzhen.

For Fernando, a former captain for a top Mexican airline, the economics of moving to China were even more compelling. He says he's set to make five or six times as much money at a carrier in the city of Chengdu. "There were a couple of other options in Asia, but the pay -- the best rate now -- is in China," said Fernando.

However Pilots wishing to work in China need to be prepared for a long and thorough selection process which may last for months. For those who are successful, the rewards, both professionally and financially are substantial.

A survey carried out by Tempo Aviation shows the top 4 biggest challenges regarded by expat pilots are:

1. Language barrier
2. Culture shock – Many feel it is not easy to integrate into Chinese society, some other feel more at ease.
3. Life style change – especially at early stage.
4. Family life – family life needs to be adjusted, and there are increasing number of pilots brought their family to China

However, there are positive aspects which outshine the negative:

1. Good pay level - best paid jobs are in China
2. Flexibility - good roster options
3. Services - most Chinese Airlines have assigned staff to assist foreign pilots
4. Nice bases - Sanya, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Xiamen, Kunming and Hangzhou are among the most popular choices
5. Good working environment - working with professional people, good facility and many new aircraft

For some, their key point would be everyday security. “Crime rate around China is very low and even for families with small children, living in China is 100% safe.”

For some others, travel opportunity is another advantage, as commented by one of our Polish captain “for those who fancy a bit of adventure and traveling on their own China is a great opportunity to explore China's country side, old towns, ancient culture, cuisine etc. It’s easy to travel around with your own or hired car if you have a day or two off duty. Also staff ticket benefits for unlimited domestic travel gives a unique opportunity to explore China's renowned places as well as those not so well know, yet well preserved and places you will never see on TV. Kunming and whole Yunnan is especially rich in those. Proximity to other countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Japan and others make great holiday opportunities when combined with the variety of working patterns offered by Chinese airlines.”

The selection Process

To be able to fly professionally in China, pilots need to obtain a CAAC ATPL license. To achieve this, pilots need to pass a CAAC screening which contains CAAC ATPL theory (written) test, CAAC Medical check and CAAC simulator assessment.

1. ATP Theory Exam

This is a computer based multiple choices test. It lasts for 2 and half hours. Pilots need to get 70% of the questions right to pass this exam. If fail this exam, a re-write can be taken after every 28 days.

2. CAAC Medical Check

The Medical check takes one to two days. Sometimes additional checks need to be done if results are inconclusive. Check items are as follows: Blood test, Urine routine test, The carotid arteries, B-ultrasonic, Cardiac ultrasound, ENT(ears, nose, throat) Hearing test, OPH condition, Internal medicine examination, Surgery examination, ECG, Running test, EEG, X-ray(chest), MRI&MRA.

3. Airlines and CAAC SIM Assessment

Both SIM checks last 2 hours.

Chinese Airlines and the CAAC always have their emphasis on safety awareness, emergency situation control and crew cooperation. Pilot’s CRM, knowledge of the aircraft systems, SOP adherence, leadership and situation awareness are important too.

After the Screening

1. Security Background Check

Once Pilots have successfully passed screening, the below security check documents are required for processing legal papers in China.

1). Reference letter from your previous employer to state that you have never involved in any accident or incident, no violation of safety regulation and not subject to any punishment relating to pilot duty.

2). Police record to show you do not have any criminal record.

3). Flight hour confirmation and training record from your previous employer(s)

2. Obtaining CAAC license and other legal documents

Chinese Airlines will process CAAC license and other legal documents for expat pilots before they can start line training. Work permit, resident permit and foreign expert ID etc. will be renewed periodically. Pilots should make sure their passports have at least 2 years validity and 5 blank pages.

It is also important that pilot’s name on license and medical certificate match identically the name on passport.