Cathay Pacific Cabin Crew to Cockpit Crew

[dukes]

Hi all,

Currently CX Cabin Crew and really want to pursue a childhood dream of becoming a pilot. I'm outport based and have no HKG ID, flying hours/experience. What I do have is a degree and a passion, which apparently, are the minimum requirements for CX.

First Question: Anyone know the Pilot Centre at Denham in London... I want to get a few lessons under my belt: anyone used this place, recommend any instructors etc?

Secondly: I'm looking to apply in February 2015, how long do you have to wait before your get a response (either acceptance to interview or rejection). Any tips on interview skills and what they ask are welcomed!

Third: Training in Adelaide is roughly 54 weeks and I know the allowance is circa £60/AUS$109 per week as the accommodation and food are all provided, so I've been told (can someone clarify this). I've got savings that I can dig into and thinking of having a budget of £200/AUS$400 per week on top of the £60; that enough?

Finally: Should I be successful for interview, I'd like to prepare myself and would be grateful if anyone could recommend any journals/forums/books that I can catch up on to put me in good standing with CX...

Sorry for the long boring thread and well done for getting up to this part...

[Genghis the Engineer]

Originally Posted by dukes

Hi all,

Currently CX Cabin Crew and really want to pursue a childhood dream of becoming a pilot. I'm outport based and have no HKG ID, flying hours/experience. What I do have is a degree and a passion, which apparently, are the minimum requirements for CX.

It's a start - good luck.

First Question: Anyone know the Pilot Centre at Denham in London... I want to get a few lessons under my belt: anyone used this place, recommend any instructors etc?

Yes, I did my instructors course there. Nice people, reasonably well looked after aeroplanes, superb cafe next door, generally enthusiastic and able instructors, with a sensible Chief Instructor. Whilst the instructor-instructor I did my course with has moved on, and I don't fly from it regularly myself, basically yes, it's a good spot and I'd not talk you out of doing some training there.

Secondly... Third

Sorry, can't help.

Finally: Should I be successful for interview, I'd like to prepare myself and would be grateful if anyone could recommend any journals/forums/books that I can catch up on to put me in good standing with CX...

Sorry for the long boring thread and well done for getting up to this part...

Dukes

I like this book as a good intro to CPL / ATPL theory...

Amazon

Amazon

I'd also suggest that if you get some lessons in, get a good (ideally copy of the official) manual for the aeroplane you did some lessons in, and learn your way through that.


There are various "ace the professional pilot interview" books out there worth looking up. Have a look at this page for some - there might be something that suits your purposes.

http://www.transair.co.uk/pp+Airline-Interviews+491

[dukes]

Much appreciated!

[piperarcher]

First Question: Anyone know the Pilot Centre at Denham in London... I want to get a few lessons under my belt: anyone used this place, recommend any instructors etc

I didn't train with them but I have used their services a few times. I cant recommend them highly enough. I have flown with Alwynn who is the CFI, and Fiona though at a different airfield. A very friendly, accommodating and helpful bunch, and a great airfield. Go for it.

[BroomstickPilot]

Pilot Centre Denham

Hi dukes,

I flew with the Pilot Centre at Denham in 2008 and found them very good indeed.

Good aeroplane, good instructor, good facilities and the management treats its customers fairly.

Recommended without reservation.

BP.

[riverrock83]

Dukes.
I'm guessing you are wanting to apply to this scheme:
Cathay Pacific | Cadet Pilots
It does appear to require a permanent HKID card, which I believe means being resident for at least 7 years in HK.

If you are looking to be a professional pilot, look at:
This forum: Professional Pilot Training (includes ground studies) - PPRuNe Forums
Start here:
http://www.pprune.org/professional-p...-question.html
And read through this:
http://www.pprune.org/professional-p...do-search.html

[dukes]

Thanks Piper, Broomstick and RiverRock... all great tips!

Riverrock, I spoke to Recruitment a couple of weeks ago and mentioned that I didn't have HKID and they said that I could still apply. A few SOs have also mentioned that there seems to be a lack of HKG residents applying for the cadet scheme and that CX are opening up internationally next year... Fingers crossed, if anything at least they'll know I'm interested and have my details on file! I just can't see myself slaving away behind an oven or pressing #31 to get your orders for the rest of my life (as much as I enjoy it!) ha!


Thanks again all

[Scoobster]

First Question: Anyone know the Pilot Centre at Denham in London... I want to get a few lessons under my belt: anyone used this place, recommend any instructors etc?

Did my first few hours of PPL with TPC in Denham in the summer of last year. I am of course only comparing 2 schools... so take this with a pinch of salt and do your own reasearch..- the current one where I continued my PPL and TPC in Denham. The only reason I changed was the commute!

TPC are a fantastic small, warm, receptive school with well maintained aircraft and good instructors - who want to be there - and they brief you well. No charges for Groundschool, or briefs, very rarely do they charge cancellation fees and they have good instructors... A Mr Matthews comes to mind!

I suppose all instructors are probably good instructors... until they start bollocking you!

May do a CPL or further training with TPC depending how I feel later.

Scoobster.