Hong Kong Airline Pilot Training Programme

[hcyow]

There is a good news for Hong Kong local pilot wannabe because another local airline Hong Kong Airline to start their Pilot Training Programme today.
Please check

Hong Kong Airlines ? Hong Kong to Worldwide Air tickets, Online Special Air fares and Airline Reservation (http://www.hongkongairlines.com/en_HK/career/detail?id=10003128607)

We can share our information here from now.

Cheers

[f3k]

Hi hcyow,
Thanks for the heads up, the website on both HK Airlines' and Jeppesen's respective websites are quite vague... have signed up and will be contacted by a rep from Jeppesen within 2 business days. If I get more info, will share it here.

Cheers

[jetjockey696]

It might be the same as the CAE program for FLYDUBAI.

The cost of CAE B737 typerating is 33000 USD, base training is not provided...
During the check an authorized Flydubai representative will observe the trainee and may offer an interview with them, if you impress them.. if not thank you for coming.

[schweizer2]

@Dan Buster

Please accept this correction to your statement:

Be prepared to spend a LOT of money kids.

To:

Be prepared to spend a LOT of your parents money....

Thank you.

[Sp0r3]

... you are guaranteed a pilot interview once you successfully complete training for your EASA Airline Transport Pilot License...

You are guaranteed an interview, but doesn't mean you will get the job. So after the 18 months of training and the stacks of cash you've spent on their "agreement" with you, you are still not guaranteed a pilot position within HKA. But at least you will be occupied for the next 18 months wondering why you would sign up on the first place :ok:

[eric900]

I think a lot of pilots overseas do the same thing. They fund their flying training themselves and can barely afford their meals. Some of them work as an instructor to afford their training fees, provided that they have obtained their instructor's license. By the time they graduate, they are not guaranteed for any job positions either. So yea, so apparently paying for training is not uncommon in this industry as this is really what pilots nowadays go through.

[eric900]

And I think people should be thankful for any opportunities given to them, regardless of the practicality of them. I mean, especially for hong kongers, there aren't any opportunities available for them unless they receive their training overseas. Sure thing is that people in other countries have got more opportunities in becoming a pilot as they have plenty of resources such as flight training school and stuff. But they rarely have luxury that ppl of hong kong do - having the company pay for the training and stuff. But of course prior to that, you have to pass all the designated assessments and compete against all the candidates. But that's just how the reality works - full of competition. :hmm:

[Sp0r3]

When you compare this business model to CX/KA's, the monetary/time risk involved for the participant is much greater walking the path of HX than CX/KA. And there is no mentioning of the pay scale offered when those Jeppesen cadets graduate and (fortunately) receive a job offer by HX. Would they receive similar pay as other DESO or much lower because they are in "Pilot Training Program"? Only time will tell when someone is brave enough to take the offer and willing to share the information.

Also, I have known many pilots overseas where they pay their own flight training. But one difference between doing this in Europea/North America and doing it in Hong Kong is that there is no alternate plan of instructing once your HX dream has fallen short. General aviation is a very costly and restricted niche in this neck of the woods. So being a flight instructor may not pay off as well.

But I do agree that a new path for aspiring future pilots is always welcomed. The only catch is to read the fine print and know what you are heading into because committing yourself fully to this program.

[schweizer2]

You would have to be absolutely nuts to consider this an opportunity if you do not have the right to live and work in Europe as a very minimum!

A guarantee for an interview is a lot to gamble on and in 18 months things can chance massively!

Worst comes to worst for the airline, they give you that promised interview but you have failed before it even begun.... worst comes to worst for the candidate, no job, no right to work in EU land, no interview and big big debts.

I do not suppose Hainan group has a share in a school name Jeppesen by any chance?!?

[eric900]

Well yea, I have thought about all the stuff you guys mentioned. Since there's no further detail available as of right now, I'm not sure exactly how it works. As far as I know, cadets have to pay for their training and also are guaranteed for an interview with HX after 18 months of full-time training I believe? Worst comes to the Worst; if it doesn't suit your need, you can always forget about it. But at least it's still an option here :rolleyes: But yea, I do concur that it's quite risky if this is really how the programme works.

[eric900]

Well, I'm just saying every opportunity is an opportunity. It doesn't necessarily work to your advantage. I'm not contemplating applying for this programme yet as we all don't know exactly how it works. And no I don't blindly dump money into something that doesn't help myself in any way. If you're talking about people in HK, well...maybe it's uncommon for them?

But lets say if people in HK don't get accepted to any of the pilot programmes offered by CX or KA, other than paying what can they do in order to receive training and become a commercial pilot?

[HunGJaI]

Looks like the job posting disappeared...but some HR one as been filed... I guess they need to hire someone to look after the application first before we can apply lol:ugh:

[hcyow]

I have no email in my mail box. And the post has been removed. Whats wrong with this company?

[mattvin]

I sent my application for HK airlines in 5/4/2014, but i havent gotten any reply since. I am only staying in Hk for another month or so, it would suk if they invite me for tests after i left HK.

