CX v Military Exemptions ATPL

[LordyLordy]

I noticed that a recent Cathay Pacific ad stated that ATPLs obtained with exemptions for military experience are not acceptable. Does this represent a change in policy within the company?

I applied prior to leaving the mob, and was subsequently invited to interview although I declined the offer having already signed up with another company. If guys like me reapplied, would I have to sit all the ATPL subjects I was exempt from?

Much as I love Perf A :eek: - seems a bit harsh!

[Dan Winterland]

Tricky one this, I can't speak from the CX's viewpoint, but I do know the CAD's. The CAD did require to see documentary evidence of passes in all subjects - documentation you do not have if having aquired an ATPL through military exemptions. Last year, such a pilot joined another HK operator. The lack of exam passes did at first seem to be a problem, but after investigation by the CAD they accepted the ATPL.

So there is a precedent and they are aware of the exemption system.

[FlexibleResponse]

Agree with the responses.

The HKCAD Policy over many years seems to boil down to:

1 They will normally issue a HK Licence based on another country's equivalent Licence (but this will be subject to a review of the holder's experience and may involve some filler exams).

2 But they will not issue a HK Licence based on a Licence that was based on any exemptions to any subjects (not withstanding Dan Winterland's exception to the rule!).

[Schrodingers Cat]

Much as I hate to back up the CAD, isn't this the same for the JAA licence now? Certainly the CX ex military F/E's who only possessed HKG licences based on their previous experience have to take the full course to obtain a CAA/JAA licence.............

[LordyLordy]

Not totally I believe, since my own JAA ATPL was issued through the CAA under various exemptions. The CAA had a sliding scale of exemptions based on the type and role of aircraft flown as well as command time and total hours. This followed a very thorough study of the training undertaken by UK military pilots.

I guess the Hong Kong authorities are making a blanket rule to cover ex-military guys from anywhere. Seems a shame when CX have always seemed happy with ex-service pilots.

[dogstar2]

If the UK ATPL exemptions are of questionable use, would I be better off going to either Oz or NZ where the price of ATPLs is much more reasonable and doing a crash course there before applying to Cathay? Would I then have problems converting the license to a Hong Kong one?

[Schrodingers Cat]

erm, have you thought of e mailing the CAD direct and getting the answer straight from the horses *ss? :rolleyes:

[MrBernoulli]

Thank goodness that I did my ATPL the old-fashioned CAA way - no exemptions for exams! But it was a pain in the a**e all the same!

[stillalbatross]

If the UK ATPL exemptions are of questionable use, would I be better off going to either Oz or NZ where the price of ATPLs is much more reasonable and doing a crash course there before applying to Cathay? Would I then have problems converting the license to a Hong Kong one?

Don't do NZ it is four times the price and hassle of Oz and the NZ CAA is anal in the extreme.

[rudolf]

Hi guys

Just wondered if anyone had an update on this, I have a JAA licence obtained with mil exemptions. Only had to take air law, lucky me! Would be grateful of up to date info or personal experiences.

Ta

Rudolf

[backspace]

I can tell you all that HKCAD will issue a licence on the basis of one with excemtions based on the individual circumstances.

My Aus ATPL was issued with a couple of excemptions and while I had plenty of airline command time when I went to HK the transfer of licence went through and a HK ATPL was issued.

Though I guess the experience faqctor may have had a bit to do with it.