Is Cathay worth it?
 

I have been turned down about four years ago after the second interview.
I was told that if I got some heavier experience I could get another shot.
I have been flying the B747-400 for a while now.
During the years I made quite a few friends flying for Cathay and it seems like they are more misrable then the avarage pilot.
It seems like they QOL and pay are pretty desent(compared to other Airlines) but the usual complain I get is about the people you work with and have to put up with.
Training department being extremley unfriendly, a very anal cockpit enviorment, constant treats with termination, putting down F/O, making you feel bad about your flying skills, never having anything positive to say about you, etc...
Basically a very unfriendly working enviornment.
Is that true, is good money and a nice apartment in Hong Kong worth being miserable, hating to go to work?
Any input is welcome

Stay where you are. A bottom-feeder ACMI carrier is where you belong based upon your language.

Any job any where is what you make of it. It takes a large sense of humor for me to get by at CX. Just when you think it is changing you get a nice reality check and the CO is as questionable as always.

Correct stay where you are. If the information you have gleaned on the cockpit and training environment at CX is correct, then you are better off at a "bottom-feeder ACMI carrier".

it is not worth it.

I often read these forums with interest but sadly there seems to be a trend for people to attack others for no reason other than a poorly worded question or response.

FIRESYSOK this chap asked a perfectly reasonable question and did not deserve the very rude response you gave. If you are an example of the people who work at Cathay then it would seem the rumors we all hear about there being a disproportionate amount tw*ts is true.

is it worth it````
 

Possiblly for guys like myself want to get a crack into a first jet job, its not bad at all, even its sitting behind and make beds.

but for guys have jet times already and flying for cx its more for the money or life style, or simply just want to get out of their old job, i dont know...HARD TO SAY

my account
 

Ive been doing the S/O thing for a year now and my take on the whole thing is pretty positive. The training is pretty particular and you definately cant bull**** your way around here. Ive found the training department very approachable and helpful. Like any company there are some ego chasing knobs but overall i cant complain. Its my first airline job and easily sihts over my previous prop gigs.

It takes a few years for slow learners and maybe a few months for those with previous experience but eventually you will realise that you can be happer elsewhere - trust me.

If you have a thick skin and can go it alone then be my guest otherwise try another outfit.

Is CX worth it?Please ask yourself and not PPRUNE.

Please don't bother to find an answer to your question on a site such as PPRUNE.
Start with why you want to join, do your research.Start with lets say,they bought KA,now they have their eye on BA.What does that tell you?Job security,good management, long career prospect,?Maybe,as long as you are not an ill informed individual (Antipodean especially) that has a tendency to jump the gun and create hell out of nothing then you are ok.

These forums are nothing but an anthology of anecdotes full of nothing but rancor and snobbery that represent the views of a few who wake up each day with the intention of making something out of nothing. Most of the statements on here are a travesty to justice and CX.

Good luck.

I agree with FIRESYSOK. If Flexi Time wishes to apply for a position at Cathay and hopes to pass a selection process, I would assume that a reasonable command of the English language is required. The content of Flexi Time's thread is so badly written, considering he lives in Miami, that I would not even let him walk through the interview door. How you present yourself, whether by appearance or how you express yourself verbally, says more than a CV. Flexi Time - you are better off staying where you are now.

YES IT IS

There are compromises, but overall, it is definitelly worth it without any doubt.

Concur with the above. I like it.

For the grammar police out there, perhaps he had been drinking while posting. Until we see further posts from him, it's difficult to form an opinion.

I can, however, form an opinion of officious twits who trash a pilot based solely on his grammatical errors. I know numerous capable pilots who are sorely lacking when it comes to writing skills but can fly the he!! out of an airplane.

Style over substance at Cathay, eh? TC

Yes, you´re right, my English sucks!
English is not my first language. Somehow I managed to get by for the last
9000 hours even though I don´t speak the queens English.

