South Asia and Far East WannabesA forum for those applying to Cathay Pacific, Dragonair or any other Hong Kong-based airline or operator. Use this area for both Direct Entry Pilot and Cadet-scheme queries.
Hi all who have contributed to the forum! Very, very kind of you to give people of interest information and a heads-up here & there, appreciate it!
For me, I've just turned 25 with VERY minimal qualifications ('O' Levels). My dream has always to been an aviator and if I was given the choice, why not fly with SQ! I'm sure many Pilots have had their own reasons why they chose an Airline like SQ whether it's the money, prestige or travel..
I gave up hope on flying about three years ago, where I was given an option to go to New Zealand and study (my family has been living there as PRs for a couple of years). The reason I opted out was I did not like the slow-paced environment in NZ, or I'd rather start working in Singapore to earn my keeps, or maybe it was just an excuse from studying.
Right now in this recent weeks, I've been weighing my options again. Two of which are to join Massey University in their Bachelor in Aviation (BAv/ATP) programme or to join the Diploma Course that Ardmore flying school, also NZ.
Questions are: 1) Would it be too expensive to enrol in Massey's ATP program and a waste of resources? 2) Would I need to do a conversion if I want to join our local carrier? 3) Would a diploma in aviation be enough of a qualification to join SQ?
I apologise for the long post but I am just like any other pilot wannabe in this forum who seeks answers to help in making a decision. I would really appreciate the feedback and I hope someone out there has the same questions as I do, answered.
Don't leave life with regrets... If you really want to fly professionally, focus on your goal and commit yourself!
I do have a question for the group. I am sure this has been answered several times. What is the typical progression for an SIA Cadet Pilot? Once you get typed and experienced on the Lear 45, how is your next position decided? For example, does a Cadet Pilot first fly for Silkair and then on to SIA? Or, upon completion of Lear 45 training, does a Cadet pilot start as a SO on a 777 or A330/340?
What are the typical fleet type paths that a cadet pilot would take once training is complete? Any examples? Just curious - I wish I had access to such a programme at a great airline like SIA.
There are no more L45. All the Learjets have been replaced by Cessna Citation Mustangs.
If you are selected for SIA passenger fleet, you will go through the Mustang course before doing the type rating for 777. SIA is in the process of getting CAAS' approval for the A330 Second Officer training.
If you are selected for SilkAir / SIA Cargo you will proceed straight for type course after the CPL/MECIR test in Perth.
I'm new here. I just did my compass test with the air force and I just got to know my aptitude is only good enough for C3.. It's quite disappointing for me to know that I lack the aptitude of a pilot. Is the SIA aptitude as hard as the compass test? I'm 20 this year graduating this year with diploma and waiting for enlistment. Anything I can do on self improvement to increase my chance of getting into SIA?
hi You_Zhi ive been through a similar situation as well. I did not even pass the compass test back in JC days. But I tried again after Uni and was declared to be suitable to be a pilot on my 2nd try. I guess if you really want to enter SIA, you should try to obtain a degree first? After that, you can try the compass test again (I'm sure u can improve in future). You can even try SIA directly after Uni as you are still 5-6yrs off the requirements now. No worries and Gdluck!
Thanks for the reply. Yes, I'm in the midst of securing a place in the university before my NS. I guess aptitude can be improve my practice? By the way are you in SIA now?
hi guys.. new to this forum. was just wondering if they take our national service PES status into consideration? cos i was temporarily down pes to C for a few months during my training for a back injury.
hi You_Zhi Nope Im not with SIA now. was a SIA reject. but still Decided to try my luck in the commercial pilot industry now. Time is on ur side. No rush! get a degree first. I guess you can slowly re-evaluate later on? gdluck!
ok im so sorry i should have grouped my qns together.
1. Does the medical examination for SIA cadets ask for NS PES status?
2. Does a PPl from SYFC count for anything in the resume?
3. i just turned 24 years old and will be graduating from NUS in 3 months. i still have about a year and a half before i am eligible to apply (26 years old). anyone can recommend me on what i should do during this period?
i was thinking of applying to an air transport training college or maybe work somewhere related to the aviation industry, but i have no specifics.
1. No, it does not. But if it's a serious injury, you'll need to declare it during medical or whenever appropriate.
2. If you are asking if having a PPL with SYFC gives you an advantage, my answer would be that I do not think so. However, it does show your interest in aviation, which is good in a way.
3. I suggest you find some work to do, not necessary something in the aviation field. Perhaps save some money within this 1+ years because if you do get into the cadet-ship program, your income will be minimal.
Can you confirm the medical does not request for PES status? I remember when I attended the medical for SIA Cabin Crew that male applicants had to declare their Pes statuses. Shouldn't Pilots pes status be a factor?
I wouldn't worry so much about the PES status if I were you. Just be aware about the nature of your injury. The army doesn't downgrade you to PES C easily so it should be quite bad. And if it's bad enough for a military post it doesn't work well for a pilot. But as you said it's temporary so it wouldn't be a big deal and you will be upgraded. Unless you know your injury is a bad one, then you are better off consulting a doctor than to ask us.
