CPL - Cathay Cadet Program vs HKIAA vs Cape Town Flight School
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2024
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From: Hong Kong
CPL - Cathay Cadet Program vs HKIAA vs Cape Town Flight School
As the title states, I am considering 1 of the 3 options for CPL
Thank you
- Cathay Cadet Program (Eager to hire and much easier application process than the past)
- HKIAA (expensive $800k HKD program cost but not locked in to one airline)
- Cape town flight school (Many options and much more affordable)
Thank you
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 48
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From: Hong Kong
As the title states, I am considering 1 of the 3 options for CPL
Thank you
- Cathay Cadet Program (Eager to hire and much easier application process than the past)
- HKIAA (expensive $800k HKD program cost but not locked in to one airline)
- Cape town flight school (Many options and much more affordable)
Thank you
How many hours do you have. For what it's worth some people have an easy road in CX application and others get grilled especially on the tech interview, it is not consistent from my experience.
CX would be first choice as you would have a ready made career. HKIAA second as you log hours and the belong to you, no P2X ones and likely you get in with HK airlines GBA or HK express. Cape Town would be third as you will need to add a few years onto your journey doing GA probably flying around building your hours.
Also depends on your age, if you are 20 I'd do Cape Town, if you are 35 + I'd focus on the other two
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 4
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From: Hong Kong
Which flight school in South Africa, what are the costs? You just want a CPL or Multi Engine instrument rating Atpl exams etc?
How many hours do you have. For what it's worth some people have an easy road in CX application and others get grilled especially on the tech interview, it is not consistent from my experience.
CX would be first choice as you would have a ready made career. HKIAA second as you log hours and the belong to you, no P2X ones and likely you get in with HK airlines GBA or HK express. Cape Town would be third as you will need to add a few years onto your journey doing GA probably flying around building your hours.
Also depends on your age, if you are 20 I'd do Cape Town, if you are 35 + I'd focus on the other two
How many hours do you have. For what it's worth some people have an easy road in CX application and others get grilled especially on the tech interview, it is not consistent from my experience.
CX would be first choice as you would have a ready made career. HKIAA second as you log hours and the belong to you, no P2X ones and likely you get in with HK airlines GBA or HK express. Cape Town would be third as you will need to add a few years onto your journey doing GA probably flying around building your hours.
Also depends on your age, if you are 20 I'd do Cape Town, if you are 35 + I'd focus on the other two
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 48
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From: Hong Kong
Still researching and gathering information/costs for Cape Town. Also looking into New Zealand as an option too but in general, the costs are looking to be around 40-60% of HKIAA cadet program. I'd eventually want a multi engine instrument rating ATPL. I applied to CX cadet program 12 years ago and didn't make it after the interview. Since then, my career took another path and I've enough saved to consider HKIAA cadet program. I'm not young anymore, just turned 35 but the idea of pursuing this path again puts a smile on my face. I have no hours but have done a discovery flight in Cape Town and loved it. Will be going back to Cape Town this April for more.
Younger than me buddy, been rejected from CX too and looking at other options.
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 29
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From: Hong Kong
Still researching and gathering information/costs for Cape Town. Also looking into New Zealand as an option too but in general, the costs are looking to be around 40-60% of HKIAA cadet program. I'd eventually want a multi engine instrument rating ATPL. I applied to CX cadet program 12 years ago and didn't make it after the interview. Since then, my career took another path and I've enough saved to consider HKIAA cadet program. I'm not young anymore, just turned 35 but the idea of pursuing this path again puts a smile on my face. I have no hours but have done a discovery flight in Cape Town and loved it. Will be going back to Cape Town this April for more.
The three options you have stated, it's quite easy to choose actually, it is like asking, should I buy a phone with my own money, or, should I sign up a bundle plan with Smartone or CSL or 3 to get a phone. As a 35 year old with substantial work experiences, I trust that you have the ability to see it through.
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2024
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From: Hong Kong
Based on what you wrote here, I don't think you really figure out what you want out of Aviation, because if you did, you would have kept trying on Cathay 12 years ago, you would have kept trying on Dragonair as well, you would have gotten some flying hours in between, and you would not have waited for 12 years to start considering about this career. Something must have stopped you and only you know what it is.
The three options you have stated, it's quite easy to choose actually, it is like asking, should I buy a phone with my own money, or, should I sign up a bundle plan with Smartone or CSL or 3 to get a phone. As a 35 year old with substantial work experiences, I trust that you have the ability to see it through.
