Cathay DEFO

[744F2FO]

Hi everyone, I have applied for DEFO, completed the DAC form, and had the first online interview. Afterward, I received an email with the medical form and a request for my latest training records, also done. Could someone tell me what to expect in the interview in Hong Kong and in the simulator? Thanks a lot!!!!! :ok:

[CXDOG]

Hi everyone, I have applied for DEFO, completed the DAC form, and had the first online interview. Afterward, I received an email with the medical form and a request for my latest training records, also done. Could someone tell me what to expect in the interview in Hong Kong and in the simulator? Thanks a lot!!!!! :ok:
A hall mark of what Cathay is looking for in a pilot is people who can find out answers to things without being spoon fed. They therefore assume that you will have trolled through hundreds of pages of, admittedly now older, threads on Pprune dedicated to this exact subject. There are publications to search for online that describe the typical Cathay interview and simulator profile. Depending on what you fly now, they might like to see that you have paid for a practice sim profile in the assessment aircraft type. It shows you are serious and self motivated. Perfect for CX as then they don’t need to actually spend much on training when you’re in the company - they just assume you’ll turn up ready to go.

[Gordomac]

CXDOG; Darn. Beat me too it. Also, my larf of the day. Cheers. Oh, Where were you when I could have used that advice in 1978?

[AQIS Boigu]

Tell them about the FDMM

[AviatorPac]

Hi everyone, I have applied for DEFO, completed the DAC form, and had the first online interview. Afterward, I received an email with the medical form and a request for my latest training records, also done. Could someone tell me what to expect in the interview in Hong Kong and in the simulator? Thanks a lot!!!!! :ok:
How long after your initial application to them did it take to hear back from them?

I submitted an application a week ago but so far radio silence...

[AviatorPac]

Anyone here recently been through the DEFO application process with CX? I applied a week ago but so far radio silence.

Wondering what other's experiences have been.

[GGGrrr]

Anyone here recently been through the DEFO application process with CX? I applied a week ago but so far radio silence.

Wondering what other's experiences have been.

Wow, one whole week and still no reply?!? Absolutely unacceptable!!!!

[pill]

If Sully applied, I suspect it would take them more than a week to get back to him.

[AviatorPac]

If Sully applied, I suspect it would take them more than a week to get back to him.

Not sure…. Sully is pretty awesome 😅

[BrownCony]

Anyone here recently been through the DEFO application process with CX? I applied a week ago but so far radio silence.

Wondering what other's experiences have been.

relax man, in my case more than a year but ya i’m here 😂

[SOPS]

Anyone here recently been through the DEFO application process with CX? I applied a week ago but so far radio silence.

Wondering what other's experiences have been.


It’s not McDonalds!!! Things take time.

[Gordomac]

My three applications took 20 years and I still didn't get in.

[Silent Treatment]

Anyone here recently been through the DEFO application process with CX? I applied a week ago but so far radio silence.

Wondering what other's experiences have been.
Seems like they've reached their desired number of crew. If anything, they are overmanned

[AviatorPac]

Seems like they've reached their desired number of crew. If anything, they are overmanned

what makes you think that?

[cadet7000]

From the sounds of it unlikely any DEFO's will be taken on for a while. Company seems to be focusing on upgrading current SOs. Massive backlog of cadets in the pipeline waiting for their type rating means that the training system is already at / over capacity. Adjustments to SO upgrade training means it doesn't make as much sense to hire external DEFOs for the company.

[Klimax]

Anyone here recently been through the DEFO application process with CX? I applied a week ago but so far radio silence.

Wondering what other's experiences have been.
LMFAO. Call your mummy and ask for sympathy. Jez.

[Klimax]

It’s not McDonalds!!! Things take time.

Pretty close now a dayz bru! Actually a McDoe manager might take offence being compared to a Cathay Pathetic FO!

[chribuch]

What a bunch of strange people here.
I applied mid October and the first interview was a couple of weeks later.
Then they required a bunch of papers and got back a couple of weeks later.
I'm now invited for the simulator in Feb. Big company require lots of time with bureaucracy, normal procedure.

