SIA 1st interview
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SIA 1st interview
Here's what I've learnt about SIA's 1st interview for cadet pilots. These are all fairly accurate observations, but as always, there are exceptions.
1. If SIA thinks that you are a suitable candidate, they will make reasonable effort to get you in. Whether it be waiting till you're of suitable age, or personally calling you to get your personal info.
2. Reflect your age accurately on your application. The age SIA wants during your application is 25 - 31 years for S'poreans and max 28 for M'sians. They look at your month of birth, not the year.
3. A D7 is NOT a pass in 'O' levels. If you've got that in any of the required subjects, you'd need to have much better results in your higher education to be considered. Pre-requisites are in the SIA website, but I'll give you more details on the O levels. You need 5 'O' levels passes, including English, Mathematics, Science. Science subjects acceptable are the pure science subjects, combined science and general science (but must be at least grades 1-3).
4. Please please please fill up the application form properly, don't leave important info out like your email, tel number, O level results etc. Guess where your application might go if you don't fill those things in?
5. There is a 6 month cool off period between rejection in the interview and the next time you can apply. So don't bother applying within 6 months.
6. Please be honest about your previous applications/interviews for the post of Cadet Pilot. Each application is checked thoroughly before the candidate is considered for interview. If you tried to hide anything, and you're found out (as is likely the case), then SIA is likely to reject you on grounds of lack of integrity.
7. You are allowed a maximum attempt of 2 tries for the 1st interview, and only 1 try for the final interview. However, if you improved yourself e.g. got a degree when you had a diploma previously, you can apply again. You'll need to reflect this somewhere very obvious in your application, or it may be overlooked. If you just sat on your arse since the last interview, then don't bother applying again.
8. However, many pple are blacklisted even after 1 interview. No 2nd chance there, no matter what you do. You only need 1 of the 2 interviewers to blacklist you.
9. If you are asked questions like if you have a phobia of dark places, if you can swim 100m, if you can tread water for xx minutes, if you have fear of heights, then you are likely to be through to the 2nd interview.
10. There are many reasons why someone may be rejected/blacklisted in their 1st interview. It's mostly commonsense, but I'll just list out the more popular ones.
- Sloppy dressing, arrogance (a blacklist offence), lacking aviation knowledge (esp for stewards applying), no interest in aviation, not prepared for interview, just trying luck, poor academic results, poor English, poor communication, unrealistic thinking, got other commitments like bonds, just got married, just want to go sight seeing, too quiet, talk too much, talk nonsense, cross legs, lack sparkle (?), effeminate, does not seem to have the makings of a pilot, good but not suitable at this stage (weird).
11. For those with PPLs or are pursuing PPLs in the hope that it will stand you in good stead with SIA, make sure that you complete your first solo as soon as possible. Applications with PPLs have been rejected even before the 1st interview because they took too many hours going solo. Unfortunately, I don't know what's considered too many hours for SIA, so don't take any chances and work hard for your first solo flight.
If you have any questions, pls refer to my other thread at http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=147640 before PMing me.
1. If SIA thinks that you are a suitable candidate, they will make reasonable effort to get you in. Whether it be waiting till you're of suitable age, or personally calling you to get your personal info.
2. Reflect your age accurately on your application. The age SIA wants during your application is 25 - 31 years for S'poreans and max 28 for M'sians. They look at your month of birth, not the year.
3. A D7 is NOT a pass in 'O' levels. If you've got that in any of the required subjects, you'd need to have much better results in your higher education to be considered. Pre-requisites are in the SIA website, but I'll give you more details on the O levels. You need 5 'O' levels passes, including English, Mathematics, Science. Science subjects acceptable are the pure science subjects, combined science and general science (but must be at least grades 1-3).
4. Please please please fill up the application form properly, don't leave important info out like your email, tel number, O level results etc. Guess where your application might go if you don't fill those things in?
5. There is a 6 month cool off period between rejection in the interview and the next time you can apply. So don't bother applying within 6 months.
6. Please be honest about your previous applications/interviews for the post of Cadet Pilot. Each application is checked thoroughly before the candidate is considered for interview. If you tried to hide anything, and you're found out (as is likely the case), then SIA is likely to reject you on grounds of lack of integrity.
7. You are allowed a maximum attempt of 2 tries for the 1st interview, and only 1 try for the final interview. However, if you improved yourself e.g. got a degree when you had a diploma previously, you can apply again. You'll need to reflect this somewhere very obvious in your application, or it may be overlooked. If you just sat on your arse since the last interview, then don't bother applying again.
