CAthay Pacific Cadet Pilot Program(Merged).

[kelvintan]

Hi everyone,

I would like to seek for help from you guys. I am living in hk. I have applied for Cx Cadet Pilot and failed 2 times. I have been figuring out what went wrong. At first I thought it was my medical issue (I have an amblyopic eye which can only see 6/9 vision with correction), but after clarified with the medical examiner of CX, I just realized that it is nothing to do with the medical issue. I think it is just because of my performance during my short interview.

But, anyway, I am thinking to give it a try again. I am thinking to apply for my PPL before reapplying for the post again.I know it is a silly question, but I still would like to know that do you think that it would be a asset if I apply for Cadet pilot with my PPL qualification? if I fail the interview again, do you think there is anywhere that I could make use of my qualification. Can you guys give me a guidance on this? Thanks


WIlliams

[smallwing]

I have a question. Have you ever flown an aircraft before?

How bad do you want the job? Are you willing to further yourself if you are unsuccessful again?

Whether you have a flt license or not, will not be a big difference nowadays. Many do get in without one.

If it makes you feel more confident to go and do some flying on your own, by all means it is a good thing. Think of it as learning something new, and you won't regret doing it if it doesn't help you with the future.

If you then decide you want to pursue this profession, you can further your PPL for a CPL and so forth. Just don't expect it to help you greatly by getting the PPL.

Hope it clarified a little on what is on your mind.

Cheers

[kelvintan]

I never had any flying experience before. But, I know I love flying. That is also one of reasons driven me to apply for my PPL. But, here is my problem. I will use almost all my saving to make my dream comes true (cx cadet Pilot). In order to do that, I will apply for my PPL. I know PPL might not get me even closer to my dream. But, I will still give it a try.
What I am worrying is. I will resign my current job before I set off for the PPL. As all of u know the situation in hkg, it is very hard to find a job at the present moment. I am worried that I might not even get a aviation related job with my PPL. So, I wonder if there are anyone working in an aviation industrial in hkg can give ,me a guidance on this.. Do u think it is a big differences between having a CPL and PPL? What I can think of which can secure my future career might be getting a Instructor License, which I can earn some money from teaching, and also accumulate up flying time.

Williams

[concordino]

Why would you leave your job just to get a PPL?

If i were you and under the current climate, i would go for a PPL while keeping my job...

don't risk it mate, that is my opinion.

cheers

holding a PPL/CPL won't make a great deal in your quest as far as CX is concerned.

:cool:

[Guru]

I will be a while before Cathay starts interviewing new cadet candidates so you won't gain much by quitting your job now.

Why don't you stay in your job now and do whatever else you can to prepare yourself and then when the Company starts to hire again do what you think is best?

[kelvintan]

Hi

I know it is risky to quit my job and go for my PPL. But, I just called Cathay Pacific. and they told me that they did not stop hiring Cadet pilot. So.. I am thinking I have been working in this useless and futureless company for about 4.5 years. I dont want to waste more time on this. I am now 24. The older I become, the less chance I would be selected. I know my act is a bit cbildish. But, I really cant think of any ways out. Just hoping to get my PPL and try again.

I am thinking if I am fail, what am I gonna do. Any comment or advice? Maybe get a CPL........ What can I do with the CPL in hong kong??? I really cant think of anything......... maybe get a ATPL.... or Diploma of Aviation... then I will be disqualified as Cadet Pilot, while not qualified for Direct entrey of SO. and spent more than 50000, while I only get 20000 for my saving..........

So confuse


Williams

[ahks]

I suggest that you continue with your job, apply again, and wait for them to call you for an interview. Their training program in Adelaide includes the PPL. Unless you really want to do some flying on your own, it doesn't make a huge difference if you have a PPL or not. There are many licensed pilots that failed the interview too. What matters is how well you do in the 4 stages of interview.

[Flying Bagel]

First of all, don't quit your job. That's just not smart in this current climate.

What ahks says is right, even if you have a license, it does not mean that they'll accept you. Yes, you get a HK ATPL once you finish in Adelaide, but that's irrelevant.

However, if it means that it'll help you with your confidence, do it in your spare time. If you have a long vacation, do it then. You don't need to get a PPL, you may just need a few hours under your belt. This will do two things:

a) Tell you whether or not you can handle flying in a small aircraft, and

b) Tell you if you actually do want to do this as a job.

And as for doing it for a career other than Cathay, it's up to you. It's a rewarding career if you can make one, but it's hard work either way. A lot of people make the mistake, going into this thing just because they need a job. You have to be a bit more committed than that.

Surf enough of this forum (and others), you'll quickly appreciate what it means to be a pilot.

[Guru]

ahks,

The course in ADL doesn't include a PPL, the first license cadets obtain is the HK CPL.


