HKCAD ground exams - Military exemptions

[Cardinal Pistachio]

Hi all

I was looking for some advice which perhaps some ex-UK Military Pilots may be able to provide....I’ve reviewed the previous threads on this subject but can’t find the information I was looking for....

To give the background, I gained my ATPL in the early 2000s based on the sliding scale of exemptions granted by the UK CAA to military pilots. Coming from a multi-engine transport background this meant I was exempt most of the ground exams. Obviously this was great at the time but now presents some difficulties when applying to any Hong Kong based employers which will require proof of passes in all ATPL ground exams. However, I understand from the HKCAD that exemptions from some ATPL ground exams can be given. CAD 54 contains the following:

“Exemptions from examinations may be granted either on the basis of flight experience or on previous examination results. Military experience may be considered if the applicant can produce evidence (e.g. syllabus of the training) showing that the standard of his military training is consistent with the level of knowledge required for the grant of the requested licence.”

Sadly, I think that the syllabus I followed is probably now in a glass case at the RAF Museum Hendon....

Has anyone from a similar background successfully gained exemptions from some of the subjects and if so what documents did you supply to the HKCAD?

Cheers

Cardinal P

[Dan Winterland]

Has anyone from a similar background successfully gained exceptions from some of the subjects and if so what documents did you supply to the HKCAD?

There was one guy, he's now left HK. He got away with it as he was employed and turned up at the CAD who said "what's this?" The company persuaded them to accept the exemptions, but since him have required the documents from the CAA with your exam scores. So unfortunately, it's a no go. Of course, they may have changed their policy since, so there's nothing to lose by asking. But knowing the CAD, I doubt it.

[Slasher1]

Somewhat similar but from military in different country (who held ATPL in that country). Received credit for some exams; had to write others. A lot depends on how your prospective carrier in HK presents your info to CAD to determine exemption level. This will also determine the type of license you initially receive (it might be a CPL until you obtain 500 hours in HK and then converted to ATPL). Best to work through them to CAD, but you might contact CAD directly if you don't have the carrier you'll be working for. I wouldn't worry about it for the application process; just be straightforward as to your background, ratings, license, and certifications. If they want you they'll work with CAD to translate your certificates into a HK one (and CAD will determine the exams--if any--you'll need to sit). If your prospective employer is unwilling to do this they're probably not worth working for (not sure which carrier you are looking at).

Might be able to save you some trouble though. If it's CX you're considering someone of your experience level would be better off just about anywhere else. Might give the threads here about CX/KA a read.

[Sand Man]

Good luck. From my experience it all comes down to the type you have flown previous. I had to do 9 exams (fast jet) and others around me had to do 7 (military transport) and 5 (GA). How they work this out is anyones guess and prob not worth fighting but it is worth asking the question.

[Scoreboard]

Ex military dont be applying here.......better jobs available .....with not living in 500 square feet....and no provident fund....go read up on the new COS 2018 they just put out....disgusting.

As for CAD they wouldnt know what you flew....desk jockeys who never even looked at a plane.....as ex military from another country with an ATPL....i had to take a pictures of what i flew before I could get some exams cut...stupid ****s.

[mngmt mole]

Originally Posted by Sand Man

Good luck. From my experience it all comes down to the type you have flown previous. I had to do 9 exams (fast jet) and others around me had to do 7 (military transport) and 5 (GA). How they work this out is anyones guess and prob not worth fighting but it is worth asking the question.

Sandman, that comically sums up everything to do with the regulator in HK. They have NO idea about anything, and when they finally do act, it's as a lap-dog doing CX managements bidding to make the pilots lives even more miserable. If you had flown a space shuttle (as commander) you probably would have had to do ALL the exams, and they probably would have added an extra one specifically relating to "approach with engine failure". Muppets.

[Dan Winterland]

The HKCAD are so out of touch with modern standards, HKCAD issued ATPLs are no longer accepted for conversion by other aviation authorities. A couple of our recent leavers got a rude shock from the authorities in Malaysia and Taiwan when they were told they had to start from scratch. The result is that a large number of the cadets are studying to convert their licences into FAA and EASA.

[Arfur Dent]

Cardinal
CX used to be very popular with ex Military types of all persuasions. You had to get used to living a long way from your home country and the climate/people were VERY different (we called it a 'culture shock'). Most found ways to deal with the shock and very many grew to absolutely love the whole scene. Salaries were excellent and you could live in a nice house (lots of us bought houses with our rent allowance), buy a BMW-type car and educate your kids well.
What you must realise is that NONE of that applies now. Read carefully what people above have written. This place is awful awful awful. Don't come. Stay away.

[Gordomac]

Oooooh Arfur, you need a cuddle. It is all pretty awful now. I keep being asked for career advice but find very little to recommend. The race to the bottom is almost complete. No proper aircrew selection,no proper Cadet Schemes, No proper Colleges of Air Training like Hamble, everyone going to Cranwell these days with a handful of GCSE's. CX in your day took the cream (in most part, of course there was a back door) but pitch up with a prized UK ATPL, valid IR and Perf A & you would be given a HK ATPL in exchange. Now, just pitch up with a JAA, EASA, or anything else & moan about having to do some writtens. Good advice to tell people to stay away. The prizes & cream you enjoyed are no longer available and will not return. We had the best of this profession. Time to look back at the past with pride.

[Shot Nancy]

Remember C172 time is better than C130 time.

[unitedabx]

Originally Posted by Shot Nancy

Remember C172 time is better than C130 time.

and much better than C17 time !!!!!!!!!

[Granpa]

But retirement time is the best!!!