[AviatorPac]

What a bunch of strange people here.
I applied mid October and the first interview was a couple of weeks later.
Then they required a bunch of papers and got back a couple of weeks later.
I'm now invited for the simulator in Feb. Big company require lots of time with bureaucracy, normal procedure.

yeah some of the people here are bizarre aren’t they.

im simply looking for some gen.

I used to work for CX and already have the ATPL and type ratings. Was simply wondering if people are hearing back reasonably quickly or not.

[Zulu85]

Hello AviatorPac,

Any news from CX so far ?

[Zulu85]

Hey!

When are you going to HK ? Have you ever done online psychometric tests ?

[AviatorPac]

Hello AviatorPac,

Any news from CX so far ?

Hey Zulu! Radio silence thus far.

Have you applied?

[Mr.DG]

Hi everyone, I have applied for DEFO, completed the DAC form, and had the first online interview. Afterward, I received an email with the medical form and a request for my latest training records, also done. Could someone tell me what to expect in the interview in Hong Kong and in the simulator? Thanks a lot!!!!! :ok:

Could you share with the questions they did ask ? have the upcoming online interview with CX Have the same sooner .

[Klimax]

Could you share with the questions they did ask ? have the upcoming online interview with CX Have the same sooner .

1. They will for sure ask you if you have re-searched what kind of employer Cathay Pathetic Airways is.
2. They will ask you if you have used PPRuNe as a source of information gathering.
3. If your answer to point 2 was YES, you will for sure be hired. This will be ultimate sign they look for, that you are willing to join one of the most toxic airline companies in the world, despite all the factual information available indicating what a stand out company this is, and you´re still willing to join.

Don´t worry about anything else in the "hiring process". Nobody in that company seems to care anymore. It´s all about management pulling their bonus´ and leaving. It´s a sick airline and it has been like that since 2001 - it only got worse and worse, year after year. Nothing, nada, nichts, left to admire about it! But hey - good luck mate!

[AviatorPac]

Could you share with the questions they did ask ? have the upcoming online interview with CX Have the same sooner .

Hey Mr DG

When did you apply and how long did it take to get the online interview?

[Mr.DG]

Hey Mr DG

When did you apply and how long did it take to get the online interview?

Hi Aviatopac, 3 days after my application. Rated on FO 747-4.

[AviatorPac]

Hi Aviatopac, 3 days after my application. Rated on FO 747-4.

That’s a very fast reply!

mind if I ask when you applied?

I and another I know applied but still haven’t heard back.

[WhatShortage]

That’s a very fast reply!

mind if I ask when you applied?

I and another I know applied but still haven’t heard back.
You either must be desperate for a job or be from southeast Asia to join CX, be used to low wages and be treated like a dog.

[aiellosky]

I applied for DEFO and got the email for the online interview. Got a date and time confirmed , strangely nobody showed up for the interview, no emails or anything from them. I sent a message on their email but also no reply.
Has anyone have had this before? How to proceed?

thanks

[Mr.DG]

I applied for DEFO and got the email for the online interview. Got a date and time confirmed , strangely nobody showed up for the interview, no emails or anything from them. I sent a message on their email but also no reply.
Has anyone have had this before? How to proceed?

thanks
hi there!
As I understand the order is application , next completion of DAC 607 form next is dates available for the online interview. But may order changes.

good luck!

[cxflog]

I applied for DEFO and got the email for the online interview. Got a date and time confirmed , strangely nobody showed up for the interview, no emails or anything from them. I sent a message on their email but also no reply.
Has anyone have had this before? How to proceed?

thanks
I mean that should tell you everything you need to know about the type of company Cx is, and the style of management that is utilised across all departments. Food for thought!

[aiellosky]

hi there!
As I understand the order is application , next completion of DAC 607 form next is dates available for the online interview. But may order changes.

good luck!

Well i hold a HK License already!
i did the application and got the invitation for the online interview.