8. However, many pple are blacklisted even after 1 interview. No 2nd chance there, no matter what you do. You only need 1 of the 2 interviewers to blacklist you.
9. If you are asked questions like if you have a phobia of dark places, if you can swim 100m, if you can tread water for xx minutes, if you have fear of heights, then you are likely to be through to the 2nd interview.
10. There are many reasons why someone may be rejected/blacklisted in their 1st interview. It's mostly commonsense, but I'll just list out the more popular ones.
- Sloppy dressing, arrogance (a blacklist offence), lacking aviation knowledge (esp for stewards applying), no interest in aviation, not prepared for interview, just trying luck, poor academic results, poor English, poor communication, unrealistic thinking, got other commitments like bonds, just got married, just want to go sight seeing, too quiet, talk too much, talk nonsense, cross legs, lack sparkle (?), effeminate, does not seem to have the makings of a pilot, good but not suitable at this stage (weird).
11. For those with PPLs or are pursuing PPLs in the hope that it will stand you in good stead with SIA, make sure that you complete your first solo as soon as possible. Applications with PPLs have been rejected even before the 1st interview because they took too many hours going solo. Unfortunately, I don't know what's considered too many hours for SIA, so don't take any chances and work hard for your first solo flight.
If you have any questions, pls refer to my other thread at http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=147640 before PMing me.
Last edited by Knightwhosays_NI; 27th May 2006 at 04:11.
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Nicely done.
Now if only the wannabes make the effort to research this part of PPRuNe, to do justice to your gracious efforts to have listed all this down....
But actually it seems the Fragrant Harbour corner also has it's share of hey-I'm-new-here-so-why-don't-you-tell-me-what's-going-on lazy bums....
Now if only the wannabes make the effort to research this part of PPRuNe, to do justice to your gracious efforts to have listed all this down....
But actually it seems the Fragrant Harbour corner also has it's share of hey-I'm-new-here-so-why-don't-you-tell-me-what's-going-on lazy bums....
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Hi Knight,
Very well written indeed. Definately a must-read for future/present applicants.
I got the dreadful rejection mail yesterday and that was a month after my 1st interview in KL. It suprised me a lot because I thought the worst was over. Nonetheless, what doesn't kill me only makes me stronger. I'll try again and fare better next time.
Although getting positive remarks from the panel in terms of my technical knowledge and academic achievement, this rejection was inevitable due to many reasons which the panel will only know.
To those who got the rejection letter, all is not lost. I put my best foot in, and walk out with my heads high. I knew I did the best I could and nonetheless, I shall do even better given a second chance. For those who got their OBS invitation, wishing you all the best and sorry guys (those who know me), I couldn't make it to be with you all but I tried. You guys have fun and behave!
Now I have a clear direction of moving on and hope to achieve the best I could in the shortest time possible. This will definately reflect positively on my next application. Good luck everyone!
Very well written indeed. Definately a must-read for future/present applicants.
I got the dreadful rejection mail yesterday and that was a month after my 1st interview in KL. It suprised me a lot because I thought the worst was over. Nonetheless, what doesn't kill me only makes me stronger. I'll try again and fare better next time.
Although getting positive remarks from the panel in terms of my technical knowledge and academic achievement, this rejection was inevitable due to many reasons which the panel will only know.
To those who got the rejection letter, all is not lost. I put my best foot in, and walk out with my heads high. I knew I did the best I could and nonetheless, I shall do even better given a second chance. For those who got their OBS invitation, wishing you all the best and sorry guys (those who know me), I couldn't make it to be with you all but I tried. You guys have fun and behave!
Now I have a clear direction of moving on and hope to achieve the best I could in the shortest time possible. This will definately reflect positively on my next application. Good luck everyone!
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Are you all singaporeans? why not take the RSAF as an alternative? for me,i would have taken the opportunity to become a fighter jet pilot instead of the airlines if it weren't for my myopic eyesight..
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BabyBoeing:
Not every Singaporean can be a fighter pilot. Even as a pilot trainee in the RSAF does not mean you WILL be flying fighter aircraft. You may still end up flying transports or helicopters for the rest of your career.
There are many ex-RSAF pilots who are now in SIA having a 'second' career, having served their country for a good 10 years or more. Please do not think that flying for airlines is a "last resort". In doing so, you belittle the many other airline pilots in this forum, be it local or foreign.
Not every Singaporean can be a fighter pilot. Even as a pilot trainee in the RSAF does not mean you WILL be flying fighter aircraft. You may still end up flying transports or helicopters for the rest of your career.
