My apologies if some of this has been covered in another thread as I'm sure it has, but with the recently ratified contract perhaps there's been some significant changes.

My questions revolve around the expectations of a U.S. based new-hire F/O and what they can expect in the first 3-5 years of employment at Cathay.

Regarding work schedules, what type of days off/trip lengths/holiday leave can one expect. I'm under the impression that days off are usually around 16-18 with 6-9 day trips being common.

Assuming that one wanted to work extra (say 15-16 days a month), what kind of gross earnings (not including retirement, however including per diem) can a pilot expect for the first 3-5 years? If a pilot lives and is based in the States is there any tax exemption such as the ones that expats are enjoying?

Is the cargo and pax flying mixed stateside as well? Is there a heavier percentage of cargo flying? I am aware that initial training in Hong Kong is approximately six months long, however on an annual basis how much time can one expect to have to spend there for recurrent training, etc.

Thanks ahead of time for any input.

No US basing for new hires. Some foreign bases being closed (Paris). Cadet program, for newhires, has many problems including low pay and no housing. Go to PPrune, under frangrant harbour wannabes.

It might be a good opportunity for cadets maybe, but not for anyone who has any experience.

Well, that answers that and closes that case, doesn't it? Thank you gents!

Yeah, I would say "fuhgetaboutit".