Congratulations! Was just wondering when exactly did you go for your medical and how long did it roughly take for them to give you the call back? Did you just receive the call today? I am also done with my medical and waiting for the call back.

Hi, may I check how long is it from your medical to the news of the intake?

Thanks

Hi there,

In my case, more or less a month from the date of receiving C1 medical (certified as 'FIT') to the call. However, it may differ as to candidate.

Hi,
Went for medical end of September, received the call 1 1/2 months later. Cheers

Do u mind sharing some interview questions or preparation that you did and was helpful? Many thanks

Hi everyone,

I am stuck at a crossroad in life and I would appreciate some help or advice at this point of time.

A little history about me:
I applied for SQ back in April 2018 and got rejected at the preliminaries in May 2018. After that, I proceeded to apply for Scoot in May 2018 and got rejected at the Assessment Center in August 2018. After which, I went to get a non-aviation related job after getting my Degree in August 2018. After some considerations to getting a private CAAS CPL ME+IR with Frozen ATPL, I applied for L3 Airline Academy through Revion ground school. I am now waiting for my Class 1 medical before I sign the contract with Revion and L3 which my course begins in Jan 2019.

I have been to a pilot recruitment exhibition at Crowne Plaza recently and saw many jobless low hour pilots/cadets, some whom flown here specifically to attend the event. However, the event was recruiting for FOs and CAs mainly and many were left disappointed. After talking and getting to know some of them, it seems that there are too many low hour CPL holders and not enough jobs for them.

Current situation:
This is when it dawned on me that I have a high chance of being one of them after finishing my CAAS CPL course and now I have doubts enrolling in the program. I was hoping to re-apply for the SQ and Scoot cadet programs but I could only apply for Scoot in the next intake (Feb-Mar) onwards. As for SQ, it has been 6 months since my rejection but the application page when I log into my account, does not allow me to apply as it only shows that "You have applied on ##/May/2018". My friend, whom also got rejected in May 2018 at the aptitude test phase, faces the same problem as me.

The decision:
Should I,
A: Continue with my CAAS CPL in Jan 2019 and at the same time wait to apply for SQ and Scoot cadet program.

B: Postpone my CAAS CPL to Jul 2019 (Next intake) and wait to apply for SQ and Scoot cadet program.

C: Pull out from my CAAS CPL and solely focus on applying on cadet programs. (SQ, Scoot, Air Arabia, airBaltic, etc.)

I will be borrowing the amount of money for the CPL from my parents which they said are their retirement money.

I am wavering in committing to my CPL course now because of the amount of jobless CPL holders and I am unsure if in 2 years time when I complete it, would the situation be the same or will it be more beneficial.

I would appreciate any advice and reasoning. Thank you

Hi there,
I believe I shared a post previously on the type of questions. Cannot recall all the exact questions at this given point, however the following are pertinent thematically, based on my interviews:

1) Geography (direction, maps, countries, oceans etc.)
2) Know the airline (org. structure, key management, fleet, destinations, future orders etc.)
3) Quick maths/arithmetic practice (many online sites have free tests)
4) Leadership questions, traits, problem-solving, interview etiquette etc.
5) Technical is a must, however basic to advanced, based on your level of understanding and exposure. Ultimately, you must be able to explain in your own comfortable words.
7) Air accident investigation reports (preliminary / final reports whichever available) to understand causes/effect of crashes.
6) Be Honest - If you do not know, say you do not know. No room for speculation in the flight deck.

More or less as such! Cheers and good luck. Most importantly, keep in good health! That is the final hurdle.

SSS0388;

Hey thanks for the tips and congratulations on being selected as a cadet! would you mind sharing the sequence of your CAAS and SIA medical check up? I tried looking up this online but I couldn't find any. But hey, it's totally fine if you find it uncomfortable to share. Cheers

Hey bro,
From what I gathered you should be in your mid 20s? If so, honestly you still have some time.

Understand it is a tough decision as I am in the same boat except my only option is the private way due to age. What you could do since you currently have a job is to do your ATPL theory with Revion as a part time student. that way you can earn both a salary and pay off your 25k without much loans. that should be done probably by 4th quarter next year.By then, you should be able to know if you got through for Scoot or SIA and maybe Jetstar if they open again.

