Cathay Pacific Cadet Pilot Programme
Join Date: Apr 2014
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Having a PPL
A PPL is just a benefit to the interview it doesn't guarantee you with a place. Even if you had a CPL or an ATPL that obviously will give you a benefit but not a guarantee. Really it just makes you have the benefit of the doubt that you ACTUALLY understand how these things work and you can put it in practise instead of just parroting all the information. And if you tick all the boxes then you will secure an interview. As we all know it doesn't automatically get you a place in CX. As soon as you get invited to your 1a then it is upto you to perform to get the job. You can never have to much knowledge in this industry.
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PPL & CPL
Whether there is an advantage in having one or both of those depends greatly on the type of person you are.
If you think having a larger number and a shiny license alone will help in the interviews, tough luck. The moment you show them that you have more logged hours and qualifications you will no longer be treated gently.
The company wants to see evidence that there is individual growth and passion for flight. Spoonfed knowledge and large amounts of time in an aircraft proves little in terms of capability and aptitude. You can almost say the main advantage in getting a license before hand comes after selection when you courses begin,where for a large part you will be presented with familiar materials.
btw, its cold down here
If you think having a larger number and a shiny license alone will help in the interviews, tough luck. The moment you show them that you have more logged hours and qualifications you will no longer be treated gently.
The company wants to see evidence that there is individual growth and passion for flight. Spoonfed knowledge and large amounts of time in an aircraft proves little in terms of capability and aptitude. You can almost say the main advantage in getting a license before hand comes after selection when you courses begin,where for a large part you will be presented with familiar materials.
btw, its cold down here
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Whether there is an advantage in having one or both of those depends greatly on the type of person you are.
If you think having a larger number and a shiny license alone will help in the interviews, tough luck. The moment you show them that you have more logged hours and qualifications you will no longer be treated gently.
The company wants to see evidence that there is individual growth and passion for flight. Spoonfed knowledge and large amounts of time in an aircraft proves little in terms of capability and aptitude. You can almost say the main advantage in getting a license before hand comes after selection when you courses begin,where for a large part you will be presented with familiar materials.
btw, its cold down here
If you think having a larger number and a shiny license alone will help in the interviews, tough luck. The moment you show them that you have more logged hours and qualifications you will no longer be treated gently.
The company wants to see evidence that there is individual growth and passion for flight. Spoonfed knowledge and large amounts of time in an aircraft proves little in terms of capability and aptitude. You can almost say the main advantage in getting a license before hand comes after selection when you courses begin,where for a large part you will be presented with familiar materials.
btw, its cold down here
Join Date: Jun 2014
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Having a PPL will help you get to 1a but everything after that it's all up to you. They really want to know if you will be a good fit for the company so there are certain character traits they are looking for. So don't think that just because you have a PPL or really love aviation means you will get through, there's more to being a commercial airline pilot than just being an aviation enthusiast.
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Foxdeux
That's true there are many young and older people whom are aviation enthusiasts. However to get in an airline you have to have a huge commitment and a certain drive. They do care about your school grades etc..... but once you get into 1A its all upto you. You are the only person that can perform. As I said previously a ppl will only help with you basic understanding of an aircraft. But not an interview. Cathay Pacifc isn't investing in cadets there investing in future captains.
Ps someone asked me what to wear for an interview. Dont turj up in a hawaiin shirt and shorts please use your common sense no names mentioned here but they didn't get through.
Pps to all you younger lads don't listen to anyone else even if you haven't gone to university you can still get it they won't judge on your age thats why its open to 18 year olds you just have to show maturity.
Ps someone asked me what to wear for an interview. Dont turj up in a hawaiin shirt and shorts please use your common sense no names mentioned here but they didn't get through.
Pps to all you younger lads don't listen to anyone else even if you haven't gone to university you can still get it they won't judge on your age thats why its open to 18 year olds you just have to show maturity.
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It will probably also come down to your age and location whether having any flying is beneficial or not.
If you are out of uni and live outside of Hong Kong say Canada, USA or Australia, then there shouldn't be any reason why you haven't atleast done a few lessons. Even if you are still at uni, having some flights under your belt wouldn't be too much of an expectation.
Don't get lessons for the sake of trying to improve your interview chances. Do it because that's what you trully want to do.
Question to ask yourself is, if I fail, am I going to say "well i tried" or "I love flying and this is what I want to do with the rest of my life, I am going to get all the licenses regardless of the outcome".
If the latter is your choice, then take up flying lessons. If it isn't, you probably need to think about another career.
If you are out of uni and live outside of Hong Kong say Canada, USA or Australia, then there shouldn't be any reason why you haven't atleast done a few lessons. Even if you are still at uni, having some flights under your belt wouldn't be too much of an expectation.
Don't get lessons for the sake of trying to improve your interview chances. Do it because that's what you trully want to do.
Question to ask yourself is, if I fail, am I going to say "well i tried" or "I love flying and this is what I want to do with the rest of my life, I am going to get all the licenses regardless of the outcome".
If the latter is your choice, then take up flying lessons. If it isn't, you probably need to think about another career.
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orangeboy
You hit the nail right on the head. I agree with you. It won't better your chances having a licence. In my opinion if you want to be a pilot you have to be wanting to do it from a young age. If your in your 20s and then you go "oh yeah I THINK I want to be a pilot even though ive never stepped foot in an aircraft and in it for the money that is the wrong attitude. And even though people have passed with no experience its better to have at least a couple of lessons to know if you truly like it then waste a year on interviews and then do the flight grading and it turns out that you dont like it.
...also a willingness to work on days off, no requirement for decent housing, or a pay rise for decades, and overwhelming gratitude for being allowed to sit in someone else's big, shiny jet 11 kilometres high all night over most of the Third World.
A passion for filling out computer flight plans, making up crew bunks, shouting on HF radio and not being interested in a Command for at least 15 to 20 years would also be an advantage.
A passion for filling out computer flight plans, making up crew bunks, shouting on HF radio and not being interested in a Command for at least 15 to 20 years would also be an advantage.
Last edited by Captain Dart; 22nd Jul 2014 at 10:43.
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Hi guys, I hv some questions about the functional reach test.