[AviatorPac]

Well i hold a HK License already!
i did the application and got the invitation for the online interview.

hey aiellosky, when did you apply?

[maplestory]

just got the emai that i am shortlisted
and I sent them DCA607.
Do you guys know how long does it take to get an interview after this?
I applied about 2 weeks ago.

[AviatorPac]

just got the emai that i am shortlisted
and I sent them DCA607.
Do you guys know how long does it take to get an interview after this?
I applied about 2 weeks ago.

Very much a mixed bag. Some here back straight away and others take a couple of months.

You will hear back though, especially if they've asked you for a DCA607 and you meet their requirements.

[maplestory]

Very much a mixed bag. Some here back straight away and others take a couple of months.

You will hear back though, especially if they've asked you for a DCA607 and you meet their requirements.
Thanks. preapring interview with LPJ right now lol

[Meursault]

13th and profit share not guaranteed, but this year we got both ( ps exact number not yet announced)

No lease required, housing assistance or however it is called these days is yours. 20k (17.5 after tax) will not cater for a suitable accomodation.

Everything the company pays you except per diem and pension contribution is taxable.Per diem depends on the destination, roughly 70-150 USD/day. Schooling expect a short fall of 500-1000 USD per child, inform yourself on debenture rules if applicable.

Hours depend on the fleet. Generally very high right now, some up to max 900. Bear in mind this can change anytime, and crucially the company can lift the threshold for productivity pay at their leisure.

Upgrade to CN depends highly on fleet and whatever number it is be aware this is a snapshot and not a reliable indicator for newjoiner. Airbus currently 6-7, Boeing 747 11. Right now the company is struggling to get back to the pre-covid fleet size, once this has been achieved (end 2025 ish), upgrade time will probably increase again, historically 11-12 yrs ish. SFO could be 2-3 right now, but not sure. In the past 4-5 on average.DFO and DEC are always a possibility.Be aware that assigned fleet is a lucky draw, and that includes later fleet changes and upgrade. It could be the 320, which to my knowledge offers zero productivity pay.

Again, the big risk is the variable factor in our "contract". Productivity pay threshold is completely at their discretion, expect them to ruthlessly adapt it to the current market environment. If at some point in the future they don't have manpower concerns anymore we are sitting ducks.

[cygnet78]

Nice . When will DEC coming ? Many are waiting. hahahaha

[mngmt mole]

Unless you are desperate for a flying job, and hopefully single without kids...then come to CX for a few years. A career it definitely is not. A sadder more depressing airline is difficult to imagine. Tragic in the truest sense of the word.

[Meursault]

The more you exaggerate the less believable you become, at least in my opinion.No offense.

[cygnet78]

Its true.. many more are interested in CX jobs. Just hope that the task force will take charge of the recruitment and accept ALL. those who didnt make it will keep applying after "cooling" period. eventually they all will be accepted.

[Skippy69]

What would happen that if after one was offered a job, the said pilot attempted to negotiate their contract?? Say go to an FO3 pay or ask that they be paid the 2017 rates etc?

[Bekol delay]

What contract Skippy? You are agreeing to a handbook, unilaterally amendable at any time and for any reason. If you don't sign it, then goodbye.

[Skippy69]

If they're short of pilots and you do a good job in the sim (Prior preparation prevents piss poor performance), you meet the requirements (3000 hours min ain't exactly nothing), if you have what they're looking for, and pilot attrition is an issue, why couldn't you ask for a better deal?

I get it, they're Chinese tyrants now, but just an idea, rather than accept what is seemingly a crap sandwich. What if you said you had offers from other airlines? I mean, look at the Australian company Network Aviation, standing up for what a pilot is worth?

[iBlueGoose]

Does anyone know what questions they ask in the Final Interview?

[KABOY]

If they're short of pilots and you do a good job in the sim (Prior preparation prevents piss poor performance), you meet the requirements (3000 hours min ain't exactly nothing), if you have what they're looking for, and pilot attrition is an issue, why couldn't you ask for a better deal?

