If you really want the situation to change, CB, its those existing CX pilots you should be talking to, not the wanabees. And if those pilots do agree with you, one has to ask; why they have done nothing to address this situation?

Research first etrang.... Research.....

http://www.pprune.org/fragrant-harbo...a-c-scale.html

(Many similar comments on other threads).

Hey everyone,

Just got the green light for stage 2, which will prop be in January. Would really like to hear from anyone else who also just recently got their next stage email cause a study buddy is always agood thing to have.

Regards

And while I am here, with all due respect, this thread has lost its way quite afew pages ago, if it is a whinge or an anti icadet comment you want to make about this program that's fine, but why not start up your own thread where you can moan & groan as much as you like there, maybe it could be called 'I think CX icadet program is ****house' or something along those lines. I'm sure the clever ones out there will brainstorm something creative.
This thread is suppose to be for those seeking helpful information about the program & the steps involved, many of us know what we are getting ourselves into and that is our chioce & in our situations the program suits just fine. Now, whos up for abit of study...

etrang
And what would you suggest we do. Most of us here are already doing contract complience and the AOA has been trying to negotiate with the company about housing for the last 18 months. Before you answer the question I suggest you research HK labour laws and the rights of employees to take industrial action.

ground to air

While I personally dont condone some of the language used on this forum explaining the pitfalls of the iCadet scheme, they have the right to say it. If you choose to behave like an ostridge and stick your head in the sand that is your business but for your sake I hope you arent the first to complain about the costs of living here if you make it in.

Ground to air -

Hear Hear, this thread went off the rails by the same guys bantering backwards and forwards a long time ago.

And I also just found out I have been accepted to the final interview in HKG, no date as yet.

404

Again, with all due respect, I have conducted my research and made my decision, and am fully aware of how to survive if I make it all the way, its not rocket science, and if one is able to get him/herself to that lvl of employment I am sure figuring out how to keep the roof over ones head will not be that much of a challenge.. after all, we are not a bunch of brick layers are we?
And yes, you are correct, everyone has the right to add their two cents, but helpful pro active two cents comments are what pple are after & not pages & pages of 3-5 personalities bickering nd tearing each others comments apart trying to prove they know the most or are the best.
Know before I am accused of bickering myself, I think enough has been siad on my behave, but I know there are afew out there that are just scratching to respond to my ostridge type attitude, Let's see if I can be proven wrong.

All the best guys.

G2A,

With your attitude and language I am not surprised that you didn't get a REAL job in GA in Oz...but that's ok; why bother with GA when CX can come to the rescue...

Aqis,

That's an ostridge attitude dont forget, and who is to say that I did not get a REAL GA job?

An "ostridge" "casts nasturtiums"

Transition Training (TT) Interview HK
 

Will be doing the TT stage 1 in HK on the 21st. next Monday. PM me if anyone else wants to link up. will be there from the 19th evening at Novotel Citigate.

Boxerpilot,

Have you done your research?? - I am sure there has to be another job out there than CX; especially as a 39 year old with flying hours...you got kids and a wife?? CX is not after experience anymore...only young kids without hours...

Is 44 years too old? For this program, almost certainly. Sorry to say this, but at least 15 years too late, maybe more.

Is there a housing allowance? HKD10K/month. Hopelessly inadequate - unless you're happy living in 500sq ft squalor in a VERY local area. Think "projects".

Salary on course? No. Pocket money, like for your teenage kids. Most of the children on course (unlike you) have no overheads - except Noxema and Clearasil.

A suggestion: read this entire thread, beginning to end, for your answers. It will take some time, but a small investment in what could be a disastrous decision.

And prepare to be flamed.

When you reach age 50, you can get to slide into the RHS and put your Cessna skills to work on the tripler. Meanwhile, you've wasted many years of your life in a one-room shanty with Formica countertops and a glorious view of the least HK has to offer.

