FredDriver

Wondering if any Cathay folks have any insight on current pilot hiring...is it thriving right now or not?

Also, if you get hired as an FO...what are the chances of being based out of the US? I think I would enjoy CX, but I'm not leaving California!

ryguy

Hiring like crazy. It is a long process so get started now if you want to be in class a year from now or more. All new FO's are based at outports. There is a very slim chance that you could be offered YYZ or YVR but you can turn it down for LAX.

Good luck

Dark Knight

do they take guys with just t-prop time? or do they just take guys with jet time?

ryguy

I think it depends on the turbo prop and where you are from. If you are Aussie with only T-prop time then probably yes. As an American the competition here generally has jet time these days. I would say that the chances are better if it is a big T-prop. That said, we are short of guys so toss in the app. The good news is that if you prep for the CX interview then you should be prepared for anyones interview, at least on the tech side.

kalyx522

ryguy, what would constitute a "big tprop"?

ryguy

Certainly C-130/P-3 would constitute a big T-prop. I believe the application still breaks up turbo prop time by large being over 20,000kg MGTOW. That is roughly 44,000lbs., so the ATR and the like would fit into that category.

Basically the best way to find out is to fill out the application and see if you get the call.

RCAC

Cathay has always had a tough interview, but they've also been quite generous in who they grant interviews to. I've heard of guys who went from Navajos to 747 SO's with them.

RCAC

druglord

i wouldn't advertise that you don't wanna leave cali. i think one of the main things they're looking for in the interview is to see your willingness to move around the world if necessary. what do you think ryguy?

ryguy

I agree, tell them what they want to hear. They want to hear that you will move to HKG in a heartbeat if you had to. They will also tell you that you could spend your entire career in the US and they are correct. However, they still want to hear that you are open and willing to go wherever.

Also, it may be an FO interview but they may ask if you would be willing to be an SO if offered. The answer is "absolutely, I just want to get in with a great company". This is a test ladies and gentlemen, if they want you for an FO slot they will offer it. If they offer you SO then you can make the choice. Cathay doesn't hire to fill classes in two weeks so if you went in for FO and got offered SO, it isn't because they just needed SOs that day. It is most likely that they liked you but something went wrong in your interview or sim. You answering your willingness to be an SO lets them know that you just want to get in to the company. If it is a career stop, may as well get on the seniority list. If you were to answer no to the SO question, chances are you would get a thanks but no thanks instead of the SO offer.

KODI3

ryguy,

Just rcvd the intial interview E-Mail from Amy for a SFO slot in May. Was curious how long ago you interviewed and if you had any further insight as to how to prapare for interview other than reviewing the ATP book. Any chance of getting ANC or ATL freighter for a newbie?
Thanks in advance for your input.

For those interested:
4800 TT (all mil turboprop)
4670 ME
2550 ME PIC
Submitted app 3/1/08
Interview E-Mail 3/13