Cathay Pacific Freighter
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: USA
Cathay Pacific Freighter
Hi everyone,
First post here and brand new to the forum. I just submitted my application to CX for the 744 freighter fleet. Does anyone here have any recent, specific info on what's going on right now with the hiring for these positions? Any good recent gouge? Stuff I should know? Thank a bunch in advance, glad to be here!
First post here and brand new to the forum. I just submitted my application to CX for the 744 freighter fleet. Does anyone here have any recent, specific info on what's going on right now with the hiring for these positions? Any good recent gouge? Stuff I should know? Thank a bunch in advance, glad to be here!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: California
CX wannabe
Hey, I an new too. So this is what I have so far:
Interview
Everything below is my experience with the first interview for a DEFO position in America. I first want to say that the interview was much more relaxed than I thought it would be. The 2 guys (1 HR, 1 captain) were professional, but actually let a smile slip out here and there. This is in contrary to the feeling I got from reading all the other gouges prior to going to the interview. The HR guy even told me several times, “great answer.” So, indeed I was pleasantly surprised at how it was not as stuffy of an experience as I thought it would be. I am an overachiever. I am not the smartest guy in the world, but I have worked extremely hard and have nearly always succeeded at what I have set-out to do. So, needless to say, not getting invited back for a second interview was humbling. Nearly every day since this interview I have asked myself what I could have done differently or better. From these series of brainstorming sessions I have compiled a list that I want to share with you to try to help your chances of getting hired. For the HR interview, I truly believe I did somewhat well…in my opinion. I received questions such as: Why not the military? Did you always want to be a pilot? You look young, what do you tell passengers who comment about your age? How do we know you are competent to fly a B747 into ANC at night in blowing snow and ice, especially considering your young age and maturity level? What does your wife do? How much money do you two make? Why CX? Would you be willing to consider yourself for a DESO position in HKG? Have you applied anywhere else? What would you do if XXX airlines offered you a class date that you cannot move back if it was before the second interview with CX, and we cannot move the second interview forward? Tell me about the housing situation in HKG and their prices? I see that you just visited HKG, what was the biggest surprise? What are the worst things about your current job? Among a bunch others…. There are a few areas that possibly could have dinged me. First, when they asked how much money we made, I really didn’t know the gross amount….I had to think through it. I know the net amount each month and budget accordingly with an aggressive savings plan, but I have additional income and withhold additional taxes in addition to the 0 exemption on my W4. Also, we save a lot in our 401k, which also complicated the difference between the net amount that I knew and the gross amount that he wanted to know. They probably didn’t understand why I didn’t know this information, because from their side it is basically a flat 15% tax in HKG and there is no 401k. So, long story short, know this information. Secondly, when they asked if I would be willing to accept a DESO position in HKG, I said no…but then explained how this decision has to do with my family at present time. It was truthful and concise, and ended that in a few years the situation will change and I would then be willing and able to consider a FO position in HKG at that time. Just so you know, before you answer, “sure I’d be willing to go to HKG” and really not want to go, they are severely short on DESO’s….they can’t fill enough classes. So, what they’re doing is interviewing DEFO candidates, and if they don’t meet their standard inviting them back for a second interview….but as a DESO candidate and not telling you that. So you go pay a bunch of money for a B747 sim, continue studying your butt off for the interview, and take time off to go to HKG….and you could be interviewing for a DESO position in HKG you’re not able and willing to accept. This is why I answered “no” because I would rather have gotten declined, like I did, than get my hopes up for something I was not able to accept at the time. A third answer they might not have liked came with the question about getting a class date with XXX airlines and having to decide between the guaranteed job, or a second shot at CX with no guarantee. I proceeded to say how I would not put myself in that position by not accepting the interview with XX airlines until the second interview with CX, but they said that was not what the question was asking. They put me in the position, with no out. Answer the question. Well, I honestly had to think about it. Guaranteed job at a great airline, or throw it away for a possibility with CX? Heck yeah I had to think about it! I don’t think they liked that. But I am an extremely honest guy. I finally answered that I would roll the dice and decline the job and go for CX. The fourth and final thing I don’t think they possibility liked was the question about what surprised me