We are pleased to have Oscar Andre Quiros, EVA Air B747 First Officer, to be our 4th representative of Dynamic ASIA interview campaign. In this month, we will swift our focus from the expat-pilots who live in China to the one who live in the sub-tropical island, Taiwan. Oscar Andre Quiros, used to work for LACSA (part of AVIANCA) in Costa Rica as an Embraer 190 First Officer, came to Taiwan with his family in 2015 to start the training with EVA AIR. Now he flies B747, queen of the skies, at Eva Air, the place makes him dream come true to be a B747 first officer. During his leisure time, Oscar is not only a pilot, but also a professional aerial photographer and plane spotter. (ig: flyingheavy)
In September, Oscar will share us his Taiwan experience from various perspectives as the B747 first officer at EVA AIR. He will be sharing his and his family member’s lifestyle, including travelling around Asia, learning traditional Chinese, and having his son receiving education in Taiwan.
APAS: What make you move to Taiwan? Why do you choose EVA AIR?
Oscar: My previous airlines went through some changes after becoming part of the Avianca Holding. The SJO (San Jose, Costa Rica) hub was closed and left as a focus city; because of that, a lot of direct routes were cancelled and the E190 crews and routes from SJO were removed in favor of wet leased ATR72 from other airlines of the holding. With these changes, I found myself looking for a job since the E190 crews were fired. Since Costa Rica is a very small market our eyes turned to Asia and the Middle East. I sent several CVs and a lucky one landed at the hands of APAS. They suggested the EVA AIR 747 FO position and I immediately was hooked. The opportunity to fly a Boeing 747 was just a dream come true.
APAS: What is your first impression of working in Taiwan?
Oscar: The Taiwanese take work seriously and are hard working people. Everything is very organized and efficient at their work.Everybody is focused on doing their job and I really admire that.
APAS: Can you share some unforgettable, interesting stories when working in this current job? Can you make an example of it?
Oscar: Flying a Boeing 747 is, on its own, an unforgettable story. For pilots in our country, flying a wide body is a dream. I enjoy all my flights especially on winter over Canada, when we get to see the Northern Light up front. As far as the people, I enjoy and learn everyday from my coworkers. With so many nationalities around is easy to have a multicultural experience.
APAS: How do you handle the frustrations when living/working oversea (Taiwan)?
Oscar: Living overseas is a challenge for me and for my family. Leaving all that you are used to is difficult but knowing that we come for a better job and a unique experience makes it an adventure. We try to live just like we did in our own country and we know that there’s no perfect place but with good attitude we overcome any frustration that might come up, but honestly we have no complains.
APAS: Let’s talk about your family. You have managed to relocate your family in Taiwan, and have your son attended the school in Taiwan. How does your family like this arrangement? Usually the child adapt in the new environment faster than the parents, does your child so far enjoy his learning oversea? How does your child benefit from Taiwanese education?
Oscar: We are very comfortable living in Taiwan and my son has adapted very well to school. He is a very social kid and has no problem talking to people. Actually he talks to much sometimes in class. One of the advantages of living in Taiwan is that my family, including my wife and son, is able to learn traditional Chinese and immersed themselves in the well-reserved traditional Chinese value. Our native language is Spanish and back home my son was on a bilingual school (English-Spanish), so coming to Taiwan has the advantage that he can start picking up a third language; to us that is a very big advantage. Another thing we like is to be able to travel to places that would be too far from Costa Rica. We have travelled through Taiwan and other places in Asia and all of that is priceless.
APAS: Can you describe what do you normally do in Taiwan during your day-offs?
Oscar: We wake up early to get our son ready for school and my wife gets ready for her mandarin class. At noon when she comes back we go for some noodle soup and some shopping at Carrefour. Afternoon we relax at the house drinking coffee from our country and watching some movies. When my son gets back then we let him play a little before doing homework and preparing dinner. By 8pm he goes to bed and we either work/study a bit on the computer or get some more tv. When he is on school vacation or maybe on a weekend or when we are all home, then we take the car and drive to somewhere in Taiwan, a beach, mountain, a new restaurant, etc.
APAS: Generally, what Taiwan has benefitted you? what have you learned/ earned from Taiwan experience?
Oscar: The health care system is a great benefit of Taiwan. Not only is efficient and fast but also very affordable and effective. Living in another country is an eye opening experience that I value a lot and I’m happy to give to my family.
APAS: Do you have any suggestions to the pilots who want to work in Asia but with the second thoughts?
Oscar: Asia might seem a faraway place, but it’s filled with hard working, nice and friendly people. Come here with your eyes open and enjoy what the place has offered.
--- Words from editor ---
Life as an expat pilot can be hard sometimes, but with the eyes on various perspectives toward one thing, everything can be so different from the previous one. Oscar, a pilot also a professional aerial photographer, enjoys his pilot life with his family in Taiwan and around the world. Want to become a first officer in Asia? Please check the positions that offered below.
EVA Airways
- Job PositionA321 TR & NTR First Officer position
- NoteCRJ / ERJ / MD / Fokker pilots are welcome to apply
- Read details
- Job PositionB777 TR & NTR First Officer position
- NoteCRJ / ERJ / MD / Fokker pilots are welcome to apply
- Read details
Highlights
- 8 days off / month, additional 22 days of annual leaves
- Upgrade opportunity is AVAILABLE, and happening!
- Foreign friendly company: pilot community of 200+ foreign flight crews!
- Dynamic Taiwan: One of the most exciting places in Asia!
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