Military Pilots to Cathay
 

Hello all,

I am a F-18 pilot with about one year of time left in the US Navy. My old man used to work for Cathay when I was growing up and because he enjoyed his experience, I am now considering following in his footsteps.

Just had a couple of questions and I would greatly appreciate any feedback.

First, how does Cathay looks at centerline thrust multi-time?
Second, (and I realize this may sound rediculous), does Cathay have any military reservist on its books? Meaning, can I still fly in the reserves while working for Cathay?
Third, Fourth, and so on...
What is the typical time frame for advancement from SO to FO to Captain?
Do new pilots ever get based outside of HK or is it required to live in HK for a period after you join?
and.....
How are ex-militay pilots/military flight time viewed by those that hire?

Again any feed back is appreciated.

First, how does Cathay looks at centerline thrust multi-time? F-18? Favourably
Second, (and I realize this may sound ridiculous), does Cathay have any military reservist on its books? Meaning, can I still fly in the reserves while working for Cathay? yes plenty (obviously you'd have to be based in the States)
Third, Fourth, and so on...
What is the typical time frame for advancement from SO to FO to Captain? SO-FO 4 years, then maybe another 8-10 to captain
Do new pilots ever get based outside of HK or is it required to live in HK for a period after you join? Yes, many are now based outside HK, but they've paused any new overseas basings, no-one knows if they will ever happen again
and.....
How are ex-militay pilots/military flight time viewed by those that hire? Favourably

Sorry for quick reply, heading to bed!

Blogsey,

You may have un-intentionally misled our Naval friend in one aspect of your answer regarding basings.

New pilots to CX would join as S/O's. CX do not permanently base S/O's. Therefore a period of time will be required in HKG; namely the entire time as a S/O & JF/O. The exception may well be if they re-introduce direct entry F/O's again. Those officers were hired directly onto a base. So assuming the traditional entry route, you should plan on 4 years as a S/O, and probably 1 year for JF/O before attaining the rank of F/O and being eligible by rank for a base.

no more housing allowance
 

Coov,

And please make sure you do your research in regards to the cost of living...CX has recently cut the housing allowance by anywhere from 50% to 80% depending on rank.

With your experience you are overqualified anyway - most of your peers during your initial training will be zero hour cadets, bush pilots or maybe a few regional guys.

AB

Please also consider the imminent death of basings.

Coov, as an ex-naval aviator myself (not USN), I can assure you that the package now offered by this once top-tier airline is well below acceptable for someone with your background. Have a good look through all the threads related to CX recruiting, wannabes and company culture and you will discover that the package is now aimed at zero timers and third world pilots, and low time pilots with SJS.

A session with Mr Google regarding housing and living costs in HKG will also reveal lots of nasty surprises.

New base slots, good salary and quick command are all ancient history. I would suggest that you take a wave-off on this one!

CD.

New Stamp Duty on Property
 

It's also worth noting that the HK Govt recently increased the stamp duty payable on properties in HK for non-permanent residents to around 20%. Therefore, any newcomers wishing to buy a flat here will need a lot of cash up front.

For example, a very modest flat worth $4 million HKD (if you can find one for that amount now), will need a deposit of around $400,000 HKD (10% down payment) plus another $800,000 (20% stamp duty). This totals around $1.2 Million HKD (approx $150,000 US dollars) which will be very difficult for the average new guy to fork out. This means you will have to rent for quite some time which is a nightmare in HK without a housing allowance, and quite unworkable if you have a family.

Pilot Shortage In The US - WSJ Article

Come to Emirates. American pilots are the second largest pilot group here.

Wave off Wave off!!
 

Well guys, I sincerely appreciate the help on this one.
Looks like I'll be sticking with the Navy. There's not too much incentive to leave a steady (steady pay check, terrible cruise schedule ) and rewarding job for what you guys are describing. I hope there is still some of the 'old' Cathay left for you more senior guys. I really enjoyed the familiy/pilot camraderie many years back when my dad was with Cathay.

Good luck to all of you and fly safe.

Coov
:ok: