SIA cadet pilot (Merged - Again!).
Join Date: Jul 2005
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Hi everyone,
I'm having a problem here. I'm current short-sighted with powers of 675deg and 725deg on my left and right eye respectively. I am considering to go for Lasik operation next month. But upon reading this forum and knowing that applicants who have underwent Lasik will have to wait for 1 year before they can fly, I'm having 2nd tots for my Lasik operation.
As for the requirement of 'Medically fit with visual acuity of at least 6/60 without optical aids, correctable to 6/6', the 6/60 without optical aids requiement maybe be a hinder.
So right now the dilemma I'm facing is...
1) Shall I proceed with the Lasik operation FIRST, and wait for 1 year before applying for Cadet Pilot,
2) OR just go ahead with the application and postpone my Lasik operation to a later date? Will my currect vision pass the medical test?
OR is there any other options?
I'm having a problem here. I'm current short-sighted with powers of 675deg and 725deg on my left and right eye respectively. I am considering to go for Lasik operation next month. But upon reading this forum and knowing that applicants who have underwent Lasik will have to wait for 1 year before they can fly, I'm having 2nd tots for my Lasik operation.
As for the requirement of 'Medically fit with visual acuity of at least 6/60 without optical aids, correctable to 6/6', the 6/60 without optical aids requiement maybe be a hinder.
So right now the dilemma I'm facing is...
1) Shall I proceed with the Lasik operation FIRST, and wait for 1 year before applying for Cadet Pilot,
2) OR just go ahead with the application and postpone my Lasik operation to a later date? Will my currect vision pass the medical test?
OR is there any other options?
Join Date: Jul 2005
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have been reading this forum with interest.
had my 1st interview on the 15th of july. was quite long actually. they kept asking me questions non stop. took about 30 mins or more.
point to note, please, please, please get ur eye report done before the interview. they look at that quite seriously. if u cannot get it done on time, tell them while u're handing in ur forms, so that they can bring up to the 2nd floor clinic for a quick eye check. costs $10. i'd advise against it, the panic that comes along with this last minute situation can be quite nerve wrecking.
it helps to know ur planes, and to know some simple physics of how everything works. but i guess everyone's been saying, they're looking for aptitude more than anything. and such knowledge shows aptitude.
dress smart and presentable.
hope i get my 2nd interview. if anyone here who went for the 1st interview on 15th has already gotten a reply, pls post k? the wait is driving me nuts.
had my 1st interview on the 15th of july. was quite long actually. they kept asking me questions non stop. took about 30 mins or more.
point to note, please, please, please get ur eye report done before the interview. they look at that quite seriously. if u cannot get it done on time, tell them while u're handing in ur forms, so that they can bring up to the 2nd floor clinic for a quick eye check. costs $10. i'd advise against it, the panic that comes along with this last minute situation can be quite nerve wrecking.
it helps to know ur planes, and to know some simple physics of how everything works. but i guess everyone's been saying, they're looking for aptitude more than anything. and such knowledge shows aptitude.
dress smart and presentable.
hope i get my 2nd interview. if anyone here who went for the 1st interview on 15th has already gotten a reply, pls post k? the wait is driving me nuts.
Join Date: Apr 2005
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got a query here...
i heard from my friend who knew a SIA pilot instructor that there is an unspoken rules when selecting cadet pilot which is they will give priority only to former SAF pilot or SAF pilot dropout... is this true or groundless?
i heard from my friend who knew a SIA pilot instructor that there is an unspoken rules when selecting cadet pilot which is they will give priority only to former SAF pilot or SAF pilot dropout... is this true or groundless?
Join Date: May 2005
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Coolwater.
Just an opinion. Although 675deg and 725 deg may meet 6/60. But it does barely. I do not think SIA will take in applicants who just 'barely' scrap the requirements. Of course there is a chance they might. But I think going for Lasik and wait one year is a better option. But you'd better write or email SIA and ask clearly the points regarding LASIK.
Cheers. Don't ever give up. Try hard enough and you will fulfill your dream!
Just an opinion. Although 675deg and 725 deg may meet 6/60. But it does barely. I do not think SIA will take in applicants who just 'barely' scrap the requirements. Of course there is a chance they might. But I think going for Lasik and wait one year is a better option. But you'd better write or email SIA and ask clearly the points regarding LASIK.
Cheers. Don't ever give up. Try hard enough and you will fulfill your dream!
