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Old 25th Oct 2009, 10:21
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Cronie,

Thank you for engaging in name-calling. Really professional.

If my post did make me look like an idiot due to factual innacuracies or just the way I came across in an, admitedly, sardonic fashion then accept my apologies. i found it the best way to reply to some of the posters here.

However I would be grateful for specific inaccuracies in my post to be explained.
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Old 25th Oct 2009, 12:48
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triplespool123,

I do agree 100% with what your saying. I personally do not understand the PPRuNers that avoid airlines because of the low or the non-existant benefits etc.

I would however like to know if ANYBODY who posts their thoughts on here are actually CX pilots "on the inside".

If you are on the inside as a successful SO but don't like the conditions, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE leave ASAP so it increases my chances of stage 2 testing.
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Old 25th Oct 2009, 14:53
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i don't see how EPASZ, 404, Cronus and FCG are moaning - they are simply giving advice from an insiders point of view. why all the flak?

while wannabes and entry-level pilots should not be focusing on the amount of financial renumeration he/she will be getting, it shouldn't be totally ignored either. i did mention earlier that it is possible to live happily on a LEP salary in HKG, if one was willing to adapt. however having said that, it isn't easy either and it can be a bit of a struggle. i come from HKG and i know this for a fact, the high cost of living here is not a joke, even for people who don't lead particularly extravagant lifestyles. and the fact that one day you will get married, have kids and retired parents only exacerbates the problem.

for most wannabes, free training and the chance to fly shiny heavy metal is definitely enticing, and the emotion that comes with this opportunity can cloud out all other factors that one must also contemplate. i can understand this because i am a wannabe myself. but be careful though... don't say you weren't warned. living in HKG can be tough.
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Old 25th Oct 2009, 15:27
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Guys,

I apologise if I have come across as a little sarcastic but what annoys me more than anything are people coming up with problems and not solutions.

What I mean by that is rather than coming on here and treating people like they haven't done their research, why don't you come up with other options?

Your posts basically had the angle that I shouldn't take up the CPP scheme. Ok then, can you tell me what other options I have that is on-par with what CX offer.
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Old 26th Oct 2009, 00:25
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Triplespool123

"For the last couple of years, I have been on PPrune reading the constant whining and crying from people like you wishing back to the "good old days". And you know what, I'm glad we had this recession. It means the likes of you lot that frequent PPrune with your tiresome complaints will finally leave/get pushed out of the industry. I won't be too upset about not "winning" freindship with you."

Pretty arrogant statement. If you look at my history on this forum I have helped more wannabes get into CX than hindered them. If you want to come here that is fine. I have laid out the facts from experience knowing what it costs to live here in Hong Kong. If you want to ignore my advise then that is up to you. It's not up to us to give you solutions. holdmetight presented a possible solution to me about being a commuter. I then highlighted the tax implications of this. I didn't fluf the answer up. I suggest you get off your ass like he has done and ask us some serious questions. I will give you an honest answer if I can.

Cronus

What our friend Triplespool123, Matt.V and clinty83 don't realise is that some that post here are very close to the recruitment process. It won't take very long at the interview process to weed those out that haven't given any thought to the living costs in HK and what they would do if they couldn't handle them.

clinty83

If you don't think I work for CX I suggest you go back and look at my past post. I've posted here for quite some time. For the record I am a little bit more senior than an SO. I also love working here so I'm not going to leave any time soon. All some of us here are trying to do is highlight the difficulties of living here with no housing allowance. So please ask me questions. I will answer the best I can.

Last edited by 404 Titan; 26th Oct 2009 at 00:39.
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Old 26th Oct 2009, 00:46
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Matt.V

That is your choice. If you want to do something contructive for your selection process you could ask me some questions. I'm not trying to hinder you coming here. I honestly would like to help you if I could.
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Old 26th Oct 2009, 04:24
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Post Help

Clinty83, and others

I'm not going to be posting my CV on here but if you bothered to check my previous posts on PPRuNe, you'd see that I've helped many people in the past by posting advice on Forums and sending all my study notes from several CX interviews, to a Hotmail account, for anybody to email to themselves and use.

