spotlight on vietnam

SPOTLIGHT ON VIETNAM
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCING OUR PILOTS WHO SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE
Rishworth Aviation is proud to have worked
closely with Vietnam Airlines (VAC) for over
12 years and has over 150 expatriate Pilots at
the Airline.
At Vietnam Airlines, our pilots enjoy attractive terms
and career progression opportunities, as well as a great
location, an excellent lifestyle and schooling opportunities.
Vietnam Airlines continues to enjoy substantial growth
and enjoys a strong market position in South East Asia.
We would like to share with you some of our Pilots’ first
hand experiences and impressions of working at Vietnam
Airlines. They provide some insight into their way of life
and share what it is that they enjoy most about being on
contract with Rishworth Aviation in Vietnam. We hope that
this will give you a Pilot’s perspective of the great lifestyle
and work environment that you too can enjoy in Vietnam,
while supported by Rishworth Aviation.
FEDERICO LOMBARDO
A320 First Officer from Italy,
Hanoi base, commuting,
6/2 roster pattern.
TOM CONARD
A320 Captain from USA,
HCMC base, commuting,
9/3 roster pattern. Lives in
Vietnam with his wife.
CHRISTIAN SCHLOBOHM
ATR72 Captain/TRI from Germany,
HCMC base, non-commuting, 8/2
roster pattern. Lives in Vietnam
with his wife and 2 children (aged
3 years and newborn).
Left: Pleiku Airport Terminal
Right: Vietnam Airlines logo
RISHWORTH AVIATION’S PILOT
SUPPORT GROUP
Supporting you while on contract is an
absolute priority for us. Rishworth Aviation
has an established Pilot Support Group
(PSG) that offers you friendly, practical, onthe-ground support that you can call on 24
hours a day.
Our PSG Representatives are senior VAC Pilots living in
Vietnam who have a wealth of first-hand experience of
the contracting world and a passion for the wellbeing of
their fellow Pilots at VAC.
STEVEN HESELMANS
A320 First Officer from Belgium,
HCMC base, commuting,
6/2 roster pattern.
ROBERT PRINCE
A320 Captain from USA, HCMC
base, non-commuting, 10/2
roster pattern. Lives in Vietnam
with his wife and children
(aged 11 years and 7 years).
The PSG will meet with you on arrival in Vietnam to ensure
that you quickly adjust to the systems and protocols of
VAC as well as Vietnamese life in general. The PSG is
also available to give you general support and guidance
throughout the term of your contract at Vietnam Airlines.
We also have a highly experienced local Vietnamese
representative who works closely with Rishworth and the
PSG to support our Pilots – this can be particularly useful
when dealing with VAC, authorities or locals where speaking
the local language can help resolve matters quickly.
Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi
STARTING OUT
What do you remember about your SIM check with
Vietnam Airlines?
TC: Rishworth had everything in place...everything from the
hotel to directions on getting to the hotel, the sim building, etc.
Everything was very well planned, very well detailed. It was easy
for me to fly there and do what I needed to do. The screening
was quite straightforward. No nonsense. Perhaps this is a tribute
to Vietnam Airlines...but, I remember it being no nonsense. The
focus was on important things, not on touchy-feely stuff like so
many Human Resource people come up with. I also remember
that Rishworth was there to hold my hand, if needed, if any
problems. I really didn’t have any problems, but it was great to
know that help was just an e-mail or phone call away. The last
thing I remember, and perhaps the most important...was that
Rishworth honoured all its commitments to me.
“THE VIETNAMESE PILOTS
ARE RESPECTFUL AND
COMPETENT, BUT MORE
TO THE POINT, MANY
HAVE BECOME MY VERY
CLOSE FRIENDS.”
Tom Conard, A320 Captain, Vietnam Airlines
Left: Pilot apartment, HCMC
Right: Phu Cat Airport
Left: VAC crew lounge in HCMC
Right: Pool at Sheraton Hotel, Hanoi
Describe your arrival in Vietnam, first impressions
and your experience at Ground school?
