CX Final Interview [Archive]

jsfboat

17th Nov 2019, 20:09

Any advice on how to prep for the final interview in HK with CX, First Officer? Any recent interview gouges? I know guys there are unhappy, but I'd like to at least try and see what happens.

bm330

17th Nov 2019, 22:20

Any advice on how to prep for the final interview in HK with CX, First Officer? Any recent interview gouges? I know guys there are unhappy, but I'd like to at least try and see what happens.

This should be an interesting thread.

TSIO540

17th Nov 2019, 23:22

That’s the point.. conditions are so s#%t now that candidates don’t even have to try anymore because there is no competition. Expect lots of questions on how you think you can live on the COS18 basic salary. Don’t get fooled into thinking you will get anywhere near the figures quoted in the brochure as that is based on a mythical monthly average that doesn’t allow for protest cancellations or losing flights due to training requirements.

Slasher1

17th Nov 2019, 23:38

To prepare for the full experience,

I might humbly suggest:

1. You obtain a new spark plug. Resistor type or not doesn't matter nor does it have to have iridium electrode.
2. Set yourself up next to a vehicle of your choice with an engine type that can idle.
3. Disconnect ONE of the spark plug wires from the spark plug in that engine. Leave the other end connected to the distributor (if it has one) or the low tension wiring connected if it's the coil on plug type.
4. Drink ONE to ONE and One Half liters of water. Wait about an hour to an hour and a half with a friend who can ask you interview questions while you wait. A different type of beverage can be substituted for the water; in order to get the full interview prep experience it should NOT be an alcoholic beverage or other form of intoxicant.
5. Connect the new spark plug to the wire or coil. Be sure that the negative grounding thread section has a suitable vehicle ground.
6. Have a friend crank the engine and check for spark. If you get a good spark, proceed. If you don't troubleshoot to get a good spark.
7. Obtain a chair or small ladder such that the grounded plug is waist to knee high and you are facing it. Be careful to keep important body parts away from moving parts of the engine.
8. Have your friend crank the engine (it's OK if it doesn't start so long as there's a spark)
9. (now this is the kinda-tricky part); unzip your fly, and while 'in position' place one hand on the car (or metal ground) and using the other to stabilize the 'outlet device,' proceed to pi$$ on the spark plug making sure the stream has good contact with the electrode area. Use careful aim to get the full effect and be sure to continue until 'empty' (this might take a few resets and repositions due to the continuing painful and potentially dangerous electrical shocks)
10. A standard low-current safe for livestock electric fence can be substituted for the spark plug method if one is available.

If POS 18 is any indication of how things are trending, this should well prepare you for the likely career progression over the next decade as well as condition you well for what to expect. And give you some idea of what things will feel like.

LongTimeInCX

18th Nov 2019, 00:28

This should be an interesting thread.
I think we're talking different 'final' here.

My final interview is yet to come. It will be interesting after over 30 years, where one may be interviewed or farewelled by a fleet managers and a DFO who I first flew with when they were FO's, and a General Manager who hadn't atvthat stage even joined as an SO. It's an interesting reflection when you compare a 1980's family attitude company, where pilots were respected, steam driven L1011's and 747's were the go, paper flight plans, and a competent hand flown approach on the IGS at KaiTak in challenging weather, to today's version.

We now appear to have a tail wagging the dog mentality where accountants call the shots, pilots are demonised thanks to successive HR types and mangment(sic) comments that have consistently denigrated our profession, an antagonistic approach to industrial relations, whilst the pilots happily adapt to less hands on flying in the current glass cockpit 777's and 330's and the A50(bless!). The most positive thing I've seen, which I believe is thanks to one of our Flt Ops managers, is the new Flight Folder programme, which for a home grown product is extremely good.
So when my final interview comes up next March, it will be hard to not leave them them with some hard truth observations.

As for your 'next' interview in the recruitment phase, if it's your final one, then you didn't make it.
However, just remember you are also interviewing the Company representatives to see if they are also a good fit for you.
Be honest, be open, ask the questions you want answers to, and if they like you, enjoy the job. You'll work with some really great guys, you'll work for people who at times you may question their morals and loyalty downwards. But if you're a a fit in their eyes, a good team player, then it's up to you after doing your own due diligence, if you wish to join. So just remember to ask all those questions so you know exactly what you're getting into with eyes wide open.

Good luck.

petrichor

20th Nov 2019, 05:26

Well said Long Time:ok:

jsfboat: please do the math - if the numbers don't work, they don't work. Do not join on some utopian dream that things will get better and it'll magically be affordable to live here. The trend is ever downward in this industry and Hong Kong is an expensive place to live! If you're on your own or have a partner that will be able to work here, it might be OK. If you have kids - you need a pot of money with you just to afford to set up here, let alone live month to month. I do say that with a caveat, that being everything is relative of course, so if you are used to a very simple existence and are happy not to save too much in order to get a P1 rating after 5-6 years then it could work. Just do NOT bitch and moan about the conditions after you take the job.