with HKG. I answered that I knew the language of business in HKG is English, and it being a British colony I had heard great things about everyone speaking English fluently. I told them that many of the gift shops, electronics stores, and restaurants we went to they had to get a special person to come talk with us because they couldn’t speak English. I told them it wasn’t a problem, but merely an observation that was a little different than what I had imagined. Well, I don’t think he really liked that because his head turned, eyes squinted, and jaw opened a little. Like I said, I’m an honest guy…but an honest guy with tact. But I somehow I think during this CX interview the underlying information coming out of my mouth was perceived as more important than how it was said. This is much the contrary to America, where how something said, even considering the content, has a lot to do with how it is perceived. Don’t get me wrong, what I have outlined above is very detailed on the negative to how my interview went. Just remember, they ask question, after question, after question. I really think I did very well on the overall for the HR portion, but these very few answers outlined above are the only things I can think of that would have hurt me in the HR portion. I did interview prep and thought that helped tremendously. Now for the technical portion of the interview. This did not start out quite as good in my opinion. They started by asking system questions about the A340. Well, I didn’t study the A340 as much, because I was interviewing for a B747 position. They didn’t ask a single question about the B747 in this entire interview, but they wanted to know what kind of engine the A340 had. I said the RB211. He wanted to know how it differed from the B747 engine. I told him the B747 had a RB211-524 H/T. That wasn’t good enough apparently. Next question. Tell me about dutch roll by demonstrating with the model. I went through it, but after the demonstration he seemed dissatisfied and took the model from me and proceeded to do his demonstration. He did everything that I did! He reiterated everything, in a different order and manner, as though I didn’t know what I was talking about. I did forget to talk about how the rudder plays a part in the process, but other than that I thought my demonstration was adequate. One thing to look out for, Americans, is the British use of the term “sideslip.” For you Brits or Aussies, in America a sideslip is an uncoordinated maneuver. Well, apparently for him he though I didn’t know what a sideslip was because he was banking the plane downwards and asked what the plane was doing. After a few teeth got pulled out of my mouth, and I asked specifically if it was an uncoordinated maneuver and he said no, he told me it was a sideslip. (?!) Dunno. Next question. It started off this way, but I kept my cool. The rest of the interview went very well. But, as all of us know, our perceptions about people are formed at the beginning and not the end. The only other things I didn’t know were that the Siberian High was the source of the cool air in the winter for HKG…I though it was the air off the Himalayas...good stab I thought. Also, after answering the 2006 profit for the company correctly, he wanted to know how much money CX made in the first quarter of 2007. I didn’t know. But the other questions were: How does a typhoon form? What are monsoons and walk me through their patterns in SE Asia? Where are monsoons the strongest in the world? Coriolis? HKG information? What is the temperature in HKG in February? What is the model on the table and how do you know (was a A340-600)? What kind of planes are on order and their numbers and what is their delivery schedule? Where does CX fly in N. America, both for the cargo and passenger side. And on… So, I make it out that I did horribly in the interview. But in this writing I only talked about and expanded upon in detail the negative portions. I honestly think I did really well overall. Was it perfect? Absolutely not. Did I put a good step forward, seeming confident yet modest, competent in the information asked of me overall, demonstrate my desire to be there, and seem like a guy they could sit next to for a 10 hour flight? I think so. But apparently they didn’t. Best of luck to you all. I ended up finding an equally good job at least, so I don’t feel quite so bad. But I think CX is a decent place which pays quite well especially after the unified payscale goes into place in a month for new-hires.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Position:
Cathay Cargo B747-400 F/O
Company:
Cathay Pacific
Base:
Los Angeles
Age:
34
I am currently flying as a Boeing 747-400 First Officer with Cathay Pacific Airways. I am based in Los Angeles with routes consisting of flights from North America to and from Hong Kong. I was hired as a direct entry First Officer on to the -400 for the Freighter operation. I have been with Cathay for close to two years now and absolutely love the company and flying the ‘Queen of the Skies.’
Cathay Pacific is an awesome company that promotes there crew from within. You can join as a Second Officer with relatively little experience and be promoted to a wide body Captain in under ten years. Right now the time to promotion at Cathay is about 8 – 9 years on the passenger fleet and anywhere from 3 – 5 years on the freighter. This is an excellent opportunity for any pilot that aspires to join a long-haul wide body operation.
