Questions For Current CX Pilots
 

Hello All:

Before I begin, let me say that I am very thankful to those of you that have taken the time to post all of the very helpful info on this forum!

I wanted to get some feedback from any current CX pilots on whether my particular experience fits the profile of what CX is looking for in a DEFO....

I am 40 years old. I have spent the last seven years flying for Northwest Airlines on the DC-9, A-320 and B-727 (FE). Prior to NWA, I spent about five years flying as an FO on a DC-8 for Air Transport International flying freight worldwide; mostly on USAF/AMC charters.

Like so many others, I find myself at a point in my career where the future does not look so bright. I am slated to be furloughed sometime in the first quarter of next year, and I have decided to try once more to find a place where I can call home for the rest of my flying days.

Do any of you think that a man of my age and/or experience fits the profile of what CX is looking for? I realize that a large part of it depends on whether other pilots can stand to be around you;)
I get along with everybody and haven't been ditched on a layover
yet!

Thanks for your replies in advance!

well, if you really want to find out if you'll fit in at Cathay.............................apply.................... ..........you'll be competing with lots of guys from the US that also have good experience but thats not a blocker. A lot of you americans do have difficulty adapting to the "Cathay Culture" (Yes unlike Australians Cathay has actually developed a culture) But they are pretty good at picking this up during the interview process..................so, just send in your application and start the ball rolling, ....................good luck

More importantly, are you prepared to sit next to a d1ckhead like "sizematters" who is more than likely a SFO and has no say in the day to day operation. I can tell you straight, I and many others see the "N Sync club" as a detrement to the entire operation. You are more than welcome ..... just please have a brain....and having flown a DC 8 you wouldnt be alive if you didn't....unlike the N Sync boys who the last type the commanded was a Beech Baron.....but the Vol 1 says.......... drone.........

firewall...........I'd offer to take part in a battle of wits with you.............................but then again it would be unfair of me to take on an unarmed man..........................


next????

Buzz

I will let you into a secret.

The most competent driver this company ever had joined after aged 40.

Check the pprune reference for Ray Hanna...the most accomplished driver and gentleman this world is ever likely to see.

I am one of the fortunate few to have flown with him in heavies and toys.

Send in the application and pm me if you run any flack.

CX needs people like you.

Thank you for your replies thus far.....

I intend on going to the job fair next month where they apparently will be recruiting....We'll see what happens....

Thanks again!

Re: Questions For Current CX Pilots
 

Buzz,
Go for it !!! CX is a great Company to work for. If you have any questions PM me and I'll answer all your questions.
Best of luck with the recruitment process, hope to fly with you out on the line in the near future.

Re: Questions For Current CX Pilots
 

Hey Buzz,

I think you've got quite alot of competition mate. I'm in a very similar position with Delta. 40yrs old with plenty of jet time in the B727/737/767 MD80. Went to the job fair in Miami a while ago and just updated my resume. I think they must have at least 5000 applications or more to choose from and are being "very" selective in who they are bringing in, not that I can blame them it is a buyers market right now. I'm just waiting for the call for the first interview like you and many other applicants.
You're certainly right about the US Airline industry not looking too bright, quite frankly I'm not sure when the bloodbath will end.Good luck my friend and I hope to see you at a screening event in the not too distant future.
Dal

I'm 43 and got a call.

I am 39 and currently fly for NWA. I got called for NY interview next month. I really don't think I have a good chance because I am still currently employed at NW...but I am going to give it my best shot.

Cathay Culture?
 

Gentleman,

I was curious if someone could describe to me what exactly is the "Cathay Culture" I hear so often described on this forum? My British friend at CX tells me it is someone who is "understated". I consider myself quite affable and I feel this might have been a factor in my unsuccessful interview in YVR in December. Strange as this may sound, I felt there was this huge wall for me to climb being an American in that interview.

I am in a similar position to my 2 NWA colleagues on this post (I am also a junior FO at NWA) and witnessing first hand, the demise of the pilot profession in the United States. I am fortunate, however, to have called on my network of friends to acquire pilot employment at another North American carrier. I would have preferred to work for Cathay but alas it was not to be. I find it strange that I have been offered employment with every American carrier I have ever interviewed with (Northwest, JetBlue, Air Tran, American Trans Air, and Delta) but not Cathay. I am obvious doing something correct but there also must be something I am doing that is not appealing to a foreign carrier.

Any thoughts on this?

