to get a pilot job with Cathay Pacific, should I go for a frozen ATPL ?

[kf2300]

Dear all,

Six years ago, I failed the Cadet Pilot interview with Cathay Pacific Hong kong. Since then I earned my living with a job in finance. However, being a pilot has always been my dream career.

I am now 28 years old and have saved enough money to sponsor myself through getting a frozen ATPL from Australia. My question is:

1. Would a frozen ATPL help me in getting a job as a pilot with Cathay Pacific or Dragon Air in Hong kong?

2. I am 28 years old, and will be 30 by the time I get the ATPL. Is it too late to start in the eyes of the Hong Kong Airlines?

Please help me.

[potkettleblack]

The colour or flavour of your licence is unimportant to Cathay. They recruit FAA, JAA, Oz, NZ and just about anything inbetween. They are more interested in your experience and of course your personality. By going for direct entry (as opposed to cadet entry) be aware though that their minimum requirements are roughly 3000 hours. A mate of mine just joined and has approx. 10,000. As with all airlines the best way in is a personal recommendation which is how he got called for interview. Also note that even with thousands of hours you might be required to join as an SO.

Also check out the fragrant harbour forums for much more detailed information on Cathay.

[UlsterPPL]

Hi kf2300,

I am in a similar situation but here is my comment. I failed the second stage last year and my friend at Adelaide told me that he has a classmate with CPL/IR still needs to re-do the cadet program again as you don't have enough hours for direct entry. Then again you will have to go through those quick Maths ability test....with others. If you are willing to take some risks with your investment (not to regret with your decision) and also if you are quite certain that you can do very well to achieve high score, then you can certainly try. You have to taking account for the number of HK based airlines are small.

[Sempre Volando]

Tricky situation to be in with decisions to be made.

My advice would be, go and get a PPL, or start training towards one and apply again for the Cadet Pilot Programme. Have you done any flying at all? At least if you have some PPL hours it shows a willing to self-finance your training if need be.

If you don't get the Cadet Pilot position then go and get your Frozen ATPL and start looking for jobs, anything you can get...........

What about the new Singapore Airlines Cadet Pilot positions? They are open for HK perm residents to apply! Give them a go...............try everything.

[kf2300]

Guys, thanks for the feedback. Do you think my age (28) matters much?

[UlsterPPL]

It does for Dragonair not for Cathay Pacific. I was 32 when I had my stage 1 and 2 in Hong Kong. Hope it lifts your confidence a little bit. ;)

[Dan Winterland]

And if you aren't lucky in the CPP, getting an (F)ATPL will give you a good chance of joining either company. HK residents with ATPLs are very very rare and you will find CX and KA keen to employ you on a local contract - you will be a lot cheaper than employing an expat!

[UlsterPPL]

Hi Dan,

It sounds like you were working with VS and now working for either Cathay or Dragonair. Your comment is certainly very encouraging to me and kf2300. OK, truely where do we stand? I am doing my UK JAA ATPL ground school at the moment and will have 220 hours when finishing my frozen ATPL. We do not have enough hours to go direct entry. And there are many times I heard that those fella if there are lucky enough, they will be offered to do the airline cadet pilot training again. So it sounds like a very confusing situation. By the way, how difficult for you to convert your UK licence to a HKCAD one? Many papers need to be redo? Perhaps you are in a different situation again as you have many experience hours already!

kf2300, I know it is a very hard decision and it all subjects to risks. You know better than me as you are a financial sector person.

[kf2300]

Hi Dan,

Just to clarify, after my I get the (f)ATLP, should I be going for direct entry? Or still apply for CPP?

For selecting schools in Aust, do I have to do it at BAE System in Adelaide? If I choose another school, would the conversion to HK License be more difficult?

[Dan Winterland]

I don't know if having the (F)ATPL will help with a CPP application, I know very little about the CX or KA CPPs. But I can see no harm in contacting the companys direct to ask whether they will consider you for a DESO on local conditions. They will tell you whether your hours are sufficient or not, but I suspect they will require a HKCAD ATPL.

And as for conversion to this licence, I had to do only the Air Law and performance papers from a CAA ATPL. But your case may be different. Only the CAD will give you the definitive answer.

[Virtual Reality]

Hi Kf2300,

Before you invest your money, have you enquire about CR airways, Oasis and Govt Flying Services ??? I know CX and KA are much better place to work but having plan B is not a bad idea either. Just a thought.