There are many ex-RSAF pilots who are now in SIA having a 'second' career, having served their country for a good 10 years or more. Please do not think that flying for airlines is a "last resort". In doing so, you belittle the many other airline pilots in this forum, be it local or foreign.
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Straight to the points by Knight. Definitely a good summary for wannabes to prepare for their round one.
I'll have mine in 3 weeks time. This will be my 2nd attempt since 2004. Hope I can do better this round, else it may just be my last chance.
I'll have mine in 3 weeks time. This will be my 2nd attempt since 2004. Hope I can do better this round, else it may just be my last chance.
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Limpeh,you have misunderstood.Flying for the military as a 1st choice is just my personal preferance and it DOES NOT imply or mean in anyway that the airlines should be the 'last resort' for the many posters in this forum
Quoting from my last post :
"Are you all singaporeans? why not take the RSAF as an alternative? for me,i would have taken the opportunity to become a fighter jet pilot instead of the airlines if it weren't for my myopic eyesight.."
I'm pointing out a viable yet obvious ALTERNATIVE option to the posters here..i'm not telling them what to do..
and i do know that you don't always get to fly the fast jets even if you're in the military..but if there's a chance..why not ?
once again,i'm merely voicing out my own personal opinion..
just my 0.02
Quoting from my last post :
"Are you all singaporeans? why not take the RSAF as an alternative? for me,i would have taken the opportunity to become a fighter jet pilot instead of the airlines if it weren't for my myopic eyesight.."
I'm pointing out a viable yet obvious ALTERNATIVE option to the posters here..i'm not telling them what to do..
and i do know that you don't always get to fly the fast jets even if you're in the military..but if there's a chance..why not ?
once again,i'm merely voicing out my own personal opinion..just my 0.02
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point 11
dont quote me but i remember the number to be somewhere about 16 hours being considered too long. average cadet takes about 10 hours. some quicker ones have done it in 5hours without piror flying experience.
dont quote me but i remember the number to be somewhere about 16 hours being considered too long. average cadet takes about 10 hours. some quicker ones have done it in 5hours without piror flying experience.
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Originally Posted by winglet_fever
point 11
dont quote me but i remember the number to be somewhere about 16 hours being considered too long. average cadet takes about 10 hours. some quicker ones have done it in 5hours without piror flying experience.
dont quote me but i remember the number to be somewhere about 16 hours being considered too long. average cadet takes about 10 hours. some quicker ones have done it in 5hours without piror flying experience.
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your hours till your first solo is not really a good indication of a cadet's aptitude and potential in flying.i've seen some who took 15-16 hours to get his first solo and yet still emerge as a top flyer in flight school at the end of the course.it's the ATTITUDE that matters! 
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Hmm. but i'm flying with the syfc now... first solo is around sortie 19/20. each sortie is about 1 hour, and so the total hours to first solo would be around 20h and i don't think i can change that...how?
oh and also point 3. I'm in an integrated programme that allows me to bypass the O levels and go on to do an A-level equivalent educational certification. Is O levels really needed even if you have A levels and degree?
oh and also point 3. I'm in an integrated programme that allows me to bypass the O levels and go on to do an A-level equivalent educational certification. Is O levels really needed even if you have A levels and degree?
Last edited by Wild Weasel; 29th May 2006 at 15:11.
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Regarding point 11,
I kinda agree with the rest... low 20 hours are not considered "high" in getting first solo if you are weekend PPL students. I got my first solo at 23 hours, and recently got accepted in SIA Cadet Pilot..
I kinda agree with the rest... low 20 hours are not considered "high" in getting first solo if you are weekend PPL students. I got my first solo at 23 hours, and recently got accepted in SIA Cadet Pilot..
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Went snooping around the recent round of inteviews this past week and this is what I observed.
1. SIA no longer accepts hard copy applications. Everything is done thru the internet.
2. Regarding no. 9 of my original post, it seems that the interviewees now fill this part of the questionnaire themselves before the interview, so it's no longer an indication of success.
3. The attrition rate for 1st and 2nd round of interviews seem to be higher than what it used to be a year or so ago. It could just be me, maybe it's just a particularly tough week, but some others have agreed with my observation. Heard thru the grapevine that SIA is cutting down on their intake of ab-initios, so they may be getting more strict in their interviews. Unfortunate news for those who wish to apply anytime soon.
