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How do I land a job with Cebu Pacific?

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Old 30th Apr 2007, 14:21
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Question How do I land a job with Cebu Pacific?

Hello,

I recently moved to Dumaguete, Phillippines. I was told that Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines are hiring pilots. I have not flown for a year due to family obligations. I have a total time of 1,600 with 200 hours of muli-engine (piston) 7 hours in a turbine. I am pretty much here indefinitely.


If anyone can help me have a several questions regarding getting employment as a pilot for Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines:

1. How much is a license conversion with the ATO. Is there any testing or course I have to take?

2. My time is not current. I have not flown for almost a year. Will they accept my time and will they get me current?

3. Is there a weight requirement?

4. Do I need to pay for training or will they pay for it provided you finish your 5 year bond?

5. What are the schedules like? Can I dead head back to the province? Or I need to be based in Manila? Other operations at home allow a pilot to go home and others require to stay in Manila.

7. Is there a blog on how to pass the interview? How to pass the training?

8. How long is training and is it paid by the company?

9. How long is Captain upgrade?

10. What is 1st year pay as a SO?


Thank you for all your help and fly safe! This will be a great help to support my wife as she goes back to school for medicine. My deepest gratitude.

Sincerely,

Filam
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Old 22nd Feb 2008, 14:08
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reply to an old thread

To all aspiring pilots who are hitting a brick wall :

amazingly, it has taken me almost a year to get answers to these questions. sad to say, there is "crab mentality" everywhere you go. back where i grew up, pilots help pilots. there's that sense of comradery and friendship for fellow pilots. according to alpa, we make up 1% of the world's population. being a pilot is a priviledge and a blessing when given the opportunity. unfortunately, here in pinas no one will bother to lend a hand unless there was a price tag attached to it or if you got the connections. i know that this excerpt could draw some controversy with both culture and attitudes of those who just don't give a damn.

i recognize that there are disgruntled pilots who can never find contentment in their blessings. afterall, it's in our nature to never be satisfied with what we have been given. i know many pilots of left cebu pacific for greener pasteurs but, for those who are trying to gain experience help is always a good thing to extend. it demonstrates concern for their fellow man. i really believe that the more we help or give, universal law says that it will come back to you some other way.

i really hope and pray to God, if you believe in God that more and more filipino pilots can help one another to find success instead of having a darwinist philosophy is not the key "dog eat dog" "every man of himself"mentality. we should all seek a christian point of view to help on another. is not the the philippines a christian nation?

so now that i have experienced the sad reality, i intend to take the first step to help other pilots out, who need a helping hand towards their flying careers. I will attempt to answer my own inquiries and hope that it will be a help for any young aspiring pilot.

1. How much is a license conversion with the ATO. Is there any testing or course I have to take?

According to AO 60.75, anyone who holds a foreign ninimum of a ppl (private pilot's license) must take written exam, checkride no SOP (bribe), to demonstrate he or she is competent and current in their flying skills. If you carry a instrument rating, there is a reciprocal agreement internationally that one must take a written test within 24 months upon applying. This requirement is pp. 35 under subsection letter d. of 1 & 2.

Sad to say the books are never open in ATO. ATO regulations are identical to FAA regulations. Whoever tells you, you need to build 10 hours of flight time or more, they are playing with you. Your just making them richer. You can contest anything, just as long as you know your rights.

Next question...


2. My time is not current. I have not flown for almost a year. Will they accept my time and will they get me current?

If your not current, you can fly. Hourly rates range between 6,000 to 7,500 php depending on the school. Based on my observations, schools are short changing flight instructors and charging more on the airplane hourly. Back where I'm from, instructors are paid $45 an hour. That's 1,822 php an hour. If your lucky you can get more money in the provinces compared to hourly wages in Manila. Your probably going to get 500 php an hour. That's only $12.35 an hour. You do the math.

Back at home, 172 time is probably 85 to 100 dollars. That's 4050 php an hour. As you may notice, instructors and students are being ripped off. Now tell me, how is this fair for the person that's trying to build time and trying to make ends meat. Can we all say the word "GREED".

