CX cadet programme: is having flying exp or a ppl a great advantage?

[edddie]

Hi, have a couple of questions, if you guys could help me out...

I know flight experience isn't a requirement for cathay's cadet programme but can it significantly help in the selection process?

I am considering taking up a PPL course with either Basair or Sydney Aerobatic School in Sydney; any thoughts on these schools?

Also, my eyesight is really bad about -7.5, would this be a problem? I read on some other posts that -4.5 was alright.

Thanks very much

[Koyo]

The PPL will certainly help you during the cadet training. I checked out this school in YVR and they recall one female student who drop out of the cadet program because it was too intensive and enroll in a PPL program. She reapply and successfully finished the training and was hired by CX. Also, it seem that most applicant hopefuls do have a PPL or planning to do a PPL. However, from reading the posts here, they also look for crew management skills, aka team work. As for your eyesight, they say as long as you can correct it with lenses and pass the medical you be fine. May be you should contact CX and ask.

[Flying Bagel]

It seems that it is the 'in' thing to do nowadays, considering most people joining now do have some sort of flying hours. Never used to be that way, however.

It does help, yes, with your confidence initially. The knowledge level assessment varies according to the candidate's level of proficiency, but in the end, knowing that you've done it before helps you relax a bit with the flight grading, and certainly the initial part of the course.

Many people are convinced that it is the way to go. But I find that, for the most part, having a PPL or better does not guarantee employment, nor is it a must. As people who fail aren't necessarily the ones that don't have flight hours, attitude and personality covers a lot more ground, it seems.

And that can't be taught, I'm afraid.

[smallwing]

I know of people with flying licenses who don't make it through the course, so that alone tells all.

[edddie]

thanks guys...

I think I won't take the PPL cos it is slightly out of my budget but I will take a couple of lessons to make sure I really really do like flying...

this forum is really great... so much info....


thanks very much!

[Koyo]

They let you do that? From what I seen you can get a introduction ride for $50 CND but afterwards you have to commit to a PPL program and buy the books.

[smallwing]

Not really, many parts of the world does intro flights, and HOPE you continue to fly with them, but that is never a requirement.

Yes, do get a couple of lessons under your belt, and perhaps enjoy the office in the sky. Mind you, it is totally different between GA and airline flying, BUT the experience will do you great.

One thing good about being in N. America, is easy access to GA flying.

So try it out, best of luck and hope you enjoy it as much as anyone of us does!

[channis]

hey guys,

I have a stage 1 interview coming up in 2 weeks.

In regards to one was saying the technical knowledge asked in the stage 2 interview is dependent on the level of candidates' proficiency. So if i am CPL qualified with ATPL frozen, are they going to fire questions on ATPL level???

Thanks

[avistudent]

Hi,

No, having a couple of fam flight not necessary you have to commit a full PPL flight training.....althought it really depends on which flight school you go to.

The flight school i go to at Toronto-Buttonville, the school offer fam flight as many time as you want/can afford but you can still walk away after a few tries if you dont want to commit for licence training.

Please bear in mind that GA flight training can be very easy but it can also be very difficult at the same time. Because, to me, since I am a newbie (32hrs), flying requires both phyically and mentally ready when operating a plane. Although I can sense other members would like to detest my point. And I am not trying to scare anyone here, but you have to try to see if you like it, since everybody is different. For example, turbulence is some I still dislike and can be uncomfortable, since tossing and joted around for the entire flight in a small Piper is far different experience from being in a Commerical Airliner.

Go and give it a shot, if you have a true passion in flying you will eventually get over any fears(if any) and love it as well as addictive :) Wish you the best of luck!

Feel free to ask me any questions, I will do the best to help!

Happy flying and fly safe! :ok:

Tom