Why still, at age 44 are you only interested in cadet programs? There have been many, many opportunities for you to make a move into the piloting profession in the USA. Be prepared to answer this question. There are twenty-somethings in the LHS of regional jets making 75K USD per annum, paying their loans back, and you're only interested in cadet schemes. Interesting.

Too old?
 

Well u could say I am too old too late. But essentially I am retiring from the military with a pension and the wife has a job in Perth with the kids in school there. It's not a DEFO scheme but DESO no doubt. Disposable income from rental properties so essentially looking at a 25year career in CX from 40. Guess its no A or B scale. But military hours fast jet isn't much in the World of heavies unless I wanna fast tracked jon in a Low Cost Carrier as a Direct Entry SFO on A320s. Still undecided. Keep the views and comments going guys. I hear u.

Candidly, you're not likely - given your (advanced) years and (lack of) experience - to get a look in.

Do the math. It doesn't pay off for CX.

Again, candidly, you've got SJS and need a detox.

I'm not sure if age is a barrier
 

Bonanza41,

I went through the Cathay recruitment process for Ab-initio about 2 years ago. I got all the way to Hong kong for the final interview stages but wasn't successful. I've just turned 38 and they didn't seem to have a problem with my age. I guess the best way to find out is to apply and if you don't get a shot then you've got your answer.

Although i was understandably pissed at not getting through, in hindsight the issue of no/meagre housing allowance living in a very expensive (accommodation wise) city and a poor pay scale (relative to every other pilot I'd be flying with) made me realise that there are perhaps there were better options out there.

Make sure you do your research into the cost of living in HK and whether you'll be happy scrimping and saving at this stage of your life. Regardless, I feel your pain and good luck with whatever you decide.

Bird-dog

Boxerpilot,

You seem to be quite sensible (and well balanced) about this whole thing so if you allow I would like to comment the following...

- your income situation is different to the other kids but should you really use your investments to subsidize an airline career?
- you might be able to commute to Perth if you are on the right fleet (B777)
- there won't be a Perth base later down the track
- time to upgrade to FO will be 4+ years

If you go to JQ for 2 years and then move on you could be a captain at EK/QR by the age of 45 - you will not see a command at CX till you hit 55+ (and also consider the your income from your potential airline career if you compare CX in a shoebox vs. JQ + Middle East including a villa).

Please keep these points in mind - if you got more questions feel free to post them; mature applicants like you will get mature answers...at least from me...

AB

how long does cathay normally take to call you once you have applied to the cadet program?

This is indeed a tricky question and one which we have not come across as yet anywhere on this or other forums. I doubt whether even calling CX could help you.

My best advice would be to do nothing. That means no study, no research, no reading anywhere else. I'm 100% positive that if you religiously check this website every hour someone just may....just "may" post this same question again very, very soon.

:DTOUCHE! CB you win! HAHAHAHAHA mate that answer almost made me spit out my drink laughing.

For the one who asked that question, take a look back through the pages. That question/answer group is there a million times. I honestly think on some it says about 8 months and some have waited longer. Good luck.

8 months is low-balling it though. It can take up to 3 years to get a response. However I do know of some who got a call within a month.

Since March it has been particularly slow since they have been pushing through all the RAF's Ex-Mil chaps. This has 'clogged' (if you will) the civvie route, but its by-and-large clear now.

Hopefully things wil be picking up!

hey guys, I have tried a few times to update my incomplete application with no avail. I am getting the error "The online application system is currently unavailable, please update your application information later." However, I have tried several times over the last few months and continue to get that. Anybody else have this problem?

tried emailing CX..no response.

Hi everyone,

Would like to hear from those that have been through stage 2 and experienced the Math test exam. Some examples of questions would be great and your experience on the over all day and feedback would much be appreciated.

Cheers.
PM's are more than welcomed.

Right on cue.... And to think I thought it may take a page or 2?

Not responding to emails? Send them a text message. Again, best advice I've got. But don't call. No. Matter. What. What if they answer?!!!