If you still don't land a job with the airlines, what you could do by then (with your theory papers) and if it still something you want, would be to continue with obtaining your CPL privately. This would give you some time to save up as well =)

The way I see it is you still have some time on your side with quite abit of options. All the best!

Any one knows how strict is SQ with high chloestrol levels?

There is no specific requirements given during the medical but there will be a range on the report, eg > 300 high, stuff like that. If you are within the borderline I think you should be fine.

Thank you. I have been invited for the pre-lim interview (2nd attempt). Hope I have prepared enough this time :)

Hi everyone,

I just want to say good luck to everyone who are in the preliminary and final stages of the cadet pilot program.

A little background on my experience on the cadet pilot process:
I have completed all 4 stages and am awaiting their final approval reply. It took roughly 2 to 2.5 months from start to finish.

Personally, I find that the entire interview and selection process is very stringent and tough as they would want to select the best candidates possible. The interview process setup is very well managed and professional.

1. Be prepared for every scenario possible as questions can be asked from any industry and from any perspective.
2. Brush up on Singapore Airlines' history
- current and past fleet and size (SIA/MI/TR/CARGO)
- average fleet age
- SIA routes - what aircraft are flown on those routes
- awards SIA has won over the years
3. Why do you want to be a pilot? - prove it? what makes you so different than every candidate out there? Why should we choose you?
4. Keep up with current aviation news
5. Watch Air Crash Investigations - if not just make sure you read up on those crashes
6. Watch the documentary on SIA on YouTube.
7. Know everything about the major aircraft types plus engines - (i.e. MTOW, Thrust, MLW, Range, Capacity, Hydraulic System)

When answering the interviewers, be firm with your answer and if possible, justify your views. DO NOT be a timid person who mumbles when replying.

I personally believe that the interviewers are looking for candidates who can think out of the box.

I wish everyone all the best in the interviews and aptitude test. Be confident in your answers and don't be disheartened if you do not get selected. There are other pathways to fulfill your dreams to fly.

Hi everyone,
I’ve recently went through the whole interview process about a month ago.

Having scoured this thread and other information sources online to prepare myself for it, it's time now that I give back to the community as well. I will try to be as detailed as possible, this is from my personal experience and talking to others who interviewed before or on the same day as me.

But if you have questions do ask! So, here goes!

From date of Application:
- Invitation +2 weeks
- Initial Interview & Aptitude Test +2 weeks
- Final Interview: + 4 weeks
- Medical: Friday of Final interview week
- *Medical results: +2-4 weeks
- Contract offer: +2-4 weeks
- Course start date: +2-3 months

Some preparation tips in general:
- Practice speaking your answers! What sounds like a perfect answer in your mind, may come out sounding terrible if nerves get in the way. This will also help in trying to remember your points for answers you've prepared.
- Prepare Prepare Prepare! Think of every possible question they might ask and prepare an answer, I prepared a long list of questions and answers which really helped me in the interview. That way you won't be scrambling for a coherent answer in the interview room. Even then, there will still be surprises!
- Smile! It helps to ease the tension in the interview, the interviewers are quite friendly (in my case)! Even though it is a job interview, they are not there to make you fail on purpose.

Also, to aid in your preparation, here's a list of questions & information I prepared for the interview:

Personal questions:
1. What defines you?
2. Why be an airline pilot?
3. Why should you be chosen?
4. How will you contribute to the airline?
5. What did you do to pursue your dream to be a pilot?
6. Why SIA?
7. What challenging situations have you faced before, and how did you do?
8. What are your strengths/weaknesses?
9. What is an example of when you have displayed leadership?

Technical questions:
*While you can’t be expected to know everything in detail, it does help to show your interest and understanding
1. How does an airplane fly
2. Flight controls/FBW
3. Basic flight instruments & how they work
4. Navigation aids/ILS
5. How Jet engines work, basic types
6. Electrical systems
7. ETOPS/EDTO
8. Fuel systems & planning
9. Knowledge that explains recent flight incidents/accidents

Company Questions:
1. History of SIA (Malayan -> MSA -> SIA)
2. Subsidiaries/divisions (SQC,SLK)
3. Fleet types & numbers
4. News & developments in the airline/industry

Initial Interview Day:
The process of each day is the same as most have already mentioned, so I'll just note a few things down.