What´s even scarier is that I don´t hold that Royal JAA license, all I have is that cheap FAA ticket, I mean what do Americans know about aviation, they had nothing to do with aviation history, manufacturing of Aircraft, there´s not even any air commerce going on there.

airbusa330, I never doubted the fact that Cathay is a secure, stable, financially strong company with a great business plan.

What worries me in reapplying is having to work with people such as FIRESYSOK and Bushbuck.

It´s only obvious that these type of people have a serious issue with the size of their manhood and being able to satisfy a woman.

When those type of people make it to a managerial position they like to put other people down to make themselves feel better about their short comings.
I wouldn´t even have a problem if they where just fellow F/O´s. but if they are Captains, Training Captains, Check airmen, sim instructors etc, I fear that I might end up bitch slapping one of these guys and that won´t be good

"making you feel bad about your flying skills, never having anything positive to say about you, etc...
Basically a very unfriendly working enviornment."

"what do Americans know about aviation, they had nothing to do with aviation history, manufacturing of Aircraft, there´s not even any air commerce going on there."

Don't know for sure since I haven't spent one minute of my life on the property, so my analysis might be way off, BUT:

Maybe part of the complaining is from Americans who are not used to non-PC work environment, i.e. if you make a mistake, or struggle in training, or join "with an attitude" (the way WE trained back in my PREVIOUS airline...), the critique will not be sugarcoated; and there will be no grieving through an effective union when things don't go your way. In addition, I bet the Aussies, Kiwis, S-Africans, the Euro(trash ;)) etc will not hesitate to rip on their fellow American aviators; especially since there might be the notion among some Americans that since the early 1900, they've been the real shiznits on the aviation block.

Seems like the pilot group at CX has remained relatively diverse over the decades, with a steady stream of wannabees from all over the world. A good percentage of guys getting on, stay, and enjoy their stay. The few who leave for "greener pastures' no doubt have enough negative to say about CX, otherwise they would've stayed.

Ask me in a few years, after real time-on-the-property experience, and I might have a different opinion. For now I'd say it's worth it. Otherwise I wouldn't be pursuing it.

T

P.S. My non-Queen's English is not my native tongue either...

"there might be the notion among some Americans that since the early 1900, they've been the real shiznits on the aviation block."

Stupid septic tanks, we all know Brits are the kings of aviation:ok:

Flexi Time

Well I think this forum is more valuable than people think.

In 18 replies I have confirmed that I am more than happy being the bottom feeder employee that I am.

I love my job, have never had any issue with my peers nor my training department and whilst not being paid the salary of a Cathay A scaler, I have decided that they do not print enough George Washington's to ever put up with the lunatics that represent Cathay so badly.

I'm sure that like most communities the vocal few reflect badly on the silent majority but by the sound of it you already have made your mind up.

Listen to your conscience, your family and your friends.

But be very concerned you may have to fly with some of the posters above!

Astra, most sensible post i've seen on this forum for a long time.

"bottom feeding acmi carriers"....what an absolute tosser, were you wedgied frequently at school FIRECOCK?:D

Some absolutely disgusting attitudes on display here from supposed adults. I'm genuinely stunned. Thank God they appear to be in the minority. :ugh:

CX Management.
 

Wasn't there a very nasty episode of the attempted "bottling" of a peanut thrower, by a CX management individual?

Any truth the peanut thrower lost his job, while stings (apron) were pulled and the bottling incident swept under the carpet?

