Cathay Pacific Freighter Interview

[Daveflier]

Is the freighter interview process different from the "regular" interview process? Could someone who is in the freighter division out of JFK shed light on this. Thanks

 

[Z_Pilot]

Try asking your question(s) at this forum, many CX pilots there>>

Professional Pilot's Rumor Network

Z_Pilot

 

[SWAdude]

Oh my god!!! Not the evil Pprune!!! No! NO!
NOOOOOO!


Other SWA folks know what i'm talking about.

SWAdude

 

[Heavy Set]

I'd still like to know the answer...

 

[LJDRVR]

The problem with PPRUNE is that when it comes to CX freight, it is very difficult to get any responses. If you do, it's along the lines of: "All been posted before chap, use your search key." I think this is maybe on purpose. At any rate, I have spent a lot of time researching any CX direct entry freighter tidbits on pprune, and there aren't that many. So, the question becomes; how long from application submission to interview invite, and how long from a "yes" till class date? The best I've been able to figure is 6 months for each. Anybody?

Thanks for any help!

To answer Dave's question, I believe there are two, a US get to know you informal one, followed by a Hong Kong "Build us the jet" sort. I've begun the study process.

 

[Mr.B]

You will build the jet during the first interview and again in Hong Kong...know aerodynamics as it relates to the 747-400 inside and out. If you want the job that is.

Basically they will place a model of a -400 in front of you and ask about everything from tip-stalls to RB211s to why the 777 has no winglets.

 

[Jolly Roger]

Build the jet? I learned the 747 had two engines during the interview.... er... no that's four, right?.... wait, what was the question again?

 

[pegasus]

Cathay Interview

Interview 1: Held in USA or Canada. 60 (ish) question quiz on all technical aspects of aviation, aerodynamics etc. You need to study a book called "Handling the Big Jets" by some ancient British aerodynamicist. Probably the most dull, tedious book on aircraft ever written. It is a bible at Cathay.
The 1st interview is very, very tech heavy. "Why can you transfer fuel fwd/aft in the 747?" How do winglets work. Critical engine definitions blah blah blah. If you know what a British Military A2 instructor qual is, it is a bit like preparing for that.
If you pass this interview they call you to HK. Your sig. other is invited so they can work out whether he/she will support you. I know of at least 1 person who believes he did not get the job due to the wife's lack of enthusiasm at the cocktail party they throw for you.
HK consists of
1. Tech interview (very similar to 1st interview)
2. Personal interview (tell me about your childhood)
3. Group leadership exercise (you have to get from here to here in a certain time, work out how etc)
4. A medical
5. Sim assessment in the 747 (classic) - they even fail an engine on you
If you pass this you will receive a job offer within 2 weeks.

Good luck, hope this helps. My pals who work there seem to be enjoying themselves. Oh, 1 last thing, when they ask you would you be prepared to move to HK to take a job with the passenger outfit, make sure you say YES

 

[Singlecoil]

"Handling the Big Jets" by D. P. Davies. I think its about $100 on ebay or Amazon.

 

[typhoonpilot]

You can get " Handling The Big Jets " through Transair Pilot Shop in London for much cheaper than eBay. I think it was 25 British Pounds plus shipping. They also have the pamphlet, " Preparing for Your Cathay Pacific Interview ". With those two books as well as a thorough knowledge of Aerodynamics for Naval Aviators, The Jeppesen Introduction section, Aviation Weather, and research on the Pprune Tech Log forum you can get well prepared for the interview.

Typhoonpilot

 

[Boeing747Driver]

Too much studying for such a low paying 747 job.

 

[Freddie Spencer]

Boeing747Driver;

What are they paying, benefits etc.?