Any Cebu Pacific Crew here ?
Join Date: Jul 2008
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IFR under VFR conditions, common in the 3rd world, but yes it doesnt make it correct. Im sure the local boys have terrain verified flight plans in the FMGS..But Why nonpayment of overtime, that sucks. Anyway have they changed thier mind on expat upgrading
Join Date: Mar 2009
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At first it seemed like a great place to go to work, hang out in the Philippines, stay at a nice Hotel, not too far from the airport and not too far from the entertainment area.... but, after I was told that if I left, before the contract was finished, I'd have to pay more than $100,000 USD, the balloon popped. There is only one reason, that a company would have that kind of penalty and I think we all know what it is. It's too bad, as I think they could have plenty of expat pilots joining them, but for some reason, they feel the need to schedule the crews in a way that turns the entire experience into a "Nightmare on Roxas Blvd". It's a bummer, it would have been a fun experience....... And, yes, I've flown into Manila a couple hundred times and as in flying into most countries, you adjust.
Join Date: Nov 2009
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penalty for leaving before contract
There is a penalty or they like to call it training fee/ bond.
all pilots have different bonds US $ 2000 upto US $ 5000 depending when you started. the ones who came in first was less as pilots left before the term it became 5000.
Ask the agency for a copy of the contract. you will find out more.
I have a friend there and he is complaining because the whole process is very slow and you are stuck in Manila doing nothing!
The direct contract with Cebu is where there is a $ 100,000 bond.
Watch out before you sign anything!
all pilots have different bonds US $ 2000 upto US $ 5000 depending when you started. the ones who came in first was less as pilots left before the term it became 5000.
Ask the agency for a copy of the contract. you will find out more.
I have a friend there and he is complaining because the whole process is very slow and you are stuck in Manila doing nothing!
The direct contract with Cebu is where there is a $ 100,000 bond.
Watch out before you sign anything!
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: zamboanga
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I heard that 98 pilots left cebu pacific airlines and these mails i read talk of killer schedules, lousy crew controllers, incompetent management, confusing contracts, trigger happy guards who shoot pilots, dangerous air controllers, etc.......Why bother going there? Maybe it is so easy to get in.
Beware. It's a mouse trap.
Beware. It's a mouse trap.
Join Date: Mar 2009
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Thanks very much for the heads up. I've been flying contract in the Desert and Asia for over 20 years, so have had to adapt and roll with things, more times than I'd like to admit. What do you think guys, going in as dec, putting up with the problems you've mentioned, could a guy last 6 months and then get out? I've been out of the saddle for a couple months and need to get back on, in order to catch this Airbus hiring binge. Thanks again for the info!
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Pattaya
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Yes, Cessna95 is right, things do change and sometimes it takes longer than we expect. I'd say take the job, it's only for six months and judging from your experience, you might do ok. I finished the skype interview too. Good luck!
Join Date: Jul 2008
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If things change just a little, this would be the ultimate expat job. Imagine a expat contract were people actually speak english. I think the problem with Cebu is besides being a low cost run by a rich chinese family(penny pinchers) is lack of experience dealing with expat pilots. There used to dealing with thier own people which are very laid back and probably happy to be flying at home. If they had any brains if they copied vietnam airlines sistem 6 on 2 off/ onn the F/O side match the money, offered upgrade/transition in the case of ATR crews and insurance they would not be bleeding for crews. They just have to understand the reality of paying international rates for flight crews expats or locals. Also if they payed local crews expat terms they would have all their crews working overseas back home. Im sure thier waiting to see the effect of the Air Asia operation, and how it effects crew attrition, market share too see how to proceed.On the positive side their not complicating themselves with recruiting. Skpe interview, HR and TECH (5 quick questions). If you pass they send you a tkt, put you up in a hotel, and start the license process. No time wasted on travel/ interview etc etc any other job in Asia is at least 5 days travel, in the case of Air Asia / Tiger/Jetstar/Vietnam/Air Astana/HK airlines/Sin Cargo/ pay your own way to the interview thats if you can get the time off(Air Astana and HK give you hotel). Cost of living in manila also is very low compared to SIN/HKG/SGN.Only time will tell
Join Date: Nov 2009
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THERE is a SIM CHECK
I have been told there is a sim check after you arrive in Manila.
Dont be fooled with what you are told over skype interview.
There were numerous pilots who have failed the sim ride after getting to Manila. I emailed one of them so I know for a fact that there is a sim ride when you get to Manila.
It could be a mouse trap. Once you are there only you know?
Don't forget the BOND of Millions of pesos about US $ 100,000.
Just be prepared!
the gun firing is a confirmed incident.I checked with 2 pilots there.