Well done
 

Well done CB,

Laughing my ass off!!
We should start a money pool for stupid questions! (and keep 10% of course!)

Keep em coming lads, need a good chuckle every day!

Application for CPP of CX
 

Good evening everyone. I have applied for CPP of CX in the Mid of July 2011. Just like other candidates, I have received a confirm letter from CX after application.

Here is the e-mail that I received from CX:
(Your application will be considered along with all other eligible applicants in your geographic area when we next select for interviews.Thank you for your interest in the Cadet Pilot Programme.)


But I do not hear anything from CX these 4 months.

Cause I have a friend who applied in June 2011, and he already did his 1st interview in Oct. Also, he got an invitation for the 2nd interview.

I tried to send an e-mail to the HR department about the progress of my application. However, the e-mail has been bounce back and indicated that the e-mail address has no longer available.

Here is the message:
([email protected] is no longer used for recruitment inquiries.Please email us at [email protected] or telephone +852 2747 8247 to reach our recruitment team.)

Then, I sent an e-mail to "[email protected]". It has been a week, but no one replies my e-mail. Then, I called the phone number today, it rang for 10-15 sec; then, someone hang up the phone.

Is there anything I can do now? In addition, I am now living in HK and my application indicated that HK is the first priority that I expected for my 1st interview, the U.S. is the 2nd priority.

I feel nervous of that because I also applied for the CPP of KA. And I guess I just ruined up my initial test which has been taken 12 days ago. (I think I did ok over all on the test; but I wasn't sure about the Math part. There were totally 15 questions and I only finished 11 of its, also, I wasn't sure if I got everything correct. However, I just do not received any call, in this point, I assumed that I have failed the IT) Therefore, I am kinda expected for the back up plan now.

Wait time
 

Just speaking from my personal experience, I believe that I applied online to CX in about Aug/Sept 2011, heard back from them within a month and was scheduled for 1st interview first week November 2011.

I did apply Advanced Entry, however, so there may be a difference in wait times between the 3 programs.

Seeing as they do it world-wide and seem to have many applicants, I would take the above timeline with a grain of salt. I'm not sure I would even subscribe to past posts in this forum as the demand or supply of applicants may have changed since that whoever wrote the last post of wait times.

Just rest assured that if you are competitive and a worthy candidate, they will get a hold of you. Even then, it seems like quite the in-depth process and from what a number of people are poating, there are some considerations to take into account, even if you are successful. If you dont hear back within a reasonable amount of time, have faith you will continue on whatever life path you are supposed to be on.

Following up ground to air's previous post, if there is anyone who has (recent) Stage 2 Interview experience, an account of your time in HK and the process would be appreciated.

Buzz85
 

Thanks a lot about your sharing. I think you might be correct, you have been waited for just a month for your first interview as you applied an advanced entry. It sounds reasonable that CX interviewed with candidates who has academic background related to aviation. Would you mind to tell me where was your first interview?

In addition, one of my friends who did his first interview in Oct. He also applied both KA and CX. He already received a call from the HR of CX (2 weeks ago) about the invitation of 3rd interview.

If I was correct, he did his 1st interview in Oct (This stage consists of the interview with 2 HR ladies, reasoning and numerical test, NO TECHNICAL interview included). His 2nd interview was in Nov 3rd or something, it was an ICAO English test. Then, he received a call about 1 weeks after that and invited into the 3rd stage of interview. But the HR told my friend that the date of 3rd interview is unknown in this moment. I don't even know why and my friend didn't ask either. What he has to do now is just wait for the further information from CX. However, my friend tends to be work with KA rather than CX (Just a personal preference). And he already go through all the stages of interview from KA and achieve an opportunity for the flight grading in Dec.

He said he will go to the 3rd interview of CX anywayz, but I know he is now just totally focusing on his flight grading of KA.