On the Freighter as a First Officer you work anywhere from twelve to seventeen days a month not counting your leave (and you get six weeks of leave per year). The roster patterns tend to be 5 to 8 days in duration departing from somewhere in North America (Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Vancouver) then on to Anchorage for a 1-2 day layover. From Anchorage you operate to Hong Kong with a three or four man crew with a layover in Hong Kong. The return trip again with three or four pilots goes through Anchorage with a stopover and then onto one of the North American ports. A lot of time is spent in Anchorage which is a great city with a lot of interesting things to keep you occupied no matter what your interests are.
Cathay Pacific is an awesome company to work for. They do have extremely high standards which you are expected to exceed, however the training is more than adequate (about four months for an initial course as a new hire). The company has been profitable on a consistent basis paying profit sharing regularly. The pay on the freighter is good and it is considerably better on the passenger fleet. Cathay Pacific’s management consists of managers from the Swire group and is generally committed to the company for the long haul. This proves to be a good solution for the company ensuring accountability for sustained profitability within the airline. In 2003 with the SARS crisis although Cathay parked a significant portion of their fleet they were still able to maintain their profitability. While other airlines furloughed staff, Cathay Pacific maintained their existing staff structure.
As a new joiner on the Freighter fleet I am committed to serving 3 years after completing initial training on the Freighter. At that time I can take a position on the passenger fleet either in North America or Hong Kong. As I mentioned earlier the pay is considerably better and the roster are improved as well. Some of my colleagues are electing for early commands on the -400 and have applied for and been accepted for Command courses on the freighter. Some individuals have completed their Command after only three years with the company (and these are guys without previous wide body experience). Cathay offers a number of exciting opportunities depending on your aspirations. Many guys have been able to take temporary bases or base swaps spending a period of time in Europe or Australia.
I am really pleased to have a career with Cathay Pacific. The -400 is a great aircraft and my coworkers are all very professional and a lot of fun to work with. Although Cathay has had labor issues in the past, there seems to be a great deal of cooperation between employees and management. Although there are always petty gripes it seems to me that most people are happy to be working for a profitable organization. It is always a fun time to go to work and I certainly never have to worry about whether or not we will be paid each month. Cathay has been a great career so far and I am very excited about the many opportunities ahead for myself with the airline.
As an extension to my article I want to mention that when I was offered an interview, I took the advice of some of my friends working at Cathay to contact Pilot Career Centre. I completed a Cathay Prep for my first interview and then when I learned I had been successful I completed a prep for the second interview and a mock sim eval. This was an expensive investment however it was without a doubt the best money I have spent throughout my entire professional career (outside of the cost of obtaining my licences/ratings). I met up with Dennis and subsequently Greg and not only were they honest and professional, there gouge was 100% on the money. I did not receive a question that I had not covered with these guys. The best part of the prep though was not just having the questions, but it was knowing how to answer them. Thanks guys.
If any of you are interested in joining Cathay Pacific, I strongly urge you to apply as we are now being told that there will be 150 new hires a year for the foreseeable future. It is a great company to work for and an awesome opportunity for anyone that ever aspired to fly the heavy metal. Good luck and we’ll maybe see you on the line one day!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CX has imposed a new contract on newly hired pilots as of January
Mandatory retirement age is 55 unless pilot is on a base, then it is 65 (once the company completes its "onshore" process)
UK will be the first 65 base, followed then by others
As of January 1, CX made ASL part of the CX pilot group
Ordered 10 747-8 freighters as well as an additional 7 777-300ERs in Nov
Cathay has pilots based in USA, Canada, UK, France, Germany and Australia
Each of these country has its own payscale for both passenger and freighter fleets
Check and trainer pilots receive 10% extra on top of salary
11 747-400ERFs on order; options for 6 more
3 A330s on firm order
Pilots may take 15.5% retirement contribution as taxable cash salary instead
Current 3-year freeze on the freighter fleet before allowed transfer to the pax fleet
Cathay covers 70% of international school fees for children, or 100% if they go to English Foundation School (a local and cheaper version of international school)
Housing allowance for HKG-based pilots only
This allowance may go to property purchased or rented in Hong Kong
There are 2 types of allowances: (a) the fixed housing allowance which is $24,000 HKD, or the mortgage allowance, which is variable, currently at $53,000
HKD Expat housing allowance (for direct entry second officer), first 2 years, is HKD24000/mo. (approx. USD3000) in addition to salary. From third year onward, HKD48000/mo. (approx. USD6000) Hong Kong housing allowance: SO 1st 24 months = HKD$252k, SO = HKD$360k/ year, FO = HKD$540k/ year, captain = HKD$780k/ year 16% tax rate in Hong Kong
Mandatory retirement age is 55 (This page last updated: Jan 13, 2008).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UK: London, Manchester
Europe : Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam
USA : Anchorage, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Atlanta
Australia : Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide
Canada: Vancouver, Toronto
New Zealand: Auckland
Pax: LAX, SFO.