[HunGJaI]

Thank you for contacting Jeppesen regarding the Hong Kong Airlines Pilot Training Program. Jeppesen is currently finalizing the registration process for this program and will be responding to inquires over the next few weeks. Thank you for your patience.

Jeppesen Academy

[Sp0r3]

I am guessing Jeppesen nor HX is ready for the recruitment programme as Jeppesen is "finalizing" the registration process and HX is hiring a pilot recruitment officer position. It seems like no one knows what they are doing at the moment.

[hcyow]

HunGJaI

I have received the same email this morning. :confused:

[hcyow]

any news everyone?

[ae86kelvin]

Got a reply from them last night:

Hello,

Thank you for your interest in the Jeppesen Ab-Initio Hong Kong Airlines Pilot Training program. We are currently reviewing all applicants and you have been selected for the pre-screening process.

If you maintain your interest in the Hong Kong Airlines Pilot program, please complete the attached roster/screening form and email it back to us for review.

Should you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact me directly.
Best regards,

[22pilot22]

Hey i got an email this morning regarding HK airlines.
They simply asked for my availability and invited me for a pre screening interview. There is an excel file that they require you to fill out. I will update you if I get any other notifications.

[mattvin]

just wondering, since its a bridge program between an airline and an flight school. In which part did it state that its fully sponsored by our parents?. Cause no way in hell i would let my parent pay that for me.

[ae86kelvin]

At this point, the HKA provided very vague informations. We don't know know if it is partially funded or self funded. What we can do is wait for their reply and further informations. I applied a week ago and my # is 3xx, I dont see many people have heard of this programme and seem like they didn't do any advertising. I just dont know what are they thinking :ugh:

[mattvin]

I have emailed them about the course because i am about to depart from HK and i want to know if i am selected or not. The Staff did mention about a fee but i don't know much detail.

[ae86kelvin]

How much they quoted you?

[Sue Ridgepipe]

It seems like no one knows what they are doing at the moment.
That's normal everyday operations at HKA.

[mattvin]

I had to go back yo Canada so i think i am so far out of the program.

[hcyow]

'Alarming' number of pilots quit Hong Kong Airlines | South China Morning Post (http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1524803/alarming-number-pilots-quit-hong-kong-airlines)

Regarding the article mentioned about the pilots leaving HKA. It raise another concerned for pilot training, do they have sufficient experienced pilots to help training department and once these new cadets have done their training. The company really put me in doubt position about their capability to ensure career path.

[rxsazabi]

Just got this email today
Good Morning,

I wanted to touch base with you regarding the Hong Kong Airlines Pilot Program and provide you with an update. We are currently working on finalizing the pricing and details for the program. Once we get the final pricing for the program I will send out an email to everyone with the details of the program and the pricing for your review. At this point, if you would like to proceed with this opportunity then we will have you register and then set up a the initial screening in Hong Kong at Hong Kong Airlines. I expect this screening to take place within the next month and we will provide you additional information on the program soon.

Regards,

Jeremy W. Vincent
Aviation Training Solutions
Chief Ground Instructor-Dispatch/ATC Programs
So let see how much it will cost...

[dolpinsky]

I wonder if they have any plans of providing financial assistance to successful applicants...like paying for the cost in return, applicants have to work for them for several years or repay the cost when they start having salary

[The_Architect]

I wouldn't hold too much expectations for HKA's training program. This company is likely to disintegrate in a few years time, it is built merely by HNA as a stepping stone so it can has easier access to the aircraft market and minor dominance in the River Delta. Do you really think HKA can use 5 A380s? All they have to do is scrub off "Hong Kong Airlines", a small swing of the spray gun and it is an HNA aircraft, hence skipping all the Chinese customs.

[pilotchute]

When an airline announces a cadet scheme but then says "wait we haven't actually finalised anything yet", I would be very careful.

Really? They hadn't even worked out the price before they announced it???

[Dan Winterland]

The price will be similar to the schemes around the world. And what then - do you have to pay for your own line training? If so - beware. You will find you "fail" the line training and won't have a permanent position because some other young hopeful will be there behind you with the cash and the airline can make more money from them rather than have to pay you to fill the seat.

Also, is this open to people outside Hong Kong? If so. double beware. Without a permanent HK ID card, the airline will have to negotiate with the Labour Department to employ you with such few hours and they will probably say "no".

If applicants are form HK, then why not apply to CX and KA?

[Fabby88]

I just got a email saying they will release info on July 8th

[Amman]

same thing told me will be getting an email by the 8/7 but never got it ..

[n8d0g]

Not surprised that the cost is self funded. CX and KA's free program is one of the handful of free ones available. Compared to EU and AU's programs (jet star/ryan air/BA/ Air lingus etc), Free cadet programs are rare.

The cost around the world tends to be similar, the price of PPL+CPL level+ ATPL exams + MEIR + MCC (In EU). Cost is total around 150000 USD. I did my CPL+MECIR at about 125000 AUD (not including cost of living). I did 5/7 of my ATPLs up in Brisbane for about 5500 (from memory) AUD.

