Cathay Pacific Cadet Pilot Programme

[Cpt. Underpants]

Then and Now

Then: A scale
Now: C scale

Then: Defined benefit Provident Fund
Now: (Percentage) defined contribution MPF

Then: A DFO who knew who you were and protected you from the clerks
Now: Who?

Then: Recruitment department staffed by CX
Now: Contracted company in CX City

Then: Valuable recommendation by current CX pilot
Now: Who are you and who do you work for?

Then: Medium or heavy jet command, combat fighter experience, minimum 5000 hours
Now: Thank G*D we have another applicant who can recognize an aircraft.

Then: Retire at 55 comfortable
Now: Age 65 or work till you die, choose one

Then: 76 hours per month, significant overtime pay
Now: 84 hours, work stacking

Then: 6 weeks pay plus 1 week non credit leave
Now: 2 weeks for first 4 years, then 6 weeks allocated, often denied, deferred

Then: First class FOC, unlimited FOC travel, affordable
Now: Cattle class at rates exceeding bucket shop prices, ZED fares, Bob N

Then: Simulator sandwiches, real coffee, First Class crew meals
Now: Wait till we've finished and chicken, beef, pasta and sorry no sandwiches.

Then: Voluntarily come to work early in case of Typhoon signal
Now: Mandated practices in case of T3

Then: Call us when you're healthy
Now: Sickness management (sic) program

Then: Lamma Channel Visual
Now: Pussies

Then: IGS 13
Now: You want me to do a WHAT?

And on, and on, and on. Please guys - don't be shy.

One more time: THIS ISN'T THE CATHAY YOU THINK IT IS.