Good luck.

chobo97

20th Nov 2019, 09:44

petrichor

21st Nov 2019, 07:56

he join as FO not SO, so why does he need to wait for 5-6 years to get P1 rating?
Does FO do not get P1 type rating?

My bad, I missed that! Yes he will get a P1 rating.

jsfboat

1st Dec 2019, 19:18

I was just looking for a study guide and would like to make my own opinion about CX. I've worked for some pretty awful places, so maybe CX would be a step up. I'm not expecting much, just better than what I had, which was rock bottom as far as airlines to work for. Thanks for all the feedback, but i would really like to form my own opinion.

mngmt mole

1st Dec 2019, 19:26

jsfboat, there is almost 20 years of posts available regarding CX. If you want to form your own opinion, then start reading.... Whatever you then decide, you own it.

Gnadenburg

2nd Dec 2019, 01:58

Maybe relevant here, I've heard the new COS 18 guys not getting the hours they thought ( or promised ) so are living on hard times. Even approaching ever so apologetic management who've drawn their attention to the civil unrest. Reports of captains being asked to fly slow.

Yep. It's played out as expected.

arse

2nd Dec 2019, 02:52

Thanks for all the feedback, but I would really like to form my own opinion.

Fair enough, but then why ask for opinion here?

To come to Cathay would mean ZERO career progression and a high possibility of going backward financially during your time. Your time as a SO would be approx five years, plus two, minus one. The majority of those hours would not be recognized by most other regulatory bodies around the world. You could cheat on your logbook entries. Good luck with that. Financially you will struggle.

I am sure you have heard of Shiney Jet Syndrome? It's a big trap here in the Fragrant Harbour. If you have 10 years of your life to waste on your time here in exchange for an overseas adventure, then great. Take into consideration you would be risking getting stuck here against the hope of getting another job elsewhere when you wanted.

I am sorry to say you strike me as a, "I want it now" type of person. Based on your description, I would recommend that you keep doing what you are and overall you will progress to a rewarding career far quicker than wasting your time here in HK.

Based on the young folks I see come and go here, I would estimate you have a one in ten chance of making HK a success. Good luck.

Sqwak7700

2nd Dec 2019, 04:18

Hey guys, looking to apply for a new FO position flying in Venezuela. Apparently, they pay millions! Millions! All I know about Venezuela is that it has great social welfare programs, I don’t really waste my time reading or watching the news; who has time for that nonsense?

Anyway, can any of you working there fill me in on QoL and CoS? Looking forward to moving to Caracas. The airline has sent me a welcome package that includes a gas mask, military rations, and a first aid kit. They are so caring, must be a great place to work!

unitedabx

2nd Dec 2019, 04:29

And don't forget the "last in first out policy".

main_dog

2nd Dec 2019, 06:36

mngmt mole

2nd Dec 2019, 11:03

Just flew with two COS18 DEFOs, indeed they are flying far less than promised.

The key word in that statement is "promised". :rolleyes:

Slasher1

2nd Dec 2019, 14:37

Just flew with two COS18 DEFOs, indeed they are flying far less than promised.

Lol ....... Go figure.

No sympathy. Before the internet and information exploded might have given folks a pass but there is no excuse these days not to know exactly what one is getting into. And it’s not like folks haven’t written volumes about the situation on this very site.

Natca

3rd Dec 2019, 04:22

All defos are going to the 747 aswell. Enjoy night freight and low amounts of flight time.

Near Miss

3rd Dec 2019, 11:43

All defos are going to the 747 aswell. Enjoy night freight and low amounts of flight time.

Isn't there a DEFO on the 777?

Natca

3rd Dec 2019, 13:14

Isn't there a DEFO on the 777?

Yeah, one highly privileged retired klm skipper, a guy who will never see command before he retires again.

mngmt mole

3rd Dec 2019, 16:11

Yeah, one highly privileged retired klm skipper, a guy who will never see command before he retires again.

Just more privileged than you Natca? Your overall comment is curious and rather petty. What's his status pre-retirement got to do with anything?

Natca

3rd Dec 2019, 16:43

Just more privileged than you Natca? Your overall comment is curious and rather petty. What's his status pre-retirement got to do with anything?

The guy cut a sweetheart deal after he golden egged out of KLM. The point im getting to is the root, the airline is not hiring for career pilots/captains just short term seat fillers.