[n8d0g]

I emailed them last week. I got a reply, forgot to post it earlier, but here it is:

"We are getting close to final pricing still as this is our final piece of information we are working on. Once this gets finalized we will send out an email to all applicants."

[123pilot456]

Hi guys,

I just received an email from Jeppensen today:

[Hello,

Thank you for your interest in the Jeppesen Ab-Initio Hong Kong Airlines Pilot Training program. We are currently reviewing all applicants and you have been selected for the pre-screening process.

If you maintain your interest in the Hong Kong Airlines Pilot program, please complete the attached roster/screening form and email it back to us for review. ]

Anyone else got this e-mail? Thanks :)

[Fabby88]

Hi Guys,

Just got an email from this program.

$6000 HKD for the Screening Process
$116,000 EUR for the whole course:

Screening: HKD 6,000
Includes:
Aptitude testing
Psychomotor testing
Psychometric testing
English testing
Interview if selected

Training program: EUR 116,000
Includes:
Program Tuition and Registration
Ground theory and flight training
Class 1 Medical (with 1 medical renewal)
Uniforms
Housing
All Student Materials including an iPad
Guaranteed pilot interview upon successful completion




HOLYYYYYY.........

[pilotchute]

1000 US just for screening and 150,000 US for the course with only the promise of an interview! Are you effing serious?

If it's Jeppeson then it's in the US so the whole flying component should be less than 50,000 US. Who's pocketing the 100,000 USD'S??

[n8d0g]

If you open the document the training is not in the US, it is in fact in France, Nimes to be precise.


The price is pretty standard.
ATPL+ MECIR+ CPL and also includes food/accommodation.

As I mentioned before, my Australian CPL costs (on paper before extra hours):

CPL 60000
MECIR 25000
ATPL 5000

Total : 90000 AUD.

As per the email, the remainder costs goes to the accommodation and food and probably some excess for any extra hours required.

The pricing is normal, if a little cheaper than FTE's cost.
This is fairly standard self-funding package and conforms to normal EU/Australian pricing and aviation norms.

[dolpinsky]

One more chance for those wealthy kids...
Sad that I'm not one

[n8d0g]

Flying isn't cheap.

I will probably pay the cost, even tho Ive already done my CPL with MECIR; a chance at a job is worth the cash. No idea if CX will even open up their Advanced Entry again.

[dolpinsky]

not everyone has a rich father...

[Fabby88]

I dunno about thats standard.. I have my ICAO Canadian PPL + NR + ME, 155 TT with 50 PIC, almost done my CPL and IR. Im only 45,000 CAD tops right now.
I would say if you haven't started and wanna get a chance at the airline yes this is an OKAY opportunity. Dont forget, Air Georgian and Air Canada have a program where you are guaranteed a job if you successfully finish at Air Georgian and then Interview for Air Canada. That course is 60,000USD. Down in Florida.


I am asking if there are discounts for people who have licenses already and he said there is, but it would be a later program.

[n8d0g]

I am doubtful that this is a guaranteed position if there is a second interview AFTER training. Which is basically the opposite of how CX/KA operate.
If there is no contract signed until the end of the training, its not a guarantee; certainly a fairly/very good chance but that's not quite the same thing.

I know personally 1 person who did training for Jetstar(Aus), paid for his own training and then did not get the job.
At least he has a frozen ATPL now.

I don't know about training in North America, I have heard it is cheaper. But In Australia and EU this is normal pricing.

For reference an example cost reference and what it tends to include in Europe:

http://www.ftejerez.com/airline-first-officer-programme

[n8d0g]

It occurred to me over the weekend that the HKA website no longer advertises this program. Just gonna go check with HKA themselves and see what the deal is. The whole program so far seems very questionable.

The 6000 HKD selection fee seems a bit steep given that its non-refunded.

[hijack]

the rest of it goes to the company management ppl. :)

[Pwn]

i cant imagine anyone paying for this program...
and i dont understand why HKA charges 6k HKD for the interview...if they plan to attract anyone

[TobyMa]

anyone has paid for the selection fee?

[szekc2001]

I am from HK and apply this program but didn't paid the screening fee. As many guys said there is no guarantee to get a job in HX. It is a risk for those who want to apply this program. Also it is very expensive to HK people. EURO 116000 is about 1.8 million HK dollars.


I tried to send an email to Boeing representative of this program and he said if someone who apply this program but not join the screening part they will save the record to the next application period. The successful applicats of last screening will send to France in November.

[Ting3327]

I think this is a good programme for another options to get into the airline industry in Hong Kong. Although it is not guarantee a job in HX and cost about 1M for the current euro rate, but at least you have the chance for the interview as a direct entry pilot into HX. Because as i know HX is not accept any pilot application under 1000hrs even you have an ATPL. Therefore at the end I think still have the chance to get into the company.

[WingsAir]

Heard strong rumours that Hong Kong airlines will have a cadet program up and running soon, much similar to the one like cathay (fully funded and going to train overseas for 1 year) anyone know when that might happen or if its gonna start?

[av_warrior]

Hi WingsAir, I have heard the same and it seems coming to reality in second half of 2017. Glad if anyone could provide more info.