I wouldn't really agree to that. While there are quite a few good companies to work for, it's not so easy to get those jobs. The majors and fractionals have a LOT of applications just sitting on file. I've heard theres over 10,000 applications over at fedex (dont know how accurate that is, maybe that was netjets). Considering they hire about 1000 or less pilots a year, odds are not exactly in your favor when you apply. Not everyone who wants to fly for a major will actually make it to a major. With the way the industry is now, I know it's not smart to pass up on a good opportunity if it presents itself. I plan on keeping my options open.

 

Now that's just nasty.

 

Everyone wants something different. And there's nothing wrong with that. To some pilots, staying within the US is important. Good for them. I simply want to be based in California and fly the 747. Short of flying for United (where it would probably take 30 years to make it to the 747), Cathay is probably the best option for that. I'm glad for all the people who want to stay within the US...it means less competition for me.

 

If you were actually involved in the industry you would see that the job of CA is not all that different from FO. Just when it comes down to it and a decision needs to be made, you get to make it. Yes, you get to log PIC but what does it matter when you are already at a "career airline"? Cathay is a career airline. An FO at Cathay makes about what an RJ CA makes in the US. I, for one, would have no problem going to Cathay as an SO, upgrading to CA in 8-10 years on the 747 or A340 and growing old and grey there. But if you want to log all the PIC you can in an RJ, go nuts. If numbers in a log book are what you deem important, then I guess to each his own. I personally will take QOL any day.

 

Yeah dude, thats what I told him on page 1.

 

I think I have the dumbest question ever. Is the ICAO Commercial the same as my FAA? Don't laugh....

 

that's not a dumb question.. I've wondered it at some point as I too have ambitions for CX some day in the far future. I looked it up on the ICAO website before.. if your pilot certificate was issued by a country that is part of ICAO, then yes, it is an ICAO certificate. In other words, FAA certificate = ICAO certificate.

 

Okay good. I was going to apply but when I was in the middle of filling out my app the webpage went out on me and now I can not log back in. I have tried emailing pilot recruitment but have yet to hear back from them. Anybody have a good email address for them so I can try to fix my problem. Also does anybody know how competitive the SO positions are? my times are 1010/360. I know its low but at the mins.

 

The earthquake in Taipei the other day damaged telecommunications cables to most of SE Asia, Hong Kong especially. The internet has been degraded by about 50 percent. CX and other businesses are frantically trying to go through other vendors, but it may take a couple of weeks.

When you are hired at CX they put you through a license conversion course. You end up having to take between 4 and 8 written exams, then the practical exams for the type and instrument rating are accomplished on your sim checks. Someone earlier mentioned having to take a "NASA type physical" but I believe he is referring to JAL. The medical at CX is comprehensive, but no more so than an FAA 1st class medical. They will do a blood test and a chest X Ray, but that's the only difference.

Hong Kong is a lot of fun, and I could see myself living there for a few years. As a HKG based pilot CX will pay for your housing. As a year 1 SO I think its about 24K HKD a month, then after your 2nd year its over 50K HKD a month. That's $3000 and $6400 US respectively. Granted they will not pay you that in cash, but you won't have to worry about rent or your HK mortgage. That plus the flat HK 16% tax, the 13th month pay check, excellent health benefits and retirement scheme and the total compensation for an SO (or based pilot) blows away most US carriers (even majors). Weigh all the options, but I think CX is one of the top career choices for a pilot.

 

Competitive times for S/O's is currently around 3500-4000TT with at least 1000+ Turbine/Jet. They were F/O's and CA's with U.S regionals or freight outfits. I have not met anyone with less experiance yet.

For F/O's it is that + quite a bit Jet/Turbine PIC/Heavy Jet.

Absolutely apply, when it comes time they will see you were interested from the very beginning.

Good Luck.