Why I turned down Cathay Pacific (SO Transition)
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: FL
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
@InTheWeeds
I hope you're not a pilot otherwise God bless your PAX. You know I was referring to "respect" in the context of professional respect right? What's that has to do with CRM? Do you even know what's CRM is? You think CRM means no respect for the Capt? ha! this is really interesting, please tell me you don't work for CX, it starts to scare me the things I hear from those supposedly pro pilots...hum!
or maybe you had too much "weeds" this morning? [that would explain it]
I hope you're not a pilot otherwise God bless your PAX. You know I was referring to "respect" in the context of professional respect right? What's that has to do with CRM? Do you even know what's CRM is? You think CRM means no respect for the Capt? ha! this is really interesting, please tell me you don't work for CX, it starts to scare me the things I hear from those supposedly pro pilots...hum!
or maybe you had too much "weeds" this morning? [that would explain it]
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: everywhere
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
paultheparaglider
out of 14 pollution stations in hk today 28/5 Tung Chung today was 25API on the index, the second lowest in hk..
The annual amount of pollution in tung Chung is in the lowest 25% of anywhere in HK...
Yes there are days about 10 a year when its really bad there,however if you check your daily readings,and annual totals its always well below most other Hk towns..
Just keeping the facts straight.
Moreover its ozone pollutant in general and not Nitrogen Dioxide from vehicles and industry as in most other HK locations
out of 14 pollution stations in hk today 28/5 Tung Chung today was 25API on the index, the second lowest in hk..
The annual amount of pollution in tung Chung is in the lowest 25% of anywhere in HK...
Yes there are days about 10 a year when its really bad there,however if you check your daily readings,and annual totals its always well below most other Hk towns..
Just keeping the facts straight.
Moreover its ozone pollutant in general and not Nitrogen Dioxide from vehicles and industry as in most other HK locations
Last edited by blade; 28th May 2012 at 07:24.
Dancing with the devil, going with the flow... it's all a game to me.
Join Date: May 2000
Location: England
Posts: 1,688
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you guys can't hack it then don't come..
Blade's response is just the proof you need. Everyday at work will be like doing ten rounds in the ring with Tyson. Not a bad thing if you like that kind of atmosphere at work but in commercial aviation it's widely accepted as being a hopelessly outdated attitude and not very CRM to say the least.
VFE.
Last edited by VFE; 28th May 2012 at 14:21.
Join Date: May 2009
Location: HKG
Age: 47
Posts: 1,007
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think the HKG government site is misleading though, the levels in the report are arbitrary numbers picked from no guidelines as to what is and what is not healthy. If you look at this site it compares the pollution to the world health organization levels and shows a very different story as to what is low medium and high. Funny how HKG decided to make up their own levels and ignore a worldwide standard.
Hedley Environmental Index
Hedley Environmental Index
Interesting how a thread develops. Its a forum topic to help Cathay applicants, sarted by someone who was successful at the process who gave a well reasoned explanation of why he turned it down, then supporting comments by serving Cathay pilots. Any thanks from a cathay wannabe? Nope...attack I would have loved to been a fly on the wall at that interview with airgent if it happened. So a belated thanks to all that took the time to give constructive advice.
I would have loved to been a fly on the wall at that interview with airgent if it happened. So a belated thanks to all that took the time to give constructive advice.
Last edited by extralite; 25th Jun 2012 at 10:43.
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Location, Location
Age: 36
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
@Kenny
Hey Kenny,
I'm looking at joining CX and reading these posts as well as talking to a Captain at CX has really opened my eyes to what its going to be like working there. I wanted to know how you, the rest of you PPRuNers and the aviation industry as a whole, view pilots who graduate from Embry-Riddle. Most of you have oodles more yoke time than I do, so your input would be great. I recently graduated from there and like to know what kind of reception I'm walking into, be it negative (as I kind of expect) or positive.
Cheers,
KO
I'm looking at joining CX and reading these posts as well as talking to a Captain at CX has really opened my eyes to what its going to be like working there. I wanted to know how you, the rest of you PPRuNers and the aviation industry as a whole, view pilots who graduate from Embry-Riddle. Most of you have oodles more yoke time than I do, so your input would be great. I recently graduated from there and like to know what kind of reception I'm walking into, be it negative (as I kind of expect) or positive.
