The problem is that you assume there is a set quota of people that they will take. There isn't. Sure they say they want to recruit 200 or so pilots this year, but that's a big number and certainly not an easy one to reach. Basically, as long as you are good enough, they will take you.

I won't tell you what you should or should not do, I'm just asking that you think it through thoroughly before betting your chances on a programme that seems unlikely to start up again. You could still put an application in regardless as you will be undergoing training in Canada, but I think you would be better off trying out the ab-initio programme again. The Hong Kong ID you have is a HK Permanent ID right?

hi Drakeskyle

i understand i'm betting on it now.
i know it is a high risk as i'm old age with wife and little daughter.
if without that, sure i wouldn't have any fear. i do have fear now.

what you mean the an-initio program is the same as the cadet program, right?

i'm a permanent HKID holder.

when i submit my application at the beginning, i was apply for the cadet program.
what i do is i just keep on update that application with Cathay.

the lady from CathayCrew Recruitment said it is fine to just keep on with that application, because it end up to the second officer training.

do you mean i should insist to try cadet training program instead of the AE program entry??
i'm not sure if i can choose this on my own when i get the flight experience.

i want to get into Cathay in hk, but i will not only try Cathay.
i will try all kind of flight jobs and airlines in hk, if not, i will go back to canada to find flight job.

please advise, thanks.

Correct, the ab-initio programme is the 55 week cadet programme. It sounds like they use the same application for that and the AE programme. Like I said before, the AE programme is unlikely to resume in the near future and even if it does, there is a long long line of applicants who have been put on hold before, who will be the first ones in line.

My suggestion would be to keep trying for the ab-initio programme while you are undergoing training in Canada. There's no harm in trying since it wouldn't disrupt your training, and if you do get asked for an interview, your training will hopefully show them that you are committed to flying as a career. I have friends who have CPLs and an excess of 250 hours who still passed the cadet selection process so don't worry too much about having too much experience.

You should also consider applying for the Dragonair cadet programme. They may be a subsidiary of CX, but the recruitment departments are separate. Many people have failed one and passed the other.

hi Drakeskyle

thanks so much for your explanation.
i understand what you mean now.

i will keep update my process with CX. i don't mind start with cadet any time during my training in canada or after i got all my licenses. i can even come back to hk for the interview anytime during my training if they asked me. my 1st goal is hk base.

sorry, i really don't know there are lot of applicants put on hold for the AE program. i heard someone said it before. i'm not sure if many of them are HKID holder (i guess not much). i have asked CX, they prefer HKID holder, so i guess if it re-open, i will have a better chance, i hope.

i had apply Dragon cadet last yr already, but they never get back to me. i will check that again with Dragon later on. thanks again for your help.

as you know, i'm in old age, i do concern about if i can get my 1st job in pilot related after my study. i can make though the expensive training cost. but i'm not sure if i can get on to the right track for my career in the future.(the most difficult is the unstable economy, caused the demand of pilot)
i don't mind low pay in the early, but i do need better and better pay up coming in order to cover my training cost.

i think, for this profession. even i don't give up, it may not equal to i must success. do you agree?

If the AE programme resumes, the ones in line will get first priority, HKID or not, because they were already accepted but were put on hold, whereas you are just an applicant. Try again for CX and KA, and as always, keep your eyes open for opportunities. That includes opportunities in Canada. Good Luck.

hi Drakeskyle

i understand.
thanks again for your help.
i will keep trying for all possibility.
i hope in the future, i can help others for all the pilot question in here.