Ok, the reason they tell you the training takes 4-6 months is because..................it takes 4 - 6 months, being a "Septic"(American) I assume you are joining on the 744 not the classic and as the 744 only flies Ultra long Haul it can be difficult to get more than 6 or 8 sectors a month..............so you have the following:
Join Cx then 3 weeks groundschool with phase exams in which you will be expected to score mid 90% (Pass is 80%) make sure you get Vol 13's when you get to Hong Kong (ask your mates)
14 x 4 hour sim sessions with max 2 sessions then day off, sometimes 2 days off in between
Emergency training
Induction workshops etc
so all this will take two months.....................they will then keep you in hong kong for line training as you can train on the passenger fleet which flies short sectors, Taipei, Manilla, Bankok etc etc
Cathay ain't interested in Mrs.Trainee, she's your concern and you are not entitled to tickets (other than full price) until you have completed 6 months service.
Yes, you can stay in a serviced apartment in the city..........at your own expense..............Cathay provides a room at the headland...................your choice wether to use it or not
HK ATP is based on the UK ATP so you'll have to take the various exams, air law (easy) Performance A (real bitch) and a couple of others, probably take about 2 weeks but I seem to recall you have to do this in your own time, but tech training will help you with all you need to know about this
So, enjoy the training, and don't forget to kiss Mrs trainee goodbye when you leave..........................you won't be doing it again for ..................a long time
hope this helps!!!