My notes had come from internet searches, debriefs form peoples interviews etc. So I felt they were a shared document anyway.

I'm not sure of the Hotmail Account status now but suffice to say when I started my course many people I met joining susbequently had used my notes successfully for the interviews.

My last piece of advice on here for the Wannabes is people like 404 Titan know what they're talking about. I've followed his advice in the past. Gather all the information you can about Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific, the CEP program and aviation generally, to prepare yourself as best you can for the interview. Then look at what's offered, ask questions and if successful, make an informed decision.

Cronus out.
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Old 26th Oct 2009, 08:14
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All you youngsters - just know that we were all in that boat before .

We were all young and keen and would take ANY job on a bigger faster plane. The problem is that 5 years down the line when you don't care about that shiny jet any more - THEN the conditions and pay become an issue - unfortunately its then too late....

That pretty much sums it up. Its always been that way and it will always be that way. Unfortunately cadet programs make this worse because they open the door to bigger exploitation of youngsters which in general lowers the bar for everybody.....

Nothing more to be said on this topic.
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Old 26th Oct 2009, 08:56
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Lets get things straight

Guys,

I have read the responses and I am quite surprised at the people that have spoken out against what I have written and others of the same view.

Your responses have been "We are here to help you", "Ask us questions" etc. Well this is strange becuase the original post was nothing of the sort. Let us quote the original lines that made me respond the way I did:

But in the long run...it seems you are just getting ripped off by the company, when you ask yourself am I an expat or not?
If you are ignoring this post after reading it, that means u are committed to getting ripped off in the long-run
The original poster gave NO advice whatsoever in his speech - just pure negatives which is why I came to the assumption that this was a failed CX candidate.

I have repeatedly asked posters here what other choices I have. Do any of you seriously think that I will not apply for the CPP worth a possible £150K (inc TR) just beacsue I don't get an allowance? Even though every other Hong Kong national-7 million of them- seem to survive?

None of u s came here originally asking how we would cope on a SO salary. So why are you all now coming here saying:

you'd see that I've helped many people in the past by posting advice on Forums and sending all my study notes
If you want to do something contructive for your selection process you could ask me some questions. I'm not trying to hinder you coming here. I honestly would like to help you if I could.
It's not up to us to give you solutions
etc etc. None of us asked for advice. The original post was a speech detailing the negatives of the scheme and as of yet, the OP has refused to answer WHY he wrote it.

NO prospective CPP cadet, international or otherwise, came here seeking solutions or came to ask questions. Do you seriously think that I or anyone else will give up this opportunity of a lifetime just because I won't get a houseing allowance? Or becasue 50% of my salary will go to accomodation.

I'm sorry but no one has given advice here-AND, no one originally asked for it.
If anyone here is prepared to give me £150K to pay for training myself, with the GUARANTEE of a job in 6-12 months after completion, then please send me the check and I won't apply for CX!

Come on guys!

I do however want to aplogise if I came across as too sardonic. But I despaired at the original post becasue it was nothing but showboating. Giving a speech when no one asked for it and which gave no advice whatsoever except to say "You're getting ripped off".

When an airline pays for me to train and gives me a salary at the end of it, then I am certainly not getting ripped off. The fact that Hong Kong is an expensive place to live is not Cathay Pacific's fault.

This industry owes me nothing.

I'm sorry if this view is considered niave by the more senior folk that have slowly seen their T&Cs reduce over the last 10 years. I genuinely mean that. I would feel the same and I honestly wish you well on a continued career or a career change if that is what it has come to.

But no one has the right to come here telling cadets that they "will be ripped off" when it is obviously so untrue beyond belief.

