Having a PPL
 

A PPL is just a benefit to the interview it doesn't guarantee you with a place. Even if you had a CPL or an ATPL that obviously will give you a benefit but not a guarantee. Really it just makes you have the benefit of the doubt that you ACTUALLY understand how these things work and you can put it in practise instead of just parroting all the information. And if you tick all the boxes then you will secure an interview. As we all know it doesn't automatically get you a place in CX. As soon as you get invited to your 1a then it is upto you to perform to get the job. You can never have to much knowledge in this industry.

Thanks, and very insightful information. But what type of "boxes" are you referring to?

PPL & CPL
 

Whether there is an advantage in having one or both of those depends greatly on the type of person you are.

If you think having a larger number and a shiny license alone will help in the interviews, tough luck. The moment you show them that you have more logged hours and qualifications you will no longer be treated gently.

The company wants to see evidence that there is individual growth and passion for flight. Spoonfed knowledge and large amounts of time in an aircraft proves little in terms of capability and aptitude. You can almost say the main advantage in getting a license before hand comes after selection when you courses begin,where for a large part you will be presented with familiar materials.

btw, its cold down here

How the hell did you get wifi? :p

May I know what the size is in your batch? Any more classes upcoming in the next few months?

Having a PPL will help you get to 1a but everything after that it's all up to you. They really want to know if you will be a good fit for the company so there are certain character traits they are looking for. So don't think that just because you have a PPL or really love aviation means you will get through, there's more to being a commercial airline pilot than just being an aviation enthusiast.

How the hell I got Wifi?
 

Gotta be a go-getter if you wanna be a pilot right Drake?

Foxdeux
 

That's true there are many young and older people whom are aviation enthusiasts. However to get in an airline you have to have a huge commitment and a certain drive. They do care about your school grades etc..... but once you get into 1A its all upto you. You are the only person that can perform. As I said previously a ppl will only help with you basic understanding of an aircraft. But not an interview. Cathay Pacifc isn't investing in cadets there investing in future captains.
Ps someone asked me what to wear for an interview. Dont turj up in a hawaiin shirt and shorts please use your common sense no names mentioned here but they didn't get through.
Pps to all you younger lads don't listen to anyone else even if you haven't gone to university you can still get it they won't judge on your age thats why its open to 18 year olds you just have to show maturity.

It will probably also come down to your age and location whether having any flying is beneficial or not.

If you are out of uni and live outside of Hong Kong say Canada, USA or Australia, then there shouldn't be any reason why you haven't atleast done a few lessons. Even if you are still at uni, having some flights under your belt wouldn't be too much of an expectation.


Don't get lessons for the sake of trying to improve your interview chances. Do it because that's what you trully want to do.

Question to ask yourself is, if I fail, am I going to say "well i tried" or "I love flying and this is what I want to do with the rest of my life, I am going to get all the licenses regardless of the outcome".

If the latter is your choice, then take up flying lessons. If it isn't, you probably need to think about another career.

orangeboy
 

You hit the nail right on the head. I agree with you. It won't better your chances having a licence. In my opinion if you want to be a pilot you have to be wanting to do it from a young age. If your in your 20s and then you go "oh yeah I THINK I want to be a pilot even though ive never stepped foot in an aircraft and in it for the money that is the wrong attitude. And even though people have passed with no experience its better to have at least a couple of lessons to know if you truly like it then waste a year on interviews and then do the flight grading and it turns out that you dont like it.

Interview
 

What are some traits and personalities that they are looking for their cadets to possess?

strawhatpilot
 

Commited,focused and interested in aviation with a good knowledge. Also a sensible and matute individual.

...also a willingness to work on days off, no requirement for decent housing, or a pay rise for decades, and overwhelming gratitude for being allowed to sit in someone else's big, shiny jet 11 kilometres high all night over most of the Third World.

A passion for filling out computer flight plans, making up crew bunks, shouting on HF radio and not being interested in a Command for at least 15 to 20 years would also be an advantage.

hahahaha, very interesting indeed.

So what are some examples of questions that they've asked to see if your character traits align with what they look for?

CX stage 2 on Aug 28
 

Hello everyone,
is there anyone having their stage 2 on Aug 28?
if yes please PM me!
Thank you very much!

Hi guys!
I am going to attend stage 1a in 30th July.
Here to say hi;)

Stage 2 on Nov 3
 

Pls PM me if you are on the same day

Thanks!

Feels that I'm ready and gonna reapply for it very soon. Do you guys know normally how long is the waiting period for reapplying applicants?

This is a benchmark reference for the future, if you make Captain. The company will use it to determine the distance at which you need to be from the S/O to deliver a full impact blow to the side of the head when they: answer you back (very common with these new kids), touch anything, complain about their salary, or play candy crush in the back seat whilst taxying.

dolpinsky, Normally is one year. but my friend just waited for half a year. so I guess it depends on which stage or what items u failed previously.

