Need Some Advice From CX Drivers...!?
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Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: london
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Need Some Advice From CX Drivers...!?
Hi there need some advice form anybody knowledgeable about working for or getting into CX. This is truely the airline that I have always wanted to work for as it offers great career progression and stability and a multi-tude of bases to live in down the road if you so desired. Most career pilots that I have spoken to say nothing but good things about them as a company (apart from the 49ers thing!). I have read many post in here in regards to this matter but I am now in the unique and lucky poistion to be in the position of being able to choose between two flying jobs and I have to make my decision soon. 
The first job is flying right seat on the A320 for a low cost operator. While this is an excellent oppourtunity it presents me with the likelyhood I am getting into the wrong kind of flying job to soon and I am worried about my flying skills developing and experiencing a certain lack of variety. I see myself eventually working for an airline at some point or another but would like to get the best out of my skills straight away. I know that flying any sectors each day will do that in its own way but will it make me a better pilot?
The second job is flying cargo as an f/o on a large turbo prop.This role appeals as the flying appears to be more hands on. Its would seem a like a no-brainer but I am thinking about life down the road.
How does 1000 - 2000hrs turbo-prop time look down the road to a major airline? Would they really just prefer somebody with jet time particularily given comanality issues and trainability? Many CX pilots have an interesting and varied background in Cargo, Bush Flying etc but many I am sure have come from airlines aswell. It would be good to hear from somebody with a varied background in aviation as I love flying and want to just get the best out of my career. I don't want to just end up flying point-to-point long-haul the whole of my life as you have to take other issues into account like family and quality of life. I also understand that getting into any airline is subjective on the abiities of the applicant but will 1000 + hrs turbo prop make me a better pilot or is it better to just shut up and be happy with the A320 time?
My feeling is that it would also be beter to have jet time under your belt sooner rather than later particularily if the market were to take a sudden downturn again and should I really think about turning down a jet job? I have spoken to many pilots within the industry and there seems like there is a great deal variety and jobs out there if you are prepared to look.
Thanks in advance for the advice - I look forward to your comments.
Sorry for the rant!
The first job is flying right seat on the A320 for a low cost operator. While this is an excellent oppourtunity it presents me with the likelyhood I am getting into the wrong kind of flying job to soon and I am worried about my flying skills developing and experiencing a certain lack of variety. I see myself eventually working for an airline at some point or another but would like to get the best out of my skills straight away. I know that flying any sectors each day will do that in its own way but will it make me a better pilot?
The second job is flying cargo as an f/o on a large turbo prop.This role appeals as the flying appears to be more hands on. Its would seem a like a no-brainer but I am thinking about life down the road.
How does 1000 - 2000hrs turbo-prop time look down the road to a major airline? Would they really just prefer somebody with jet time particularily given comanality issues and trainability? Many CX pilots have an interesting and varied background in Cargo, Bush Flying etc but many I am sure have come from airlines aswell. It would be good to hear from somebody with a varied background in aviation as I love flying and want to just get the best out of my career. I don't want to just end up flying point-to-point long-haul the whole of my life as you have to take other issues into account like family and quality of life. I also understand that getting into any airline is subjective on the abiities of the applicant but will 1000 + hrs turbo prop make me a better pilot or is it better to just shut up and be happy with the A320 time?
My feeling is that it would also be beter to have jet time under your belt sooner rather than later particularily if the market were to take a sudden downturn again and should I really think about turning down a jet job? I have spoken to many pilots within the industry and there seems like there is a great deal variety and jobs out there if you are prepared to look.
Thanks in advance for the advice - I look forward to your comments.
Sorry for the rant!
Join Date: Nov 2004
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CX
I would suggest that if you have an opportunity to fly the A320 then take it and make the most of it. Upgrade when the opportunity presents itself. Once you have the requirements for CX, then apply. Make sure you meet the medical standards and also take a prep course prior to the interview. From an airline standpoint, jet time is always looked upon favorably, but most importantly is PIC time. Heavy jet time will also be a plus. If turboprop time is all you can get, then by all means that's ok too. Good luck.
Join Date: Mar 1999
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There's a section with two whole forums devoted to Cathay and Hong Kong here on PPRUNE, it's called Fragrant Harbour, go back to the main screen and you can't miss it. You'll probably get more replies in there.
