Dan402

For quite some time, the Cathay website has not allowed you to update your application or anything, but I see they recently opened it to do so. There is a statement that says "we are not currently recruiting applicants, but feel free to update your app" etc... Does anyone have any news on future hiring of First Officers or Second Officers? I know they were looking at trying to stick with the Cadet Program but this change on their website has me curious...

LIOG41

I haven't had any problems updating in the past.

Dan402

Then on that note... any Cathay news of future hiring?

Laxrox43

Anyone know exactly HOW picky they are on flight times. The reason I ask, is because I am combing through my log book, and my times are not adding up correctly. (My logbook says I have more time then what the website says)

Help?!

IndyAir Guy

Now this is all personal observation and opinion but during the interview they didnt "audit" my logbook with a calculator, they just paged through it and asked a few questions about it. However, I had way more time than what they asked for so it may be different if your close. Also, you are applying to convert your rating to Hong Kong licenses so these requirements may drive their hiring minimums which requires them to send your logbook to the Hong Kong CAD (its like the FAA). How closely the CAD (Civil Aviation Dep) looks at it is anyone's guess.

I'd apply and by the time you get the interview you'll have the time.

I'm very happy at CX but its not everyone's cup of British Tea. Long haul flying is very boring and not fun but I'm home a lot and the money is good. I do miss bouncing around in the RJ but I'm older and priorities change. Enjoy your time in the SAAB your doing some of the best flying.

Laxrox43

IndyAir Guy,

Did you get hired as a SO, or a "Direct Entry" FO? I am thinking that since they aren't hiring any direct entry positions, I might apply for their Cadet program to get my foot in the door. Is there any projected growth in the near future? Have you heard any rumors of emptying out the pool and hiring off the street again? If that is the case, I may hold out for their "Direct Entry" SO or FO positions. I would be extremely grateful for your input.

Any other CX pilots care to chime in? Any valid information from CX pilots is greatly appreciated!

Sincerely,
Laxrox43

uspilot

He was hired as a DEFO.....As a ICadet you will only get paid $10,000 HKG a month for housing and it will top out as a Capt at $24,000 a month....time from SO to FO around 6 yrs...As SO you will not be typed and you will not be flying the Aircraft...The guys in the hold pool as been called and offered this new T&C and all have turned in DOWN...Survey: Are you accepting their offer? - PPRuNe Forums. Taking the ICadet is financial/Career suicide....Hong Kong is not cheap...you are better of staying home side....This New T&C for Cadets at CX is by far the worst in the world....even the low time guys are turning it down....

IndyAir Guy

I was hired as a Direct Entry FO (DFO) .

We have 91 planes on order but will retiring some and a few may go to Dragon Air. So with that many it is my belief that we will be force to hire directly into all position again like we have previously done. When this will happen I don't think the recruitment department even knows yet.

I don't know what you mean by "empty the pool." ??? Please be more specific.

I personally wouldn't do the Cadet program unless you have family who already lives in Hong Kong since you'll be paying for you own housing. Inexpensive housing in HKG isn't like it is in the US and you may not find it very palatable. I don't think it's worth doing to get your name on the seniority list. Just be patient and wait for what you want since seniority doesn't affect you schedule and means very little here.

Laxrox43

Thank you for the clarification gentlemen. I appreciate your honesty. I will wait and see what happens with the future aircraft acquisitions, and go from there. Thanks again.

Cheers

4everFO

I think by 'empty the pool' he is referring to the pilots that were successful in the interview process but never offered a start date, and which are now being offered the iCadet option.

My opinion is that CX needs to hire DE pilots right now and what is holding them back is the basings issues (ie, taxation, right to work, etc). They could hire DESOs right now but they would then have to pay higher packages (full expat housing, educational allowances, etc), so they are testing the waters to see how many iCadets they can take in. When the actual recruitment of DE pilots will occur again is anyones guess.