The initial interview seems to be a first-come-first-serve order, once you get your documents processed by HR, you'll be asked to wait at another area until you are called. There are 3 interview rooms with 2 interviewers each, you'll be assigned to a room and wait for the interviewers to invite you in. Your bags will be left outside the room, and you go in. Standard things, shake their hands, don't sit till you are asked to, and try to remember their names. The interview took about 30 minutes.

The first interview was a broad range of questions. Be very prepared to answer all sorts of questions.
- Have a good introduction. That will hopefully lead the interviewers into asking questions that you are prepared for, if not they can ask anything under the Sun.
- Questions will be tailored each individual. If you are currently studying, there will be questions on what you are studying. If you are currently working, you will be asked why you are changing jobs.
- Keep up with current events/airline news. Know the company's history, any new flights/aircraft, know the entire fleet preferably. My interview was on the morning after the inaugural SIN-EWR flight, so that was asked!
- Technical knowledge, each answer you ask will be the basis for the next question. Be careful with your answers, if you use an aviation term to explain your first question, you can bet you will have to explain that term for the next question. Anticipate these and prepare for them.
- Decision making thought process. Don't rush into an answer, think through your decision and articulate your reasons, which might be questioned, so be confident!
- Work on your weaknesses, they have your CV and can ask questions accordingly. Eg. if you scored badly for Geography in school, expect a question on that.

Here are the questions they asked me:
1. Introduce yourself
2. What do you know about SIA and why join SIA
3. Engine out scenario
4. ILS, ETOPS, EDTO (Extended diversion time ops)
5. How an Airspeed indicator works
6. How is a flight planned/flown
7. SIA fleet
8. Recent SIA news (A359ULR)
9. Give up Degree for flying?* (I’m in my final Semester in Uni)
10. Why didn't join SIA earlier / Why not try for the air force
11. Where do you get knowledge from?

After the interview, you'll be waiting at yet another area for your results. Once HR has collated the results for a certain number of people, they will come by to announce the results. It was rather brutal to be honest, the names were called out, and only after that did they say that these names, did not make it through.

It was rather scary for myself and a few others because we were not sure if we had heard our names being called out, so we had to double check with HR later on. For those that passed, we were given some time to have our lunch before commencing with the aptitude test in the afternoon, which lasted for about 2 hours, and was quite mentally draining. After the aptitude test, you are free to leave the building, and just wait for the email on your results, which came in 2 days for me.

Aptitude Test Preparation & Tips:
- There are about 12+ different tests as mentioned here (will post link later when I can)
- For most tests, there will be adequate time to finish and sometimes be able to go back and check your answers. However, don't take too long or you'll end up not completing all the questions.
- Regarding the IQ tests, these would involve Shape/Number Patterns, Unwrapped Cube faces and possibly more that I don't recall. Just try out some of the free online IQ tests to get a feel of the common ways they set such questions, and the pattern of answers where they try to throw you off in the wrong direction of thinking (looking for shape, colour, number of shapes etc.)
- For the multi-tasking tests, sit back and use your peripheral vision to track changes on the entire screen, do not become fixated on any single instrument/point on the screen
- The tests to test your psychomotor skills & reaction times are difficult, things move VERY QUICKLY. Be very alert.

Final interview Day:
The reporting time was 12.30pm in the afternoon, make sure you have a heavy lunch because you won't be eating until the tea party! There were 8 interviewees that day, when everyone was present HR led us into a small meeting room to process our documents. You'll also be briefed that the Medical (should you pass), would be on Friday the same week, so try to keep that day clear!