EK/QR and 1st Stage TT
 

Thanks AB,

Well noted points, that is truly correct with the situation. For guys out there who still have thoughts that you will see a pay increase or overseas basing, its not gonna happen anytime soon. Timelines for upgrades may be long now coming out of the GFC and with the new aircraft coming in, bums in seats are already a problem. I hear that the Check and Training department as well as the simulator instructors as maxed out.

Had my 1st stage initial for TT yesterday in HK. Basically for guys on the 14 week programme only require to do a 30 Question Tech quiz in 30 mins and the standard interview with HR and a Training Captain. If selected. They will fly u and accommodate you for 2 nights if you are flying from anywhere closer than Oz and if you are further, u are given 3 nights with one night to recover from jetlag.

Questions were the same in general with what was posted. I had the Airbus 340 model.

Things to note :
1. Know the Aircraft that's parked in front of CX city.
2. Know the plan for A350XWB and what it may mean to the Airbus operators
3. Who is the competition to CX and what would be its business challenges. Know what competitor airlines are buying and how that may impact business
4. HR will be very concerned with your views on the 'C' scale (not openly called that) salary and would want to know how you will survive on that
5. If family is not traveling with you - how will you manage fatigue with commuting
6. If you are with the military - Would you stay in the military if you were promoted tomorrow and why not
7. For guys with instructional experience - Why would you not consider a simulator instructor job as the package is much better - (Currently still in B scale)

AB,
Finally, Its not JQ but JS that I would be going to. Jetstarasia. The challenge operating out of Singapore next year would be the launch of Scoot from SQ as well as Airasia's partnership with Malaysian Airlines for a premium business airline (I think its called Caterham Airlines or the likes) Not to mention Qantas announcement to start RedQ in KL or Singapore. With all that competition planned next year. There will be contest with JS. All being said and done, it does intrigue me with the notion the EK will be looking for A320 Captains. But aren't there many out there as well? Do you have further insights into this process and what is the going rate for EK employment in terms of requirements and experience.

Oh yeah - They did make a mistake of making me take the Reasoning test by mistake. The HR lady thought it was required. Its still the Raven 1962 Reasoning test Set. Thats all i remembered as you are given 5 minutes to do set 1 which are 12 questions and 40 minutes to do set 2 which comprised of 36 questions.

For the older guys, age did not come up, but from some of the other posts, they seem to let the guys go through till the last stage and didnt take them. Well I will update the forum and see if all the 'rumours' that they cant find people to fill the seats are really true.

Keep the posts and comments going.
Cheers

It's a stock-standard question......a lot of airlines ask that question. Air Canada asks how you plan on surviving in Toronto or Vancouver on $38k.

Stop sensationalizing.

Boxerpilot,

Thanks for your reply - as you can judge yourself by the questions asked our own HR people are concerned if the C scale is working - therefore I really wonder if you should pursue CX if you got other options.

You have an excellent plan and strategy in place by looking at a quick A320 command in Singapore which is good BUT you can't bank on EK taking you as a DEC on a WB jet with A320 time in five years time - Etihad and Qatar will put you on their own 320s as a DEC and then you can progress to a WB command there. I believe your master plan to gain a WB command in the Middle East via SIN is definitely more favorable to a pilot with your age.

You are in the lucky position with your experience to be able to give CX a pass whilst the majority of the kids on this forum claim the can't (although they can, they are just too lazy).

btw...for the Canadians - I rather live on $38.5k in YVR or YTO than HKG...at least it's home...plus AC's payscale goes up quite rapidly after two years whilst CX's doesn't.

Good luck,
AB

Just a curiosity, is Cathay pacific still inviting applicants for interview?

There are only 2 ways of finding this out definitively:
1) find a lucky penny & go to creepy corner shop guy and buy a bar of chocolate. Open it. If you see a Golden Ticket - hey presto!
2) empty a box of Corn Flakes. See if a packet is at the bottom. Open it. If it's a 6 piece lego train set and not a CPP invitation then you have truly been successful.

Lastly, I would avoid their web site and any formal communication with the CX recruitment department to gain any information. Of course, disregard other information on this forum that you seek an answer from as well. Best to just rely on your "passion" a la "Use the Force".

