Maybe they'll stop making up stupid numbers.

Well there are many pilots who aren't HK ID holders who were given 'yes' letters after passing TT or AE selection in 2012 only to be told in the second half of that same year that courses would be delayed for 12 months. THEN told after more than a year waiting and putting off other opportunities that any start date, if any at all, won't happen for the foreseeable future.

I know many who are now moving on to other airlines. Lots of these guys, including myself here in Australia, were already flying medium/ large turboprops or narrow body jets. Seems experience is not what cx desires anymore. The numbers to fill their requirements will always be there, but how long can they continue to scrape only the absolute bottom of the barrel for only ID holders before there's a hole?

"2000 pilots"?

Ok, but where will these 2000 guys/girls sit? there are only 2 operational seats on-board.

You'll fit in well at CX with a comment like that. :D

When filling out the application, there are only 3 options: Second Officer, First Officer, and Simulator Instructor.

Does the Second Officer option = Cadet?

Hi everyone. I've been reading this thread and learned a lot from it, but something has always worried me.

I'm asked to put my marks for secondary education, but I have low math scores back in high school. I make no excuses for my performance back then. :ugh:

But since then, I graduated from university and have had diverse work experience.

Anyone might have an idea how much will my high school grades affect my application?

hk aviator
seriously?

HK avaitor's post:

I know, amazing isn't it..

In-fact kinda scary.

Extreme
 

They will definately go to the opposite most extreme side of what they do now. Maybe recruit DE and create seniority issues for people allready there.

There is a Chinese carrier recruiting for the A330 with American Basings. Would Cathay start that? Wouldn't help them much since the senior people would fill those first. You guys have a seniority system, don't you?

By the way, Does C402 Captain time at a US 135 operation count towards the Transition Program? Just asking since the stated minimums clearly state that it does, but I did hear that Transition really meant that the applicant allready flew for a regional. Glass, 121 and so on.

Just asking. I don't think that the Transition is returning, but I am hearing that Cathay may modify their future requirements. Who knows what happens in 1 year.

Locals only
 

Unless your a local and getting your CPL paid for I don't think CX is a good option.

A guy I know who already had his CPL was one of the first accepted when they started taking HK ID card holders who weren't PR's.

He had to do his whole CPL and IR again (at no expense but a massive waste of time). He has only just got upgraded to FO and this has taken him more than 5 years from when he started at FTA. So the stories of 3 year upgrades to FO are all BS. The cost of living is 30% higher now than when he joined and I don't believe he has had any sort of significant pay rise. He tells me financially an SO is in a much worse position than they were in 2008/09/10.

So be warned CX. I would say once the 7 year bond finishes (might be 5, I don't really remember exactly) for most of the zero to 250 hours guys you have been pumping through in last 6 years, you will have a mass exodus that will leave you very lacking. Two years on type as an FO (plus the 5 years SO makes 7 years) will get you 1500 hours leaving outfits with better conditions and pay welcoming you with open arms.

Too Late
 

It is too late for me anyway. I won't even consider the Advanced Entry since I would have to repeat my ratings, like you said. The 5 years as SO would ruin my career since I am allready 45 years old. Career changer!!

I can't determine whether the SO problem is the union or the company. Which would you say? In either case, I just can't imagine why anyone would go to Hong Kong and waste 5 years as an SO when their are second in command jobs opening up all over the US.

What is the future like over there in Cathay? I haven't heard a single word that they will open up for DE FO. Locals only is obviously the way they are handling it now. Any word on DE FO coming open again?

Trial flight
 

Hi mates,
I am now preparing for my CX CPP interview. I want to experience more about flying. I tried 1hr trial flight in AFTC before. In terms of cost & quality, where else do you suggest me? Currently I am in Singapore.
Thanks,
wcy

Go to malaysia... nearest one to you is senai airport around 500rm 1hr flt time and 1hr Q&A with instructor..

Yeah try Senai, or if you're feeling adventurous try the numerous flying clubs in subang.