CS: Pick up at the airport was well organized as was the
accommodation. On check-in we received a letter with the
timetable for the next few days including a list of all other pilots
starting the same day. For all first-timers to Asia the city is
overwhelmingly chaotic but everyone got used to it very quick.
RP: Ground school was enjoyable, nice instructors and classmates.
First impressions of Vietnam were that it is a very busy city. The
traffic needs to be seen as it is too hard to describe accurately.
FL: If it is your first time in Vietnam it is a little bit of a shock for
the first couple of days, but then you get used to it. The ground
school was good.
How did you find the Rishworth Pilot Support Group
(PSG) welcome evening in your first week?
TC: I really appreciated the help I received from Rishworth’s pilot
support representative. The transition from flying for a legacy
carrier in the US to becoming a contract pilot was smooth
thanks to the support I received from Rishworth.
SH: The PSG meeting was very valuable where Randy and Rick
briefed the “do’s” and “don’ts” in Vietnam and VAC. Personally a
must to attend for anyone who hasn’t been to Vietnam!
FL: I didn’t manage to attend the welcome evening, but Randy
invited me over to his house a couple of times and introduced
me to everything I needed to know. It was really helpful!
Rice paddies, Vietnam
THE JOB AND THE FLYING
What is it like to work for VAC? What do you
enjoy most?
SH: Working for VAC is an absolute plus. The steady fees and rotation
possibilities definitely contribute; also the ability to fly NPA’s and
PA’s with expats and locals is a mind-broadening experience.
RP: When working we fly a lot but this is balanced with the
rotation time off. I enjoy the time off in two week periods as it
gives us an opportunity to do some travel here.
FL: On my side, it was the support that I had. It was great before
I started with the RAL team in the office and then in Vietnam
with Randy [Pilot Support Group representative], which is really
important when you go to places like Vietnam.
“Rishworth was a known
name in the industry with
a very good reputation
and VAC offered me the
opportunity to improve
my financial position with
time off in a part of the
world that my family and
I would like to travel in.”
Robert Prince, A320 Captain, Vietnam Airlines
Left: ATR72 parked at Pleiku
Right: Phu Cat runway 15
Left: Roni Conard on a charity trip in Cambodia
Right: RAL Pilot Support Reps Randy and Rick at our RAL function
What roster pattern are you on and how many
hours do you fly each month?
CS: I started on a 6/2 roster pattern but soon changed to an 8/2
roster pattern, I’m not commuting as my family live with me in
HCMC, so I don’t need so much vacation. I fly around 50 block
hours per month.
RP: I started on a 6/2 roster pattern but changed this in December
to a 10/ 2 pattern as my family now live here in HCMC with me.
My monthly flight hours vary, around Tet [the Vietnamese New
Year] I flew a lot but now I average about 80 hours per month.
TC: I work a 9/3 roster pattern. This is because the travel to my
home in the US is so far. My monthly roster varies a little. Last
year I flew approximately 775 hours due to the high growth rate
of the airline. Prior to taking this assignment, my wife and I had
never been to this part of the world. It’s great to be able to travel
and see Asia. So, we do a little of both. We enjoy seeing our family
and friends in the US, but we also enjoy the opportunities for
other travel as well.
SH: My current roster is 6/2 with an average monthly flight time
of 70 hours. I commute home during my 2 weeks off so I can be
with my family on a regular basis.
FL: I am on a 6/2 roster pattern and I commute home during
my time off.
How do you find flying with local flight crew?
RP: The Vietnamese pilots I work with are friendly and eager to help.
TC: The Vietnamese pilots are respectful and competent, but more to
the point, many have become my very close friends.
Why did you decide to join Vietnam Airlines through
Rishworth Aviation?