Kelvintan,

Flying Bagel's is a good advise, in your case it's to risky to quit your job now to get a PPL solely to impress the interviewers. A few hours over a few days can give you a good indication on whether you like it or indeed if you think you can get the licenses.

[kelvintan]

Hi everyone

Thanks for your e-mail and concerns. I know I cant say that I like flying or to be a pilot without have actually fly. But, I just feel it is the right path for me. I know I should apply for PPL without having a thought that it could help me in the selection process of Cadet Pilot. But, I really cant help it. I cant go for what I like without thinking of my future. Getting PPL is not cheap. I cant help to think what would I get for the return. When I cant think of anything. I tend to think of invest more to get CPL, ATPL, NVFR. etc. The purpose is simple. It is that I want to enjoy my interest, while I can have a secure life...I am sorry if It sounds offensive to anyone of you.

Williams

[concordino]

Kelvin,
The purpose is simple. It is that I want to enjoy my interest, while I can have a secure life...I am sorry if It sounds offensive to anyone of you.

I wish not to offend you either, but nothing is secure about being a pilot mate!
You have the right to pursue your aspirations but have a wide scope into things.
Having been to ADL myself (not as CX cadet) and met many CX cadets and wannabes, I can tell you the following:
1- Your chances to get into the CX cadetship will depend on your level relative to the candidates interviewed at the time.
2- I know a guy from HKG who didn’t make the selection and went and did everything on his own. Having spent over 70000 AUD ( Aussie CPL/CIR and ATPL theory) and almost three years down the line he still cannot join CX/DA.
3- If you decide to go for it, look at where you can build experience in case if you don’t make it into the cadetship.
All the best of luck
:cool:

[kelvintan]

Hi guy,

I have a question for you, which I hope you guys can help me out

I have applied for CX cadet pilot twice and failed all of them. I am thinking to explore myself in the aviation induestry and get my own PPL CPL or even. CPL with MEIR. My question is this. Is there any maxmium requirement for Cadet Pilot program? What I am worrying is they are looking for some fresh or with a little bit flying candidates. If it is the case, ther is no use or even worsen my chance of getting selected. If I get CPL I mght end up in a position that over qualified for Cadet Pilot program, while under qualifed as direct entry as SO, where I need to build up at 1500 hrs. Some of my friends with CPL were rejected, ther is why rise up my concerns

My second question is: I got an information from this forum that people study ATPL theory course right after PPL course, then get a " forzen" ATPL license. Is that truth? Is that I can have my ATPL after having studied the ATPL theory course and PPL? If yes, does it save more instead of going through CPL?

My last question is: Does anyone can recommend any good flying school in australia? expecially for those who had undergo the flying training and being accepted by CX. Location doesnt really a matter for me. However Western Australia iwould be better as my friends stay there.

Do you think people had undergo the flying training in BAE Adelaide get better chance being accepted with CX cadet program?



Many thanks

Williams

[sigma]

Don't do it mate. I was in your position a few years ago.
Don't be tempted to do your own training as now, there are alot of unemployed pilots. Try alternative jobs, engineer maybe.
You must really assess if you really do want to fly.
I really do want to fly but what happens if you really do become a pilot, will you be satisfied or happy ?
If you do get your own CPL, do you have residency in other countries to develop your career ?
In HK, choices are limited.

I have seen the light in the sky now. All those years getting frustrated etc, this desire to want has caused so much suffering for myself. I could not imagine forking out so much and in any case, job is not gauranteed.
By all means try the cadets. If you fail again, then fate has it you are not destined to be a pilot not in this lifetime, but maybe in the next.

[hkwannabe101]

Williams,

I am in a similar position to you. Although I only had one bash at the CX cadet programme.

Without wishing to contradict what some others have said so far, I would say go for it. But do some serious thinking about whether this is what you really want to do. There have been some very useful posts on this thread, and I would advise you to take them into account when making your decision.

I have found it a very difficult decision to make, but I feel that I am making the right one by going for it while I have the chance. I am also fortunate to be able to work in the EU should things not go the way I am hoping to here in HKG.

PM me if you want more details, or just to chat about your situation.

Best of luck to you.

[smallwing]

i have a friend who tried for 5 years and finally got in. but it took a lot out of him during those 5 years. now he looks back and wonder if it was worth all the stress and depression. he even had relationship problems, all for this job..

so ask yourself, if it is all worth the problem, trying so hard, or find something that is more suitable for you if you do not get in.

take care and regards.

[hkwannabe101]

Smallwing

Just out of interest, was your friend going for the Cadet course, or did he go for DE.

Or was it cadet course to start with and then ended up as DE?

[smallwing]

for the cadet..

not everything is always a smooth road, as most of us who tried so hard still don't succeed. there are the lucky ones who tried hard and got in, but doesn't mean they are really lucky.

it is a lot of pressure and stress to be down in adelaide and as i talk him, he wonder if it is even worth it, now with the sars and all. nothing is confirmed for them, the school seem to be quite unprepared for some situations.

so think it through yourselves, and ask what sacrifice you would give up to be on the cadet program, and if it is worth your while.

cheers.