Thanks man!
Seems there are several flying clubs there. Is FRAS Flying Club good? Or which one do you recommend? :ok:

1 hr FAM flight is not going to swing it for you mate..
More important is a proficiency in English and an organized and inquiring mind.

Elite Flying Club is fine too

Compass Test: Physics
 

Hi all,

Got my 1a interview coming up next week. Been through this forum thread which provided invaluable information!

Just one main question, what type of questions will the Physics test (in COMPASS) entail? Any tips/recommendations on preparing for this?

Also, the online practice tests on the official COMPASS site has been removed. Does anyone have alternative sites to practice for it?

Thanks a lot

cx cadet program for international applicants?
 

Is this program open to international applicants as well? If so could someone please share the application link?

Thanks!

Let me google that for you

:ugh::ugh::ugh::ugh:

neeth21
 

Here you go mate!

International Applicant

:}

eric900,

The applications time can be vary (I have heard shortest in 3 months and longest more than 1 year)
But don't worry, take your time and apply when you are ready.
If you do not know which option to pick when you apply, which means you did not do enough research.
Don't waste a chance and wait for another 6 months or 1 year because of lack of preparation.


All the best :)

Cheers

eric900
 

Let me help you with something you might have learnt (or not) in your university learnings, it's called the Process of Elimination. It may sound like rocket science but it's really not, please stay calm.

There are 3 options, Simulator Instructor, First Officer, and Second Officer. Let's look at the first option: Simulator Instructor.
Simulator Instructor
A little snooping around on your potential employer's website yields miraculous results! Amazing ain't it? It says here that a eligible applicant MUST hold or have held a ATPL with preference toward folks with Boeing and Airbus rating. Also, have you heard of any cadets coming back from ADL and taking up a Simulator Instructor position? Probably not.

Now for First Officer, as an aspiring pilot as you call yourself, do you have at least a ballpark idea about the required experience level to even qualify for this position? Please, let me help you. Nevermind the fact that with Cathay, they are talking about a First Officer of a Wide Body jet. Do you think the cadets returning to HKG from ADL with <300 hours and a shiny new license even qualify for this position? Again, probably not (unless you're severely deluded). On the other hand, as a passenger, would you feel safe knowing that your First Officer JUST got his/her license? Think about it.

Finally we have Second Officer.. please do us all a favour and just Google it. If it isn't painfully obvious to you at this point, I'm not sure if you're ready for this.

Don't get me wrong, I like to be spoonfed too, but only when both my arms are in casts from being broken. Sometimes the difference between asking a meaningful question and asking a dumb question is one Google click away. :ok:

Cheers mate.
J

Facepalm

http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps7921d8ad.png

One day it come back and bite them..

Hi there,
Thanks for your reply. I didn't mean to ask anything stupid in the first place. I do know that after all the cadets have been trained, they will graduate from the programme and come out as a "Second Officer". But the cadets wouldn't be considered as a second officer over the course of the cadet program right? Also there's something called "Direct Entry Second Officer"; I was just thinking if that was what the option on the webpage meant or I was just on the wrong page. I have already eliminated the two options - "First officer" and "Simulator Instructor". I was just uncertain about the "Second Officer" and I didn't wanna make any assumptions or screw it up. That's why I just wanted to ask someone who has had experiences applying for the programme.

Regards

Since you are in HK I advise you to avail yourself with all things aviation at a very basic level.

A good starting point is the HKYAA an wonderful initiative run by a group of dedicated pilots.

By the way all those Qs you asked or are asking are basically answered with-in the pages of this thread.

It just takes some effort..

Yea I have browsed through approximately 60 pages of this thread and I've got some answers to some of my questions. Keep me posted guys if anything is new and up. I was advised to apply for HKYAA too but unfortunately I'm not in HK right now. I have read some materials like BAK and other stuff to get myself familiarized with the industry and the knowledge of aviation.
Thanks for the help.

Sued!!
 

