Originally Posted by
BCFPilot
I've been following all the current CX topics and am amazed by the current situation (as employees experience it) at Cathay.
I've also been invited to HK for the assessment for SO.
Working at Cathay Pacific and living in HK has always seemed amazing to me and my goal in aviation is to fly long haul eventually.
Recently I've passed an assessment for a short haul jet carrier in Europe, incl type rating and benefits as insurance, housing allowance during training etc.
I'm now at an age of beginning 30's and have one year commercial experience on a turboprop, so about 800hr TT.
I live in Europe, so joining the short haul carrier in Europe will allow me to be back at home in 2 hours through their network with staff travel.
If I pass the assessment at CX, it's going to be a tough decision for me.
I can understand that (also due to my age) joining the short haul carrier and building jet hours as an FO would be a better career option.
I just can't stop thinking about flying long haul at Cathay, even though the transition to FO may be 5 - 6 years as my goal in aviation eventually is to fly long haul.
I would appreciate it if anybody could share some experience with me.
Please, please, please, for the love of God, stay in Europe and become a real airline pilot. CX will not only crush your career, but your soul as well. HK is not a great place to live as it used to be. Long haul flying is not really flying at all except for the taxi, takeoff, and landing. There are very few rewarding challenges, and the destinations aren’t worth the long hours droning at cruise. Trust me!!!
You will regret coming to CX, especially as an SO. Being an SO is an accountant’s version of a pilot with no purpose other than to warm a seat as cheaply as possible. Little will be expected of you, and you will get very little in return. The salary is a barely livable wage in HK. Don’t do the conversion, see the low tax rate and be fooled. You will be stuck in HK wondering how and why... And worst of all, you will have been warned and will hate yourself for not listening.