Preparing for your Cathay Pacific Interview
 

Hey guys,

I have an 11th edition of Preparing for Your Cathay Pacific Interview: The pilot`s guide

I no longer need it,
PM me if your interested in it.

Cheers

To whoever that matters.
 

Thanks to AB and the other gents who took the time to reply genuine queries and comments. I have to say that these forums for whatever it has been called is still very important to provide information to help anyone make an informed decision. To those that want 'quick fix' answers, spend some time looking through the 179 pages and more. The historic data will help you develop a mental picture but ultimately its your decision. As for cost of living as well as pay packages, it is a fact of life that the days of the expatriate terms are numbered. More aspiring pilots, pay to fly guys as well as the increase of GA and affordability plus fake licenses as well as inflated hours with an overall worldwide reduction in military experience due to shrinking armed forces exacerbates the problems. All corporations will be run by bean counters as well as management decisions based on prudence.
So for all young and aspiring pilots. Never forget why you have a dream. You have chosen a skill over a possibly stable 9-5 job or one subscribed by many in today's industrial age. But if u really believe in yourself and what u want, most flying jobs are regularized and many steps have been taken since the old 'cowboy' days.
I feel the frustration of the guys seeing a once proud and honorable profession being 'downsized' to being called 'overpaid, over glorified and spoilt bus drivers' by the people who don't even fly.
But make your own choice and don't look back. Remember a good point for interviews. 'loyalty'. CX has put in measures to ensure people don't jump ship by P2X hours and reward loyalty downstream. Albeit, much lower than the old A and B scale days. But look around asia... most airlines are offering C scale minus (explains Qantas move of RedQ to
KL or SG).
I have been following and tracking developments for
the Asia pacific area for the last 3 years. It's not going to get very much better.
The captains and FOs are playing musical chairs.
But as AB has rightly pointed out. The sandpit is a developing area with money.But that deal will run out at some point. Ironically for those who might be interested to know. Jetstaraisa is 70% manned by foreign nationals, ex SIA expatriates on local terms. Most recently Air Mexicana pilots and more from Europe that are having no chance of command as Captains never move. Imagine, an SFO with 14,000 hours!!
Now with Thomas cook collapse, they have also started pouring into Asia to grab jobs.
So no doubt about it, there are jobs and there are jobs. I am only in a slightly better position cos I spent 20yrs in the military on fast jets as an instructor. But to tell you guys the truth, I had to come out and spend many hours in books, magazines, forums, networking and simple commitment.
I hope the younger guys do not lose faith. But never forget this. you are joining an industry judged by your peers. U earn your own keep and you build credibility.These traits have been itierated many times by guys 'frustrated' with the 'youthful' ignorance and lack of initiative. But I have had the good fortune of information passed to me and would help a mate in need anytime. PM me if u are going for transitional training interviews and I can give u the updates.

Otherwise keep the posts coming. Fellow pilots who come through Singapore. Always open to expanding the network with like-minded people. You never know who u gonna work for or with. Cheers

Does anyone know when Cathay will be conducting interviews in the US?

Hi guys,

I had my CX stage 1 on 11/11/11. I was just wondering if anyone knows what the waiting period is before they contact me again (whether success or fail)

Thanks

Either before or after the interviews in South Africa. Check with China Beached, he'll know for sure.

Hi guys,

I'm currently serving in the RAF (non-flying trade) and am looking to branch out within the next year or so into aviation, I'm currently out of area and so do not have the time to look through such a massive thread to see if a similar query has been posted, so apologies if it has. I've been looking into this cadet pilot scheme with huge interest, however I wish to remain in work till the last possible moment which will mean timing my voluntary withdrawal from the forces as well as possible, I was wondering how flexible Cathay would be on interview dates, would I be able to apply whilst still serving? Also, how often do interviews come around and are they UK or HK based?

Many thanks for any help that can be given.