I would highly recommend working in the province because they pay more and the living expenses is less. I can get a decent meal for 30php. There are some schools that will pay for room and board and food possibly transportation. The start pay is 600 php for a Cessna 152 and after probation 700 php. That's better than Manila.

Those who are building time, this is your best option because cities like Davao, Cebu, and most provinces asides Manila pay more. Your better off there, just don't get home sick focus on your goal and make sure that you get a written contract to protect your behind. I've seen too many FI's get cheated because the owners are too stingy. Then again, we are taught here to respect your superiors but, when they are cheating you, you got to speak up. That's not right and I feel bad for the naive who are being raped for their services. It's called blind loyalty.

In fairness to business owners, I have seen them help pilots obtain their flight instructors license. It saves the pilot alot of money and of course a pilot shows his gratitude by working for them for a period of time. It should not be more than a year. I 've seen owners keep them for 2 years. I believe if your paying your instructors well, they will be loyal to you because business owners are doing the "golden rule" treat others the way you want to be treated.

next question...

3. Is there a weight requirement?

Let's face it, health is wealth. Though I have seen overweight pilots, it's still important to take pride in appearance and to take care of one's health. It's important why? Because flying can be tiring if your flying numerous legs in a day. Imagine flying 6 yo 8 legs a day. You start at 1a.m and end your day 5p.m. depending on the airline.

It's good to build a lot of time so that you can reach the Captain position. Time and experience and productivity is everything in the airlines in the Philippines.

Lose the weight by exercising, eating the right foods, pray or meditation, and get enough sleep.

next question...

4. Do I need to pay for training or will they pay for it provided you finish your 5 year bond?

You pay your bond by fullfilling your contract. If you break your contract your pretty much black listed. I have an acquintance of mine is bailed out from one of the airlines, I won't mention the name. He will be the prorated amount based on how much time he fullfilled on his or her contract. Let's say you have a 5 year agreemnt. You did 3 years. You bailed out on the 3rd year? Your training cost the company 30,000 US dollars. You will owe them after a court decision $12,000.

Of course it's best if you fullfill your contract. It speaks of integrity and commitment to your word. Of course everyone situation is different specially if a company decides their company is more important than your family such is in the case of my acquintance.

If you upgrade to Captain you will have another contract. Your recent contact will be cancelled and you will have to finish the contract. In the case of some airlines, their contract could be 3 years, which I think in my own opinion is reasonable.

Next question...

5. What are the schedules like? Can I dead head back to the province? Or I need to be based in Manila? Other operations at home allow a pilot to go home and others require to stay in Manila.

There are hubs in Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao. Regarding the schedules, I'm not sure. I don't have the answer for this yet but, I will find out for all of you who are interested.

Of course, it's best to live near your hub. It's convient and less stressful on you if your commuting.

next question...

7. Is there a blog on how to pass the interview? How to pass the training?

Don't know yet, still waiting for answers on that one. Normally, you are on front of a board. You probably will get the chief pilot, human resource, medical doctor, or a top executive.

They will probably ask you questions on medical factors, instrument procedures, approach plate questions, weather, ect. Of course a sim ride emphasis on NDB approaches, holds, and basic manuevers. That's what I received when I was in the US. I'm assuming that's what they will do here as well. In other words, prepare prepare prepare.

next question...

8. How long is training and is it paid by the company?

Training is paid with this company from what I understand. Thank God!

next question...

9. How long is Captain upgrade?

Depending on your performance and time, it can take a year or maximum 2 years with cepac. That's what I was told. Can anyone confirm this please. thank you.

next question...

10. What is 1st year pay as a SO?

Well, I've seen on response. PEANUTS. Yes is peanuts if you think in dollars. I believe that starting pay from what I understand is 100,000 php in the AIRBUS 320 for first officer position. I'm not sure about the ATR. This is still better pay than Air Philippines. I was told it is 30% less than Cepac. Still complaining aren't we? This is still better but, if you get hired with the other airline and you don't get hired in Cepac, beggars can't be choosers. Be grateful you got the job and you can build experience.

Of course, we are all hoping that they will increase the wages but, remember Cepac is trying to be competitive by having less on the fare for better value. That's the slogan if I recall.