Cheers,
KO
Last edited by K.O.; 4th Jul 2012 at 16:15.
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Far Far Away
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Embry-Riddle
K.O.
Unfortunately, Embry-Riddle graduates generally do not have a good rep amongst professional pilots and most ER grads end up flying for regionals where it becomes their career. ER's Aeronautical Science degree is nothing but a very expensive degree (up to $200K or more with flight) that gives you a pathway to a poor quality of life since you make pittance while flight instructing and as FO at the regionals. ER grads are also known to be rather arrogant as they have the mentality they graduated from 'Harvard of th skies" , in reality, there are some much better flight schools like Purdue etc. The ER grads I know, generally fly for a couple of years, can't get anywhere and change jobs to do something that usually is not aviation related. It is unfortunate when you look at ER's sales brochures, they always talk about how there is a "looming" pilot shortage, not really telling the truth about how difficult the job market could be.
Good luck to you.
Unfortunately, Embry-Riddle graduates generally do not have a good rep amongst professional pilots and most ER grads end up flying for regionals where it becomes their career. ER's Aeronautical Science degree is nothing but a very expensive degree (up to $200K or more with flight) that gives you a pathway to a poor quality of life since you make pittance while flight instructing and as FO at the regionals. ER grads are also known to be rather arrogant as they have the mentality they graduated from 'Harvard of th skies" , in reality, there are some much better flight schools like Purdue etc. The ER grads I know, generally fly for a couple of years, can't get anywhere and change jobs to do something that usually is not aviation related. It is unfortunate when you look at ER's sales brochures, they always talk about how there is a "looming" pilot shortage, not really telling the truth about how difficult the job market could be.
Good luck to you.
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Location, Location
Age: 36
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hey TruthSeeker6,
I'm sorry to hear that. I can confirm your statement about grads going to regionals, however, I'm unsure of how many many still have those jobs, have moved up in the world or just flat out quit. I've always (and understandably so) thought of my degree to be the crowbar that will separate me from my competition, and I hope I'm not being cocky by saying so, but hope its a fact.
Do you think someone else with a degree from Purdue would do better? Or is it just luck that determines what job you'll land? I don't and didn't plan to be a flight instructor after i graduated. What alternative is there to moving from being a CFI to the regionals? I doubt I am better off. I'm not sure what your flight background is or if you're currently employed, but I'm more and more inclined to believe that the poor sod working for Express Jet at 22k a year, has a job and flies something bigger than a piston twin.
I agree with the fact that ER grads are known to be arrogant, but that's not all of us, its a stereotype. Purdue and UND are good schools too. I wonder if there's a way to let the aviation world that we're not all stuck up and make sure that ER grads are a bit more humble about their degrees/training. I won't really know how good of a pilot I am, or how good my training is until i throw myself into the real world and go head to head with hundreds of other pilots in trying to secure a job.
The looming pilot shortage needs to stop looming and start striding towards us, wha'dya say? ER makes dreamers out of us, but I think its good in a way. We graduate being fairly positive, ready to get out there, get a good job and make the most of our training. Thats not how i felt when i graduated, perhaps i know more. I digress. Thank you for your input. Anyone else have a similar or contradictory viewpoint than TruthSeeker6? Let me know.
Thanks,
Happy Landings,
KO
I'm sorry to hear that. I can confirm your statement about grads going to regionals, however, I'm unsure of how many many still have those jobs, have moved up in the world or just flat out quit. I've always (and understandably so) thought of my degree to be the crowbar that will separate me from my competition, and I hope I'm not being cocky by saying so, but hope its a fact.
Do you think someone else with a degree from Purdue would do better? Or is it just luck that determines what job you'll land? I don't and didn't plan to be a flight instructor after i graduated. What alternative is there to moving from being a CFI to the regionals? I doubt I am better off. I'm not sure what your flight background is or if you're currently employed, but I'm more and more inclined to believe that the poor sod working for Express Jet at 22k a year, has a job and flies something bigger than a piston twin.
I agree with the fact that ER grads are known to be arrogant, but that's not all of us, its a stereotype. Purdue and UND are good schools too. I wonder if there's a way to let the aviation world that we're not all stuck up and make sure that ER grads are a bit more humble about their degrees/training. I won't really know how good of a pilot I am, or how good my training is until i throw myself into the real world and go head to head with hundreds of other pilots in trying to secure a job.