4. People are still turning up inappropriately dressed e.g. jeans, no tie, etc. It boggles the mind how can anyone turn up without a tie for an interview, with a big company like SIA, and expect to be accepted as a cadet pilot? It really frustrates me as it seems like these pple don't care, and if they actually do, it frustrates me even more as they may jeopardise their chances for such a fundamental faux pas.
This guy was coming out of the interview room, the cadets saw he didn't have a tie, and remarked that he should really have worn one. I heard him reply something to the effect of "My loss lor." Buddy, I certainly hope that you can maintain that flippant attitude when (not IF!) you get your rejection email next week, and when you do, I assure you that the interviewers took note of your dressing, and that ultimately contributed in the rejection. Dude, if you do get a second chance, please don't make the same mistake, put your best foot forward.
You guys have to understand that it doesn't matter so much if you can't answer all the technical questions the interviewers pose. It just means that you have more to learn, as we all do, and SIA is perfectly willing to teach you that knowledge. But not dressing appropriately is a reflection of poor attitude, and SIA does not tolerate that.
This post turned out to be more of a rant, eh? haha.
1. SIA no longer accepts hard copy applications. Everything is done thru the internet.
2. Regarding no. 9 of my original post, it seems that the interviewees now fill this part of the questionnaire themselves before the interview, so it's no longer an indication of success.
3. The attrition rate for 1st and 2nd round of interviews seem to be higher than what it used to be a year or so ago. It could just be me, maybe it's just a particularly tough week, but some others have agreed with my observation. Heard thru the grapevine that SIA is cutting down on their intake of ab-initios, so they may be getting more strict in their interviews. Unfortunate news for those who wish to apply anytime soon.
4. People are still turning up inappropriately dressed e.g. jeans, no tie, etc. It boggles the mind how can anyone turn up without a tie for an interview, with a big company like SIA, and expect to be accepted as a cadet pilot? It really frustrates me as it seems like these pple don't care, and if they actually do, it frustrates me even more as they may jeopardise their chances for such a fundamental faux pas.
This guy was coming out of the interview room, the cadets saw he didn't have a tie, and remarked that he should really have worn one. I heard him reply something to the effect of "My loss lor." Buddy, I certainly hope that you can maintain that flippant attitude when (not IF!) you get your rejection email next week, and when you do, I assure you that the interviewers took note of your dressing, and that ultimately contributed in the rejection. Dude, if you do get a second chance, please don't make the same mistake, put your best foot forward.
You guys have to understand that it doesn't matter so much if you can't answer all the technical questions the interviewers pose. It just means that you have more to learn, as we all do, and SIA is perfectly willing to teach you that knowledge. But not dressing appropriately is a reflection of poor attitude, and SIA does not tolerate that.
This post turned out to be more of a rant, eh? haha.
Last edited by Knightwhosays_NI; 31st Aug 2006 at 15:50.
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Hi guys, can i check something out? I saw that SIA requires a diploma or degree including 5 'O' lvl credits. I've got like 2 D7s in the cert and if i take again i'll have to take the 5 subjects again. Now i'm currently taking my degree and am holding on to a diploma.
I'd just like to know how low my chances of getting the job is gonna drop to without the full 5 'O' lvl credits and are there any ways to improve my chances using my other results or any other ways that are available?
Help is much appreciated.
I'd just like to know how low my chances of getting the job is gonna drop to without the full 5 'O' lvl credits and are there any ways to improve my chances using my other results or any other ways that are available?
Help is much appreciated.
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Good greetings!!
I went for the 1st interview on the 6th of Sept 2008. I purposely skipped my Bachelor of Engineering Degree convocation to attend the interview. But that is not the main point, the main point that I want to seek for some help is regarding the outcome of my interview.
I have not gotten any replies either rejection or invitation to attend the 2nd interview till date. Can anybody out there tell me what should I be expecting? Or should I just forget about getting any replies and assume that I have already be rejected? I tried emailing them to enquire about it but was not given any response either.
Hope someone out there can give me some help!! Anybody's help would be much appreciated. THANKS!!!!
I went for the 1st interview on the 6th of Sept 2008. I purposely skipped my Bachelor of Engineering Degree convocation to attend the interview. But that is not the main point, the main point that I want to seek for some help is regarding the outcome of my interview.
I have not gotten any replies either rejection or invitation to attend the 2nd interview till date. Can anybody out there tell me what should I be expecting? Or should I just forget about getting any replies and assume that I have already be rejected? I tried emailing them to enquire about it but was not given any response either.
Hope someone out there can give me some help!! Anybody's help would be much appreciated. THANKS!!!!