Join Date: Jul 2005
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To meqwerty:
dun fret about it ... i had to wait 2 months before i receive the confirmation email and a further week for big SIA envelope.
your interview batch may be sub-divided into different intake batches (Cargo, SIA, SilkAir or a mix of the latter 2)
your interview batch may be sub-divided into different intake batches (Cargo, SIA, SilkAir or a mix of the latter 2)
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SAF pilots are bonded till they are 45 I think (correct me if I am wrong) then are allowed to join commercial airlines or else everyone would join SAF for a free trip to SIA. Pilot trainee dropouts stand a harder chance actually as it would mean a termination of contract by SAF if you don't make it through (happened to a couple of my friends before). It definitely does not look good being a dropout.
By the way, they do judge on aptitude and also by screening by several senior pilots. The past month, only 8% of applicants made it. Congrats to those going to OBS! Have fun!
By the way, they do judge on aptitude and also by screening by several senior pilots. The past month, only 8% of applicants made it. Congrats to those going to OBS! Have fun!
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Hi billkill,
A friend of mine is an RSAF pilot. His bond is for 12years. I would think that on completion of his bond, he would be allowed to make a switch to commercial pilot. The 45 years is possibly their retirement age from the forces.
If you may, the 8% of applicants that made it through the interview, are they the 8% of the RSAF applicants or collectively 8% of the applicants that have applied for the cadet pilot post?
Looking forward to your post. Thank you
Paper Plane
A friend of mine is an RSAF pilot. His bond is for 12years. I would think that on completion of his bond, he would be allowed to make a switch to commercial pilot. The 45 years is possibly their retirement age from the forces.
If you may, the 8% of applicants that made it through the interview, are they the 8% of the RSAF applicants or collectively 8% of the applicants that have applied for the cadet pilot post?
Looking forward to your post. Thank you
Paper Plane
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Oh it's 12 years then.
8% of the total cadet applicants for the last month.
Advise for those planning to go for the interview, don't just memorize the information of the physics of flying and different planes. Know and understand how they work, the mechanics and why. Sometimes the questions asked, can tell if you just memorized or you really know and am interested in flying. And I pray for those who encounter Captain Chew during the interview. Good Luck all!
8% of the total cadet applicants for the last month.
Advise for those planning to go for the interview, don't just memorize the information of the physics of flying and different planes. Know and understand how they work, the mechanics and why. Sometimes the questions asked, can tell if you just memorized or you really know and am interested in flying. And I pray for those who encounter Captain Chew during the interview. Good Luck all!
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To echopapa,
U mention u went thru the 1st interview 3 times yet no luck? Really that bad huh... did they ask u similar question for the 3 interviews?
U also mention u were from atc, what do u do in atc? why jump ship from atc to flying?
and to all,
I'm a 32+ (33 very soon) and have just submitted my application, keeping my fingers cross though.
A very big step for me as I'm consider "old" and have been earning a stable income and is married, am just worry about all the "chop chop" story I read thru out the entire thread. Not so much of not being selected (I'll be happy like hell of course if I do), but more about being "chop" if I am half way there... guess this is the risk I have to take.
Any senoir or already flying pilot care to give me some valuable advise? I long to fly an airplane and be part of SIA, but have to hold back on my expectation due to my age and the fear of losing my current "rice bowl' if I cannot make it midway. There's a conflict of thoughts about me even attempting, especially if I fail and cannot get my old job back (my current job pays ok and I enjoy it as well). Maybe my fear is uncalled for as I'm not even call up for anything. 1/4 life crisis I guess...
Nevertheless, all of u here and this site have been of great help to guys like me,
all the best to u guys and best of luck (to myself too).
Thanks in advance for the advice. Cheers.
U mention u went thru the 1st interview 3 times yet no luck? Really that bad huh... did they ask u similar question for the 3 interviews?
U also mention u were from atc, what do u do in atc? why jump ship from atc to flying?
and to all,
I'm a 32+ (33 very soon) and have just submitted my application, keeping my fingers cross though.
A very big step for me as I'm consider "old" and have been earning a stable income and is married, am just worry about all the "chop chop" story I read thru out the entire thread. Not so much of not being selected (I'll be happy like hell of course if I do), but more about being "chop" if I am half way there... guess this is the risk I have to take.
Any senoir or already flying pilot care to give me some valuable advise? I long to fly an airplane and be part of SIA, but have to hold back on my expectation due to my age and the fear of losing my current "rice bowl' if I cannot make it midway. There's a conflict of thoughts about me even attempting, especially if I fail and cannot get my old job back (my current job pays ok and I enjoy it as well). Maybe my fear is uncalled for as I'm not even call up for anything. 1/4 life crisis I guess...