Freighter: ANC, LAX, ORD, JFK, ATL .
Direct Entry First Officers are initially employed at base ports other than Hong Kong and are employed by wholly owned subsidiaries of Cathay Pacific Airways.
Requirements
All First Officer applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
An ICAO Airline Transport Pilot's License (ATPL)
A minimum of 1000 hours in one of the following categories:
Airline Jet Transport
Command Turbo Prop (MAUW greater than 20,000 Kgs)
High Performance Military Jet
Corporate Jet Command
A current Class One Medical
Fluent spoken & written English
Experience commensurate with age
An applicant must possess the right to live and work in the chosen Base Area. The Company will not sponsor applications to immigration authorities for Flight Crew to live and work in any port other than Hong Kong.
===========================================================
The Initial Induction Course will take 4 to 7 months to complete. Ground and circuit training is conducted in Hong Kong. The majority of line training are conducted out of Hong Kong however some may be conducted at base ports.
Ground School
Approximately 6 weeks duration. Comprising of classroom instruction and Computer Based Training (CBT).
Simulator Training
Approximately 3 weeks duration. Provides handling characteristics training together with the operating procedures training, culminating in Aircraft and Instrument Ratings.
Base Training
A practice simulator session followed by the first flight in the aircraft; a number of takeoffs and landings will be conducted.
Line flying under supervision (LFUS)
Approximately 2-5 months duration. Flights conducted with a Training Captain, covering the practical application of standard operating procedures to satisfy the standards required for line flying duties.
Line Check
Good speed and after you get in, don't forget to writte me a recco letter...
Interview
Everything below is my experience with the first interview for a DEFO position in America. I first want to say that the interview was much more relaxed than I thought it would be. The 2 guys (1 HR, 1 captain) were professional, but actually let a smile slip out here and there. This is in contrary to the feeling I got from reading all the other gouges prior to going to the interview. The HR guy even told me several times, “great answer.” So, indeed I was pleasantly surprised at how it was not as stuffy of an experience as I thought it would be. I am an overachiever. I am not the smartest guy in the world, but I have worked extremely hard and have nearly always succeeded at what I have set-out to do. So, needless to say, not getting invited back for a second interview was humbling. Nearly every day since this interview I have asked myself what I could have done differently or better. From these series of brainstorming sessions I have compiled a list that I want to share with you to try to help your chances of getting hired. For the HR interview, I truly believe I did somewhat well…in my opinion. I received questions such as: Why not the military? Did you always want to be a pilot? You look young, what do you tell passengers who comment about your age? How do we know you are competent to fly a B747 into ANC at night in blowing snow and ice, especially considering your young age and maturity level? What does your wife do? How much money do you two make? Why CX? Would you be willing to consider yourself for a DESO position in HKG? Have you applied anywhere else? What would you do if XXX airlines offered you a class date that you cannot move back if it was before the second interview with CX, and we cannot move the second interview forward? Tell me about the housing situation in HKG and their prices? I see that you just visited HKG, what was the biggest surprise? What are the worst things about your current job? Among a bunch others…. There are a few areas that possibly could have dinged me. First, when they asked how much money we made, I really didn’t know the gross amount….I had to think through it. I know the net amount each month and budget accordingly with an aggressive savings plan, but I have additional income and withhold additional taxes in addition to the 0 exemption on my W4. Also, we save a lot in our 401k, which also complicated the difference between the net amount that I knew and the gross amount that he wanted to know. They probably didn’t understand why I didn’t know this information, because from their side it is basically a flat 15% tax in HKG and there is no 401k. So, long story short, know this information. Secondly, when they asked if I would be willing to accept a DESO position in HKG, I said no…but then explained how this decision has to do with my family at present time. It was truthful and concise, and ended that in a few years the situation will change and I would then be willing and able to consider a FO position in HKG at that time. Just so you know, before you answer, “sure I’d be willing to go to HKG” and really not want to go, they are severely short on DESO’s….they can’t fill enough classes. So, what they’re doing is interviewing DEFO candidates, and if they don’t meet their standard inviting them back for a second interview….but as a DESO candidate and not telling you that. So you go pay a bunch of money for a B747 sim, continue studying your butt off for the interview, and take time off to go to HKG….and you could be interviewing for a DESO position in HKG you’re not able and willing to accept. This is why I answered “no” because I would rather have gotten declined, like I did, than get my hopes up for something I was not able to accept at the time. A third answer they might not have liked came with the question about getting a class date with XXX airlines and having to decide between the