The looming pilot shortage needs to stop looming and start striding towards us, wha'dya say? ER makes dreamers out of us, but I think its good in a way. We graduate being fairly positive, ready to get out there, get a good job and make the most of our training. Thats not how i felt when i graduated, perhaps i know more. I digress. Thank you for your input. Anyone else have a similar or contradictory viewpoint than TruthSeeker6? Let me know.
Thanks,
Happy Landings,
KO
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Far Far Away
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
K.O.
The problem with pilots progressing to the major airlines is there are so many regional pilots out there that are qualified to move up and going to the majors is a very competitive process since you will be vying against them for the jobs. It seems that the ones more successful in getting into legacy carriers are the military pilot. Since your only 24, have you thought about going through one of the branches (Air Force preferably since you will likely fly a large transport jet there). In the good ole days, working at the legacy carriers means you had a set life, now it’s totally unpredictable due to rising costs, poor revenue, intense competition from low cost carriers hence why many airlines go into bankruptcy like American is going through right now. Keep in mind, American was once a very strong carrier even post 9-11, now that name may never exist since US Air may take them over. Look at Pam Am, Eastern etc.
I really don’t think person that went to Purdue or UND etc would be better off. I think someone who went to UND and Purdue probably had a more normal college life than ER (UND maybe less debt). It seems the biggest complaint about ER is that it is so aviation oriented, it didn’t seem like a normal university (just look at the male-female ratio). I think the problem with wanting to be a pilot is that it is hard to start off no matter if you went to ER, UND, went to Flight Safety etc, everyone doing this themselves have to somehow build hours to move up. You can graduate with an engineering degree from Harvard but not get hire at the regional if you don’t have the hours (where it helps is when HR has to decide if they choose you or the other candidates applying for the job). Once you get the hours, you still are not set as there are always furloughs, bankruptcies and intense competition finding pilot jobs (just try to find some 737 jobs right now in the US and you can see how few position there are at any given moment).
You are right, not everyone at ER is arrogant, you don’t seem so from your postings. One thing about ER is you definitely got a better flight training that your peers who went to other flight schools especially in that area. So keep positive.
The problem with pilots progressing to the major airlines is there are so many regional pilots out there that are qualified to move up and going to the majors is a very competitive process since you will be vying against them for the jobs. It seems that the ones more successful in getting into legacy carriers are the military pilot. Since your only 24, have you thought about going through one of the branches (Air Force preferably since you will likely fly a large transport jet there). In the good ole days, working at the legacy carriers means you had a set life, now it’s totally unpredictable due to rising costs, poor revenue, intense competition from low cost carriers hence why many airlines go into bankruptcy like American is going through right now. Keep in mind, American was once a very strong carrier even post 9-11, now that name may never exist since US Air may take them over. Look at Pam Am, Eastern etc.
I really don’t think person that went to Purdue or UND etc would be better off. I think someone who went to UND and Purdue probably had a more normal college life than ER (UND maybe less debt). It seems the biggest complaint about ER is that it is so aviation oriented, it didn’t seem like a normal university (just look at the male-female ratio). I think the problem with wanting to be a pilot is that it is hard to start off no matter if you went to ER, UND, went to Flight Safety etc, everyone doing this themselves have to somehow build hours to move up. You can graduate with an engineering degree from Harvard but not get hire at the regional if you don’t have the hours (where it helps is when HR has to decide if they choose you or the other candidates applying for the job). Once you get the hours, you still are not set as there are always furloughs, bankruptcies and intense competition finding pilot jobs (just try to find some 737 jobs right now in the US and you can see how few position there are at any given moment).
You are right, not everyone at ER is arrogant, you don’t seem so from your postings. One thing about ER is you definitely got a better flight training that your peers who went to other flight schools especially in that area. So keep positive.
Last edited by TruthSeeker6; 5th Jul 2012 at 18:22.
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Fragrant Harbour
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
K.O.