On saying this, I hope that this is a great help for all aspiring pilots who are trying to build their time and trying to apply for Cepac. Of course this is my number one choice because Cepac reminds me of South West Airlines philosophy. This airline cares about it's customers and employees for what I understand. Let's face it, not all airlines are perfect.

If you are a pilot flying for Cepac, count your blessings. Imagine, where I live the average wage is 90 php a day?! That's not much and they work their behinds off. Consider it a blessing that God has given us to be pilots who are responsible for transporting customers to their destinations safetly with comfort. One has two choices, this airline can be a place of growth or can be a place where it is stepping stone for a better opportunity. Everyone is different and everyone has their preferences.

Please, understand that I'm not upset or disappointed anymore. I forgive all you who manage to neglect my plea for help. Think of the good samaratin in the scriptures. Good news is that, we can start over and try again. No need for bitterness. I'm not here to insult anyone. I'm here to remind everyone that we are blest and we should pass the blessings to others who are in a better position. Believe me, I've been there and done that. I know that it is God who is my employer not man. Yes, that's right man is not my employer God is. I'm not worried anymore. I trust the Lord and ask that you do the same as well.

Thank you everyone for reading this. I hope that it is both inspiring and a help to all of you specially our next pilot generation.

God bless!

filam

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Old 22nd Feb 2008, 14:26
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Added help for recruitement

If you want to apply for Cepac, email mariaelaine.cuizon@cebupacific,com

She will require you the following:

1. resume with ID picture 2x2 white shirt (mandatory)
2. Philippine passport
3. CPL or ATPL
4. NTC license (national transportation communication)
5. application which includes 3 pages

Regarding the application, you must submit an essay test. It will ask you "in less than 150 words, answer the question "who am I" discuss your improvements, achievement, and plans.

Next essay will ask you "what is the most challenging situation you have encountered an dhow did you resolve it?

last, what is one value imparted to me by my family that I am proud of the most? Kindly share.

Your contact is Laine. That is her nickname. She is very helpful. The response took awhile but, she did respond and was friendly.

Once you provide the above requirements, it will be given to the chief pilot for review.

Also today I spoke to a buddy of mine. rumor says, note this is only a rumor. they are accepting pilots with 700 hours total time to fly the ATR. I'm not sure if this is true because the requirements are different online. I'm assuming that the hour requirements are for FO position for Airbus 320. I hope this is true.

If any of you have interviewed with Cepac your feedback about what the interview process is like such as what questions were asked, sim profile, who was there, ect. All experiences are welcomed. Let's take the first steps to help one another out. Don't make the aspiring pilots beg. Lend everyone a hand.
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Old 23rd Feb 2008, 15:58
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Filam,

thanks for the informative post!

Hope the rumors are true regarding ATR flight time requirements.

I just finished my training on CPL and IR, approx 200 hrs flight time.

Next target is for me to build up time without spending too much money OR if possible, not to spend money for flight time build up.

Do you know any company which hires new CPL's somewhere in Cebu Area? Getting a job in that place will be my second option as i live in a province near Cebu.

God bless!
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Old 23rd Feb 2008, 18:18
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ATR First Officer time requirements is 500 hours, of that 100 hours multi would be nice.
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Old 24th Feb 2008, 06:29
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Hello Filam. you pm'd me and it turned out on your 2nd post you have all the answers to your questions. As long as you have a good attitude, and your flying skills show you really have the hours on your cv (unlike some applicants), more or less you got a very good chance on getting in. I'd suggest you invest in flying an actual aircraft to get your bearings back, also some time in a frasca sim to get your instrument scanning on track. Also, do everything to get an actual Philippine CPL/IR... unless you have it on hand, the interviewers wont take you seriously.

An acquaintance of mine with just 500 hours of total time just got back from successful ATR training, so your hours are good.

