Hey "Boeing my way"...I tried to PM you but the Admin. stipulates you need 25 or more posts to PM...so hear we go anyway.
I have read many of your posts and was wondering if you wouldnt mind a couple of questions?
I just updated my app again with "Sonny" in Recruiting. Talked with him on the phone last week. Said no hiring of DEFOs till late 2011. I was called in 08' but couldnt accept the interview offer at that time...then the economy dropped out.
I'll try to answer some of your questions. One thing to keep in mind is that there are many different sets of "Conditions of Service" (basically individual contracs) that are have been negotiated in the past. In many cases employees where given the option of retaining elements of their current conditions. This has led to a siginifact variety of working agreements depending on longevity and base area. I'll answer your questions as they would relate to a new joiner DEFO in the NAM base area on the CoS established in 2008. I'll save discussion of the HKG expat package for another post.
1. I understand your US based...where and how long have you been with CX? What fleet did you bid on?, what aircraft can you bid as a new hire?
You don't really bid on fleets at CX. In fact you don't bid for much of anything. Aircraft placement is dependent on manning and base requirements. It is not uncommon to be involuntarily converted (assigned and trained) to a new fleet type while on a base. There are some limited provisions for requesting a one time (in your career) fleet conversion or to bypass a conversion, but those are still at the discretion of the company and unlikely to help you on a base.
1a. With the intergration of all senority and fleets what is typcial upgrade time for a new DEFO starting in 2011?
Unless the company grows rapidly you're looking at some fairly long upgrade times. Ten plus if based in HKG and even longer on a base due to the limited slots.
Can you bid or request the frieighters if successful in the hiring process?
For new joiners there is no more 'freighter only flying'. If the initial conversion of on the 744/-8 then you fly pax and freight at the discretion of the company. In the case of the 744/-8, the type of flying you'll do is somewhat dependent on the base. I think most new DEFOs will be assigned to the 777.
2. I understand there is a basic monthly salary- what are the hourly rates for FOs?..is this on top of monthly gaurantees?
The rates on APC are pretty accurate except for year 4, that should read 7766. Ignore the freighter scales as they won't apply to new joiners. The hourly rate is simply your basic monthly salary/84. From this figure is derived additional flight hour pay of 7% or 14% credit depending on aircraft manning, additional hourly duty pay based on rank and hours, and overtime which is factored at 1.5 (84-91), 2.5 (92-100), and 3.5 (100+), all based on credit hours.
3. I understand Cathay has around 100 birds and around 20, 74 Freighters...are they still planning on recieving 10, 74-8s and 11 +(6 options) 74-ERFs in the next couple of yrs?
Aircraft orders aren't my strong point but no orders have been cancelled so I believe they remain as previously ordered.
3. Is retirement 65 now with new contract?
Yes.
4. Cathay takes out 15% of you pay for retirement...at what interest and where does it go? Banks? Escrow? Bonds? 401k?
They do not take out 15% as you say. Instead they take the sum of the base pay and all the credits and add 15%. This is CX's retirement contribution. You can elect to take it in cash or have it invested in a CX sponsored retirement scheme. However, note that this is not a IRS recongnized retirement plan and some serious issues regarding taxation remain as to how this income will be treated once the fund is fully vested (10 years). Due to this fact and the limited fund investment and managment options many just elect to take the contribution in cash.
5. What is a typical schedule for new hires...what about the Frieghter guys? 6 on 4 off?
This is difficult to answer due to the inherent imbalances throughout the fleets and bases but typically the 777 based pilots have the best schedules, often flying just three 3-day trips a month. Freighter patterns are a bit tougher in that the trips can be 7-10 days long but eventually you'll makeup for it on the back end with a week or more off. Everyone gets 6 weeks of yeary leave (vacation) starting from on dayone. In any case, if you need any recurrent training expect a very long trip due to the rest requirement while in HKG.
6. How do you become an IP (Instructor Pilot)..how do you bid for it and what senority do you need?
This is a somewhat ambitious undertaking at CX. I don't know much about the process but I do know it is somewhat political and selection is difficult. Must be a qualified captain and express interest in joining the department. Recently all new Training Captains must be HKG based.
Good luck.