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Cathay Pacific Cadet Pilot Programme

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Old 25th Jan 2024, 04:16
  #8221 (permalink)  
 
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Originally Posted by SoniaFrost780
Hello. I wish to start training to become an airline pilot in 2025 after finishing my degree. I'm a permanent Hong Kong resident. I searched online and found that Cathay Pacific has restarted its sponsored cadet program. I can't apply for Cathay's cadet program because of the six-year loan giveback period. I can't fly for continuous six years due to personal reasons but being a pilot is my dream goal. I want to make sure that I really can't before changing my goal. HKIAA has a newly released cadet pilot program but it's fee is unaffordable. Are there any other cadet programs eligible for HK residents in other countries with less than six years loan giveback period? Thank you.
What makes you cannot fly for continuous six years? or you just don't want to be bonded by CX for 6 years?
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Old 27th Jan 2024, 09:25
  #8222 (permalink)  
 
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Originally Posted by SoniaFrost780
Hello. I wish to start training to become an airline pilot in 2025 after finishing my degree. I'm a permanent Hong Kong resident. I searched online and found that Cathay Pacific has restarted its sponsored cadet program. I can't apply for Cathay's cadet program because of the six-year loan giveback period. I can't fly for continuous six years due to personal reasons but being a pilot is my dream goal. I want to make sure that I really can't before changing my goal. HKIAA has a newly released cadet pilot program but it's fee is unaffordable. Are there any other cadet programs eligible for HK residents in other countries with less than six years loan giveback period? Thank you.
As far as I know, a lot of cadet programs in Japan don’t explicitly state that you have to sign a contracts for whatever years. They neither require citizenship nor PR, well at least they don’t openly mention that citizenship/PR is required.
However, I’ve never heard of a case foreigners getting accepted to these kind of programs even his mother tongue is Japanese, was born in Japan and raised up there. Perhaps there’s this hidden discrimination against foreigners, who knows. And even for pure Japanese, getting into JAL or ANA cadet is extremely difficult, perhaps as hard as getting into Harvard or even harder.
So technically there’s an option for you. But I doubt there’s a company willing to spend money and train you knowing you won’t work for them long enough. There’s no such thing as a free lunch.
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Old 29th Jan 2024, 05:13
  #8223 (permalink)  
 
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I'm eager to share my recent 'terrible' interview experience. I use the term terrible not because I didn't achieve the expected outcome, but due to some unsettling discussions. Initially, I thought I would just move on, but now I feel it's important to share my perspective with those who might apply or join this program in the future.

The HR person, named Ada, spent the entire interview process looking down, making me feel like she wasn't interested in our interaction. Additionally, when asked certain questions, I even felt somewhat offended. She came across as arrogant. For example, she repeatedly questioned why I wasn't pursuing a career as a cabin crew member or engineer. It felt like going for a bartender position in a restaurant, and the interviewer asks, 'Hey, why don't you want to be a chef instead?' Moving on, there were instances where she seemed not to understand my points and facts, despite my patient explanations. I was often asked rhetorical questions. It was like being interrogated, 'Are you sure you weren't at the scene?' I simply stated what I knew, and while these things are easily verifiable, I didn't appreciate being questioned this way. Another issue was being asked technical questions during the initial interview. It felt as if Ada, after asking everything possible, still wanted to find something you don't know to trip you up. Imagine living in your house all your life and being asked, 'Hey, do you know how many planks of wood make up the fence around your house?'

As expected, I received an unsuccessful email. It's no wonder there's always been talk about intense conflicts between HR and pilots here. I can imagine why, as even before joining the program, I felt a complete lack of respect. They recruit hundreds of cadets each year, so they don’t really need to respect someone like me. Well, best of luck to everyone else.
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Old 29th Jan 2024, 11:01
  #8224 (permalink)  
 
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Anyone know what is involved in a Teams interview?
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Old 31st Jan 2024, 01:23
  #8225 (permalink)  
 
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I sent my application and after a few weeks they outright just rejected me. Although I’ve reached all the requirements (except the ICAO as I have not taken it yet), they still didn’t accept my application. Is there any possible reason why they would just straight up reject an applicant even though they reached all requirements? Do I have to take the ICAO test before applying?