CS: Initially I contacted all agencies but RAL was the most cooperative
partner and after 11 years with my previous employer I needed a
change and wanted to work in Asia.
RP: RAL was a known name in the industry with a very good
reputation and VAC offered me the opportunity to improve my
financial position with time off in a part of the world that my family
and I would like to travel in.
TC: In my opinion, Rishworth is the leader in contract flying, especially
for Asian assignments. Frankly, between the major agencies, the
contract terms differ little. The support I get from Rishworth is great.
It’s the way an agency should be. At VAC the money is good. The
rotation pattern is excellent. The Vietnamese people and the culture
are incredible. Here, I’m treated like a guest, not like an employee.
SH: A friend and good colleague advised me to choose RAL. The
VAC rotation pattern (which can be changed) together with fees &
upgrade possibilities, as well as the location were deciding factors
for me.
Cao Dai Temple near HCMC
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
THE LIFESTYLE
What type of accommodation did you choose, where and why?
FL: I am based in Hanoi. I live near the Sheraton, I chose that area because there is a
pick up point at the Sheraton and it is a nice area to live, quite safe with many facilities
around it.
SH: I live in Thao Dien, District 2 where it is quiet and nice. The commute to and from the
airport by taxi takes about 25 minutes depending on the traffic.
TC: We have a really nice apartment not too far from the airport. However, it is also
conveniently located for my wife to travel to all areas of the city as well. Apartments
are virtually everywhere and prices vary. It’s important to find a place you love to come
home to.
Left: Vietnam markets
Right: ATR72 at Pleiku
Left: Vietnam scooters
Right: Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Roni: I arrived about two months after Tom’s arrival due to teaching commitments. I
recommend that the family come and that they come as soon as possible. It was easy to
blend into the community here once I found the ILV and a church and I also found charity
work to do. It probably took me about a month to settle in, but I’m very adaptable and
have moved a lot during my life. I do charity work that is very rewarding, I play Mahjong
and am a member of two book clubs. Shopping is great; prices are so reasonable. Tom
and I usually relax by seeing a movie or going out with friends, we also enjoy travelling
around Vietnam and this side of the world and there are all kinds of entertainment. For
more information on ILV please visit: www.ilvietnam.com
CS: My wife Claudia joined me a few months into the contract, after having a look first
and deciding that she wanted to move. We have a lot of time together as a family.
CS: We’ve started out at Phu Nhuan Tower but will move after a year or so to Saigon
Pearl or similar, somewhere in-between everything and reasonably priced.
RP: District 7 area. There is a variety of shops and restaurants and businesses that cater
to the expat community. It is a great area for families as there is less traffic and noise.
There are a lot more open spaces for kids too.
Was it easy to get set up in Vietnam, find accommodation, cell phones,
shops and services needed?
TC: It is quite easy to find suitable accommodation. Usually the Rishworth pilot support
representatives provide valuable help in this area. We found our apartment through a
local agent, they advertise on the internet as well as local publications. It’s quite easy
and painless to ‘get set up’ here.
CS: Finding accommodation is very easy using one of the many agents, but finding the
right location is more tricky.
RP: I hired an agent to help me find accommodation, I would highly recommend it as
they have an intimate knowledge of the various districts in HCMC. There are also various
expat online groups in HCMC that are great resources like Phu My Hung neighbours and
An Phu neighbours – members have all sorts of information, anything from where to buy
a printer to where the local post office is, or who is coming to Vietnam to play a concert,
they are really helpful.
SH: Like everywhere else, it takes some driving around and some finding out.
Most things are very straight forward.
FL: It was really easy. I found accommodation through some friends, although there are
many agencies that could help new pilots to find accommodation.
How is your family enjoying and adapting to life in Vietnam?
TC: For my wife, Roni, the first thing she did was to join the International Ladies in
Vietnam (ILV). It’s a social organization for women here in Ho Chi Minh City. Their
current membership is over 400 women who come from all over the world including
Vietnam. Not only has she made life-long friends, but also received help in adapting
to her new life in Vietnam.
