CX Transition Courses

[generaalkassie]

Hi Im a candidate waiting for a start date with CX. I interviewed last year April.

I would like to know if there are anymore people here on Pprune that is sitting in my boat.

The last correspondence from CX said that they will fill their short term requirements with people already on course. However I see them starting new ab-initio courses now.

Is it worth waiting to see what happens or do we take up new employment and sign training bonds?

:ugh:

GK

[Jetpilot213]

I don't recommend signing a bond with anyone. It's kinda like signing a contract with the devil. If they take good care of you, there's no need for a bond. A bond means they're not planning on taking good care of you, AND they know that if you stay long enough to fulfill the bond, you're stuck with them. Consider yourself forewarned...

[freed]

I was told in Aug '12 to be bright eye'd and bushy tailed in ADL in November. That then moved to January. That then moved (in October) to at least August/October 2013. Last month I was told that all training slots have been filled for 2013, and that I'll be contacted as soon as a slot is available.
But I can't put all my eggs in this basket anymore as there is no clarity on the waiting period - so back on the job hunt :ugh:

[Iced]

Most companies require some sort of commitment out of their pilots. It's normal, Jetpilot213. They spend huge money on training etc. Pilots refusing to sign bonds is the reason people are paying for their own type ratings and ruining the industry.

I know you think you're just looking out for yourself, but airlines hire thousands and thousands of people, and they need to look after them all, including you. No company can just absorb training costs without getting some blood back.

GK, I think it depends on your specific needs and goals. If your heart is set on Cathay, then it's a no-brainer, just freelance until the start date. If you can be happy elsewhere, and you have that opportunity, then go ahead and sign away.

I am in the same boat as you with the 10-12 month delay, and personally, I can't see myself happy elsewhere, so I am waiting. Respect and acclaim needs to be sent to Cathay as they gave us a timeline, and at this stage, it looks like they'll honor that timeline. It's not like they've stringed us along with stuff like, "wait 1month and we'll see" - "okay, we still don't have space, just hang on for another 3 months" - "okay it really doesn't look good, can you hang around until 2015". They seem to have set their targets on starting end of 2013 (rumour) for those at the top of the list. I was told realistically, June-July 2014, so it looks as though they will honor their word.

Regards,

[Bye Bye Baby]

If you're not a HKID holder, which I'm guessing your aren't because of the ability to do the TT course. You will not be given a start until there is not 1 person available to do the ab-initio course. If they are finding 1 person per month to do ab-initio you will continue to have you're course deferred. It is the Immigration Law, not CXs desire.
They are still finding plenty for the ab-initio courses.
Not stringing you along? I think you will find that is exactly what they are doing, only with a longer piece of string.
Every course that starts before you, puts you further down the seniority list.
I would be getting out there and trying to get a real flying job, remember although you may have passed the interview process, your start, when/if it comes is not in any sort of order, it is who they think will fit the position best.
If you've sat on your arse for the last 18 months, you wouldn't be my first pick.

[TeaTowel]

Other people have no doubt been thinking this so I'l say it:

The last time people passed the assessments and were placed on hold, they were asked to interview again for worse terms and conditions, could this happen again?

[JackAubrey]

I believe the TT course delays have a lot to do with the early 744 retirements. Even though there's 17 or 18 a/c scheduled for delivery this year the net gain may only be 8 or so, quite a bit less than in 2012, also I bet a large chunk of their 'training capacity' is being used to train the 744 crews onto other fleets, just speculation though!

The annual report says that they're expecting 16 deliveries in 2014, that's a lot of empty jump seats to fill and it seems unlikely that they will able to meet their crewing needs with only the ab initio cadet programme, especially if it's restricted to HKID holders.

I may be wrong, but I think they have always had to rely partly on expats to fulfil their crewing needs, it would seem like more now than ever with the growth over the next few years.

:ok:

[Springbok614]

Are anyone still being invited for TT SO interviews?