Last edited by Triplespool123; 26th Oct 2009 at 09:12.
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Old 26th Oct 2009, 16:35
  #30 (permalink)  
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The End

If you are ignoring this post after reading it, that means u are committed to getting ripped off in the long-run, but if not..please leave ur kind comment...in order to see a different view
Hence i got urs and some others attention with the rather extreme statement. And with ur view on this thread, it presents to other viewers what kinda person you are from the replies u have against me or against others.

All along...right from the beginning of the post...i have only mentioned I'd like to see what other peoples view are...but at no point did i say u're an idiot applying for the program plus there is no way in hell i could change anyone's dream with a couple of statements because back a few years ago, I too did something like a heated youngester would do...but realise it isn't all about dreams and shinny planes...

And the other thing is, people didn't post against u for no reason...they posted it because they disagree with ur view and thinking. Therefore, the reason why most insiders/experience folks spoken against u is that...they see the cadetship in a complete different angle than urs or others who has waited a billion years for this golden opportunity, so instead of ur one world one dream concept and think that the cadetship is gold to everyone in the industry...we have people like <yokebearer> who have mentioned...opening the door to a more global cadetship is not doing good to the industry. Hence, making it not very well accepted by some group of people.

However, Forum is just Forum, we are here to discuss or debate (in some case), but it is certainly not going to change people's dream (or ur dream in that matter)....but it could change people's view (including mine) on things...by reading or learning what others have to say (e.g. like what <Cronus> and <404Titan> has to say about living cost in HK without Expat benefits if u have a family overseas or a big debt behind ur back). Because in this aviation world...we cant just think flying is some sort of long lasting dream and that everyone should do this for as cheap as a Bus driver simply because it is a dream come true.

Goodluck with ur application.

Last edited by EPASZ; 26th Oct 2009 at 18:06.
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Old 26th Oct 2009, 18:53
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Triplespool123

Your responses have been "We are here to help you", "Ask us questions" etc. Well this is strange becuase the original post was nothing of the sort.
I didn't make the original post so I can't lay claim to that however I have offered to help where I can. That offer still stands.

I have repeatedly asked posters here what other choices I have. Do any of you seriously think that I will not apply for the CPP worth a possible £150K (inc TR) just beacsue I don't get an allowance? Even though every other Hong Kong national-7 million of them- seem to survive?
I haven't said there is any choices. If I had the opportunity to do a similar course in 1986 when I learnt to fly I would have jumped at it. I would have taken on board though advise from people that work here in formulating what I would do to make ends meat in HK.

The CPP actualy costs about AUD$150K but I do understand that in the UK a similar course would cost GBP150K.

Hong Kong nations manage to live here because they live like locals not expats. It isn't uncommon for three generations though to live under one roof.

As for the rest of your post? Your attitude will show up in the interview process my friend. I politely suggest you pull your head in and accept my advice for what it is. Trying to help you get in by openning your eyes to what it will entail.
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Old 26th Oct 2009, 19:59
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Epasz,

Let me consider some of your points.

people didn't post against u for no reason...they posted it because they disagree with ur view and thinking.
Ok simple maths here.

Scenario 1:
I want to fly the big jets (apologies to those with a penchant for TPs and who enjoy "real flying"). I have no no money to pay for the training. It would be selfish of me to get my parents to remortgage their house.

Scenario 2:
A lovely airline called Cathay Pacific are offering to pay for my traning, and pay for a type rating on the "big jets" I speak of. Then pay me a salary for doing so.

So Espaz, are you telling me that you guys "disgaree with my views and thinking" that Scenario 2 is the better option?

we have people like <yokebearer> who have mentioned...opening the door to a more global cadetship is not doing good to the industry. Hence, making it not very well accepted by some group of people.
This Espaz is why you wrote what you did. This is the point of your thread. And you know what? I'm not going to have a go at you and others who think that. I accept this argument and I would feel the same. I have spent a long time on pprune reading posts from guys who have 20-30 years of experience.