guaranteed job, or a second shot at CX with no guarantee. I proceeded to say how I would not put myself in that position by not accepting the interview with XX airlines until the second interview with CX, but they said that was not what the question was asking. They put me in the position, with no out. Answer the question. Well, I honestly had to think about it. Guaranteed job at a great airline, or throw it away for a possibility with CX? Heck yeah I had to think about it! I don’t think they liked that. But I am an extremely honest guy. I finally answered that I would roll the dice and decline the job and go for CX. The fourth and final thing I don’t think they possibility liked was the question about what surprised me with HKG. I answered that I knew the language of business in HKG is English, and it being a British colony I had heard great things about everyone speaking English fluently. I told them that many of the gift shops, electronics stores, and restaurants we went to they had to get a special person to come talk with us because they couldn’t speak English. I told them it wasn’t a problem, but merely an observation that was a little different than what I had imagined. Well, I don’t think he really liked that because his head turned, eyes squinted, and jaw opened a little. Like I said, I’m an honest guy…but an honest guy with tact. But I somehow I think during this CX interview the underlying information coming out of my mouth was perceived as more important than how it was said. This is much the contrary to America, where how something said, even considering the content, has a lot to do with how it is perceived. Don’t get me wrong, what I have outlined above is very detailed on the negative to how my interview went. Just remember, they ask question, after question, after question. I really think I did very well on the overall for the HR portion, but these very few answers outlined above are the only things I can think of that would have hurt me in the HR portion. I did interview prep and thought that helped tremendously. Now for the technical portion of the interview. This did not start out quite as good in my opinion. They started by asking system questions about the A340. Well, I didn’t study the A340 as much, because I was interviewing for a B747 position. They didn’t ask a single question about the B747 in this entire interview, but they wanted to know what kind of engine the A340 had. I said the RB211. He wanted to know how it differed from the B747 engine. I told him the B747 had a RB211-524 H/T. That wasn’t good enough apparently. Next question. Tell me about dutch roll by demonstrating with the model. I went through it, but after the demonstration he seemed dissatisfied and took the model from me and proceeded to do his demonstration. He did everything that I did! He reiterated everything, in a different order and manner, as though I didn’t know what I was talking about. I did forget to talk about how the rudder plays a part in the process, but other than that I thought my demonstration was adequate. One thing to look out for, Americans, is the British use of the term “sideslip.” For you Brits or Aussies, in America a sideslip is an uncoordinated maneuver. Well, apparently for him he though I didn’t know what a sideslip was because he was banking the plane downwards and asked what the plane was doing. After a few teeth got pulled out of my mouth, and I asked specifically if it was an uncoordinated maneuver and he said no, he told me it was a sideslip. (?!) Dunno. Next question. It started off this way, but I kept my cool. The rest of the interview went very well. But, as all of us know, our perceptions about people are formed at the beginning and not the end. The only other things I didn’t know were that the Siberian High was the source of the cool air in the winter for HKG…I though it was the air off the Himalayas...good stab I thought. Also, after answering the 2006 profit for the company correctly, he wanted to know how much money CX made in the first quarter of 2007. I didn’t know. But the other questions were: How does a typhoon form? What are monsoons and walk me through their patterns in SE Asia? Where are monsoons the strongest in the world? Coriolis? HKG information? What is the temperature in HKG in February? What is the model on the table and how do you know (was a A340-600)? What kind of planes are on order and their numbers and what is their delivery schedule? Where does CX fly in N. America, both for the cargo and passenger side. And on… So, I make it out that I did horribly in the interview. But in this writing I only talked about and expanded upon in detail the negative portions. I honestly think I did really well overall. Was it perfect? Absolutely not. Did I put a good step forward, seeming confident yet modest, competent in the information asked of me overall, demonstrate my desire to be there, and seem like a guy they could sit next to for a 10 hour flight? I think so. But apparently they didn’t. Best of luck to you all. I ended up finding an equally good job at least, so I don’t feel quite so bad. But I think CX is a decent place which pays quite well especially after the unified payscale goes into place in a month for new-hires.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Position:
Cathay Cargo B747-400 F/O
Company:
Cathay Pacific
Base:
Los Angeles
Age:
34
I am currently flying as a Boeing 747-400 First Officer with Cathay Pacific Airways. I am based in Los Angeles with routes consisting of flights from North America to and from Hong Kong. I was hired as a direct entry First Officer on to the -400 for the Freighter operation. I have been with Cathay for close to two years now and absolutely love the company and flying the ‘Queen of the Skies.’
