US Resident (Non-HK) Not Eligible for CPP: Looking Into CX
 

I am at the moment coming on 16 y/o (12 more days). I don't know if I am just planning too early, but to sum it up I am an aviation enthusiast.

I have been around flight sim since FS98->FS2004. Now not just stick in the cockpit hit the startup button and taxi on the grass way. I have sat down using the most intricate equipment that resemble real-life equipment as best as possible. (PMDG/RFP) and have gone through Real-Like start-up procedure as well as FMC Operation, SID/STARS, the whole shebang. I see that at my age I am quite knowledgeable in the field. I see myself as a HUGE aviation enthusiast. I have read through hundreds of pages of training manuals for various aircraft learning the ins/outs.

I have been thinking hard in pursuing a career in aviation and maybe it's my family in HK or just all I have read about CX, but I see Cathay as my truly top choice in career. When I heard about the Cathay Pacific Pilot Program I was thrilled as I thought it was just the right thing for me when I hit 18. When I saw it was open to HK Residents only, I was depressed and quickly saddened.

From there I beleived the only path would be startin gon my own, flight school, etc. And try to build my career on that and hopefully one day reach the point where I could qualify to apply to CX as a SO.

Does anyone have any suggestions for me? At 16 I want to get some things planned before it's too late to make them. Thanks again. :)

Are you sure you can't get HK resident status? If you were born there you pretty much qualifies. If you don't qualify, then do what everyone else does. PPL -> CPL -> Instructor / Bush flying -> Airline or USAF.

Damn, I'm feeling lazy by comparison after reading that...

That family you've got in HK wouldn't be any help in getting resident status? Don't take it too hard - it seems most of the people on the forum got to CX by going the longer way; through general aviation, followed by airlines and/or military. At 16, your "plan" doesn't need to go too far beyond getting your basic licenses. I started flying at 17, just finished college, am slogging it out in the US regionals, and I would consider myself a serious contender for CX in the next couple of years. Work in MS Flight Sim's a great start, but not exactly resume fodder. You're already way ahead of the game, now just get out there and start flying some bug smashers! The 744's will have to wait for now.

Go get a girl, she will take your mind off flying

hey, im 17 and much like you (read loads of manuals, stare outta the window every flight, do all the landing stuff and ATC calls on the flight sim,..also done a flying scholarship (see if your school or flying club does one it looks great on an application and is alot of fun) absolutely crazy about flying have been since about 4 y/o. Im currently going through the CX CPP. the guys above seem to know what they're speakin about, Firstly though keep inquiring about whether you can apply for an HK resident, it is worth it, it shall save you alot of money! Failing that go through the self fund route, although people like you and me dont really have several thousand dollars/pounds lying around to get licences all that easily, military is a nice way to get hours, adreline flying, and then move to CX once eligble/ready. Just some ideas...

Cheers and good luck

Bjbb:ok:

MAW, it sounds like you have some goals. Just get out there and start flying! I started when I was 17. I got a private pilots certificate and then went to college earned a bachelors degree in three years as well as the rest of my certificates. I worked as a mechanic on airplanes while in school for some spending money. Get an instructing job and build hours. Fly for a small cargo operator or regional airline to build more hours. Then move on from there. That route worked for me and I made it to the captains seat on a 747 freighter 11 years after I learned to fly. Now I'm looking at heading to the CX interview... There are many roads you can take, just find one that works for you! GT:)

GlobeTrotter747: that's impressive. 747 Captain at 28. Congrats. and Good luck with CX

GT747:

:ooh:

...holy crap.

I'll make captain at 23, but not on any 747. Good luck at the CX interview, just don't set the bar too high for lowly turboprop drivers like myself!

I doubt I could set the bar high... I'm not a genius, just proof you can do anything you put your mind to and work hard to achieve it...GT:)