Canadian Bases
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Toronto
Canadian Bases
Even though they are quite senior bases, are the Canadian bases (Vancouver and Toronto) permanent or temporary. I heard from someone that the bases are only renewed on 3 month intervals and people just hope they keep renewing the bases......any thoughts?
Thanks for the input.
Cheers,
EEEdog
Thanks for the input.
Cheers,
EEEdog
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 131
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From: USA
I believe that they are permanent bases. There are even a few B744F skippers based at both airports. I have heard (albeit second hand from the basing office) that YYZ will be the first NA basing for the 777.
Mayday.
Mayday.
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 158
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From: Norway
YVR time
I'm getting close to having to make a decision whether to join or not (PAX).
Aiming to land a FO spot at YVR, joining now as a DESO, does the following timeline reflect a reality that current employees would agree with?
3-4 years as SO. Based in Hong Kong
1-2 years JFO based in Honk Kong
FO based Vancouver.
Total 4-6 years from join date to FO YVR? Could a similar timeline be applied to the European bases?
I know - I know - there are a lot of variables such as fleet expansion, training constrictions, route structure, aircraft configurations and base structure. But based on the current outlook, does this make sense?
And please spare me moral speech about one's motivation. Getting a Canadian base is a big one... probably the biggest for me. I'm sure the HK years will be great, but that's not why I'm joining.
Aiming to land a FO spot at YVR, joining now as a DESO, does the following timeline reflect a reality that current employees would agree with?
3-4 years as SO. Based in Hong Kong
1-2 years JFO based in Honk Kong
FO based Vancouver.
Total 4-6 years from join date to FO YVR? Could a similar timeline be applied to the European bases?
I know - I know - there are a lot of variables such as fleet expansion, training constrictions, route structure, aircraft configurations and base structure. But based on the current outlook, does this make sense?
And please spare me moral speech about one's motivation. Getting a Canadian base is a big one... probably the biggest for me. I'm sure the HK years will be great, but that's not why I'm joining.
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 48
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From: SIENA TWO
CPdude wrote
You're not going to run to momma now are ya?
You bash just about everyone else who is not as fond of Cathay Pacific as yourself.
Do you realise that over 27% of your posts are dedicated to bashing me?
You bash just about everyone else who is not as fond of Cathay Pacific as yourself.
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 740
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From: Over There
Some people have to learn to argue the point or message rather then trying to insult the messenger. If you have a different opinion then state it but don't try to elevate your point by insulting someone else.
You have your morals and I have mine!
Nuf said!
You have your morals and I have mine!
Nuf said!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 137
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From: Vancouver
3-4 years as SO. Based in Hong Kong
1-2 years JFO based in Honk Kong
FO based Vancouver.
Total 4-6 years from join date to FO YVR?
1-2 years JFO based in Honk Kong
FO based Vancouver.
Total 4-6 years from join date to FO YVR?
It doesn't seem like we have too many canadian CX folks here
I know that schedule for SOs are great, ~15 days off each mth. But how about the years as an FO? and more specifcially, FO with a Vancouver base.
Does anyone know what the roster is like for Vancouver based FOs? the only shorthauls is from YVR to JFK. other than that does that mean the roster will consist of flying back to the HK hub all the time?
Is it true that SOs are allowed to apply for temporary basing? How does that work and how often can that be requested in the 4ish years of being an SO?
In addition, how hard is it for an FO to get vancouver as his/her permanent base? How many pilots does CX have in Vancouver? With the 777 in the pipeline to service vancouver, is it safe to assume that vancouver base will be more available?
lots of questions i Know, but these are burning questions which i haven't been able to find answers for

cheers, and thanks in advance!
E
Last edited by energie; 22nd May 2007 at 13:28. Reason: meant to ask if SOs are allowed to take temporary basing
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 335
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From: Asia
Energie :
Since no one seems to be helping I'll give it a shot !
Disclaimer : not canajan and basing answers on friends testimony.....