CX is presently transitioning from a career to a training airline, a stepping stone in an airline pilots career. However, it is for sure a better choice then working for an US regional airline. As a recent aviation college grad your demopraphics are in demand for the advanced entry cadet course. If you are young and prepared to spend 6-7 years in Hong Kong you will have over a 1000 hours right seat wide body jet time which will open the doors to find employment at home or with some better airline choices.
The question you have to ask yourself is - can you adjust to the lifestyle in Hong Kong? The cadet package doesn't provide housing benefits so you are initially getting HKD 10000 a month as an extra allowance. Housing is getting more expensive and Tung Chung for example is estimated to grow to a population of 290000 due to the bridge construction which will make this previously reasonable priced housing area unaffordable to you. But if you are willing to share accommodation with room mates or commute to a more affordable country like Thailand you can live for sure a better life style than with an US regional. Also, don't count on ever getting a base, as the new Hong Kong package eliminates any base cost savings. In summery, if you are looking for your first airline job and you are willing to give up life style and leaving your home country, CX is a good choice in my opinion. However CX is not the career airline anymore for all the new hires and accumulating a comfortable retirement package and retirement home in your home country is only possible with significant lifestyle sacrifices in Hong Kong under the new package.
CX is presently transitioning from a career to a training airline, a stepping stone in an airline pilots career. However, it is for sure a better choice then working for an US regional airline. As a recent aviation college grad your demopraphics are in demand for the advanced entry cadet course. If you are young and prepared to spend 6-7 years in Hong Kong you will have over a 1000 hours right seat wide body jet time which will open the doors to find employment at home or with some better airline choices.
The question you have to ask yourself is - can you adjust to the lifestyle in Hong Kong? The cadet package doesn't provide housing benefits so you are initially getting HKD 10000 a month as an extra allowance. Housing is getting more expensive and Tung Chung for example is estimated to grow to a population of 290000 due to the bridge construction which will make this previously reasonable priced housing area unaffordable to you. But if you are willing to share accommodation with room mates or commute to a more affordable country like Thailand you can live for sure a better life style than with an US regional. Also, don't count on ever getting a base, as the new Hong Kong package eliminates any base cost savings. In summery, if you are looking for your first airline job and you are willing to give up life style and leaving your home country, CX is a good choice in my opinion. However CX is not the career airline anymore for all the new hires and accumulating a comfortable retirement package and retirement home in your home country is only possible with significant lifestyle sacrifices in Hong Kong under the new package.
Last edited by GTC58; 5th Jul 2012 at 19:34.
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Planet earth
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Pilot from Pakistan
Is there any issue if Pilots from pakistan or any other mulsim country is praying facing towards Mecca? Has this been an issue for the Business or First Class pax travelling in Emirates or Etihad airlines?? Did they start sh*ting in their seats when they saw a pilot is praying??? Why this has to come as a surprise if they are coming to Paklistan to recruit pilots?
It might come as a surprise that there are many pilot in CX or SG who are from Pakistan, and so far no Business class Pax has done sh*t*ing in his pants.
I wonder why people have to tell all of the world that they are so ignorent of the facts and so narrow minded?
It might come as a surprise that there are many pilot in CX or SG who are from Pakistan, and so far no Business class Pax has done sh*t*ing in his pants.
I wonder why people have to tell all of the world that they are so ignorent of the facts and so narrow minded?
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Location, Location
Age: 36
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Salah And Muslim Pilots/passengers — Civil Aviation Forum | Airliners.net
check this out, it may help. It will obviously depend on the airline. Dan Buster is right...you may want to think twice about praying while on the flight deck with two expat pilots at the controls of a CX 744. In India and in most of the middle east you wouldn't have a problem.
check this out, it may help. It will obviously depend on the airline. Dan Buster is right...you may want to think twice about praying while on the flight deck with two expat pilots at the controls of a CX 744. In India and in most of the middle east you wouldn't have a problem.
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Location, Location
Age: 36
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
@TruthSeeker6,
I’m afraid I dislike anything to do with the military. I was on the road to being a fighter pilot for the Indian Airforce flying Su32’s etc, but I decided to go a different path.
I totally feel you on the whole “normal college experience”. Yes I am VERY aware of the male:female ratio at ER. I suffered that for 6 years. Lol. I must admit I recently got over my riddle vision. Haha. ER is aviation 24x7. You hear it in the hallways, in dorm, during conversations at lunch…its everywhere all the time.