Thank you for submitting the application for Cathay Pacific Cadet Pilot Programme.

We have carefully reviewed your application and regret to inform you that you have not been selected to proceed to the next stage on this occasion.

Thank you for your interest in our Cadet Pilot Programme. We encourage you to continue pursuing your passion for aviation and wish you the best in your future endeavours.
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Old 31st Jan 2024, 02:48
  #8226 (permalink)  
 
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Originally Posted by itsLouiss_
I sent my application and after a few weeks they outright just rejected me. Although I’ve reached all the requirements (except the ICAO as I have not taken it yet), they still didn’t accept my application. Is there any possible reason why they would just straight up reject an applicant even though they reached all requirements? Do I have to take the ICAO test before applying?

Thank you for submitting the application for Cathay Pacific Cadet Pilot Programme.

We have carefully reviewed your application and regret to inform you that you have not been selected to proceed to the next stage on this occasion.

Thank you for your interest in our Cadet Pilot Programme. We encourage you to continue pursuing your passion for aviation and wish you the best in your future endeavours.
Are you a HKPR? or from mainland China?
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Old 31st Jan 2024, 07:27
  #8227 (permalink)  
 
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Originally Posted by itsLouiss_
I sent my application and after a few weeks they outright just rejected me. Although I’ve reached all the requirements (except the ICAO as I have not taken it yet), they still didn’t accept my application. Is there any possible reason why they would just straight up reject an applicant even though they reached all requirements? Do I have to take the ICAO test before applying?

Thank you for submitting the application for Cathay Pacific Cadet Pilot Programme.

We have carefully reviewed your application and regret to inform you that you have not been selected to proceed to the next stage on this occasion.

Thank you for your interest in our Cadet Pilot Programme. We encourage you to continue pursuing your passion for aviation and wish you the best in your future endeavours.
It’s pretty rare, but I’ve heard of several people getting rejected at the initial screening process.
No company will 100% give you an interview opportunity by only meeting the requirements listed on the website. Cathay at least sends out rejection letters so you know you’re not selected. A lot of the companies will simply ignore you. They could reject you based on your resume, cover letter etc. It could be the education background although there are some high school kids getting in. It could be the English grades, math grades whatever you filled in the application.
Did the email say when you can apply again? If not, why not just polish your resume and give it another try in case you feel your background is competitive enough. There’s not much else you can do.
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Old 31st Jan 2024, 07:58
  #8228 (permalink)  
 
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Originally Posted by meowtofly
Are you a HKPR? or from mainland China?
Yes I am an HKPR
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Old 1st Feb 2024, 07:44
  #8229 (permalink)  
 
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Originally Posted by jbking
It’s pretty rare, but I’ve heard of several people getting rejected at the initial screening process.
No company will 100% give you an interview opportunity by only meeting the requirements listed on the website. Cathay at least sends out rejection letters so you know you’re not selected. A lot of the companies will simply ignore you. They could reject you based on your resume, cover letter etc. It could be the education background although there are some high school kids getting in. It could be the English grades, math grades whatever you filled in the application.
Did the email say when you can apply again? If not, why not just polish your resume and give it another try in case you feel your background is competitive enough. There’s not much else you can do.
They didn’t really tell me when I can reapply again, all they said was they wouldn’t be proceeding with the application process.