I get it, they're Chinese tyrants now, but just an idea, rather than accept what is seemingly a crap sandwich. What if you said you had offers from other airlines? I mean, look at the Australian company Network Aviation, standing up for what a pilot is worth?

The only problem with your line of thinking is that you are not supported on a contractual level. They can agree to your terms and write a letter accepting this, but then revoke it through a notice stating that all new employees will be employed under xxx terms.

The point here is this is not a contract, unlike your fellow pilots at Network who are trying to improve a contract.

CX employ pilots under a handbook, try and find a definition of that and what protections it affords you ( HINT: look inside the document and its only there you will find it)

[Bekol delay]

If they're short of pilots and you do a good job in the sim (Prior preparation prevents piss poor performance), you meet the requirements (3000 hours min ain't exactly nothing), if you have what they're looking for, and pilot attrition is an issue, why couldn't you ask for a better deal?

I get it, they're Chinese tyrants now, but just an idea, rather than accept what is seemingly a crap sandwich. What if you said you had offers from other airlines? I mean, look at the Australian company Network Aviation, standing up for what a pilot is worth?

Pilot retention is a massive issue, trainers are refused sabbaticals, or to resign from training, so they leave. CNs have no control over rosters or annual leave, they leave. FO's same same. SO upgrade times are still around 6 years and they are watching DEFO/DEC get hired ahead of them.

These are crew whom CX has had for years, they know the standard and have sailed through all the old CX requirements and they are walking out the door, yet nothing is being done to stop it.

Good luck on getting your magical FO3, when all the old SFOs were demoted back to FO2 (the top one that exists)

[Skippy69]

It's no secret that absolutely once upon a time Cathay was a world leader but now, with the way that COS18 was forced on people- pilots took action with their feet and left. Cathay certainly have a feeling of desperation to get pilots. And have tarnished what was a pretty glittering reputation as a an attractive company to build a career at.
I do have a feeling though, that especially amongst SO's that join they are very much chasing,"Yes" men and women as opposed to professionals who perhaps know their worth and also lack the shiny jet syndrome.

Can anyone who is a bit clever give some form of breakdown in what salaries where pre Covid in comparison to now?

I don't mean with percentages, but dollars, and then obviously there is inflation to be annually added.

Also, how does the base Salary @ HKD$900,000 stack up against living a life in Hong Kong?

[cygnet78]

no one will tell. its so good that your eyes will blink. it remains a well kept secret for decades.

[vIrot8]

Hi everyone, I have applied for DEFO, completed the DAC form, and had the first online interview. Afterward, I received an email with the medical form and a request for my latest training records, also done. Could someone tell me what to expect in the interview in Hong Kong and in the simulator? Thanks a lot!!!!! :ok:

What did you get asked in your first online interview? I've got one coming up.

TIA

[SunnyTheSemen]

Sim was an engine failure at v rotate, followed by all fmcs failing at 5000, way back fire in avionics , goes out on runway . Massive tailwind on final airport lighting was really poor in sim with bad weather

[Ton747]

Hi does anyone know how strict CX are on minimum hour requirements, I’ve noticed they’ve just changed and although I’ve got the 500 hours on a heavy jet, I’m lacking the total flying time by a few hundred hours, in addition to the P1 requirements…

[dt354nds]

Heya,
Anyone have done the CX DEFO assessment in 2024. Would you shed some light on the process.....

(1) Is sim assessment on airbus or boeing. Talent Acquisition Officer said: sim briefing would be available 1 week before the check. so I reckon it would be 330 or 777 ( whichever sim is available on the day). hopefully not on both.....!

(2) For HR & tech interview. any specific topic they would like to ask ? ...... eg destination, fleets, new A/C orders, why CX, why HK..... current type ( boeing guys would get HYD system A and B, airbus guys would get fly by wire, control laws...etc)

(3) In the past, people was told which fleets they would get before the assessment. The new application process is different, not as much info was given as in the past....anyone could get anything (320 or 350 or 777 or 747)? Whats the time frames for a possible start date after passing the assessments.....?