Questions For Current CX Pilots

[Airbus_Driver]

Good info.

I have heard this argument about Americans lack of knowledge of the world outside of their borders and unfortunately, I would agree that most rural Americans fall into this category. Certainly, most have not lived outside the U.S. To some degree I understand why. The U.S. has just gone through nearly 15 years of the greatest economic growth rates in its history, unemployment has been under 5% for as long as I can remember and so the opportunites have been very good up until 9/11. With the emergence of China as an economic superpower, the opportunites are coming to light now with many American pilots out of work. There is definitely a adjustment to be made for us seeking Asian piloting careers. I will grant you that.

My situation is a bit different in that my aviation experience has taken me to many Asian cities. In fact, more than Cathay serves. My MBA has a concentration in International Business and I also speak some Japanese. Some of this information was reflected in my application but apparently had no merit in the interview.

I appreciate the honest comments though. Its helping me understand CX more each post I read.

Truckmasters, I couldn't agree with you more on the CRM comment. I didn't think you were being cynical at all.

[sizematters]

I thought I was "Mr Worldy wise" when I joined CX, been all over, lived in many countries but I have to say it took me a long time to adjust to Asia, fortunately my previous airline had a training/checking regime similar to that at CX so to fit into CX was relatively easy, however to adapt and fit into the asian culture took at a guess about 4 years..............Your American training is so TOTALLY different to the way CX operates that many guys find that difficult, however, I will say I fly with you "septic's" all the time (Septic tank = yank) and the ones at CX are excellent, so I guess the selection process has it's merits................Maybe if you can understand that "Visiting" many asian cities does not really prepare you for the cultural changes you'll experience on joining CX you'll open up to what you need to learn to get through the selection process.
Just like flying, there are those who are open to learning and new experiences who continue to grow and develop and those who close their minds because "they have done it all, have soooo much experience, etc etc"

[Drunknsailor]

So what makes the yanks that you have flown with different/better than the ones that get rejected or that you have seen elsewhere? I mean this in a positive way not a condescending one. As a CX hopeful and a yank myself, I appreciate all input from the inside. I realize that it will definitely be a culture shock for me to change my sphere of reference that far, both geographically and professionally but I hope I get the opportunity to give it a go.

[Mink]

Ab Driver,
Checked out your summary of the interview. Sorry it did not work out for you, but thanks very much for posting the info for the rest of us. Best of luck at JB!

Mink

[petitfromage]

Id have to say that your interview AB was pretty "standard."
Id also go so far as to say that the interviewers were quite experienced. The typical "whats the history of CX?" type question often comes from the less experienced.

Very sorry to hear you were unsuccessful.....and a bit disappointed that you doing a degree may in some way be considered a negative. I truely hope that wasnt the case.

IMHO (and generalisation) topics such as Principles of Flight and Theoretical Weather are a real weakness amongst the Nth American community. In the same way the Australians struggle with Icing.....the Nth Americans excel there! Brits for some daft reason excel in Performance related questions (prob because CAA Perf A is a nightmare!)

Its not individual fault, its just something that your never really get taught in detail. Everyone has a specialisation and everyone a weakness.
You can hope that your weakness doesnt show up in the interview, but thats playing with fire; youre best bet is to study harder in your weak areas and to truely try and understand the why's and not just the answers.

For what its worth about the only CRM questions you hear at CX is a. drunk captain and b. captain who refuses to go-around from a terrible approach.

Lastly, and I know Ive said it lots, but you if you genuinely want to experince Asia and genuinely think that CX is a step forward in your career progression.....and let them know that in the interview......then you should do well.

Good luck next time around.

Kung Hei Fat Choy

PS: I prime example of Nth Americans getting it wrong, was yesterday in Japan.....Northwest, United et al, wishing the Japanese "Happy New Year". NOte: Its Cinhese New Year.....not Japanese (and yes, there is a BIG difference)

All the best
PF

[Airbus_Driver]

PF,

Thanks for the valuable information. I will certainly use your advice if I am able to obtain another interview at CX. Help me with the acronym IMHO? What is that?

[millerscourt]

petitfromage

reminds me when over Iran I heard a KLM Pilot wish them a Happy Christmas when changing frequency!!