Although I’ve tried refining my application, once it’s sent I’m unable to edit anymore, and the date of application still shows it was the first I’ve sent so I’m worried the application I’m sending still has the same details as my first application, without the new information.
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Old 1st Feb 2024, 23:25
  #8230 (permalink)  
 
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Hi everyone,

I'm currently weighing my options for the CX Cadet Program. Despite the attractive job security and home based in HK where I'm from, I've seen comments about a potentially toxic work environment and the 6-year contract as an SO with not much actual flight time. I'm currently self-financing my PPL in the UK, so I'd like to know if anyone have firsthand insights. Is the program still worth it, considering the potential drawbacks, or may as well apply for direct entry FO in the future or join other cadet programs such as BA, etc.? Thank you

P.S. I'm an HKPR with resident status in the UK atm...and preferably to stay in HK in the long run
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Old 2nd Feb 2024, 00:48
  #8231 (permalink)  
 
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Originally Posted by itsLouiss_
They didn’t really tell me when I can reapply again, all they said was they wouldn’t be proceeding with the application process.

Although I’ve tried refining my application, once it’s sent I’m unable to edit anymore, and the date of application still shows it was the first I’ve sent so I’m worried the application I’m sending still has the same details as my first application, without the new information.
I think you need to contact them directly by email to clarfiy with it. Some high school grads with 0 flying experience also got interview invitation.
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Old 2nd Feb 2024, 01:36
  #8232 (permalink)  
 
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Originally Posted by meowtofly
I think you need to contact them directly by email to clarfiy with it. Some high school grads with 0 flying experience also got interview invitation.
Do you happen to know the email I can contact? I can’t seem to find an email where I can contact the recruitment team
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Old 4th Feb 2024, 01:14
  #8233 (permalink)  
 
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Talking Interview Q Cathay Pacific cadet pilot

Hi everyone, I am applying for Cathay Pacific cadet pilot. I just wondering if anyone can share some interview questions and any tips for interview? Thanks a lot.
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Old 4th Feb 2024, 10:11
  #8234 (permalink)  
 
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Depends on your background.
For zero hour guys read PHAK multiple times and understand every single details and aim to be a native English speaker or at least somewhat close. Then bs about your passion. Sometimes you’re kinda required to show you possess some additional aviation knowledge other than what’s written on PHAK to prove your passion, that’s a tricky part. Otherwise, pretty straightforward except the cut-e might require some prep.
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Old 5th Feb 2024, 10:17
  #8235 (permalink)  
 
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Originally Posted by smepc
I'm eager to share my recent 'terrible' interview experience. I use the term terrible not because I didn't achieve the expected outcome, but due to some unsettling discussions. Initially, I thought I would just move on, but now I feel it's important to share my perspective with those who might apply or join this program in the future.

The HR person, named Ada, spent the entire interview process looking down, making me feel like she wasn't interested in our interaction. Additionally, when asked certain questions, I even felt somewhat offended. She came across as arrogant. For example, she repeatedly questioned why I wasn't pursuing a career as a cabin crew member or engineer. It felt like going for a bartender position in a restaurant, and the interviewer asks, 'Hey, why don't you want to be a chef instead?' Moving on, there were instances where she seemed not to understand my points and facts, despite my patient explanations. I was often asked rhetorical questions. It was like being interrogated, 'Are you sure you weren't at the scene?' I simply stated what I knew, and while these things are easily verifiable, I didn't appreciate being questioned this way. Another issue was being asked technical questions during the initial interview. It felt as if Ada, after asking everything possible, still wanted to find something you don't know to trip you up. Imagine living in your house all your life and being asked, 'Hey, do you know how many planks of wood make up the fence around your house?'

