Originally Posted by
proskuneho
Hello Cathay pilots,
What is the schedule like for a Second Officer? Is there any significant washout in the SO program? How long does it typically take to earn an upgrade to FO? Where is the Cathay housing in Hong Kong, is it on Lantau island? Do most FOs live in the housing provided by Cathay, or do they use the housing allowance to live elsewhere?
In today's market, what should someone with only 900TT/150 ME do to earn the right experience to apply at Cathay? I know the qualifications listed for the DESO program on the website fall far short of reality, so what do you suggest I do? What things could I work on to put my resume higher in the pile?
Thanks
Man...there were people with DEFO quals taking DESO slots/interviews the last few hiring cycles from what I heard. This is not late 2007 anymore. Even back then, from my sources the US peeps getting hired were US guard/mil pilots and RJ captains.
You would be lucky to get on at a regional making $20/hr in this market with 1000TT/150ME...if you can find one that's hiring!!!
If I were you I'd check out CAE's sim support internship/program and get a biz jet type...then go to the middle east on a biz jet contract, then get some experience and try to get on with Cx.
Flight Training Adelaide prob won't hire you as an IP unless you have Aussie conversions and work permission/citizenship.
There is also a Uni in Dubai called Dubai Aerospace University that was paying mad cash for IPs with some good instruction times.
Check that out or go to Sierra Academy in Atwater, Cal.
You could also check out instructing in China on wasinc.net...be careful what a Chinese flight school promises you, but you might be able to get into something like Shenzen or HK Express after doing a stint as an IP there.