Best of luck and hope you see you on the line!
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Old 24th Feb 2008, 12:08
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Exclamation help

can anyone tell me if cebupac requires a bs degree??
because PAL requires a BS degree
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Old 24th Feb 2008, 13:47
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Yes. A college degree (AB/BS) is a requirement if you wish to apply at Cebupac.
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Old 24th Feb 2008, 18:20
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Filam, Thanks for the reply via PM
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Old 25th Feb 2008, 07:52
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reply to FILam

i feel your sentiments the right way to have to enter cebupac is good attitude and good flying background. I notice you have done your homework and found out the facts of your answers.keep it up hope to see flying with us . By the way we have already a fil am pilot who came from hawaii you can chech him out good luck!!!
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Old 26th Feb 2008, 03:19
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Correction on the contact

If you want to apply for Cepac, email mariaelaine.cuizon@cebupacific,com

She will require you the following:

1. resume with ID picture 2x2 white shirt (mandatory)
2. Philippine passport
3. CPL or ATPL
4. NTC license (national transportation communication)
5. application which includes 3 pages

Regarding the application, you must submit an essay test. It will ask you "in less than 150 words, answer the question "who am I" discuss your improvements, achievement, and plans.

Next essay will ask you "what is the most challenging situation you have encountered an dhow did you resolve it?

last, what is one value imparted to me by my family that I am proud of the most? Kindly share.

Your contact is Laine. That is her nickname. She is very helpful. The response took awhile but, she did respond and was friendly.

Once you provide the above requirements, it will be given to the chief pilot for review.

Also today I spoke to a buddy of mine. rumor says, note this is only a rumor. they are accepting pilots with 700 hours total time to fly the ATR. I'm not sure if this is true because the requirements are different online. I'm assuming that the hour requirements are for FO position for Airbus 320. I hope this is true.

If any of you have interviewed with Cepac your feedback about what the interview process is like such as what questions were asked, sim profile, who was there, ect. All experiences are welcomed. Let's take the first steps to help one another out. Don't make the aspiring pilots beg. Lend everyone a hand. 22nd February 2008 07:08


Hello Pilots,

The resumes do not go to Ms. Laine. They go to (Ms. Anna Lovino). She's the one that process' the resumes for the interview. I am requesting her email address. Sorry for the mishap.

Again the resumes need to go to Ms. Anna Lovino.


God bless!

Filam
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Old 26th Feb 2008, 23:57
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Amen FilAm

Just to add. Being a pilot is not just being paid high man. It's about doing something you love which is flying. I just quitted my job as Software Developer inspite of my high salary just to fullfill my childhood dreams as a pilot.
It's not just being paid high.It's doing what makes you happy.
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Old 28th Feb 2008, 11:41
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Amen to that Brother

I love flying. How many can say that your office in the sky? I too left my lucrative career to fly heavy metal. If you love what your doing it won't feel like work. It should be your passion. I second vote on that brother. Here to the skies fellas!

God bless!

Filam

p.s.

Here's an encouraging article the my buddy emailed me. This should get everyone hyped up about this awesome company!

Ane now for the news...

Business

Cebu Pacific inaugurates new ATR turbo-prop aircraftBy Rudy SantosThursday, February 28, 2008
Cebu Pacific (CEB), the airline that introduced the “Show Me” games in its domestic flights, inaugurated last Tuesday its first brand new ATR 72-500 turbo-prop aircraft, one of 18 to be acquired in the next two years.
Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano, who was the guest of honor, praised the airline for “fun flights” saying that due to its unique approach, CEB “has written new rules for the aviation industry.”
“The Philippines is now the third largest growing domestic market after India and Mexico , faster than China ,” Durano said.
According to the tourism chief, when CEB started operating out of Bangkok and other ASEAN countries, the Department of Tourism saw a double-digit growth in arrivals from those same countries into the Philippines .
“We are confident that with the success of CEB, we would also see a continuous growth in the Philippine’s tourism industry,” he said.
Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) head executive assistant Robert Uy, speaking in behalf of general manager Alfonso Cusi, welcomed the introduction into the country of the 72-seater aircraft, which promises to lower prices because of its low operating requirements.
CEB is one of the stakeholders at the MIAA, and we are happy to see the continued strong growth of your company, which also coincides with our collateral growth in terms of passengers and flights,” Uy said.
Once a struggling budget airline, CEB now claims to be the country’s largest domestic carrier and the biggest airline to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.
CEB president and CEO Lance Gocongwei said the new aircraft will play “a very significant role in our carrier’s domestic network expansion. It will enable us to service destinations with runway length and strength limitations as well as mount more inter-island flights.”
He cited the airline’s growth in the domestic market at 47 percent, while its international passenger carriage grew by 141 percent in 2007.
“We have succeeded in enticing first time flyers to travel by making the lowest fares available all year round. With the addition of the ATRs to our fleet, travelers can further enjoy a country that is teeming with beauty and unique attractions,” Gocongwei said.
The airline will use its first ATR to service its five-times daily Manila-Boracay (Caticlan) and daily Manila-Laoag routes starting tomorrow, Feb. 29.
Because of the aircraft’s short runway requirements, CEB, which has been operating out of 20 domestic destinations, is expected to be able to use 30 more feeder airports out of the country’s 85 airports, many of which have been abandoned by other carriers due to the prohibitive cost of fuel.
The airline expects to take delivery of six ATRs this year and another four in 2009. ATR is the world leader in the 50 to 74-seat turboprop market. This fleet expansion is valued at over $300 million.
CEB will also take delivery of four brand new Airbus 320 this year. The company hopes to have a fleet of 25 by yearend with six ATRs and 19 A320/319. This will be used to achieve its target of carrying more than seven million passengers this year.