SaulGoodman

3rd Dec 2019, 18:14

Could you specify the details of his deal? This is most likely someone that if you piss him off too much he just walks away and take a DEC position elsewhere or just go and work on his handicap.

viking avenger

4th Dec 2019, 03:04

this is what it has come to: 'One step above rock Bottom'

cxorcist

4th Dec 2019, 04:33

this is what it has come to: 'One step above rock Bottom'
What makes you think it’s “one step above”?

Natca

4th Dec 2019, 12:37

What makes you think it’s “one step above”?

Well the Aussies are still saving fuel and the planet. Its one step above. Personally I have about 26.35 tons to reclaim.

Gordomac

6th Dec 2019, 08:07

jsfboat ; See what you started / Still want to go out there ? Final Interview Board have only two questions you will be asked ; When can you start and Where would you like to be based . Heartening to see the old Cx humour and banter surviving, just, by the few , in the challenging , current , political nightmare .

jsfboat

15th Dec 2019, 22:55

cxorcist

15th Dec 2019, 23:58

I’ve heard “Handling The Big Jets” by Davies is a good book to prepare for the technical part of the interview? Any others? FYI, I’m going as a Direct Entry FO. I’m not aware that I asked for an opinion, just for good material to study for the interview. Thank you all for your feedback.
You’ll get what you’re given and be happy about it if you want to “get along” at CX. As for the interview, a heartbeat will do. The hard part used to be getting hired and through training. Now, that’s the easy part. The hard part is everything that comes after on a dog sh!t contract.

GMEDX

16th Dec 2019, 02:29

I was on a type rating course a few years ago with a new joining SO on the same course. In ground school he asked “why do Cathay do it like that?” We all fell about laughing as we explained that that is not a question to ask here, particularly as an SO, you just do it like that. No reason!

Porterboy

18th Dec 2019, 03:48

Supposedly hiring has been frozen for the near future. At least for SO’s..

cxorcist

19th Dec 2019, 00:39

Supposedly hiring has been frozen for the near future. At least for SO’s..
Yeah, there’s already a surplus of NJers who know absolutely jack sh!t about flying airplanes. Some of them don’t even really care to learn. Their moms filled out the applications. CX could use some time to figure out which are train-able and which ones just need to go away. Watching NJer training around here is like observing a botched abortion. Sad and excruciating!!! Not sure why anyone would sign up for that can of worms. It’s one thing to train guys and gals who are motivated and have some talent. Most of the current crop lack one or the other. Some lack both.

Dilbert68

19th Dec 2019, 06:33

Yeah, there’s already a surplus of NJers who know absolutely jack sh!t about flying airplanes. Some of them don’t even really care to learn. Their moms filled out the applications. CX could use some time to figure out which are train-able and which ones just need to go away. Watching NJer training around here is like observing a botched abortion. Sad and excruciating!!! Not sure why anyone would sign up for that can of worms. It’s one thing to train guys and gals who are motivated and have some talent. Most of the current crop lack one or the other. Some lack both.

Not to mention the current crop of TC's are useless in their own right. Only in that position because they are spineless and selfish.

Great combination CX, well done.

dingodyle

19th Dec 2019, 08:10

I’ve heard “Handling The Big Jets” by Davies is a good book to prepare for the technical part of the interview? Any others? FYI, I’m going as a Direct Entry FO. I’m not aware that I asked for an opinion, just for good material to study for the interview. Thank you all for your feedback.

Its probably the best book you could read for the technical part of the interview. But these guys aren't kidding, a non-pilot company person will ask you if you have kids/dependents and what neighbourhood in HK you plan to live in; to see if you've done research on rent vs salary and if you know what you're getting into.

AQIS Boigu

19th Dec 2019, 11:10

You mean hard tuning VORs for the 07L ILS 😂
Make it TD and NLG...no let’s go heads down at 2500ft and change it to SMT for the missed approach 🤯

Thank god somebody woke up on the 3rd floor a few years ago

I was on a type rating course a few years ago with a new joining SO on the same course. In ground school he asked “why do Cathay do it like that?” We all fell about laughing as we explained that that is not a question to ask here, particularly as an SO, you just do it like that. No reason!

Slasher1

19th Dec 2019, 13:13

Its probably the best book you could read for the technical part of the interview. But these guys aren't kidding, a non-pilot company person will ask you if you have kids/dependents and what neighbourhood in HK you plan to live in; to see if you've done research on rent vs salary and if you know what you're getting into.

LOL

"So tell us, given this really s..ty contract, how can you possibly make this work ?"

"Ummmmmm I'm independently wealthy and just want the job as a hobby and to tour Asia shagging cute girls" (probably not the RIGHT answer in that if you're independently wealthy you're likely to walk away when you get fed up which will be soon).

No sympathy ever for anyone who'd willingly put themselves into this situation. While screwing others (and eventually themselves) over.

But I'd suggest someone dumb enough to do this IMHO isn't fit to handle airplanes or sharp objects. Or maybe even letter openers.