Hi everyone,
Here are some thoughts I have for stage 1 and stage 2 and things I would have done differently if I were to do it over again.
Stage 1:
English grammar and listening test:
-The recording has a heavy British accent, listen to BBC radio online to get use to it.
-Grammar test, practice grammar exercises from English grammar books that I can get at the bookstore
Reasoning test:
-It's similar to the Qantas psychometric testing practice sheet, but the 9 patterns are arranged 3 X 3, so you need to figure out the ninth one.
-Because time is limited, just remember what time you started the test so you can pace yourself.
Aptitude test:
-I would consider spending some time at the arcade to train my reflexes OR play flight sim. Again, pace yourself by keeping track of what time you started cause you want to maximize your break time in between the tests to stay refreshed.
-For the quick subtraction questions, practice similar type math problems more.
Presentation:
-Thoroughly research the info for the topic I was given "training aspects of the cadet pilot programme", I am sure that the deeper the research, the more it shows your passion.
-Practice, practice, practice, but not memorized it to the point that it comes out unnaturally cause you are allowed crib notes
I had the initial tests in the morning at 8:30, that afternoon, I received a call for the first interview that took place a week afterwards
First interview:
-My interview started 15 minutes ahead of scheduled, so it never hurts to arrive early
After waiting nearly two weeks, I got the call from CX for the stage 2 interview and shortly afterwards, received the Aviation Knowledge book in the mail.
Stage 2:
Math test (30 min) and personality test (45 min)
-The math test has 33 questions, you're given 2 sheets of paper and a pencil along with a question book, no calculators. Each page has three questions based on the same information that you're presented on the page. The questions have varying levels of difficulties each with 16 choices, so if you get stuck on a hard question, skip it. There is a timer on the screen.
-It gets intimidating because of the time limit. Looking back, the questions are similar to math problems in the GMAT test - again practice makes improvement
-The personality test has no right or wrong answers, but I felt very confused and tired after answering all those questions.
-Again, note what time you started the test in order to pace yourself, so that you will finish the test in 45 minutes. There's no timer on the computer so be sure to take track of time.
Job Knowledge Quiz (45 min)
Of the 50 multiple choice questions, some where based on info on CX's website. I found that studying solely based on the book they send you would not be enough.
Group exercise (1 hour)
-Looking back, there were some stuff I could have done differently, like not get too nervous and get intimidated. They are looking at how you communicate, listen, and problem solve as a team of four people. It's okay not to be the leader, but it's definitely important to be a team player and contribute to the team as each person was given info that the other people don't have. Ideally, everyone takes turn in being a leader and a follower, but due to time limitations, it doesn't not always work out. Seek any opportunity to take initiative as a team player, whether it be keeping track of the time, writing notes on the whiteboard to help organize info, or bring the team back on track. Again, it was easy to get stressed because you're being evaluated and this opportunity means a lot, the stress did cause me to miss some info and negatively affected my performance. Likely, there could be more than one right answer depending on what the group as a whole value as important.
Panel Interview (1 hour)
General questions:
-Tell me about yourself
-How did you think you did today so far
-Life in Hong Kong, how would you adjust
-Longest time away from home
-Do you have a significant other
-If you weren't selected do you know why?
-How would you compare yourself with the other candidates?
-Dragonair- why do you think you were not shortlisted
-If you were to do a task with someone else, would you choose a stronger or weaker partner?
-Why Cathay?
-Why did you choose your major at university? Was it your first choice?
-Tell me about your programme
-Family background
-How did you handle a situation you faced at work?
-Most happiest memory, proudest moment
-Saddest/stressful memory
-What do you do when you are stressed or have a problem
-Area of improvements?
-What would you do if you were unsuccessful?
-What are opportunities in Canada?
-If you had the choice to be based in Canada or HKG, where you would want to be?
Tech
-Identify the a/c model on the desk
-Where is the fuel stored in the B747-400
-Tell me about ISA
-30000 ft , -50C , deviation from ISA
-What do winglets do?
-Why does the B777 have no winglets
-How many aircraft are in our fleet?
-Are you aware of what's going on at Xiamen right now?
-Why is the newest B747-400 equipped with PW4000 engines?
-How does the B747-400 stop on the runway?
-What is reverse thrust?
-Describe the fuel system on the C172
-When was the last time you flew, why?
-Monsoons and typhoons - can a typhoon happen in the winter?
-Flying from YVR to HKG vv. differences in flight duration, why?
-What's lattitude, longitude, Greenwich
-What are HK's coordinates
Do you have any questions for us?
Flight planning exercise (1h30min)
-The instructions are clearly given, but it's up to you to read the details and pay attention to the info you are given. Most of all, be sure to understand it cause after a long day, it could get confusing and it's easy to miss some key points. Improving my mental math skills would be a plus, and definitely, discuss more with my partner to ensure we are both on the same track. It doesn't hurt to ask each other questions to double check. Again, it's important to work together and use all the available resources you have access to. It's not a race to see who gets the calculations done faster but the goal is that both candidates do well and work well.
-Again, don't get stress or nervousness affect you. If you get to sit facing the window, enjoy the view of the runway.
-In the end, we are given 10-15 minutes to prepare a written report based on the flight planning activity and the issues you faced. You may want to include things you would do to improve.
Though the schedule was from 8:30am to 5pm, I did have around 2 hours in between for lunch.
Here are a list of resources I found useful
-From the Ground Up
-Jeppesen Private Pilot Manual
-How to Ace the Technical Pilot Interview - G.Bristow
-Mental Math for Pilots - R McElroy
-Cronus notes
-Airline Pilot Interviews - I. Jasinksi
-Cracking the GMAT -Princetown Review (for math questions)
-forums on pprune.org and
www.airliners.net
-support from friends and family
All the best everyone!