[rumour reader]

My advice is go for it!
your ambition and drive are the only things holding you back. If you can't afford to quit your job to do a PPL then you should at least try some flying. I suggest booking a week holiday to oz or florida, possibly do 10 hours? nough to get the feel for it but not break the bank!
I'm not really in a position to say because I am only a wannabe like yourself but I feel the interviewers are looking for you to show certain characteristics to be selected:
commitment and enthusiasm
you can show these in different ways but what better way to show commitment than investing your own money in learning to fly? how else do you know that you are a suitable cadidate? You might **** your pants when you get up there!

good luck

ps. anyone who has got rejected, why do you think you didn't make the grade? Made an ass of yourself at the interview? Failed the aptitude test? crashed during flight grading? Or just plane stupid?!!!
I am curious to know and If you recount your stories I am sure it will bennefit all us wannabe's.

PPS does anyone know how to turn off overwrite on this thing? I can't seem to edit!

[kelvintan]

Hi everyone


I am appreciated for all the support and suggestion you guys had made in the last coupe of months.

At that moment of time, I was new to this forum, and I was so confused about my future. I have been trying very hard to pursuit my dream to come true. e.g. studying all the material of CX, consulting HR personnel about my performance, consulting the CX examiner for my medical aspects, contacting some oversea doctor for their advice of my eye's problem, seeking for a best flying school in australia in order to take the best training course, looking for some pilot information locally, searching for information about cadet pilot over the internet.etc.etc. I think it is the time that everything is over.............................

I dont need to do anything I mentioned above anymore. I dont need to worry about if I would get accepted after I got my PPL, I dont have to worry about if my eye would lead me fail in the selection process, I dont need to search for any information anymore................

I have got an e-mail reply from MS. Claire yesterday. She told me that the decision that they had made is final, and there is no 3rd interview for a candidate failed 2 in the selection process

My mind is so all confused. I confused about my future. I replied to her and thanks for her effort to review my file, and I repected her decision.

When I failed in my 1st interview, I tried very hard to figure out what;s wrong in my performance, and reapplied again., as I wont let the chance, which might make my dream come true, go away. However, I think it is a FINAL. ... it is time for my to put a STOP here. My dream will never come true..... ..

However, the great thing is I know you guys... You all are very helpful.. e,g. hkwannabe and Sony. who gave me a lot of support. I was just hoping to post some message just to see if anyone would apply at the first place, but I have never thought you guys can be so caring....... THANKS A LOT!!!!!


Lastly, I would like to wish those who are still struggling for a post cadet pilot in CX, GOOD LUCK, and for those who are already a Pilot, ALL THE BEST, and for those who failed, A BRIGHT AND A SHINING FUTURE

[hkwannabe101]

Kelvin,

Don't give up, just because CX will not employ you at the moment doesn't mean that one of the hundreds of other airlines will not.

Try KA again

Don't give up, keep hold of your dream and go for it!

[Flying Bagel]

I know of people who've tried three to five times to get in. Don't give up yet.

If you really want a part in the airline industry in the future, why don't you consider joining Cathay in another capacity? At least then you can always try again with the scholarship program after you've worked for a couple of years in the company. And even if you couldn't, at least you get to be involved in the industry, which is cool enough in itself.

One other tip. If you really want to do this, I think you should take the time to fix up your English a little better. I imagine that, with your typing, one of the things you probably didn't do too well on was probably the grammar test.

Don't quit.

[kelvintan]

Hello........

Yap... I think my poor english is one of the key factors that I got a rejection.... I shouldnt have written her an e-mail. At Least, she would never know my this shortcoming.....

Thanks for all your advice. I really dont know why Ms Claire told me that applications are permitted to have a maxmium of 2 attempts at the cadet pilot program, while some cases show that successful applications with 3 or even 5 attemps. I think she tried let me know a signal that even I got my PPL, I still wouldnt be selected, ot maybe my english is very bad in that e-mail. If it is the former, I think she was just being so nice and letting me know that dont waste my time, if it is the latter, I was just being idiot sending her such a CASUAL letter....(I was frustrated and tired with gramma checkand editing into the professional format for the thousand of e-mail I had sent, and never got any reply)

So. you guy think I should give it a try? I am really running out of opinion here. Before they were KA and CX, and it is just KA now . I have 70k saving in total, and I have to use 50k out of it to get my PPL.... and I am 24 year old.......... working in a hopeless job for 5 years.... and still workling on my part time degree.... Oh.. my god........No offend.. just wanna express my feeling.... I think I am gonna take around 2 weeks leaves just to relax myself.... I think I will be heading for London....it is time for a break

P.S. I let you guys know my ICQ no... 13587978... feel free to chat with me...... Caribbean is my nick name

Cheers