Choosing one of the 3 options i listed is has many more factors to consider. For example, given CX's historical behaviour with withholding SO promotions, and the sheer number of cadets they have recruited since the reopening of the program, is this a position I want to put myself in and commit to for the next 6 years when I'm not so young anymore? However, given the shortage of pilots in Hong Kong, will CX change how they operate and handle cadets in a more favourable way? I am not familiar with the aviation industry, hence why I started a thread, in hopes of getting advice from those with more experience and have a better idea so I could make a more informed decision. So, no, to me this is not the same as choosing a phone.
Your entire response is your opinion and judgement of me as a person, and what you felt like I should have done without understanding any of my background. Nothing about what you wrote helps me make a more informed decision and also not productive in any way in answering the topic of this thread. If you have nothing objective to contribute, save your time. There's no internet points to be won here if that's what you're looking for.
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 48
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From: Hong Kong
Based on what you wrote here, I don't think you really figure out what you want out of Aviation, because if you did, you would have kept trying on Cathay 12 years ago, you would have kept trying on Dragonair as well, you would have gotten some flying hours in between, and you would not have waited for 12 years to start considering about this career. Something must have stopped you and only you know what it is.
The three options you have stated, it's quite easy to choose actually, it is like asking, should I buy a phone with my own money, or, should I sign up a bundle plan with Smartone or CSL or 3 to get a phone. As a 35 year old with substantial work experiences, I trust that you have the ability to see it through.
The three options you have stated, it's quite easy to choose actually, it is like asking, should I buy a phone with my own money, or, should I sign up a bundle plan with Smartone or CSL or 3 to get a phone. As a 35 year old with substantial work experiences, I trust that you have the ability to see it through.
As an aside, Trigonometry, are you with CX or any other local airlines, been on any of these courses? Your input would be appreciated.
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9
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From: Hong Kong
Forgive the spoiled kid 
Yes, it's called life. Not going to sit around and put all my eggs in one basket. Some of us don't have that luxury and it doesn't mean I want this career any less. It does mean I have bills to pay. Hence why after many years, I've saved up for the option to try this route again.
If you can compare choosing a lifelong career path with buying a phone, then good for you. You must live an extraordinarily fortunate life.
Choosing one of the 3 options i listed is has many more factors to consider. For example, given CX's historical behaviour with withholding SO promotions, and the sheer number of cadets they have recruited since the reopening of the program, is this a position I want to put myself in and commit to for the next 6 years when I'm not so young anymore? However, given the shortage of pilots in Hong Kong, will CX change how they operate and handle cadets in a more favourable way? I am not familiar with the aviation industry, hence why I started a thread, in hopes of getting advice from those with more experience and have a better idea so I could make a more informed decision. So, no, to me this is not the same as choosing a phone.
Your entire response is your opinion and judgement of me as a person, and what you felt like I should have done without understanding any of my background. Nothing about what you wrote helps me make a more informed decision and also not productive in any way in answering the topic of this thread. If you have nothing objective to contribute, save your time. There's no internet points to be won here if that's what you're looking for.
If you can compare choosing a lifelong career path with buying a phone, then good for you. You must live an extraordinarily fortunate life.
Choosing one of the 3 options i listed is has many more factors to consider. For example, given CX's historical behaviour with withholding SO promotions, and the sheer number of cadets they have recruited since the reopening of the program, is this a position I want to put myself in and commit to for the next 6 years when I'm not so young anymore? However, given the shortage of pilots in Hong Kong, will CX change how they operate and handle cadets in a more favourable way? I am not familiar with the aviation industry, hence why I started a thread, in hopes of getting advice from those with more experience and have a better idea so I could make a more informed decision. So, no, to me this is not the same as choosing a phone.
Your entire response is your opinion and judgement of me as a person, and what you felt like I should have done without understanding any of my background. Nothing about what you wrote helps me make a more informed decision and also not productive in any way in answering the topic of this thread. If you have nothing objective to contribute, save your time. There's no internet points to be won here if that's what you're looking for.
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 56
Likes: 2
From: Hong Kong
I love this. If Monica C still around she would most certainly give the OP a hard time on his/her passion at the interview.
12 years since your first try and you still have 0 hours under your belt? Not even 10 hours GFT which was offered by AFTC which only costs around 10k hkd? Wow. That says it all.