They all say the same thing. Basically there are stary-eyed wannabees like me who will pay the likes of Mr O'leary £30K just so he can fly shiny jets and by-pass the GA method of working your way up from crop-sparying. Its is people like me that have caused "easyJet captains to be limited to 2 bottles of water" etc etc.

I get your argument. I honestly do. Because this sets a precedent doesn't it? Ex-pats like me who are prepared to wave-away allowances could be dangerous for current ex-pat pilots in Cathay Pacific who are currently receiving these allowances.

But, I will not apologise for taking this opportunity. And you coming on here saying

u are committed to getting ripped off in the long-run
is very insulting to the current cadets who worked bloody hard to get through the stages and are now in traning spending 60 weeks away from their family. It is also very shallow to indirectly suggest that interntional applicants are "getting ripped-of" because they should be getting allowances whilst their Hong Kong colleagues of the same age in the same training course are not.

404 Titan

Hong Kong nations manage to live here because they live like locals not expats.
Thank you for making my point in just one sentence. I need say no more.
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Old 26th Oct 2009, 20:42
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Triplespool123

404 Titan


Quote:
Hong Kong nations manage to live here because they live like locals not expats.
Thank you for making my point in just one sentence. I need say no more.
Ah but you leave out the next and most important sentence:

It isn't uncommon for three generations though to live under one roof.
This is exactly how a great number of local cadets live in Hong Kong. Do you have a family you can shack up with in HK? If you are single you could probably look at sharing with other expat cadets. If you are married though this isn't really an option especially if you have kids.
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Old 26th Oct 2009, 22:02
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CX stage 2

Hi all

I have a couple of questions if anyone can shed some light it would be much appreciated

1. What does stage 2 entail?

2. In my initial interview I was told even though I hold MECIR and CPL I will stll have to complete the 60 weeks. They also said a fast track course for licensed candidates is being put together. Does anyone know any details on this?

I am super keen to get ahead of the pack if successful in proceeding to stage 2.
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Old 26th Oct 2009, 22:30
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Save $150K in training to pay it back 10 fold in loss of allowances. Sounds like a great deal.
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Old 27th Oct 2009, 00:42
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Interesting discussions..

There's some good points being raised on this thread. Here's my two cents for whatever its worth.. (probably not much!)

Each to their own I say. The cadet program is not for everyone. Everyone's situation is different and everyone has their own goals and ambitions.

For me personally, I don't have the money to pay for a fixed wing CPL, instrument rating and all the rest. If I can get CP to pay for it and then gaurantee me a job at the end then its worth it. It also means bypassing flying GA stuff and gets you straight to the airlines. Awesome.
I dont have any debts, have no children and my partner is also working so spending a few years in Hong Kong earning a minimal wage is not much of a drama. I'm also from Adelaide originally so I'll have plenty of family support while I complete the initial training if required. I love flying and if I get a cadetship then CP will have a highly motivated and dedicated trainee on their hands.

However, if I was married with 3 kids and a dog, had a mortgage and my partner was unemployed then the cadet program would be unsuitable for me. Simple.

I guess everyone needs to do a little soul searching and consider their own financial/family obligations before applying for this program. If the conditions on offer are unsuitable for your personal situation then don't apply..
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Old 27th Oct 2009, 00:47
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HK living costs

Correct me if I am wrong, but I have seen decent apartments for rent in Disco Bay from around HKD 7,000 a month for 1 bed, or 10,000 a month for 2 bed. Say 2 graduated cadets share a place in DB, HKD 5,000 a month each (inclusive of utilities) seems very reasonable on a salary of over 300,000 HKD (source PPJN/Savills Hong Kong).

As for other living costs I found HK cheaper than London on my last visit, but as a mere tourist I could be missing something there.

