Uni or CPP??

[CPL8446]

G'day folks,

I am a new ppruner and this is my first thread (tho i've been tuned in for quite some time now).

Dunno if anyone else got a similar problem.

Just a bit of a background of meself. I am currently doing an Aviation Degree in South Australia and flying 172SPs (GFPT). Although I still got one and a half year til I finish my degree, I start wondering when is the best timing to start applying for CPP.

I am really keen to get into the industry as soon as possible and I know this probably isn't the best timing provided the conditions given.

If I send in my application before I finish my degree and get a thumbs up from CX, should I give up the last bit of uni? Which I find pretty useful since it will cover most CRM, TEM and Airline Op Management stuff. Another important factor is that me folks insist on me getting the degree, tho I know it's not crucial to get a degree for CPP but it still acts as kind of a back-up.

Is it better if I just write them a letter and show my interest in joining right after I finish my studies? Mayb I can provide them a date or time which I will definitely be available?

For airwork, I have been doing shark patrol as a backseat observer for the last season. I obtained Class 1 (outdated) and 2 (current) meds and ASIC.
Provided that I have been in the air cadets, I was lucky enuf to have a shot at the first ever KA mentorship programme and met some of the "big guns" (dunno if thats the right word) over there.

One last question, does anyone know if having quite some hrs say over 150 and possibly a CPL affect the chances of getting in? Or should better off just getting CIR and twin time?

Thanks in advance guys, I know it maybe a bit long. Apologies.

P.S. I am also thinking of getting grob, TB-10 and duchcess time after PPL. Will that help?

[The_Pharoah]

mate, this is my $0.02 worth - if you get accepted, drop everything and do the CPP! why?

1. fully funded flying course; and (more importantly)
2. guaranteed job in a large international airline.

[CPL8446]

Thx guys!! That's what I thought as well, and that's why I am hesitant to apply now coz I know I will be be dropping out of uni immediately if I get accepted which is not what my folks would like to see after paying heaps for my uni and flying. Also because I m not a local aussie not even PR, my chances of getting a decent job here is not that high. Though after finishing my second year of uni, i will be able to get a Diploma (instead of a degree) in Aviation. I was wondering if I can do CPP, since I will be in ADL for 60 wks anyways, at the same time doing my last year of Uni.

I am aware that there are quite a few UniSA graduates that are working in CX now.

Anyone with a similar experience please share their thoughts, I am really keen to hear from u guys.

[holdmetight]

i wouldn't look at it that way. why not ask yourself if you are ready for the challenges yet?

the road to the CXCPP is hard, and uni can help you prepare yourself better for the selections and training thereafter. are you confident that you are good enough already?

[GrillSwireInSouthern]

degree are not worth as much as they did in old days (sad but true.) There are institutions offering different kind of degrees or courses which you may think they help but actually they are not. Some little advices, make your efforts through traditional paths, like GCEs, traditional subjects, like those already stated on websites, Sciences preferable. not guarantee you pass those assessments, but you will see their strengths.

[Emjai]

i don't understand the problem. apply for CXCPP, if you get in great! ditch uni as you wont be needing it anymore, especially a bachelor of aviation if you don't get accepted, then finish up your course and do what you were initally planning on doing. this is what i am going to do as i am in the same situation as you!

I hope you make the right decision

[CPL8446]

Roger toaster.

Guys. Thanks for all the reply. I am now planning a couple of pathways.

Agree with Nicholas. I still feel that holding a uni degree is safer down the road.

[Emjai]

are you sure its a requirement? or does it just mean that if you have one that's enough of a minimum requirement. the way i read it when I applied was those highschool grades and stuff, and then the university degree as in if you have one you've automatically met the minimum requirements. but the wording may have been different, do you know when they last updated those requirements?

[SloppyJoe]

• 5 passes in Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination / GCSE (O Level) including Physics and Mathematics, together with 2 passes in Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination / GCE A Level, Science subjects preferred.
• Passes in Physics and Mathematics to year 10 and completed high school with the required university entrance qualifications, Science subjects preferred.
• Hold a degree or diploma in any discipline.

Those are the requirements. You need a degree or diploma.

[holdmetight]

• 5 passes in Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination / GCSE (O Level) including Physics and Mathematics, together with 2 passes in Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination / GCE A Level, Science subjects preferred.
• Passes in Physics and Mathematics to year 10 and completed high school with the required university entrance qualifications, Science subjects preferred.
• Hold a degree or diploma in any discipline.

i suspect what they mean is you can have any one of them. has anyone phoned in to confirm though?

[CPL8446]

Please read the whole paragraph guys.
I believe it means that the requirements are all three of the listed points not just any of those.

To qualify for our Cadet Pilot Programme, you must be at least 18 years old and wish to pursue a career with us in Hong Kong. You must be at least 1.6m tall, be physically fit, and possess an excellent command of English. The minimum educational standards we require are:

• 5 passes in Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination / GCSE (O Level) including Physics and Mathematics, together with 2 passes in Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination / GCE A Level, Science subjects preferred.
• Passes in Physics and Mathematics to year 10 and completed high school with the required university entrance qualifications, Science subjects preferred.
• Hold a degree or diploma in any discipline.

[holdmetight]

To qualify for our Cadet Pilot Programme, you must be at least 18 years old and wish to pursue a career with us in Hong Kong. You must be at least 1.6m tall, be physically fit, and possess an excellent command of English. The minimum educational standards we require are:

• 5 passes in Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination / GCSE (O Level) including Physics and Mathematics, together with 2 passes in Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination / GCE A Level, Science subjects preferred.
• Passes in Physics and Mathematics to year 10 and completed high school with the required university entrance qualifications, Science subjects preferred.
• Hold a degree or diploma in any discipline.

i think they are only looking for any one of the listed requirements. it does not make sense that they would want you to have HKCEE/GCSE/HKALE/GCE qualifications, and then ask for Year 10/matriculation results as well.

look at some other threads, there are plenty of applicants without a university degree/diploma who have applied and are being assessed.

[Emjai]

yeah like me, why would they offer me initial interview when i haven't listed any university qualification. looks like the cadetship is open to anyone in the world who has graduated from highschool!

[Solare]

if you are enjoying your degree, complete it. these are very important years where you will gain a lot of character development, maturity and independence. best to get your parent's full support so talk with them and make a plan together. you may even wish to contact the recruitment staff at the cpp to get some advice. you can apply after you finish, and an aviation is sometimes the deal-sealer in showing cathay your commitment to becoming a commercial airline pilot. good luck with it.

I applied to cathay halfway through my degree, but it turns out I am now going to complete my degree before doing my flight training.

[hyper_raiden]

Check it again:

• 5 passes in Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination / GCSE (O Level) including Physics and Mathematics, together with 2 passes in Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination / GCE A Level, Science subjects preferred OR
• Passes in Physics and Mathematics to year 10 and completed high school with the required university entrance qualifications, Science subjects preferred OR
• Hold a degree or diploma in any discipline.

There are two OR's between the bullet points.
You don't need a degree or diploma to apply if you have either one of the other two requirements. =]

[flapsupdown]

Yes, those "ORs" are there because there are cases where candidates right out of highschool have been accepted onto their program.

In regards to university, there is NO disadvantage in completing a degree first. It contributes to personal development - I think they really value maturity, independence, life experiences...etc etc. As a matter of fact, if you look in the LONG term, the 3-4 years will probably serve you well.

Also, completing your degree can't lower your chances