12 years since your first try and you still have 0 hours under your belt? Not even 10 hours GFT which was offered by AFTC which only costs around 10k hkd? Wow. That says it all.
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Hong Kong
I love this. If Monica C still around she would most certainly give the OP a hard time on his/her passion at the interview.
12 years since your first try and you still have 0 hours under your belt? Not even 10 hours GFT which was offered by AFTC which only costs around 10k hkd? Wow. That says it all.
12 years since your first try and you still have 0 hours under your belt? Not even 10 hours GFT which was offered by AFTC which only costs around 10k hkd? Wow. That says it all.
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 56
Likes: 2
From: Hong Kong
Previous HR for cadets hiring. Old soul. Left with other Fight Crew Recruitment ladies during Covid.
"During the 55 weeks in Adelaide, you will have sufficient time to work on your English skills," said Monica Chang, assistant manager of flight crew recruitment at Cathay Pacific Airways. "That shouldn't be a threat, as practice makes perfect. The most important thing is a passion to fly."
https://www.cpjobs.com/hk/article/passion-fly
"During the 55 weeks in Adelaide, you will have sufficient time to work on your English skills," said Monica Chang, assistant manager of flight crew recruitment at Cathay Pacific Airways. "That shouldn't be a threat, as practice makes perfect. The most important thing is a passion to fly."
https://www.cpjobs.com/hk/article/passion-fly
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 52
Likes: 2
From: Straya
Flying for an airline and flying as a private pilot is a totally different thing. One could have a pure joy in the latter but not the former. Think the OP needs to do a heaps of research before even consider going down the cadet path. As my nephew always says, why do I need to work for an Airline that makes stupid robotic policies while keep cutting down cost, when I have so much freedom, so much joy, so much room for promotion in my current job? You wanna control your hobbies, not let your hobbies control you. Cheers.
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 56
Likes: 2
From: Hong Kong
Flying for an airline and flying as a private pilot is a totally different thing. One could have a pure joy in the latter but not the former. Think the OP needs to do a heaps of research before even consider going down the cadet path. As my nephew always says, why do I need to work for an Airline that makes stupid robotic policies while keep cutting down cost, when I have so much freedom, so much joy, so much room for promotion in my current job? You wanna control your hobbies, not let your hobbies control you. Cheers.
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Hong Kong
Previous HR for cadets hiring. Old soul. Left with other Fight Crew Recruitment ladies during Covid.
"During the 55 weeks in Adelaide, you will have sufficient time to work on your English skills," said Monica Chang, assistant manager of flight crew recruitment at Cathay Pacific Airways. "That shouldn't be a threat, as practice makes perfect. The most important thing is a passion to fly."
https://www.cpjobs.com/hk/article/passion-fly
"During the 55 weeks in Adelaide, you will have sufficient time to work on your English skills," said Monica Chang, assistant manager of flight crew recruitment at Cathay Pacific Airways. "That shouldn't be a threat, as practice makes perfect. The most important thing is a passion to fly."
https://www.cpjobs.com/hk/article/passion-fly
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Hong Kong
Still researching and gathering information/costs for Cape Town. Also looking into New Zealand as an option too but in general, the costs are looking to be around 40-60% of HKIAA cadet program. I'd eventually want a multi engine instrument rating ATPL. I applied to CX cadet program 12 years ago and didn't make it after the interview. Since then, my career took another path and I've enough saved to consider HKIAA cadet program. I'm not young anymore, just turned 35 but the idea of pursuing this path again puts a smile on my face. I have no hours but have done a discovery flight in Cape Town and loved it. Will be going back to Cape Town this April for more.
I think we are in similar situation, just I am even older haha. I just got my PPL in South Africa this year. It was a great experience. I didn’t do the training in Cape Town, but in Pretoria, Wonderboom National Airport.
As local HKger, don’t really have too many choices to be a pilot. I think it is still a good option to join Cathay’s Cadet Pilot Programme.
For HKIAA programme, good that you have the money to do it, but I don’t haha. So no much I can comment on. But with the license you will acquire, I think you would have more options, just not guarantee.
For CPL in Cape Town, really need to do more research on the flight school. Ask for their aircraft/instructor to student ratio, coz if their resources is not enough, it will make your progress sluggish… and you may need more hours coz you don’t fly consistently. I had that problem… Also, there are many frustrations living in SA haha.
You are welcome to contact me. I am more than happy to share my experience of flight training in SA.