I guess the real telling will be when the HR guys and gals read my resume. It seems like its in their hands entirely. I DO think I got excellent flight training, however, I’m yet again unsure of how I could compare to you during a one-on-one fly-off.
Do you know what an iCadet is? I am unfamiliar with some of the acronyms and jargon used here.
Cheers
@GTC58
I’m rather confused about my future. I feel like im on a game show where once I open Door Number X, I’ll be stuck with what I get. Seems like a big gamble. The question I ask myself is, will I miss out on something much much better during those 6-7 years here in India? Will I be able to make Capt on a 777 here within that time frame rather than making 1000 SIC on a widebody flying for CX? Will I SAVE more living and working in India or HK? These are questions I cannot answer now; there are to many unknown unknowns. I’m sure I can adjust to pretty much any life style haha. I’m just trying not to set myself up for another 6 years of cup noodles and counting pennies to buy milk. Had enough of that in the States. I was seriously considering living in a fairly cheap one-person sailboat at the harbor. No real rent to pay, and if I have to pay at the docks I could just sail to a cheaper one. Food is cheap and so is transport. I would be ok about leaving my home country to live and work somewhere else, however, with the current state of the pilot package I don’t think I’ll have housing security for too long. I don’t want to have to AFFORD the pilot package im given.
Cheers
I’m afraid I dislike anything to do with the military. I was on the road to being a fighter pilot for the Indian Airforce flying Su32’s etc, but I decided to go a different path.
I totally feel you on the whole “normal college experience”. Yes I am VERY aware of the male:female ratio at ER. I suffered that for 6 years. Lol. I must admit I recently got over my riddle vision. Haha. ER is aviation 24x7. You hear it in the hallways, in dorm, during conversations at lunch…its everywhere all the time.
I guess the real telling will be when the HR guys and gals read my resume. It seems like its in their hands entirely. I DO think I got excellent flight training, however, I’m yet again unsure of how I could compare to you during a one-on-one fly-off.
Do you know what an iCadet is? I am unfamiliar with some of the acronyms and jargon used here.
Cheers
@GTC58
I’m rather confused about my future. I feel like im on a game show where once I open Door Number X, I’ll be stuck with what I get. Seems like a big gamble. The question I ask myself is, will I miss out on something much much better during those 6-7 years here in India? Will I be able to make Capt on a 777 here within that time frame rather than making 1000 SIC on a widebody flying for CX? Will I SAVE more living and working in India or HK? These are questions I cannot answer now; there are to many unknown unknowns. I’m sure I can adjust to pretty much any life style haha. I’m just trying not to set myself up for another 6 years of cup noodles and counting pennies to buy milk. Had enough of that in the States. I was seriously considering living in a fairly cheap one-person sailboat at the harbor. No real rent to pay, and if I have to pay at the docks I could just sail to a cheaper one. Food is cheap and so is transport. I would be ok about leaving my home country to live and work somewhere else, however, with the current state of the pilot package I don’t think I’ll have housing security for too long. I don’t want to have to AFFORD the pilot package im given.
Cheers
Join Date: May 2009
Location: HKG
Age: 47
Posts: 1,007
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A one person sailboat in the harbor? Don't think you have really thought this through or looked into it at all.
All moorings are full. 3+ year wait to get a government one but can't go on the waiting list till you have a boat. Some moorings left in Aberdeen but they are HK$6000 a month plus laying your own power and water.
Or did you mean just floating around in HKG harbour. If you did I am surprised you got into any sort of university, even one like ER where if you have the cash your in.
All moorings are full. 3+ year wait to get a government one but can't go on the waiting list till you have a boat. Some moorings left in Aberdeen but they are HK$6000 a month plus laying your own power and water.
Or did you mean just floating around in HKG harbour. If you did I am surprised you got into any sort of university, even one like ER where if you have the cash your in.
A potential airline pilot planning to live in a one-person sailboat in Hong Kong harbour??
In the immortal and oft repeated words of Sergeant Wilson to Captain Mainwaring...
'Do you think that's wise, Sir?'
In the immortal and oft repeated words of Sergeant Wilson to Captain Mainwaring...
'Do you think that's wise, Sir?'
Last edited by Captain Dart; 7th Jul 2012 at 21:15.