[petitfromage]

IMHO, " In My Humble Opinion".........

[DA50driver]

Different cultures

I am a Captain for a company that employs people from all over the world, and I find that the US crewmembers are more than well enough trained. I really do not care if you know weather theory, but you better know real world weather. I really don't care how a GPS works, but I want to know how to operate it, and I want to know what to do if it is inop. I am not looking for a job at Garmin building the things.
Most of the Europeans have the theory down, but very often can't relate it to real life applications. I have many a copilot saying we should fuel up somewhere because the fuel is cheaper there, not considering the 5.8% gradient we need to fly out of there. Total disconnect sometimes. The Brits have their performance down quite well, I think they all know the "value of D" by heart. It's part of their evening prayers or something.
We all have different areas we are good at is what I am saying here.

So, SizeMatters, quit being such a ..... and try to get along with people instead.

[BusyB]

DA50,
I find the "who's better than who" threads really boring. Who knows what the contributers are really like.
This thread was in response to someone asking for advice about Cathay from Cathay pilots.

I don't think you have anything to offer.

[DA50driver]

You and my wife both. Have a great weekend.

[cpdude]

DA50,

You hit the nail smack dab on the head and I think you obviously have much to offer.

Must have hit a nerve with BusyB. Must be one of those Europeans.

[sizematters]

well, there you have it, you can be like DA50 and tell the interviewers that the american way is best , then fail the Cathay interview, or you can do the research and tell them what they want to hear and have the best job in the world.......................

by the way, what is a DA50 ???

[petitfromage]

Oh dear, pistols at dawn...? Its like a kindergarten in here sometimes.

The interview process simply sorts the wheat from the chaff.....and in some cases the good wheat from the not so good wheat!
In the post 9/11 world Cathay is lucky enough to have that luxury. (The fact it wasnt always so, or that some guys just had a bad day is, sadly and perhaps unfairly, neither here nor there)

There is very little point in wrestling the pig over this:
a. the pig loves it
b. win or lose you still end up covered in sh1t.

And....IMHO....a little bit of theory goes a long way but no one expects you to be designing new super-critical wings on your G days (unless of course, you like that sort of thing)

Its horses for courses and to the best of my knowledge its still Cathays racetrack.

[74world]

CX

Sizematters,

You said: "moving to CX is a huge step".....DOWN that is!
I have read some of your comments, what a lot of B/S that was....are you on drugs or just looking for an argument on the site?

Intersting what you said about the Americans, but since you are using "sizematters" as a username I presume that you are flying a 744 (American built) for CX, as previously mentioned probably also a SO.

So tell me, "yanks" can built aircrafts but can not fly them???

CX should really review their interview standart so "clowns" like yourself won't get in anymore.......

Make sure that you stay in CX for as long as you can, so people in other airlines won't have to put up with your "culture"!

[sizematters]

Your American training is so TOTALLY different to the way CX operates that many guys find that difficult, however, I will say I fly with you "septic's" all the time (Septic tank = yank) and the ones at CX are excellent

sorry??? the above quote says it all.....................the question here was "how to get into CX".............Not how to be a great pilot, nor was it "who's best, by Nationality"...........

aqnyway all I can say is I'm SO glad I made that HUGE step DOWN Many years ago.......................

your not one of those type Cathay rejects are you?? Mr 74 world??? Still trying to figure why you couldn't take such an easy step down??

[74world]

cx

sizematters,

For info I have never applied at CX, I feel very lucky now that in my current company we do not have idiots like you.....THANK YOU HR! the system is working......

Once more enjoy CX , stay where you are, we don't need guys like you in EU!

[sizematters]

so exactly what do you have to offer to people who want to join CX???

or the rest of the world for that matter??

hey, what is the square root of FA???

[cpdude]

Originally Posted by sizematters

hey, what is the square root of FA???

Answer=sizematters

Oh it pains me to have to put up with all these superior types.
74world you must have them there too!

[BlueEagle]

OK you have all had your little outburst of personal abuse, that will do just fine thanks.

Back to the thread topic or lose it, (padlock).

Thanks, BE.