4everFo. How long have you worked for Cathay?

 

Interviewed in NYC two weeks ago. For what it's worth, all the gouge that floats around is spot on. I studied "Handling the Big Jets" "Captains X,Y,Z" and some misc. notes I received from others. Still a m/c written test. 30 min. hr questions and approx 30 min. technical. As you've heard before... 100% impossible to gauge these guys impressions of you. I'd be happy to e-mail anyone the materials and sample q's I studied. They left me feeling well prepared.

 

How long did you have your app. in before they called you. Just trying to gauge if I've got a chance. 8200TT, 6300 turbine PIC, 3500 jet PIC. I applied for a first officer position about 2 weeks ago.

 

They'll probably call you tomorrow if they haven't already.

 

I would expect a call/e-mail shortly. They are hurting for F/O's, especially in JFK on the freighter fleet. They have lost a lot pilots to recalls, and several guys have jumped ship to become new hires at UPS. You can't argue with the contracts, and if age 65 goes through - that's 10 additional years of flying at premium pay, while Cathay is stuck at 55. Though I did perform well on the initial interview, I have personally opted not to pursue Cathay any further, purely because of my impression of the corporate culture. I'm not a good fit. Nor are they for me. Should anyone need some of the notes that I reviewed for the initial interview, feel free to PM me and I'll send them on. They were certainly more than adequate, and will save you a tremendous expense on books. To each their own...

 

Interesting. A friend of mine interviewed there as well and had some of the same opinions you had. Didn't care for the corporate culture or the impression he got in the interview. Don't get me wrong, he is not from the states, has lived in various countries, and had to adapt to various cultures. So he wouldn't be the typical "yank" you hear complaining on pprune (or being complained ABOUT).

On the flip side, another friend of mine is there and absolutely loves it.

Different strokes for different folks I guess.

 

I start there in a couple weeks. I'll keep you all posted once I'm on the inside. So far, from my interview experience, they have been great. I've honestly never been treated with more respect nor have I ever had such a friendly interview environment at any airline. Sure it was tough but the people were great. There was some "yank" ribbing but I gave it right back. Kind of like trash talking on the football field. They made their jokes and I made mine. In the end we had a good time and closed down the bar during the cocktail party.

Two more four days at XJT and I'm off........

 

I couldn't agree more. I'm 100% positive there are people there that do love it. I think on these forums we too often forget that everyone has their own individual situation. In my case, I fully understood that a move to HKG down the road was the true path to the big money at CX, and wasn't willing to plan for that. Additionally, having just moved from NYC down to D.C., I wasn't going to pack up and move right back - as there is no way to commute on other carriers when working for CX. I'm quite sure I presented myself well, and with time spent in various areas of the world, I didn't swagger in there with the stereotypical 'I'm owed this' attitude that we American cowboys are known for. If I were single, willing to sell my house, open to living overseas in the near future - I would be chasing Cathay or Emirates with a passion. You cannot argue with the balance sheets they maintain or the quality of training/equipment. Though it may be ignorant, I'm hoping to see a sustained turnaround with our 121 legacy carriers so that relocating overseas isn't the only way to get the QOL we've all pursued to this point.

 

My initial app was submitted last year, but I think my update in March is what led to the phone call in April. So I'd say less than a month is a safe bet if you meet the mins.

 

What do you mean by corporate culture? I don't really know much about them but I keep hearing negative things. Any insight would be appreciated.