Claudia: I found it easy to settle into Vietnam, it took us around 3 months to
get everything sorted and we enjoy spending time at the pool and meeting up
with friends.
RP: My family moved here at the end of December 2010…
Niamh: The kids and I relocated to Vietnam 6 months into the contract.
I think it is worth waiting a while before relocating as it gives ones spouse an opportunity
to settle in and find their way around before the family arrives. It is definitely a plus that
one member of the family knows their way around. I think a lot of settling in depends
on where you come from originally. We are from a small community in the Pacific
Northwest of the USA so the adjustment to the noise and traffic has been a little more
challenging for us. We enjoy playing in the pool of the apartment building which I think
is really important for a family with kids. We’ve enjoyed shopping in the city and just
generally observing life here in HCMC. We enjoy spending time with other expat families
living in Vietnam...and the ILV is another great way to meet people, they meet every
Thursday at the Rex Hotel.
What has been your impression of living in Vietnam so far?
TC: The Vietnamese people are warm and friendly, very humble. We are treated as guests.
Some of our closest friends here in Vietnam are Vietnamese locals. Vietnam is a safe place
to live. The weather is great. The people are great. There are many wonderful restaurants.
Shopping is superb. There is always something fun and interesting to do here in the city.
We do miss our family back in the US, but honestly at the end of our rotation, we look
forward to coming ‘home’ to Vietnam.
RP: The Vietnamese are friendly and engaging. They are anxious to meet foreigners to
practice the English they have learned at school. Any difficulties I have had at the store
or market have been resolved with a paper and pen or a pocket Vietnamese/English
dictionary! Living in HCMC can be challenging with the noise and overcrowding but on
the other side of that is great shopping, restaurants and a busy nightlife scene. HCMC
is buzzing at night time!
SH: I find the Vietnamese people to be very kind people who are eager to help you
and the thing I enjoy most about living in Vietnam is the lifestyle.
FL: The people are nice and they work and think in their own way. I enjoy the people
most of all.
A word from Vietnam Airlines
“Rishworth Aviation has proved
highly competent in providing
high quality candidates who we
are pleased to have represent
our Airlines.
They have developed excellent
relationships with our own
personnel and with their
contractors, ensuring that
the pilots are happy with their
contract and are performing
well for Vietnam Airlines.
It is with the greatest pleasure
that we highly recommend
Rishworth.”
Captain Hoang Van Manh,
Chief Pilot, Vietnam Airlines
THE RISHWORTH PILOT SUPPORT
REPRESENTATIVES
Randy – pilot.support.randy@gmail.com
I began working for Rishworth in 2004. Prior to this I worked mainly on holiday
charter contracts throughout Europe and the USA. I am really enjoying my
position on the Rishworth Pilot Support team. It’s a lot of fun meeting and
assisting all the new crews coming on board. Living and working in Vietnam
has been a very educational experience. When I’m not on the job, I can usually
be found out on my bike or at some nearby beach resort.
WHAT
NEXT...
Rick – pilot.support.rick@gmail.com
I began with Rishworth in 2000 as an A320 Line Captain in Vietnam, and
recently made the transition to Captain the A330. I have travelled to most
countries in this part of the world and have lived and worked in more than
13 countries in South East Asia, Europe and the Americas. I have command
ratings on both Airbus and Boeing and more than 30 years aviation
experience – the last 14 years of which have been for Vietnam Airlines. I
really enjoy working as a member of the Pilot Support team, greeting new
recruits and helping pilots adjust to the ‘Vietnamese way’. I also enjoy travel,
golf, night life, food and beer.