I haven't seen it posted yet. Jetstar was sued for charging cadets and basing them is Australia. Apparently Australia has laws against this sort of practice. I am relating this to the cadet decision in HK. Only loosely related though, since the laws are different. But I am sure the connection could be made towards PFT in general. Bad stuff!!

This whole PFT thing has been getting out of hand. Nice to see that something is being done.

Still can't get links to work. Just google it!!

cathay pacific cadet training programe
 

hi there..

may i just know what about the guys with cpl and kind of 620 hours of grand total...?
as i read it there that they do have some package for less experienced pilots?
reply would be appreicated. thanks

anyone got this kind of email?
 

anyone got this kind of email? any idea about which task u failed? 1 task of Compass test or JKI? how long did u wait for the stage 1a again after 6 months period? Thanks

With regards to your initial assessments for the Cadet Pilot Programme, we would like to advise that the level you attained on one of the assessments does not meet the Cathay Pacific Airways standard required.

Your application has been deferred for a period of six months. Should you wish to re-activate your application, kindly contact xxxxx at [email protected] in six months time and we will endeavour to review your application, with a view for you to re-commence the Cadet Pilot selection process.

Hello PPRuNe!
 

Hello everyone,

I am a new member to this website and I am delighted to find such concentrated source of information. Like many of you, I have applied for and am due for Initial Assessment early March.

I can almost recite the contents of the SO Recruitment Section of Cathay's website....and their blurry booklet

Hope it is not too late to start reading these awesome posts. Best of luck to all!

Initial A Compass Test
 

What kind of Maths and Physics are included on the Compass Test ?

Job Knowledge Test
 

What is the the Job Knowledge Test in Initial A like ? Is it an interview ?

Mr. Seawolf2
 

I reckon the kind of Maths and Physics are of the kind which is expected in a COMPASS test. It is safe to say that you should leave out multivariable calculus and theoretical astrophysics.

As for the Job Knowledge, I reckon this whole process is like an interview. The test would most likely test how much you know about the job you're applying for. Mate, did you even try looking through these pages, or are your arms and fingers in casts from being broken?

If you're having limb problems I feel bad for you son, I got 99 problems but being spoon fed ain't one. :ugh:

http://www.bloodygoodhorror.com/bgh/...pires-kiss.jpg

The Whole Thread
 

This whole thread contains the answers to your questions.

Those questions are also answered in the description in the page of the "Cadet Pilot Programme" on the Cathay Pacific site.

I'm going to be honest, so forgive my unfriendliness but those are (one of) the laziest questions that this thread has had.

This thread was created to share experiences and answer specific but slightly of higher level questions, mostly aviation related at the beginner level.

Those questions could've been asked early in the beginning times of this thread but, now that ain't gonna cut it, there has been very little changes to the selection process of the Cadet Pilot Programme since then. If there are any changes, we will discuss it.

'Job Knowledge Test'

Q. So, what do you think a pilot does when he works?

Hey Cody
 

This is a pretty good read I found a few months back from Reddit

spudmunkey17 comments on People who work for airlines, what are secrets passengers don't know?

"Passengers have no idea how complicated a flight is from a pilots perspective. Let me walk you through it.

We show up around an hour before the flight and get the paperwork. Is the weather ok? Is the forecast for the destination going to be above our minimums? Is it above minimums, but requires an alternate airport to be listed in case the weather doesn't go quite as planned? What equipment is broken at the airport that might affect these minimums? How about the departure airport? Do we need to plan for an airport to go to if we take off and have a problem, but can't get back into our departure airport due to weather, slippery runways, etc.?

How about the airplane? Is everything working? Certain systems are allowed to be broken. Are there any of those on this flight? How will it affect us? Will it change the weather minimums we checked out earlier?

Where is my first officer? And the flight attendants? I guess they must be at the airplane. I'll go there.

Nope, they're not at the airplane. It's getting close to boarding, I'd better find them. Called scheduling, they said that they are on an inbound flight that just arrived, but on the opposite side of the airport. It'll be 10 minutes for them to swim their way through the terminal.

