Initial Assessment SO (second officer) Cathay Pacific
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Hong Kong
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No, he's obviously not saying you should stay away and wait for the tide to turn.
It will never turn (not in your favour, anyway)
The reality is
Low initial salary
Massive training bond
Expensive housing
No overtime, ever
You'll be at the bottom of a 1000 strong second officer "seniority" list
Advancement from SO to JFO is currently at 5 years and could easily reach 10 years or more
The airline is not growing in pilot numbers (seats, sure, but not airframe drivers)
Crewing compliment is being driven by accountants, not safety, and CN, FO, 2 x SO will be the norm
Apart from a swathe (±150) of retirements of A scale legacy pilots in the next 3 or so years, there are a lot of relatively young captains who will not be reaching retirement age for at least 25 years
You'll be poor and unable to afford to purchase any property in HKG, ever
Caveat emptor
It will never turn (not in your favour, anyway)
The reality is
Low initial salary
Massive training bond
Expensive housing
No overtime, ever
You'll be at the bottom of a 1000 strong second officer "seniority" list
Advancement from SO to JFO is currently at 5 years and could easily reach 10 years or more
The airline is not growing in pilot numbers (seats, sure, but not airframe drivers)
Crewing compliment is being driven by accountants, not safety, and CN, FO, 2 x SO will be the norm
Apart from a swathe (±150) of retirements of A scale legacy pilots in the next 3 or so years, there are a lot of relatively young captains who will not be reaching retirement age for at least 25 years
You'll be poor and unable to afford to purchase any property in HKG, ever
Caveat emptor
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Ewww
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Just when we all thought CX had hit rock bottom, the Management finds a way to go subterranean. Why am I even surprised? Is it now officially more difficult to become CX cabin crew than and a pilot? Maybe the cabin crew could double as pilots, a back to front conversion of sorts.
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Polar Route
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Asia
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Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: hong kong
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Hi Guys
Anybody know whats going on in recruitment? Seems like they are super busy with applications. I submitted my documents on 1st May and haven't heard back about the screening process. When I emailed them about interview dates I was told that the earliest dates are in August 2019. Anyone in the same boat as me?
Thank you.
Anybody know whats going on in recruitment? Seems like they are super busy with applications. I submitted my documents on 1st May and haven't heard back about the screening process. When I emailed them about interview dates I was told that the earliest dates are in August 2019. Anyone in the same boat as me?
Thank you.
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Ewww
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Hi Guys
Anybody know whats going on in recruitment? Seems like they are super busy with applications. I submitted my documents on 1st May and haven't heard back about the screening process. When I emailed them about interview dates I was told that the earliest dates are in August 2019. Anyone in the same boat as me?
Thank you.
Anybody know whats going on in recruitment? Seems like they are super busy with applications. I submitted my documents on 1st May and haven't heard back about the screening process. When I emailed them about interview dates I was told that the earliest dates are in August 2019. Anyone in the same boat as me?
Thank you.
Join Date: Aug 2008
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Join Date: Jul 2007
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It’s really kind of sad. I had 8,000 hours when I joined Cathay thinking it was the best gig on the planet. I spent 11 years there and left after it fell apart and I realized there was no future there. I gained a lot of experience but in this business seniority is everything. Now I get to start at the bottom of a proper airline. I wish the best to those that want to join Cathay but unfortunately I know they will experience the worst. It’s not a good place.
Join Date: Oct 2005
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Payment for the program
Hey all. I’m a FAA CPL holder with 285 tt. Ive read this thread, as many have mentioned that since they have updated their requirements and also they don’t require ATPLs any more, does it still make easy for the low hour pilots to get their hands on this. Also some one mentioned that the cadet will have to pay 50% of the funds, so how much is that exactly? We all know how hard and expensive it is to live in Hong Kong anyways. Thanks
Join Date: Aug 2008
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Hey all. I’m a FAA CPL holder with 285 tt. Ive read this thread, as many have mentioned that since they have updated their requirements and also they don’t require ATPLs any more, does it still make easy for the low hour pilots to get their hands on this. Also some one mentioned that the cadet will have to pay 50% of the funds, so how much is that exactly? We all know how hard and expensive it is to live in Hong Kong anyways. Thanks
Join Date: Jan 2018
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285 hrs?
Perhaps you should apply to Ethiopian.
Or build some time and find a real job.
Learn some patience. Once upon a time it took 5000 hours to land a crap job at a low paying regional. These men will be your captain. Complaining about how long it took will get you a big cup of STFU and hopefully a slap across the face.
Perhaps you should apply to Ethiopian.
Or build some time and find a real job.
Learn some patience. Once upon a time it took 5000 hours to land a crap job at a low paying regional. These men will be your captain. Complaining about how long it took will get you a big cup of STFU and hopefully a slap across the face.
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: The sky
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Hey all. I’m a FAA CPL holder with 285 tt. Ive read this thread, as many have mentioned that since they have updated their requirements and also they don’t require ATPLs any more, does it still make easy for the low hour pilots to get their hands on this. Also some one mentioned that the cadet will have to pay 50% of the funds, so how much is that exactly? We all know how hard and expensive it is to live in Hong Kong anyways. Thanks
The cadet does not pay rather forfeits his HKPA for 3 years as a version of the payment and if he quits then hes on the hook for it.
Seriously if you have an faa cpl avoid hkg.
Join Date: Jul 2007
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Sario. Heed the advice you are getting. You will be FAR better off following the traditional US route to airline employment. Instruct, regional...then major. Come to CX/HK and you will certainly regret your decision. Sorry it's not what you want to hear, but you will be much better off respecting the warning to stay away (and that applies to ANY pilot who can work in the US).
Join Date: May 2004
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Why are you guys discouraging people from coming here? Have you seen the number of SOs on the resignation list put together by the AOA? Why would you try and stop a massive own-goal by the other team?
I say come on over boys and girls, all welcome. Please apply and see for yourself. What have you got to lose? If you don’t like making bunks and eating the sandwich tray for 4-7 years, you can always head to another airline like others are doing.
I say come on over boys and girls, all welcome. Please apply and see for yourself. What have you got to lose? If you don’t like making bunks and eating the sandwich tray for 4-7 years, you can always head to another airline like others are doing.