After that would be the short essay writing, on "Why do you want to be an airline pilot". They're not strict on the 50 word-count rule, just approximately 50 words is fine. After the essays are collected, there was a short break before the interviews began. This time, there was a fixed order on who goes in first, so bring some notes or a book to read in case you're the last person to be interviewed, you'll be waiting in the meeting room for about 3 hours!
When the previous person returns from their interview to retrieve their bag, the next person goes out to wait at the chair outside the interview room. I swear this is one of the most nerve-wrecking situations I've ever been in, I could feel my heart jumping out of my chest! Once the interviewers are ready, they will open the door to invite you in. Same etiquette as before in the initial interview, although in my case I guess they were rushing a bit to finish all the interviews on time because when I reached over the table to shake their hands, they asked me to take a seat straight away and didn't introduce themselves either, leaving it for the Tea party later.

The final interview was mostly about your motivations to become an airline pilot. They will have your written essay with them, from which they can ask further questions. There were still a few technical questions, but it was much less focused on than in the first interview. This time it was also slightly shorter, maybe around 20-25 mins.

- Know yourself. Why are you there, why do you want to be an airline pilot, and not something else? Why do you choose to change careers?
- Showcase yourself. They have your CV on hand, and will know if you held a leadership position before, had bad grades, had 2 jobs before etc. They will ask about them. If it’s a good point that they picked out, show your capabilities BUT be humble! If it’s a bad point they picked out, show what you learnt from it and how you improved yourself from it.

Here are the questions they asked:
1. Why are you here, why do you want to fly?
2. What is your favourite aircraft, why, elaborate something about it
3. Family background, why not pursue a different career?
4. Studies background, NS background, Leadership background
5. Why do airplanes fly at high altitudes? Specific fuel consumption
6. How you can contribute back to SIA
I think showing your long-term commitment is probably useful, since the airline doesn't want to spend $150,000+ to train you, only to have you leave for China/UAE after the 7 year bond.

After the interview, I retrieved my bag from the meeting room, and gathered with the earlier interviewees at the waiting area. You're free to move around and refresh yourself, until the last guy comes out from the interview. The Tea party was really an informal chit-chat session with the interviewers, you get to ask anything you want that's related, there's snacks and drinks but most of us just stood there holding our drinks in one hand throughout the tea party, hard to ask questions with your mouth full! After the tea party, you are free to leave the building, and the results will be emailed the next day.

*Medical:
SIA requires both Class 1 & 2 Medical, both will be reimbursed at a later date. For the CAAS Class 1 medical, I paid for my own medical before sending in my application to SIA. I was still required to go for a class 2 medical (basically the same tests), as well as the company's pre-employment medical.

Reason being I was worried that if I managed to pass the final interview but fail the medical, then as SIA does not allow re-applications for final interviewees, then my chance would be wasted, if I manage to resolve the medical issue eventually. This is not necessary, entirely up to yourself, if it gives you a peace of mind like for me!
Costs were $115 application fee to CAAS and $500+ to Raffles Medical for the actual medical examination itself.

TL-DR – Read the bolded parts, and prepare prepare prepare! Hope this comes in useful!

Wow thank you so much for the very detailed and updated guide.

Well done my friend and all the best - very detailed and helpful to fellow aspirants and interviewees!

Hi There.

Anyone going for preliminary iv on 19 January 2018 Kuala Lumpur?

Hey, I received your PM but I can't reply as your inbox is full.

I'm not sure what these preparation tests you have are as I did not subscribe to it, but there's a previous post which details most of the tests as far as i can remember. I meant to include a url in my previous post, but I don't have enough posts to allow that. You can refer to Page 78 Post #1547 in this thread instead.

The best advice i can give is just to read the instructions very carefully on each page before you begin. For most tests you will be able to go back and check/change your answers so don't get stuck on a question for too long, you can always return to it after finishing the rest of the questions. Also, for the multi-tasking tests, sit back and use your peripheral vision to keep track, don't be fixated on any individual section and miss changes in other parts.

If you have any more questions feel free to ask, I'll be glad to help! All the best!

Hi guys,

I was just wondering, for those who passed the final interview and went for the medical, does anyone know what is the average waiting time for a reply?

I did my medical on 2nd November 2018.

Also, for Malaysians, would we receive an email or phone call?

Thanks

Hi there, thank you I will study the details post 1547 page 78.