I'll do the walk around while I wait. What's that on the belly? Must be hydraulic fluid, that's about all that is around there. Better call maintenance.
First officer and flight attendants are here now, that's good. But we're 10 minutes past boarding now.

Maintenance shows up and checks out the mystery fluid. It's hydraulic fluid they say, but it's old. They wipe it off. If you see any more when you get to your destination, let us know. Probably just spillage from when they serviced the hydraulics last.

Tell the gate agent we're ready to board. It's 10 minutes to departure time now.

5 minutes pass. No passengers get on.

A passenger is being wheeled down the jetway in an aisle chair (a narrow wheelchair designed to fit in the aisle of the airplane.) Takes 5 minutes or so to get him situated. The rest of the passengers file on.

Meanwhile, the first officer is getting our clearance. Bad news, there is a ground stop at our destination. We can't leave, and we don't expect any more information for 30 minutes. Not that we can leave in 30 minutes, just that we will get an update in 30 minutes.

The passengers have all filed on at this point. I make an announcement apologizing for the slight delay in boarding, we needed to have maintenance come out to check something, but we're all good in that regard. Unfortunately, ATC is telling us that we can't depart yet due to weather and traffic, and we will know more in 30 minutes.

You can hear the grumbles from the cockpit.

30 minutes pass, during which the first officer and I get the checklists done as far as we can, and get to know each other a bit. After all, I've never seen this guy before in my life. There are thousands of pilots at this airline, we don't all know each other.

The first officer calls to find out about the update. Good news, you can leave, but you have to be airborne in 5 minutes. ****. We're still at the gate with no engines running. Can we get them both started, run the checklists, and taxi to the runway in 5 minutes? Better have a go at it, otherwise we might miss our slot.
We scramble and get it done. We take off 40 minutes late. Not too bad considering the situation.

Halfway through the flight, we see a group of thunderstorms on the radar right along our route, blocking it and any options to the left of it. We as ATC for a deviation to the right to get around that line.

"Unable due to traffic" is the reply.
Great. Now what?
"Center, we can take higher or lower if needed, but we need a deviation to the right."

"Spudmunkey 17, uh, descend and maintain 14,000, passing 16,000, deviations to the right up to 20 degrees approved. Advise when direct to wherever."
****, we're still 2 hours from our destination. If we descend to 14,000 feet, are we going to have enough fuel?

A quick punch in the flight management system, and we do, but barely. If anything else happens, we're going to have to go to plan B.

Luckily, nothing else goes wrong, and we land, although the extra weather deviations and lower altitude result in another 10 minutes added to the flight. We land 50 minutes late.

We park at the gate and open the cockpit door. Various comments come in from the passengers ranging from the most common: an apathetic "thanks," to the occasional "this is why I don't fly your airline" or any other variation of it.
The plane is empty, and we have to start the process all over again for the next flight.

The problem now is that we didn't start it all 1 hour before departure. It's departure time now, and the gate agent is asking if you are ready to board. You haven't even looked at the paperwork yet.
So, you want to be a pilot?

EDIT:
I'm not looking for sympathy. I merely meant to answer the "what's something people don't know..." part of OP's question. People tend to think that pilots just roll in at leisure and hit the autopilot button. I meant to educate those people a bit.

My situation is hypothetical, the numbers are arbitrary, but the point still stands. This is not an abnormal day for a pilot. It's not a good day, but it's not a bad day either. Throw in a diversion or a ramp with no gates approaching the "passenger bill of rights" times for being "held hostage" on an airplane, and things get a LOT more interesting. Like we want to keep you on the airplane. Because we're evil like that."

-Spudmunkey17 October 18th, 2013

Ok, I tell you what you do:

Memorize the entire post and use verbatim during the interview -they'll be very impressed.








"if the corp hires Monkeys you get peanuts"..Larry eliison

Or just watch CATHAY PACIFIC SIGNATURE SERIES.. Cathay Pacific - A Day in The Life series...

ALL you need to know... about being a pilot and flight attendant in CX