Cathay Pacific is an awesome company that promotes there crew from within. You can join as a Second Officer with relatively little experience and be promoted to a wide body Captain in under ten years. Right now the time to promotion at Cathay is about 8 – 9 years on the passenger fleet and anywhere from 3 – 5 years on the freighter. This is an excellent opportunity for any pilot that aspires to join a long-haul wide body operation.
On the Freighter as a First Officer you work anywhere from twelve to seventeen days a month not counting your leave (and you get six weeks of leave per year). The roster patterns tend to be 5 to 8 days in duration departing from somewhere in North America (Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Vancouver) then on to Anchorage for a 1-2 day layover. From Anchorage you operate to Hong Kong with a three or four man crew with a layover in Hong Kong. The return trip again with three or four pilots goes through Anchorage with a stopover and then onto one of the North American ports. A lot of time is spent in Anchorage which is a great city with a lot of interesting things to keep you occupied no matter what your interests are.
Cathay Pacific is an awesome company to work for. They do have extremely high standards which you are expected to exceed, however the training is more than adequate (about four months for an initial course as a new hire). The company has been profitable on a consistent basis paying profit sharing regularly. The pay on the freighter is good and it is considerably better on the passenger fleet. Cathay Pacific’s management consists of managers from the Swire group and is generally committed to the company for the long haul. This proves to be a good solution for the company ensuring accountability for sustained profitability within the airline. In 2003 with the SARS crisis although Cathay parked a significant portion of their fleet they were still able to maintain their profitability. While other airlines furloughed staff, Cathay Pacific maintained their existing staff structure.
As a new joiner on the Freighter fleet I am committed to serving 3 years after completing initial training on the Freighter. At that time I can take a position on the passenger fleet either in North America or Hong Kong. As I mentioned earlier the pay is considerably better and the roster are improved as well. Some of my colleagues are electing for early commands on the -400 and have applied for and been accepted for Command courses on the freighter. Some individuals have completed their Command after only three years with the company (and these are guys without previous wide body experience). Cathay offers a number of exciting opportunities depending on your aspirations. Many guys have been able to take temporary bases or base swaps spending a period of time in Europe or Australia.
I am really pleased to have a career with Cathay Pacific. The -400 is a great aircraft and my coworkers are all very professional and a lot of fun to work with. Although Cathay has had labor issues in the past, there seems to be a great deal of cooperation between employees and management. Although there are always petty gripes it seems to me that most people are happy to be working for a profitable organization. It is always a fun time to go to work and I certainly never have to worry about whether or not we will be paid each month. Cathay has been a great career so far and I am very excited about the many opportunities ahead for myself with the airline.
As an extension to my article I want to mention that when I was offered an interview, I took the advice of some of my friends working at Cathay to contact Pilot Career Centre. I completed a Cathay Prep for my first interview and then when I learned I had been successful I completed a prep for the second interview and a mock sim eval. This was an expensive investment however it was without a doubt the best money I have spent throughout my entire professional career (outside of the cost of obtaining my licences/ratings). I met up with Dennis and subsequently Greg and not only were they honest and professional, there gouge was 100% on the money. I did not receive a question that I had not covered with these guys. The best part of the prep though was not just having the questions, but it was knowing how to answer them. Thanks guys.