ProPwannabe
 

I might not be 100% correct but to the best of my understanding,

Q) in the lift formula, lowering the trailing edge flaps increases......
A) S
B) Cl
C) Cl & S
D) V

I think the answer for this question would be

C) Cl & S.

Reason: Cl increases when Flaps are extended, and Wing area (S) increases as Flaps are extended... Hope this helps!


Here is a link: http://www.experimentalaircraft.info...ft-formula.php

bobomdpilot
 

Thx! :O
Will you happen to know how long do reapplying applicants usually wait before getting invitation?

Anyone is going to have Stage 2 interview on Nov 3?

Pls pm me / leave a message here! Thanks ;)

FLIGHT GRADING (BASIC)
 

There aren't a lot of entries here regarding the recent flight grading process, mainly because most people come to ask a few unanswered questions and never return, and those who do frequent the place just stalk people and read. So this first-person entry regarding FG is in response to a some frequently asked questions and a few personal requests. Flight Grading these days may be shorter and the planes can be different (or about to be), but rest assured they look for the same qualities and standards in the applicant.

Just to clarify, basic grading these days contains FOUR flights, look at it as a week-long aptitude test. Before each of the flights the applicant will be briefly lectured on what to expect the upcoming flight. Some will be told by e-mail a compass test is included during the stay in Adelaide, but it doesn't exist, flight grading only included flight assessment if not a few technical questions asked by the instructor. For most people who passed stage 2 the purpose and effects of aircraft controls are obvious, but practicing them on the field is a different story. Through the week the basic applicant will be taught to to climb, descend, maintain level flight, turn, practice stalls and do wingovers. Instructor are basically told to note how well / fast do you learn and recall knowledge.

The amount of pointers available for this level are much less than that of Stage 1 and 2, and due to individual difference the variation and expectations differ among instructors. In other words, flight grading is different for everyone, there isn't a specific scale that points to good or bad. Another factor to keep in mind is that the grading is assessed as a whole, and one should not focus too hard on their first few flights, because they weren't meant to be perfect...After each flight there will be a short debriefing between the applicant and instructor noting any errors and room for improvement. However, they will not be told whether they have done well or bad in the instructors perspective.

Bear in mind that these flying instructors are trained to give pressure and watch for reactions, and people in the past have succumbed to it. During my second flight, my mind went blank for several minutes during a series of maneuvers, the instructor whom had been pumping pressure almost made brought it to a tipping point. It was among the spewing saliva and cussing that I silently thought to myself everything I had worked for could very well end in that ****ty minute.

To a lot of applicants, myself included, flight grading is a mystical land of fairies and unicorns that is one step next to heaven, the final YES for acceptance into the CPP and ultimately SO in Cathay Pacific. FG was the land so far that only few will have the privilege of visiting in their lifetime, but at the same time the last and final battleground where the hero will face the ultimate boss and his fate. With no exaggerations, failing anything beyond Stage 2 result in a permanent ban from re-application.

The last seven months was a bumpy ride, and I sincerely thank all of those whom have helped me in the selection process both on the board and behind the scenes, and hope the people I have helped directly and in-directly in the past can send the love forward to applicants to come. Within the next month I will receive the message that will tell me whether it is for all or nothing. Wishing everyone on this board the best of their endeavors. Good luck.

The_Architect

Thanks for your detail description on flight grading.
Wish you could get the offer.

Stage 2 coming up Oct. 30
 

Anyone here have their stage 2 on Oct 30th? Send me a pm or email :ok:

STAGE II on 5th November, 2014
 

Any one here will have stage II on 5th November? It's time to meet up and study for it. Send me a PM for contact...thanks^^

Hi,

Just wondering if anyone has gone through the application process for ab initio when they would qualify for Advanced Entry? And if so could they shed some light on what would be expected.

Any insight would be appreciated. Please PM me

Thanks

ODP
 

just wonder how would you have 1a and 1b on next week as no one knows if he could make to 1b before taking the 1a......

ODP, are you overseas applicant?

I live in brisbane but was born in HK and have a HKID

Did you choose Hong Kong as the 1st preferred interview location? :)

No I chose Brisbane but I don't think they are doing interviews anywhere other than HK at the moment

If you live overseas but fly to Hong Kong to interview then CX schedule 1a and 1b for you on consecutive days

Yeah overseas applicants will be advised both 1a and 1b schedule on the email. I did 1a on Mon and 1b for the next day. the process is relatively faster I suppose..

The_Architect, thx so much for your sharing and wish you all the best!!!

Hey guys!

Thank God I've just received the email from Cathay inviting me to attend Stage 1b in the mid of August!
Is there anybody with me? Lets have a chat here :ok::ok:

AlvinLiu
 

Congrats! It took a whole month to schedule 1b huh? How long did it take to find out you passed 1a?

AUG 28 Stage 2
 

Please PM if there is anyone having stage 2 on AUG 28

It took 2 days only... Pretty fast now.
And fyi, some candidates from my time slot received the letter of failure right after walking out of cx city...