Nevertheless, all of u here and this site have been of great help to guys like me,
all the best to u guys and best of luck (to myself too).
Thanks in advance for the advice. Cheers.
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Hello everyone...
Just an update for everybody about my progress and also for those who are thinking of applying and not sure if they are able to make it anot...
As I may have posted earlier that my qualification is from a life science, and I have totally no idea of what aviation is about but only the heart to fly.
At first, I believe that it will be one out of a million chance that I will make it thru for the selection or even to get my first interview, but I pass thru my final interview and tea party and now I am waiting to clear my medical and then SIA to offer me a contract... So I can give one advice to all the pilot wannabes that is, what the ppl there are looking for in a person is whether he is determine to fly and able to handle stress and put downs.
I believe if you have those plue confidence in yourself, you will definitely be put thru to the final and end up like my stage now... And also like posted earlier, if you are a soccer fan would you not know which team beckham is from or what transfers are man u having? therefore read up some stuff to show your interest. I am sure they wanna see some interest in aviation before even considering giving you an aptitude test or even final interview...
so dont give up nothing is confirmed until you receive a rejection letter... even if they do gave you one, still try some more... but of course you must really prepare to give your whole life to flying otherwise just find out what you really like in life and work towards it, I am sure if you like the job or career you will definitely succeed! ok think thats abt all I wanna tell everyone, for now fingers crossed for my medical and hope that the contract will come...
Cheers!
Just an update for everybody about my progress and also for those who are thinking of applying and not sure if they are able to make it anot...
As I may have posted earlier that my qualification is from a life science, and I have totally no idea of what aviation is about but only the heart to fly.
At first, I believe that it will be one out of a million chance that I will make it thru for the selection or even to get my first interview, but I pass thru my final interview and tea party and now I am waiting to clear my medical and then SIA to offer me a contract... So I can give one advice to all the pilot wannabes that is, what the ppl there are looking for in a person is whether he is determine to fly and able to handle stress and put downs.
I believe if you have those plue confidence in yourself, you will definitely be put thru to the final and end up like my stage now... And also like posted earlier, if you are a soccer fan would you not know which team beckham is from or what transfers are man u having? therefore read up some stuff to show your interest. I am sure they wanna see some interest in aviation before even considering giving you an aptitude test or even final interview...
so dont give up nothing is confirmed until you receive a rejection letter... even if they do gave you one, still try some more... but of course you must really prepare to give your whole life to flying otherwise just find out what you really like in life and work towards it, I am sure if you like the job or career you will definitely succeed! ok think thats abt all I wanna tell everyone, for now fingers crossed for my medical and hope that the contract will come...
Cheers!
Join Date: May 2004
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12th July Closing Date
Hi everyone,
I am wondering if anyone here have received any response for the cadetship that was advertised in the papers some weeks back. The closing date was 12th of July.
cheers.
I am wondering if anyone here have received any response for the cadetship that was advertised in the papers some weeks back. The closing date was 12th of July.
cheers.
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i have send in mine for the closing of 12th July but no reply yet... maybe I'm too old for them. 
Anyway, read that most have to wait at least a month, be patience and keep your fingers cross.
Anyway, read that most have to wait at least a month, be patience and keep your fingers cross.
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Hi Ripley,
Did you mean the advertisement in NST and Star? I hv send in mine as well, didnt get any reply yet..
but like wat you say, at least for a month, so.. we keep waiting ya..
Did you mean the advertisement in NST and Star? I hv send in mine as well, didnt get any reply yet..
but like wat you say, at least for a month, so.. we keep waiting ya..
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Ripley:
As mentioned in an earlier posting, there have been other candidates who have attempted the first interview many times, some with success, others without. The record that I know of is 7 times and now he is a captain in SIA. So, people out there, dun lose hope if you've failed the first interview.
Again, regarding the first interview, it really depends who you get in the room. The questions may vary, so dun try to memorise the "ideal" answers, cos your answers will determine how you stand in the interviews. Just answer them the best that you know how, and be confident. If you dun know the answers, then just tell them straight.
As for your age, I think it's gonna be a 50-50. Though I know other "older" trainees, you might be rejected based on age. Anyway, during your interview, you will definitely be asked on your age, and your passion. Cos it'll be a huge question mark for them if you have passion and have not applied previously.