I am thinking you are far better off with Jet Star Asia / Air Asia / Tiger Airways / Jet Star Pacific in Vietnam / Vietnam Airlines.
Air Asia , jet Star asia and pacific are hiring f.o's direct in to Captain program. Of course you must have lots of experience!
Dont be fooled with what you are told over skype interview.
There were numerous pilots who have failed the sim ride after getting to Manila. I emailed one of them so I know for a fact that there is a sim ride when you get to Manila.
It could be a mouse trap. Once you are there only you know?
Don't forget the BOND of Millions of pesos about US $ 100,000.
Just be prepared!
the gun firing is a confirmed incident.I checked with 2 pilots there.
I am thinking you are far better off with Jet Star Asia / Air Asia / Tiger Airways / Jet Star Pacific in Vietnam / Vietnam Airlines.
Air Asia , jet Star asia and pacific are hiring f.o's direct in to Captain program. Of course you must have lots of experience!
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Pattaya
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Thanks!
I appreciate the heads up! I'll definitely check out some of your suggestions. That would be quite a treat to be hired as an FO and then go directly into the Captain program...... 
However, just in case nobody else knocks on my door, if anyone knows the sim profile, I'd really appreciate it and the first round of San mig and balut, is on me!
However, just in case nobody else knocks on my door, if anyone knows the sim profile, I'd really appreciate it and the first round of San mig and balut, is on me!
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Asia
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Hi Guys, I have been out here based in Cebu for almost 4 months now. I was placed here through contract air. Although there has been a few hiccups the word on the street is that Cebu are beginning to review contracts 
Apart from the heavy rosters, the locals are friendly and location and accommodation is nice. I guess the company have been facing problems due to the lack of the knowledge in expat pilots which is why we have faced a few problems. I must say that I have found contract air to be supportive and if the airline offered better terms for the 1 year contract ie commuting, accommodation, salary increase then I would certainly stay on
Apart from the heavy rosters, the locals are friendly and location and accommodation is nice. I guess the company have been facing problems due to the lack of the knowledge in expat pilots which is why we have faced a few problems. I must say that I have found contract air to be supportive and if the airline offered better terms for the 1 year contract ie commuting, accommodation, salary increase then I would certainly stay on
Join Date: Nov 2009
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Bond & Agreement that will hold u in Cebu forever
Guys, do not make a mistake of joining or signing any contract with Cebu Pacific. They have a clause which states a bond of US$ 100,000 and add to that another clause stating that you cannot fly for any other airline that touches same destination as Cebu Pacific. YES it is correct! This means you cannot apply to any airline in Asia or Middle East.
They don't tell you this before. In fact they don't mention anything about it. Only when you see the contract and read it very carefully that the true picture is displayed.. I heard some Mexicans were offered this contract and they refused. I am not sure if they left Cebu.
Transportation is only for those who stay at the hotel. So if you have a family & want to live in an apartment , you have to arrange your own transportation.
It is not that great of a place. In fact Jet Star Asia , Vietnam Jet Star and Vietnam airlines are much better packages.
Bobflyer, I am happy you passed the interview and are flying for Cebu but do mention all the clauses and how many expat pilots have taken off without a word because CONTRACT AIR will deduct anywhere from US$ 2000 till US $ 5000 or more from your salary if you leave before the term of your contract even after serving a notice period. They increased it from US $ 2000 to US $ 5000 as pilots were willing to pay the training bond of US $ 2000.BE CAREFUL GUYS!
They don't tell you this before. In fact they don't mention anything about it. Only when you see the contract and read it very carefully that the true picture is displayed.. I heard some Mexicans were offered this contract and they refused. I am not sure if they left Cebu.
Transportation is only for those who stay at the hotel. So if you have a family & want to live in an apartment , you have to arrange your own transportation.
It is not that great of a place. In fact Jet Star Asia , Vietnam Jet Star and Vietnam airlines are much better packages.
Bobflyer, I am happy you passed the interview and are flying for Cebu but do mention all the clauses and how many expat pilots have taken off without a word because CONTRACT AIR will deduct anywhere from US$ 2000 till US $ 5000 or more from your salary if you leave before the term of your contract even after serving a notice period. They increased it from US $ 2000 to US $ 5000 as pilots were willing to pay the training bond of US $ 2000.BE CAREFUL GUYS!
Join Date: Mar 2009
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contracts
It's a bummer about having to surprise the pilots with an unrealistic contract and demands, especially when most have to travel so far. However, it's been my experience, that when a contract is very lopsided, as in the case of a 100k usd penalty and the not being able to work for any airline that lands in any Cebu Pacific city, they are impossible to enforce. Of course, we all need a letter of recommendation and that will be one of the biggest problems.