Having said that I can see how those with dependents would struggle to make ends meet, but if you are young and single and don't mind living in HK for a few years (after all, it's hardly a punishment posting) then this would surely be far more prudent then splashing out £100k+ on a course with no guarantee of a job at the end. I believe that is the point Triplespool is ramming home, if you want to go into flying then this is by far the most attractive option at present. I would challenge anyone to find a better alternative financially.

To the other posters, I do appreciate your extensive knowledge and input, and I'm sure there are some who will decide that without the housing allowance they cannot afford to go down this route. For myself, I believe it to be a sacrifice worth making. Again, that is based on my personal circumstances. Furthermore you can leave CX after 6 years with a 777/747/A330/A340 TR with an ICAO ATPL (please correct me if that is wrong) and move onto more lucrative work.

....however if you do choose to live in Mid-Levels and go boozing in Wanchai every night I'm sure the money wouldn't suffice!

Regards, kofk
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Old 27th Oct 2009, 08:23
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Triplespool123

But no one has the right to come here telling cadets that they "will be ripped off" when it is obviously so untrue beyond belief.
How about people that work for CX who all know the cadets are getting ripped off!

Yes it's a fantastic opportunity that not many get, however this doesn't mean CX can abuse those lucky few.

How about CX will pay for your flying training but you pay the money back plus a bit extra if need be for the company once you start earning money with the company? This would take approximately 3 years with no housing as an S/O and is the way many cadet programs run.

You seem happy for CX to take this advantage for the next possible 40yrs of employment with CX. Management will love you!

How would you feel after 20yrs in CX sitting on the flight deck as Capt and the direct entry 3rd yr S/O gets paid more than you do? Actually you are the lowest paid pilot on the flight deck, and will always be unless flying with another CEP! One day as a training Capt you also will train guy/girls who get paid more than you. That makes perfect sense

Basically just be informed that the international cadet program while a fantastic beginning may lead to unforeseen issues in the future.

Some of you may end up leaving CX for better pay/lifestyle for you and your family or remain and continue the fight for better conditions.

Last edited by SMOC; 27th Oct 2009 at 08:42.
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Old 27th Oct 2009, 09:25
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However, if I was married with 3 kids and a dog, had a mortgage and my partner was unemployed then the cadet program would be unsuitable for me. Simple.
What scheme in the world, what job in the world, and where in the world would you ever be able to provide for the above personal situation on Day 1 of a totally new job? Especially after the company paid for your training, food, and accomodation for over a year?
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Old 27th Oct 2009, 10:45
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As for other living costs I found HK cheaper than London on my last visit, but as a mere tourist I could be missing something there.
while expensive, the cost of living in HKG doesn't really compare with Europe. just be wary though, it is constantly on the rise as we speak. in a previous post i mentioned that it is possible to live in HKG on a CEP basic salary. that is given you are willing to/know how to assimilate in with the HKG local way of life, which is significantly cheaper than if you go to LKF and wanchai for your dinner and nightlife.

Furthermore you can leave CX after 6 years with a 777/747/A330/A340 TR with an ICAO ATPL (please correct me if that is wrong) and move onto more lucrative work.
i have heard of ex-cadets leaving CX after less than 6 years, my understanding is there is no bond in the CX cadet contract due to its illegality in HKG. not sure about getting a full ATPL though, given you start off with 0 hours in Adelaide and then you do ~4 years of S/O (P2X) time which does not count for much, so you might not get 1500 hours to unfreeze your ATPL within 6 years. i stand to be corrected though.

so the question really is how CX will entice these international cadets to stay with the company on the long-term... as for wannabes, caveat emptor! do your research, and if you know what to expect and are prepared to make sacrifices, then why not give it a go?

What scheme in the world, what job in the world, and where in the world would you ever be able to provide for the above personal situation on Day 1 of a totally new job? Especially after the company paid for your training, food, and accomodation for over a year?
this is a tough situation in most circumstances, but encountering this in a foreign land would only exacerbate the problem.

Last edited by holdmetight; 27th Oct 2009 at 11:02.
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