Additionally, if you're afraid of losing your "rice bowl", then I'm afraid you'll be in for a big surprise. Most of us here have given up one thing or another to get this job. I know of others who were earning a lot and with families, and yet, they are willing to give it all up (finance wise) to get paid a measly 1k to join SIA as a cadet. That's passion. We have engineers, lawyers, architects, doctors, in their previous employment histories, and now, they're flying for SIA. Just think seriously if you really want this job. It is very demanding, and stressful, but if you like flying, then it's not a problem for you. I love this job myself, that's why I dun find it too stressful nor demanding.
To the rest, here are some answers...
Being a RSAF pilot or pilot trainee does have some fringe benefits. Surely, te RSAF pilots join SIA under a different scheme, which is not applicable to most people here, so I shall not discuss that. As for being a pilot trainee, it is kind of like a double-edged sword. SIA will gain complete access to your previous records, and if RSAF deemed you unsuitable to fly (even commerically), then that's it for you. Definitely, SIA will ask you for the reasons why you were terminated in the first place, and would that affect your flying with SIA. For those who drop out of RSAF pilot training due to medical reasons, you'll stand a better chance or getting in, providing that the medical cause will not affect your flying or otherwise. Again, for those former pilot trainees out there, be prepared to be asked why you were terminated, and at which stage.
Hope this answers some questions here.
As mentioned in an earlier posting, there have been other candidates who have attempted the first interview many times, some with success, others without. The record that I know of is 7 times and now he is a captain in SIA. So, people out there, dun lose hope if you've failed the first interview.
Again, regarding the first interview, it really depends who you get in the room. The questions may vary, so dun try to memorise the "ideal" answers, cos your answers will determine how you stand in the interviews. Just answer them the best that you know how, and be confident. If you dun know the answers, then just tell them straight.
As for your age, I think it's gonna be a 50-50. Though I know other "older" trainees, you might be rejected based on age. Anyway, during your interview, you will definitely be asked on your age, and your passion. Cos it'll be a huge question mark for them if you have passion and have not applied previously.
Additionally, if you're afraid of losing your "rice bowl", then I'm afraid you'll be in for a big surprise. Most of us here have given up one thing or another to get this job. I know of others who were earning a lot and with families, and yet, they are willing to give it all up (finance wise) to get paid a measly 1k to join SIA as a cadet. That's passion. We have engineers, lawyers, architects, doctors, in their previous employment histories, and now, they're flying for SIA. Just think seriously if you really want this job. It is very demanding, and stressful, but if you like flying, then it's not a problem for you. I love this job myself, that's why I dun find it too stressful nor demanding.
To the rest, here are some answers...
Being a RSAF pilot or pilot trainee does have some fringe benefits. Surely, te RSAF pilots join SIA under a different scheme, which is not applicable to most people here, so I shall not discuss that. As for being a pilot trainee, it is kind of like a double-edged sword. SIA will gain complete access to your previous records, and if RSAF deemed you unsuitable to fly (even commerically), then that's it for you. Definitely, SIA will ask you for the reasons why you were terminated in the first place, and would that affect your flying with SIA. For those who drop out of RSAF pilot training due to medical reasons, you'll stand a better chance or getting in, providing that the medical cause will not affect your flying or otherwise. Again, for those former pilot trainees out there, be prepared to be asked why you were terminated, and at which stage.
Hope this answers some questions here.
Join Date: Jul 2005
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Hi people,
I have sent out my application upon seeing the ST ads on the 12th Jul. I'm 24 turning 25 in a few months time. Certainly do hope they will contact me!
Let's update one another if they do call us up for the interview
We will fly
Paper Plane
I have sent out my application upon seeing the ST ads on the 12th Jul. I'm 24 turning 25 in a few months time. Certainly do hope they will contact me!
Let's update one another if they do call us up for the interview
We will fly
Paper Plane
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ripley.. i wish you the best of luck.. you will surely make it.. like yourself, i will consider old by the time i send in my application which is 2 years down the road (bond by contract)... so long as we don't give up, we stand a chance...
i am now working for CAAS and i heard stories about the diffculty of switching companies that are link in someway( i.e CAAS to SIA, Singapore Technology to Temasek Holding etc,) as the management is likely to seek permission or informing each other about the application... do anybody knows something about such issue. I am worried by working for CAAS, it will hinder my chance of becoming a cadet pilot... pls help to clear my doubts.. thank you in advance..
i am now working for CAAS and i heard stories about the diffculty of switching companies that are link in someway( i.e CAAS to SIA, Singapore Technology to Temasek Holding etc,) as the management is likely to seek permission or informing each other about the application... do anybody knows something about such issue. I am worried by working for CAAS, it will hinder my chance of becoming a cadet pilot... pls help to clear my doubts.. thank you in advance..