Applying CX CPP with PPL/CPL

[forever_beachboy]

Well hello guys, Im currently applying for the cadet program n I've already got thro the initial tests and the personal interview was scheduled on 6/2. Just wondering if theres anybody could kindly give me some adivces on the coming stage II since Im holding a FAA CPL with instrument rating. Kinda scary on the panel interview lol. Thanks a lot

[hekokimushi]

good luck.

but since you are quite qualified. you will be penalised if you do not know your stuff. interview has changed some what. im sure some more recent guys will fill you in.

get your books out (your aircraft's speeds, engine used, aerody, VFR IFR rules anything that you have struggle in the past)start reading and get to know yourself would be a good point to start.

[forever_beachboy]

Thank you so much bro I know what I should do now but that will be great if somebody arounds could share your experience here since somehow I heard that CX CPP don't really like candidates with CPL especially from FAA. Thank you guys~

[Dub-U!]

If you already have a FAA CPL, why go through the CX CPP? Plenty of US regionals picking up low hour CPLs. Stick it out a few years then apply to CX as a direct entry SO/FO and get the full expat renumeration pkg.

[timyue]

i plan to do the same thing apply CPP with a FAA CPL-MEL, IR
is it true CX does not like people applying with these FAA licenses already?

I know someone who applied to CX from University of Western Ontario with CPL-MEL IR from Canada and got admitted into the CPP.

The reason i think beachboy would prefer not to have to go with American Eagle or ASA and make 17K USD a year flying old CRJs/ERJs and then apply DESO/DEFO Which is a ton harder with much higher expectations on hours and tests.

by the time a pilot is able to apply DESO/DEFO they would already have gained a lot of seniority with their existing airline and moving to CX would be a severe drop in seniority. I dont know this is my personal opinion.

But i think applying to CPP with CPL-MEL-IR should be ok just assures CX that you are a capable pilot; i would prefer to go with CPP just because i can start off with a major, with decent pay and flying decent heavies equipment.

[Dub-U!]

Agreed that 1st yr FO pay at a US regional is measly (probably make more working full time at McDonalds), but check out this perspective that some CX pilots have provided me.

If accepted to the CPP, you'll undergo training at FTA for a period of approximately 13 months (unpaid). You're not officially on the CX payroll and will not have a seniority number till they offer you the SO position after completing training (regardless if you already hold a fATPL and that is if they do offer you the position). Then you'll join as a local pilot, without housing/education allowances. How much difference does this make? I don't have the payscales/allowances around, but I was told that a 2nd year DESO would be making more than a local FO (1st-5th years?)! True, you'll have a lower seniority number, but as a local SO that paycut might be worth reconsidering.

If flying shiny new jets is your thing, then it doesn't matter then. I think the experience gained at a 121 operation in the US would be great experience. Remember that 2nd year pay jumps up into the mid 20's USD (yeah, not much), and 3rd year should be in the 30's-40's. By the 3rd year, I would imagine that you might have an opportunity for command and the pay would be 50+. Apply to CX as a DEFO If you're indeed a decent pilot, I wouldn't worry about exams/interviews with CX (now if you only have high school diploma, it might be a different situation).

There was another thread that CX was looking for instructors for 3.5yrs before joining as a DESO, now that would be a great opportunity. I don't think anybody has more information on it yet though...

Good luck with your decision and application.

[osupilot2008]

It's true that a lot of US regional airlines will pick up low hour pilots. But it's almost impossible to secure the job if you are not US citizen or you dont have the right to work in the US. Most regional do not help non-citizen to get a working permit or greencard. So it's something people should carefully consider.

[Dub-U!]

That is definately true, no US airline will sponsor non-residents. I made the assumption (my mistake) that Tim has the right to work in the US either by citizenship or resident alien, sorry. Definately should consider that as a local pilot, you're missing out on a good chunk of change (unless the local union negotiate housing/edu allowances for local pilots too).

With the looming (some say it's here) US recession, you'll probably see a slow down in the US aviation market in 2008/09. Never bolds well for current pilots, let alone low hour CPLs looking to get hired. Perhaps the pay difference might be worth it! At the very least, having the option to go through the CXCPP can never hurt.

I'm going through the same dilemma, and there's no easy answer.

Good luck to all!