Are cadets expected to live at FTA during training?
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Are cadets expected to live at FTA during training?
Just wondering if all cadets are required to live on site at FTA, or is renting locally acceptable?
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
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Cheers.
It looks like I won't be applying for the cadet program now, I can't see how I'll manage to live in HK with a family and no housing/schooling allowance.
Back to GA I'll go
It looks like I won't be applying for the cadet program now, I can't see how I'll manage to live in HK with a family and no housing/schooling allowance.
Back to GA I'll go
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BubbaMc, I too am surprised with this policy unless they're only interested in attracting single guys/gals who are happy to sleep in the airport carpark between shifts, a la LAX style.
Contrast China, where they are hardly likely to spend all that money training single foreigners just to see them uproot and head home afterwards without notice. China's got its head screwed on alright.
Contrast China, where they are hardly likely to spend all that money training single foreigners just to see them uproot and head home afterwards without notice. China's got its head screwed on alright.
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Agreed.
I really don't see how it's possible to live in HK on a SO's wage with no allowances. Maybe someone who has gone through this process could tell us how they're doing, in terms of accommodation and disposable income? How long does CX expect you to live in HK on these terms? Anyone been through the course with a family?
I really don't see how it's possible to live in HK on a SO's wage with no allowances. Maybe someone who has gone through this process could tell us how they're doing, in terms of accommodation and disposable income? How long does CX expect you to live in HK on these terms? Anyone been through the course with a family?
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The cheapest rentals I can find are $30,000HKG per month i.e. $350,000pa. With an SO wage of approximately $400,000pa before tax I fail to see how one could survive unless they slept in the airport carpark. The only real option I can see is for the cadets to get together and share an overcrowded apartment.
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I don't have the documentation with me. But if I remember correctly, you get no type of allowance during your 3 years as an SO. Bear in mind with the back log, you could be an SO for longer than 3 years.
However upon promotion, you are eligible for the school allowance. Something like 50% recompense for kids up to 4 years old. Then 75% recompense for an international school for kids 5-18 years of age.
Then a interst free loan of $30'000 HKD per year for education afterwards.
However upon promotion, you are eligible for the school allowance. Something like 50% recompense for kids up to 4 years old. Then 75% recompense for an international school for kids 5-18 years of age.
Then a interst free loan of $30'000 HKD per year for education afterwards.
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You can find places a lot cheaper the $30k a month... especially on Lantau (where the airport is).... you don't have to live on the peak or mid-levels on the island!!
But the point is generally correct.... HK is VERY expensive and on a SO salary with a young family used to all the mod cons etc I imagine you would struggle.
But the point is generally correct.... HK is VERY expensive and on a SO salary with a young family used to all the mod cons etc I imagine you would struggle.
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As far as I know, it is possible to live in HK with an SO salary....sure you may have to make some sacrifices but considering that CX pilots are well paid relative to many professions in HK - it is possible.
Also, you don't get ANY allowance as of now as an SO (i.e. housing, schooling)....but you do get a education allowance for your children once you become an FO....but as someone mentioned, you may have to be an SO for a looong time...
Also, you don't get ANY allowance as of now as an SO (i.e. housing, schooling)....but you do get a education allowance for your children once you become an FO....but as someone mentioned, you may have to be an SO for a looong time...
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Thanks guys, very helpful. Seems like it might just be do-able, I can let out my house for a bit of extra income. The missus won't be happy about me living away from home for a year, but I'm sure she'll come to terms with it
Could someone tell me what school fees are in HK approximately? (Grade 1ish)
Could someone tell me what school fees are in HK approximately? (Grade 1ish)
Last edited by BubbaMc; 16th Sep 2009 at 09:45.
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What?? no housing allowance to SOs??
Leave and Benefits
...
Benefits
Together with the following benefits Cathay Pacific offers an Housing Allowance and a children's education allowance for expatriates living in Hong Kong.
....
(from CX career website..)
Then what is this??
...
Benefits
Together with the following benefits Cathay Pacific offers an Housing Allowance and a children's education allowance for expatriates living in Hong Kong.
....
(from CX career website..)
Then what is this??
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The problem, ceoicao, is that CX classifies cadets as locals, not expats. This saves them serious amounts of money, and is the reason that the cadet program was opened to all nationalities.
Last edited by BubbaMc; 17th Sep 2009 at 10:23.
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Some more questions~
But CX opened CPP to expats..
Do you mean all CPP expats have live in Hong Kong with only SO salary and no housing allowance?
I heard HK's housing rental is very expensive..
Do you mean all CPP expats have live in Hong Kong with only SO salary and no housing allowance?
I heard HK's housing rental is very expensive..
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It's a new improvement, Nicholas - was implemented not too long ago...rumors are that locals will get a little bit of housing allowance too :P, we'll just have to wait and see.
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To Peter (or some others who might have insight info)...
Is that possible to train at FTA under the CPP while being married ? Are wives welcome on the campus if no renting is allowed ? ? ?
Basic question but quite essential to convince the ones we might take on board with us...
Is that possible to train at FTA under the CPP while being married ? Are wives welcome on the campus if no renting is allowed ? ? ?
Basic question but quite essential to convince the ones we might take on board with us...
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I'm in the same boat as you Ispahan.
Telling the wife that I won't see her or the kids for a year and only bring home $100 per week will go down like a lead balloon I'm sure!
Telling the wife that I won't see her or the kids for a year and only bring home $100 per week will go down like a lead balloon I'm sure!
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Is that possible to train at FTA under the CPP while being married ? Are wives welcome on the campus if no renting is allowed ? ? ?
As far as I remember/know, wives can't live with you on campus during the training but may stay the odd occasion for a couple of nights. This may require some form of rent to be paid though.
Telling the wife that I won't see her or the kids for a year and only bring home $100 per week will go down like a lead balloon I'm sure!