As expected, I received an unsuccessful email. It's no wonder there's always been talk about intense conflicts between HR and pilots here. I can imagine why, as even before joining the program, I felt a complete lack of respect. They recruit hundreds of cadets each year, so they don’t really need to respect someone like me. Well, best of luck to everyone else.
I agree with you, smepc. As I shared the same terrible HR interview experience and eventually got failed from the HR interview recently. I can't remember what the HR's name is, but the very first bad impression she gave me was that she was late for around 5 minutes in a 30-minutes HR interview. After having a brief self-intro. She keep asking me why not to apply for the graduate engineer/other job in Cathay Pacific, despite I had said that I won't be qualified for graduate engineer. The HR seems to be poor in understanding English and even worse understanding about her own compony business. As I am graduating this summer, she keep asking why I don't apply for the Cadet pilot after graduation instead, while all engineer student I know (including me) would start seeking graduate job as early as October in their final academic year and no one would start finding a job only after their graduation. Although other questions about the Cadet program was also asked, the previous two make me annoyed about her and don't wanna answer the remaining (still she keep asking me why don't apply for other jobs/ why not apply after graduation then).

I could definitely feel her umprofession in HR jobs. I feel like that even if I could do more to "show my passion in aviation", she would still give vitriol comment like "why don't you do more?". No wonder why so many experienced pilot leave Cathay Pacific and seek their next pilot job in a higher-paid, more respected company environment.

Recent news from Cathay Pacific said they "Pledges No Pay Cuts" to retain pilot. Not sure why the management team are so ambitious that they could stop the outflowing pilot by offering "no pay cut", while all major airline (in US, not sure what other countries airlines do) are trying to attract pilots by offering a significant raise in salary. Not to mention that pilot salary in Cathay only offer two-step salary scale, while others airline's salary keep increasing every year a pilot working in their company.

Definitely considering training in foreign country and work after CPL training(e.g. CA, US) to accumulate real PIC experience if one could afford a training fee around $1M HKD.
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Old 5th Feb 2024, 19:17
  #8236 (permalink)  
 
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Originally Posted by SkorpionG9542
I agree with you, smepc. As I shared the same terrible HR interview experience and eventually got failed from the HR interview recently. I can't remember what the HR's name is, but the very first bad impression she gave me was that she was late for around 5 minutes in a 30-minutes HR interview. After having a brief self-intro. She keep asking me why not to apply for the graduate engineer/other job in Cathay Pacific, despite I had said that I won't be qualified for graduate engineer. The HR seems to be poor in understanding English and even worse understanding about her own compony business. As I am graduating this summer, she keep asking why I don't apply for the Cadet pilot after graduation instead, while all engineer student I know (including me) would start seeking graduate job as early as October in their final academic year and no one would start finding a job only after their graduation. Although other questions about the Cadet program was also asked, the previous two make me annoyed about her and don't wanna answer the remaining (still she keep asking me why don't apply for other jobs/ why not apply after graduation then).

I could definitely feel her umprofession in HR jobs. I feel like that even if I could do more to "show my passion in aviation", she would still give vitriol comment like "why don't you do more?". No wonder why so many experienced pilot leave Cathay Pacific and seek their next pilot job in a higher-paid, more respected company environment.

Recent news from Cathay Pacific said they "Pledges No Pay Cuts" to retain pilot. Not sure why the management team are so ambitious that they could stop the outflowing pilot by offering "no pay cut", while all major airline (in US, not sure what other countries airlines do) are trying to attract pilots by offering a significant raise in salary. Not to mention that pilot salary in Cathay only offer two-step salary scale, while others airline's salary keep increasing every year a pilot working in their company.

Definitely considering training in foreign country and work after CPL training(e.g. CA, US) to accumulate real PIC experience if one could afford a training fee around $1M HKD.
Well, who doesn’t want to work for US Majors if you’ve got that green card or passport?
Do you know the paying scale in Canada, especially those regionals? After spending $1M, what are you gonna do? Middle East? Going back to HK?
The reality is that the majority of us don’t have any other options. We all know Cathay sucks, but at least Cathay covers your training cost and you will get paid decently compared to those guys trying to reach 1500 hours in the first couple of years. If you’re a US citizen, congrats you’re the lucky one.
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Old 6th Feb 2024, 03:50
  #8237 (permalink)  
 