Why you might not want to ever join
 

So you join an airline and put up with all the diffiicult and hostile training environment (read my latest post). You then want to upgrade or after some time on freighter, move onto pax fleet. The company tells you that you are ready for captain but then hires off the street while you stay in the right seat. Now with the downturn it will be years. Think of all the income and 15.5% and allowances it has cost you. Then they hire Direct Entry FO's on the bases while you are stuck on the freighter on freighter terms and conditions. Then as they say we are running out of money and no 13th month they have to pay off collusion charges. On friday they mention corporate code of conduct which is downright hypocricy. Mate this place is awful to work for. It has been for very many years and it has and is getting worse. So many different terms and conditions. Fights now starting to errupt in the cockpits between DEFO's and the current or older CX pilot's. These are not my opinons these are current issues as of today. NO IT IS NOT AT ALL WORTH IT!:mad:

Haha that would be good!! :D

As I have experienced every company has them though (Need bitch slapping more often I think)

Now I haven't gotten in any fights per se in the cockpit. I may have administered an ass whippin' or two but it was hardly a fight. (obviously sarcasm)

I'm your regular old run of the mill Yank and I have found it to be just like anywhere else really. Great guys to fly with and the occasional jerk who may speak several forms of English that aren't the one you speak. I've also found that standing up for yourself works wonders if the bullies decide to go for ya. So far I haven't had any problems and 99.9% of the guys I have flown with have been great. Do I piss and moan every once in a while? Sure I do, we all do but I get over it quick. I've found having a good attitude and a good sense of humor work wonders. Sometimes it is just a simple misunderstanding due to where you grew up. I mean c'mon "Smoking a Fag" could get you the death penalty in Texas :}

The best part is, I get gobs of time off so I have a lot of time to forget about the whole business. I guess it doesn't hurt that I was told I apparently look like a bouncer/security guy when wandering around on the layover. Keeps the expectations low for me.

I mean c'mon "Smoking a Fag" could get you the death penalty in Texas:}

Absolutely hilarious :ok:

You have a good point about being positive and having a good sense of humor. Sure does go a long way to a better personal QOL. IfI remember correctly there is an airline assessment question that asks "Do you always feel that someone is out to get you?" and it seems to me this is where they're trying to figure out how well you'll mesh with everybody else.

That question isn't quite about working well with others.

What is wrong with Flexi_Time's English? His post looks fine to me.....

Are they any women working for CX? I am wondering how a woman pilot is being treated at CX. Is there discrimination, belittling, etc? Can anyone give me some idea?


Thanks

jowong,

In any job and in any industry sector, you will always get the odd Big D!ck who thinks its right to belittle women and take the p1ss out of them. Thankfully, I have seen very very little of this in CX.

Many were ex-FA so they certainly know how to take care of themselves. And they know how to make a bed in the morning :}...

Anyway as I was saying, female pilots are treated with respect here.

There are 2463 pilots in CX; within any group of people you will always have a very small percentage of people who are always bitter and twisted… CX is no exception; it has its small percentage of wankers who seems to spend all there time on pprune.

I haven’t posted on pprune before but I feel obligated to lets the wannabes know that most pilots in CX are very happy and realize they are on one of the best deals in the world. If you listen to the unhappy few, who will be unhappy wherever they go, you will be missing one of the greatest opportunities of your life.

Some CX facts:

1. I spend heaps of time at home with my family, at least 17-18 days off per month plus holidays.
2. My family has traveled the world over many times.
3. Great lifestyle in HK, great place to raise kids.
4. CX pay my mortgage ($8000AUD per month approx)
5. CX pay for my 3 kids to go to private schools ($4500 AUD per month)
6. CX pay me **** loads of money (total package well over $30,000 AUD per month) all at 15% tax.


Am I happy at CX…. What do you think? It doesn’t get any better.

B scale B744 CN (Cos08)

the numbers are inflated and misleading. It would take you 20 years to get near halffull's position ,and it is more than unsure that the conditions will then still be the same ( given the constant erosion of our conditions of service). Also he forgot to tell you, that on all the other fleets you are nowhere near 18 off days, it is more likely to be around 10-12/ month. Also many 400 pilots do fly quite a lot of freight now, which messes up the roster completely.Only the very senior 400 captains do fly mostly long haul pax, but this is for sure a thing of the past. Most probably CX will end up with a pure -400 freighter fleet within the next 5 years anyway, the roster will then be quite unpleasant. Pax service will be 330/350 and 777,so basically always mixed ops with more working days and much less off days.

wankers paradise
 

sisyphos = w*n*e* ???? :}

LOL. Look at Firesysok's location:

"zone of the alienation". That says it all for him.