CEPAC is a promising company to work for. What does that mean for us pilots? It means job stability and better equipment. Something to think about. Hope this is an encouragement for everyone! Here's two verses that's close to my heart ladies and gentleman.


"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will blest the desires of your heart!"


"Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and everything shall be added unto you."


If flying is your desire and your passion. Seek Him first. Eventually, we'll all make it. Just practice patience and perservere. All the hard work and sacrifices will pay off.


God bless!


Filam
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Old 28th Feb 2008, 14:27
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Flying time and attitude requirements

FO ATR 500 hrs
FO A319/A320 1,500 hrs

You take the Harrison InnerView psychological profile test. CEB hires for attitude and trains for performance.

CEB is a Philippine company with Filipino management and personnel. It values traditional Filipino attitudes like respect for elders and humility (paggalang sa matatanda, pagpapakumbaba.) Downfall for many wannabes specially those who have been exposed to the Western world which values equality in the workplace and personal assertiveness, is coming on with these attitudes during the interview. Remember, the interviewers are Filipinos. One has to balance the thin line between self confidence and pride (yabang!)

The CEO is US trained and the two management consultants are white, but you don't deal with them on the job. The pilots, flight dispatch, cabin crew, mechanics, ramp agents and station personnel are all locals so you have to know where they are coming from. If you want to be happy on the job, understand this well. The FilAustralian and FilHawaiian that joined CEB fit right in because of their traditional Filipino upbringing. Some locals who were exposed to Flight Safety or flew with US carriers had adjustment problems.

Good luck on the interview!
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Old 28th Feb 2008, 18:22
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May i also add that the Fil Australian and the Fil Hawaiian not only have good personalities, they fly good too.

Last edited by thrust clb; 28th Feb 2008 at 18:25. Reason: spelling
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Old 29th Feb 2008, 13:31
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they should start serving vegemite and poi at the canteen...yumyum.
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Old 20th Jul 2008, 04:18
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hi there! im a newbie here.. i would just like to ask if you have any idea regarding the HARRISON INNERVIEW EXAM? i believe PAL and cebu pacific are providing this particular exam for their aspiring employees. If you have knowledge about this, pls. dont hesitate to email me. [email protected]
thanks!
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Old 28th Apr 2011, 07:52
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expats @ cebu?

g'day,

I see lots of expat recruiting for cebu pacific on website. But they all ask for time on type.

I know that cebu recruits domestically with 0 time on type. Anyone know who to contact @ the cebu office regarding recruitment so I can ask some questions? Please PM me.
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Old 5th May 2011, 17:41
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here's my advice: get a type rating - period








dont matter how much time you got as long as you got the rating ,youll be hired.
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Old 6th May 2011, 09:17
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get a type rating?

nandyg1,

Whichever? Either in ATR / A320 as long as you have T/R and no matter the TT, hah? Thanks....
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