Would You Still Join SAA ???

[Andrew Smit]

With time to command now sitting at about 18 yrs, your age will become a big determining factor in your decision. I joined SAA 11 yrs ago and I still have about 130 places to go before my command comes up. Unless we see some expansion soon, things are looking rather grim on this front. Command isn't everything, but it does effect your salary and pension. The older you are, the more important the pension issue becomes.

[Jayson v Schalkwyk]

Have to agree - 18yrs is a very long time to wait for command.

I understand the pension idea, but surely your earning potential now, could be better if you got command sooner on a smaller aircraft and thus earned a larger salary sooner and then increased what you put away for pension?

[LongRangeCruise]

I'm my opinion.....

The current pilot Ts and C's at SAA make the maximum 18 yr wait to command relatively painless.
I know 18 yrs is a long time but a command at another airline may not provide the various options we have currently.

First and foremost we are protected by a fantastic Union. Secondly our options are invaluable ! By options I mean the ease of moving between fleets as a co pilot. We have 3 fleet and 2 base options. Long range , domestic or freighter fleet.....JHB or CPT bases.

Basic salaries across all fleets are the same. If you manage your debt and supplement your retirement fund then it's manageable. However 2-3 kids in private schools , a single income , a house on an estate , and a few motorised toys can easily erode your retirement savings.

That's just my take on it....

[MIXMAN1]

There's a rumor floating around on another forum that a secondary pay-scale will be introduced for anyone now joining SAA ........ is their any truth to this or maybe just a case of sour grapes.

[738]

18 years is a while,
we all know SAAPA is strong , but what's going to happen when the 60+ Cadets that's at SAX now join SAA and be ready for Command in 10 years time.
Will the Seniority list stand or will it be in the name of "correct numbers and colours"?

If I can please have answers from SAA crew it will be appreciated.

Regards

[RCM]

18 years is a while,
we all know SAAPA is strong , but what's going to happen when the 60+ Cadets that's at SAX now join SAA and be ready for Command in 10 years time.
Will the Seniority list stand or will it be in the name of "correct numbers and colours"?

If I can please have answers from SAA crew it will be appreciated.

Regards

I'll fudge a answer for you..... It is anybody's guess.

[Richard Smit]

That will depend on whether the group in question decides to maintain their current reputation as professionals with integrity, or whether they'll collectively put their hands out (African salute) in an accelerated promotion demand.

The potential outcome of the latter scenario isn't all that easy to forecast.

[vanjast3]

.. or whether they'll collectively put their hands out (African salute) in an accelerated promotion demand..

Ah!.. the wannabe 'Branch Managers'.

For the newbee whitey into SAA the way forward, is very dark indeed. And in the long term.. well there is no long term

As for the older whitey guys/gals.. well nothing beats experience and you cannot get rid of that to fast, without dire consequences...
So they have to 'play the game' of the glass ceiling, as far as possible until their retirements, or better offers.

While BEE and affirmative action laws are in place, I'll encourage all, and top students, to look elsewhere other than SAA if they can, for long term employment.

[Andrew Smit]

I'm my opinion.....

The current pilot Ts and C's at SAA make the maximum 18 yr wait to command relatively painless..

I take it you have your command with a statement like that

[LongRangeCruise]

At he current attrition rate I'm about 10 years from it....

[RCM]

To make a long story short....

From a Pilots point of view at this stage SAA is a great place to work and operate, the T&C , the equipment ,vibe etc etc is all good. At least 90% of crew will concur. If you are young and planning on staying in the country it is a great place to be.

If it will stay that way in the longterm is anybody's guess, but the same goes for South Africa as a whole.

[nugpot]

There are many reasons why pilots might not want to work at SAA and just as many reasons (well perhaps only one big one - AA) why some pilots did not get the opportunity to work there, but if you add up the equipment, T's & C's, training, routes and lifestyle, it is by far the best job in the RSA.

There are other airlines which can compete on any one or two of those things, but none with that package. I desperately wanted to go there when I was younger, but ended up not going when I finally got the chance due to my age, time to command and the uncertain future of the seniority system.

When asked, I advise all pilots under 40 to go if they get the chance. Those over 40 have to evaluate their own set of circumstances to see whether it is worthwhile. Most of the older guys are pretty senior where they are and will take some financial punishment initially at SAA, so it is not always an easy decision.

[DJB]

I would give a kidney to join SAA, if there's anyone on the selection panel reading this I'm O positive and it's in mint condition. My liver not so much...

[Jayson v Schalkwyk]

what do you guys mean when referring to T & C's?

You make it sound like a banking advert.

[RCM]

what do you guys mean when referring to T & C's?

You make it sound like a banking advert.

Hi Jayson,

Precisely like in the adds..... The Terms & Conditions that they employ you to fly their aircraft.