am I too old to be a cadet?

[rwong2005]

I just wonder if there is any age limitation for applying for cadet position? I am 31 years old and just got my 4 year degree in aviation. Got my FAA CPL 6 years ago. Since the eye sight requirement was really strict by then, I didn't apply. I was discouraged because I failed my first class medical in England 6 years ago and the doctor said I could never become an airline pilot because of my bad eye sight. I always want to apply for Cathay cadet program and finally their requirement for eyesight is correctable to 20/20 now.

However, am I too old to apply for the cadet program?
any comment? any input is appreciated.

sincerely
desperate wannabe

[Pointer]

There seems to be a shifting age rule, so go for it and apply, the worst they can tell you is "yes too old".

Are you a HKG permanent/resident? that might make the big difference.

Good luck and go ahead and give it a shot.

Pointer

[taz]

are you a HK residence? do you really want to fly? i don't think it'll do you any harm by submitting your application. but do do some research about their CPP and their career path. so you know what lies ahead of you.

[rwong2005]

thanks for the replies

Hi, Pointer and Taz,

Yes, I am a Hong Kong permanent citizen. I just send my application to them. (both Dragon air and Cathay)

Thanks for the replies, I am kinda in the middle of the no where. I mean I have almost 400 hours now and I will get my flight instructor license this month here in Minnesota. The cathay direct entry SO minimum requirement is 1000 hours, and i know most of the applicants have over 3000 for that position. Since I am not U.S citizen, I have many restriction, like I can't flying any aircraft that is weight over 12,500 pounds. And my optional pracatical training which allows me to work here legally only for one year. I am not sure if I will get the 1000 hours margin.. if I have a chance to have interview back in Hong Kong, then I will probably not be able to come back here to build my hours. So... my question is "is that worth to take that risk in case I have an interview" I have read through a lot of information here and they are very useful. Yet, sometimes it is discouraging to read those who get rejected since the Cadet programme is very tough to get into.

I love to fly and I decide I would become an airline pilot from the first time I flew. Cathay is the company I really want to work for.

Thanks again for you guys comment and I really appreciated

sincerely
R

[Project Big 1]

I applied to the Cathay Cadet program last year when I was aged 31. I too thought my age would be a big problem, but Cathay didn't seem overly concerned with it. At various stages during the process they asked me lots of questions about it questioning how welll I would get on with younger pilots and how well I could sit in the right hand seat with a Captain who could potentially be many years younger than me.

Although I ended up falling at the last hurdle (management interview) they did tell me that they already had a cadet training in Adelaide who was 32 years old. So I reckon you should go for it with full confidence. Your current total hours will go down well with them also.

PB1

[rwong2005]

PB1,

Thanks for your reply. I have already applied for it and now it's a waiting game. I am sorry to hear that you've failed the management part of the interview. Did they tell you why you failed? so may be you could do better next time? Could you re-apply again this year? As far as I know you can re-apply after one year after unsucessful interview.

Did you apply to Dragonair as well?

thanks again and good luck to you

R

[topgun200204]

hi Project Big 1,

please check your private message box

thanks