If any of you are interested in joining Cathay Pacific, I strongly urge you to apply as we are now being told that there will be 150 new hires a year for the foreseeable future. It is a great company to work for and an awesome opportunity for anyone that ever aspired to fly the heavy metal. Good luck and we’ll maybe see you on the line one day!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CX has imposed a new contract on newly hired pilots as of January
Mandatory retirement age is 55 unless pilot is on a base, then it is 65 (once the company completes its "onshore" process)
UK will be the first 65 base, followed then by others
As of January 1, CX made ASL part of the CX pilot group
Ordered 10 747-8 freighters as well as an additional 7 777-300ERs in Nov
Cathay has pilots based in USA, Canada, UK, France, Germany and Australia
Each of these country has its own payscale for both passenger and freighter fleets
Check and trainer pilots receive 10% extra on top of salary
11 747-400ERFs on order; options for 6 more
3 A330s on firm order
Pilots may take 15.5% retirement contribution as taxable cash salary instead
Current 3-year freeze on the freighter fleet before allowed transfer to the pax fleet
Cathay covers 70% of international school fees for children, or 100% if they go to English Foundation School (a local and cheaper version of international school)
Housing allowance for HKG-based pilots only
This allowance may go to property purchased or rented in Hong Kong
There are 2 types of allowances: (a) the fixed housing allowance which is $24,000 HKD, or the mortgage allowance, which is variable, currently at $53,000
HKD Expat housing allowance (for direct entry second officer), first 2 years, is HKD24000/mo. (approx. USD3000) in addition to salary. From third year onward, HKD48000/mo. (approx. USD6000) Hong Kong housing allowance: SO 1st 24 months = HKD$252k, SO = HKD$360k/ year, FO = HKD$540k/ year, captain = HKD$780k/ year 16% tax rate in Hong Kong
Mandatory retirement age is 55 (This page last updated: Jan 13, 2008).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
747-400:
22
747-400F:
6
747-400BCF:
4
747-200F:
7
777-300:
12
777-200:
5
A340-600:
3
A340-300:
15
A330-300:
27
22
747-400F:
6
747-400BCF:
4
747-200F:
7
777-300:
12
777-200:
5
A340-600:
3
A340-300:
15
A330-300:
27
UK: London, Manchester
Europe : Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam
USA : Anchorage, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Atlanta
Australia : Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide
Canada: Vancouver, Toronto
New Zealand: Auckland
Pax: LAX, SFO.
Freighter: ANC, LAX, ORD, JFK, ATL .
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First OfficersDirect Entry First Officers are initially employed at base ports other than Hong Kong and are employed by wholly owned subsidiaries of Cathay Pacific Airways.
Requirements
All First Officer applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
An ICAO Airline Transport Pilot's License (ATPL)
A minimum of 1000 hours in one of the following categories:
Airline Jet Transport
Command Turbo Prop (MAUW greater than 20,000 Kgs)
High Performance Military Jet
Corporate Jet Command
A current Class One Medical
Fluent spoken & written English
Experience commensurate with age
An applicant must possess the right to live and work in the chosen Base Area. The Company will not sponsor applications to immigration authorities for Flight Crew to live and work in any port other than Hong Kong.
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The Initial Induction Course will take 4 to 7 months to complete. Ground and circuit training is conducted in Hong Kong. The majority of line training are conducted out of Hong Kong however some may be conducted at base ports.
Ground School
Approximately 6 weeks duration. Comprising of classroom instruction and Computer Based Training (CBT).
Simulator Training
Approximately 3 weeks duration. Provides handling characteristics training together with the operating procedures training, culminating in Aircraft and Instrument Ratings.
Base Training
A practice simulator session followed by the first flight in the aircraft; a number of takeoffs and landings will be conducted.
Line flying under supervision (LFUS)
Approximately 2-5 months duration. Flights conducted with a Training Captain, covering the practical application of standard operating procedures to satisfy the standards required for line flying duties.
Line Check
Good speed and after you get in, don't forget to writte me a recco letter...