Alienation may refer to:

• Alienation (property law), the legal transfer of title of ownership to another party
• "Alienation", the medical term for splitting apart of the faculties of the mind
• Social alienation, the individual subject's estrangement from its community, society, or world
• Marx's theory of alienation, the separation of things that naturally belong together, or antagonism between things that are properly in harmony
• Alienation effect, a theatrical and cinematic device by which the audience is "alienated" from a play or film
• Parental alienation or parental alienation syndrome, hostility between a child and its parent

I think for him, it was the last definition. Too bad for him he is now a pasty faced weak pilot who resorts to petty bullying on Pprune to get his kicks.

Cathay is not perfect, but its a decent job. To hell with the idiots. The way I see it, the main point to consider is if you will be able to move around a bit. Especially in the beginning. Second, your not going to make as much money as others might allude to. Some other posters above have spent many years to get what they are getting. To get that you have to be a Hong Kong based Captain on the passenger fleet. That will take you 10-15 years minimum. I will go out on a limb here and say that you will probably make on average 60-80k USD to start, be based somewhere other than Hong Kong for your first 5 years and will pay tax where you are based or living. Count on 40%. The upside is that there is progression (albeit slow), and a solid career job.

English.... well yes you would need to polish your writing with any application correspondence. I admit Im not an English prof, but you should be able to communicate effectively. However, this is a loose forum and therefore who cares. Just make sure when you apply and write letters and such that you run them through a spell check and maybe your friends for proof. Once your in, your in. This is not a desk job where you have to write legal documents. You fill in the Tech Log and paperwork and such that a monkey could do.

Just because English wasn't your first language does not make you unacceptable to Cathay.

Another word about your last interview. In my view the Cathay interview process is entirely dynamic. That means there is a great amount of luck involved. The more you prepare, the more you mitigate the risks, but the law of averages will always rule. You could put the same guy through the interview 5 times with different people testing, and I guarantee he will fail once. So does it mean that if you passed the "standard" the first time and not the next that you no longer meet the standard? No. It just mean its a moving target and both parties do their best to make it fair. But thats where it ends. Give it another gentleman's try. You have nothing to lose. Just be serious about it.

When I went through, there were a couple of blokes that didn't get hire that in my mind should have, and a couple that should have that did. I saw from the inside, but HR could only see a snapshop from the outside.I have many a friend who are now very successful Captain's now at other equally prestigious companies that didn't make the bollocks "Cathay grade". Basically, the huge amount of resources and $$ spent on the assesment is a big waste of time and money. It could be done much easier and more efficiently.

blackbird, are you aware that with your ethnic background a future employment with CX is very unlikely?

zone of the alienation?

Zone of Alienation. Look it up. I've been irradiated for many years now in the cockpit so I might as well be in The Zone with the albino swallows.

stop being a f***ing racist!!!
 

If there are people like you in Cathay Pacific's flight crew recruitment team then it will be a problem for me...:}

Pretty scary bunch uh..?
If I may suggest find out who seems to be a bit more sober on his judgment and contact him by PM, no point entering the furball, here you are getting a lot of extreme views I guess.
There is some truth and but also some bitterness in this thread.
I am not saying anything more, those forums are populated by an incredible number of grammar scholars and English is not my first language and 7 lines...is getting unsafe...but I am not American so I would expect a bit of lenience (they say it's not their language either LOL)
Good luck

blackbird, you don't understand. Since you like CX so much apparently I just wanted to tell you the truth about their recruitment policy. I never said I would agree with it.

no offence but you sound like you are depressed.