I just cleared my inbox can you send me the url.

May i know currently SIA offer you to do MPL or normal CPL ATPL?

Thanks bro for helping us aspiring pilot.

The medical results itself will take between 2-4 weeks from the date of the medical, however that is only for the CAAS side of things. SIA will call & email you when they have done their own reviews and are ready to offer you a position, that will be an additional 2-4 weeks also. The actual time differs for everyone, while I got my call from SIA within 2 weeks from the CAAS medical results, I know of others who waited for a few months. As for Malaysians, I don't know the answer to your question, all the best though!

You're welcome! I'm just an aspiring pilot too, glad to help others pursuing the same dream :)
I'm unable to send urls yet, but its basically the Page 78 post 1547 I mentioned. SIA's program is for an MPL.

Hi KWS_787,

It really depends, there is no fixed answer for everyone.
Reason being some candidates might have issues with their medical reports etc.
As for myself, I had to go back to Singapore (I'm a Malaysian) the following Tuesday after medical on Friday to re-do my urine sample.

Once that is done, all you can do is wait.
Just to share, getting your Class 1 Medical from CAAS does not guarantee you the cadetship from SIA.
There are a few candidates who did not get the final call-up to report to SIA even after obtaining their Class 1 Medical.
Your application will still be screened by SIA internally before you get the phone call from the HR to resign from your current job and report.

Personally, I did my medical late September 2018, and only got the call from HR early November to report in January 2019.

If you need more info, don't hesitate to ask or pm me if you feel more comfortable to do so.

Cheers.

----------------------------------------
You can’t use the Private Messaging system, add url links or images until you have an established posting history.

Hey,
For Malaysians - you would receive a phone call, followed by an instructional e-mail.
My wait time - approx. 1 month from the date of obtaining Class 1 fit certification from CAAS.

Cheers.

Thanks for the update.

Fingers crossed as I am about to reach 2 months since the medical.

Cheers

Hi there, congratulations for being called to attend preliminary iv. May i know when you submitted your application? Mine seems still in review status.

Hi there.

I applied in September at SIA website.

Take about 2 month for the recruitment team to come back and asking me the suitable dates and venue for the preliminary iv.

Just keep positive maybe they need to check thousand of application so this may time consuming for them.

Happy new year guys and may our motivation to become future aviator keep burning up.

Hi niejabelle.

For me the recruitment team send me an e-mail with available dates and venue for the preliminary interview.

Then you required to choose one date and venue by replying to their e-mail as per their requested format.

Keep positive.

Hello everyone and a very Happy New Year! It is great to join this discussion after I've closely watching this forum for some time throughout my journey through the interview process.
I've completed my CAAS medical on 05/12/2018 and is now eagerly waiting for the magic call. May I know anyone here who is also at the same stage? Thank you.

Congratulations :)
Mind sharing with us your interview process since some of us will be having their first round interview on 19th January 2019.
Thanks a lot.

The process is exactly the same as shared in post 4181 above. I just want to share that contrary to what I've read in this forum and hardwarezone, my interviewers in both the preliminary and final interviews were very friendly and kind.

Waiting list
 

I did my medicals late Oct, now waiting for the call. Any group chat out there for those who waiting ?

Any group chat out there for those whos waiting for call ? I cleared C1 on 24 Oct.

Wow, that's more than 2 months ago. Looks like I still have a long time to wait.

Hello, I'll be going to the interview on 19th & 20th Jan in Kuala Lumpur.
I received the email which asked for my date and location preferences and SIA replied me that another email will be sent to me again about the exact date, time and venue of this interview closer to date of interview. However, I haven't receive the email from SIA yet.
May I know has anyone receive the email of the venue, time and other info?
Also, do you guys have any idea about the preparation for Aptitude Test?

Best Regards

There is a comprehensive review post of the Aptitude test in this forum. It consists of 12 parts.

Hi there,
Will SIA really ask an Ab-Initio pilot candidate these technical questions?
For Example,
What is Dutch Roll?
What is ILS, ETOPS, EDTO?
What is Stall?
Navigation Aids, Electrical Systems, Flight Controls?