SOs cannot take permanent base.
SOs can take temp basings but no guarentee and YVR very hard to get but pilots commute from LA SFO. Can get 2,3,or 4 month temp bases. Bid in seniority and availability (company decides how many are needed)
time from joining to JFO is 41/2 - 5 years. JFO can take permanent base when base (of a/c type) available in seniority. Bases are filling up. YVR base will not grow but LA and SFO may do when 777 intro if frequency of flights increased. Bases will have turnover during expansion as FOs do command. Will stop for a long time if expansion stops. Vancouver may be last to change to 777 as -400 fits route all year. If on 777 and yvr still 400 ,permanent base no chance as not taking 777 pilots across 400 to anymore (not likely to change as 777 need will be high for awhile) . As for abseolute number of FOs in yvr that is top secret !! There is currently 744 and airbus in yvr. When airbus stops who knows ? Also the company uses yvr guys for LAX/SFO when needed so it is not a finite number. As for openings there were 12 ish earlier this year and that will reduce to 5 or six per year.
You can easily commute from a permanent LAX 0r SFO base to yvr.
FO hong kong based on 777 works 18-22 days per month (average) but do some day trips.
YVR FOs work 12-16 days and can do yvr-jfk alot.
typical month 2 LH (yvr HKG) and one jfk or 3 jfks and one LH.
Hope this helps.
FG
Since no one seems to be helping I'll give it a shot !
Disclaimer : not canajan and basing answers on friends testimony.....
SOs cannot take permanent base.
SOs can take temp basings but no guarentee and YVR very hard to get but pilots commute from LA SFO. Can get 2,3,or 4 month temp bases. Bid in seniority and availability (company decides how many are needed)
time from joining to JFO is 41/2 - 5 years. JFO can take permanent base when base (of a/c type) available in seniority. Bases are filling up. YVR base will not grow but LA and SFO may do when 777 intro if frequency of flights increased. Bases will have turnover during expansion as FOs do command. Will stop for a long time if expansion stops. Vancouver may be last to change to 777 as -400 fits route all year. If on 777 and yvr still 400 ,permanent base no chance as not taking 777 pilots across 400 to anymore (not likely to change as 777 need will be high for awhile) . As for abseolute number of FOs in yvr that is top secret !! There is currently 744 and airbus in yvr. When airbus stops who knows ? Also the company uses yvr guys for LAX/SFO when needed so it is not a finite number. As for openings there were 12 ish earlier this year and that will reduce to 5 or six per year.
You can easily commute from a permanent LAX 0r SFO base to yvr.
FO hong kong based on 777 works 18-22 days per month (average) but do some day trips.
YVR FOs work 12-16 days and can do yvr-jfk alot.
typical month 2 LH (yvr HKG) and one jfk or 3 jfks and one LH.
Hope this helps.
FG
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver
thanks for that. sounds like vancouver base isn't as easy to get as I thought
how often can SOs bid for temporary basing? I assume that that the 2-4 month terms are only allowed once a year IF they have room
That's a lot less than I thought. Can a FO be based in US if s/he does not have US residency? (i.e HK born or Canadian citizen only?)
thanks again!
how often can SOs bid for temporary basing? I assume that that the 2-4 month terms are only allowed once a year IF they have room
As for openings there were 12 ish earlier this year and that will reduce to 5 or six per year.
thanks again!
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 686
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From: .
"I heard from someone that the bases are only renewed on 3 month intervals and people just hope they keep renewing the bases."
no, it is your employment that is one a 3 month renewable basis, the base just happens to go along with the job.
no, it is your employment that is one a 3 month renewable basis, the base just happens to go along with the job.
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 137
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From: Vancouver
no not at all! Thanks to your response I think I have a good idea that it's not as easy as I thought. I am hoping for some first hand information to tell me that it is in fact possible blabhlah 
doesn't look like it from the sound of it tho...:S

doesn't look like it from the sound of it tho...:S