If you are interested in looking at the Vietnam
Airlines opportunity or just learning some more
about working there, please contact one of our
team who will be happy to help you with your
queries. Alternatively, please go directly to our
website to register your interest and apply online:
www.rishworthaviation.com
Trung – trungnt@tichgiang.com
Xin Chao. It has been my great pleasure to work with Rishworth Aviation
since 2002 as the Vietnam Representative. I am proud of having welcomed
hundreds of pilots to come and work in Vietnam from all over the world.
U P G R A D E / C O N V E R S I O N
OPPORTUNITIES
Upgrade/conversion opportunities through Rishworth Aviation
at Vietnam Airlines
Vietnam Airlines does consider expat crews for upgrade and conversion
opportunities to suit its operational demands from time to time. In the
last year, Rishworth has had 11 crew members selected for upgrade and
conversion opportunities at the airline.
To date, VAC has approved upgrades/conversions for A320 FO’s to Captains,
B777 FO’s to A320 Captains, A320 Captains to A330 Captains and ATR72
Captains to A320 Captains. There are also opportunities to upgrade to TRI or
TRE on some fleets.
Leanne Boggs
Jason cochrane
Angela hogg
Recruitment Consultant
Regional Director
Senior Consultant
leanne.boggs@rishworthaviation.com
jason.cochrane@rishworthaviation.com
angela.hogg@rishworthaviation.com
Phone: +64 9 302 0080
Phone: +64 9 374 0763
Phone: +64 9 302 0080
Skype:leanne.boggs.ral
Skype:jascochrane
Skype:angela.hogg.ral
Web:www.rishworthaviation.com
Web:www.rishworthaviation.com
Web:www.rishworthaviation.com
Since joining Rishworth Aviation, I have been
lucky enough to work across most of our
contracts in the Asia-Pacific region. I have
enjoyed learning about the exciting aviation
industry and my focus is now on recruitment
for Vietnam Airlines.
Prior to joining Rishworth I was heavily involved
in the logistics field and exporting fields. I greatly
enjoy the outdoors and spend a lot of spare time
fishing, diving and hunting. I enjoy travelling
and look forward to meeting all the people who
make our business a success.
I have spent much of my time at Rishworth
Aviation working closely with our pilots and
airline clients in the Vietnamese market, which
I thoroughly enjoy. I have a legal background
and have also spent time in various areas of
the hotel industry. I love to travel and enjoy
meeting and dealing with people from all parts
of the globe.
RANDY COURSOLLE
RICHARD NARDINE
NGUYEN TIEN TRUNG
Pilot Support Representative
Pilot Support Representative
Vietnam Representative
pilot.support.randy@gmail.com
pilot.support.rick@gmail.com
trung@tichgiang.com
Web:www.rishworthaviation.com
Web:www.rishworthaviation.com
Web:www.rishworthaviation.com
The selection of crew for an upgrade opportunity is at the discretion of
Vietnam Airlines and is dealt with on a case by case basis. While we cannot
guarantee any particular upgrade opportunity at the airline, opportunities
do exist for the right candidates.
THE VIETNAM AIRLINES OPPORTUNITY
Vietnam Airlines is the national flag carrier of Vietnam and
in 2010 it became the first Southeast Asian member of the
SkyTeam global airline alliance.
Vietnam Airlines boasts a fleet of approximately 70 aircraft, with plans to
expand this number to 100 over the coming years.
Due to Vietnam Airlines’ long term growth plans, Rishworth Aviation is
currently recruiting type-rated pilots on a range of Next Generation Boeing
and Airbus fleet types including A320, A330 and ATR72 aircraft.
Vietnam Airlines currently has the following international destinations on
its network (among others): Moscow, Frankfurt, Paris, Tokyo, Seoul, Sydney,
Melbourne, Beijing, Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Kaosiung,
Hong Kong, Siem Reap, Vientiane, Phnom Penh, London (from Dec 2011)
with USA destinations planned for the future.
Vietnam Airlines crew applications are currently being processed by
Rishworth Aviation for ongoing confirmed screenings throughout 2011.
Vietnamese Cyclo