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Originally Posted by SkorpionG9542
I agree with you, smepc. As I shared the same terrible HR interview experience and eventually got failed from the HR interview recently. I can't remember what the HR's name is, but the very first bad impression she gave me was that she was late for around 5 minutes in a 30-minutes HR interview. After having a brief self-intro. She keep asking me why not to apply for the graduate engineer/other job in Cathay Pacific, despite I had said that I won't be qualified for graduate engineer. The HR seems to be poor in understanding English and even worse understanding about her own compony business. As I am graduating this summer, she keep asking why I don't apply for the Cadet pilot after graduation instead, while all engineer student I know (including me) would start seeking graduate job as early as October in their final academic year and no one would start finding a job only after their graduation. Although other questions about the Cadet program was also asked, the previous two make me annoyed about her and don't wanna answer the remaining (still she keep asking me why don't apply for other jobs/ why not apply after graduation then).

I could definitely feel her umprofession in HR jobs. I feel like that even if I could do more to "show my passion in aviation", she would still give vitriol comment like "why don't you do more?". No wonder why so many experienced pilot leave Cathay Pacific and seek their next pilot job in a higher-paid, more respected company environment.

Recent news from Cathay Pacific said they "Pledges No Pay Cuts" to retain pilot. Not sure why the management team are so ambitious that they could stop the outflowing pilot by offering "no pay cut", while all major airline (in US, not sure what other countries airlines do) are trying to attract pilots by offering a significant raise in salary. Not to mention that pilot salary in Cathay only offer two-step salary scale, while others airline's salary keep increasing every year a pilot working in their company.

Definitely considering training in foreign country and work after CPL training(e.g. CA, US) to accumulate real PIC experience if one could afford a training fee around $1M HKD.
That's because they have been given a new target - Direct Entry Second Officer. Have a look. They just reopened the hiring. All thanks to the "task force" I guess? Endless Waiting!

https://careers.cathaypacific.com/jo...-entry-2977238
Hardrod is offline  
Old 6th Feb 2024, 08:02
  #8238 (permalink)  
 
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Hi newbie here.

Have submitted my application to CX on 19th Jan but still pending reply. Got offer from HKIAA cadet programme, but it's too expensive plus employment is not guaranteed.

I just turned 36, earning over $120K/month in the public sector but sick of my job. Have mortgage, a wife and Canada passport. No aviation experience except flight sim. Have been thinking of pursuing an aviation dream and seeking inspirations in this forum, instead finding the realistic side of this sector.

Applied for the CX CPP before COVID but was rejected at the initial stage. No idea why.

It's a very difficult decision to start all over. Anyone have similar experiences?
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Old 6th Feb 2024, 08:16
  #8239 (permalink)  
 
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Originally Posted by itsLouiss_
Hello,

I’ve sent my application last Jan 4 and got a reply on the 9th saying they needed a document from me and that I have 7 days to submit. I submit the document on the 12th. Any ideas maybe on when they’ll get back to me? Hoping they’ll reply soon.
hello, they got back to you yet?
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Old 6th Feb 2024, 23:03
  #8240 (permalink)  
 
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Karen Leung, Talent Acquisition Specialist - Cadet Pilot Program
E: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-le...file-join-page

Ada Pang, Assistant Manager Talent Acquisition
E: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ada-pang-45911513a/

Carman Wong, Assistant Manager Talent Acquisition
E: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carman-wong-066a43146/

Becky Ng, Assistant Manager Talent Acquisition - Pilot Recruitment
E: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-ng-ab200012b/

Yanni Chan, Talent Acquisition Officer - Pilot
E: [email protected]
T: +852 2747 2390
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanni-chan-684826209/

Elene Cheng, Talent Acquisition Manager - Operation
E: [email protected]
T: +852 2747 8246
Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/elene-cheng-0408a6a8/


Feel free to bother them with load of your questions and frustration. Sure they would love to hear from you.

Last edited by Hardrod; 6th Feb 2024 at 23:17.
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