Sorry to hear that Airbus_Driver!

I could see an individual failing the process that included a sim check or maybe because of a medical issue but the interview you had in YVR did not include those items. An airline in expansion mode like Cathay you would think would be more accepting but I don't see that happening. I would suspect the first interview would ensure you are who you claim you are with an accompanying little human resource chat to determine human skills. Considering you were hired at the number of airlines you mentioned I totally understand your puzzlement.

With no discredit to your ability or stability, Cathay has often said they don't hire F/O's but future Captains. Saying this, I wonder if the number of airlines you were employed with concerned the recruiters as to your stability or loyalty to an employer. I would think the question came up and you had a good reason for the variety of past employers?

Regardless, I do feel for you and wish you all the best luck in the future. ;)

"They recruit future captains" makes you wonder if they get it right with so many upgrade failures!

cpdude,

Thanks for your thoughts.

I only accepted employment with Northwest which is who I have been employed by for the last 7 years. The other airlines I mentioned were carriers I interviewed with before Northwest.

JetBlue is the only airline which I have recently accepted employment with. They are a fine company to work for but there is a high level of risk associated with working for a startup and they certainly will never offer the "world travel" that I was looking for in Cathay. But I am grateful that they wish me to work for them.

I understand it is not impossible to interview a second time and many have been hired that way. I had a hard time building rapport with my interviewers so lets hope I am successful the second time around. My friend at CX has been quite supportive and I am hopeful for the future.

Still curious though by what is meant by "Cathay Culture". Can someone describe this?

Not so sure it's "Cathay culture" or British culture. Being North American, I find them all messed up!

I know an individual that was turned down twice and hired on his third 1st interview...so don't give up!:ok:

PS just read your post interview notes on another thread. You had a real d*ck pilot for your interview. Those questions were designed to show YOU how smart HE was. Sorry about that...it should never have happened like that.

cpdude,

Thanks for your support. In all fairness, I was no superstar in the Cathay interview. I was warned by CX insiders that the Captain who interviewed me was a very difficult person to build rapport with and they were correct. Though I tried, I just couldn't get the guy to even break a smile.

I read some of your other threads and I think I am getting a feel for what kind of "culture" things they may be looking for. Confident, direct, to the point and by the book is what I am reading. Yes anal, but I am sure the Aussies and Brits think the yanks are cowboys...haha.

I appreciate the comments.

AB driver,
Can you direct me toward the thread that has the interview questions you faced from this a$$ of an interviewer? Be nice to see what kind of a grilling you received so others can prep for the worst.

Hope JB works out for you. I know lots of folks there and all seem very happy. Some risk with the new start up thing, but they seem to have cracked the code on profitablity in a very tough environment, so I'd think your future is pretty bright there.

Mink

Sure Mink. It is at...

http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=204525

Hope it helps.

I don't know if this will help or not but I did chat to the lady in charge of recruitment about why they turn down a lot of you US guys, and I also had an interesting converstaion with a US based guy who has now been with CX for about 10 months. HR basically feel that moving to CX is a huge step, and that many US pilots will find it impossible adapting, hence the rejection. I chatted for some time with the guy who had been at CX for 10 months and he explained that he was finding it difficult to adapt, but was "getting there" he also explained that because the US "Culture" (Whatever you want to call it) is very insular (90% of you think the world ceases to exist or have relevance outside your borders) he felt many of his colleagues would never be able to adapt/fit in..............The last thing HR wants is to recruit you, find you become terribly unhappy after training you and have you leave..............AB, of course you've been accepted by every US airline you've applied to, your American, and have been brought up in that society/culture.............(both in life and flying). The step to an Asian carrier is a huge one, no matter what nationality you are and I hear amazing stories from all types of people about how life has changed or changed them by moving to Asia(be it Cathay or any asian carrier)...............the other problem many find is that after a few years in Asia, well, you never want to leave............If you can find a colleague from CX in the US I'm sure they will be able to give you lots of good gen on the whole thing.......................

Airbus Driver

You'll offend a whole bunch of brits if you pool them with the Aussies. To many of them the Aussies are still the :mad: colonial castoffs (convicts). As to cowboys I've seen them in the Aussie, Brits and the Yanks.

I would agree with your statement of Confident, Direct and most definetly by the book as a requirment of the Cathay way.

Don't forget CRM (courtesy, respect and manners) (feeling slightly cynical this morning)

Anyway all the best to you.