Cathay Pacific SO - hiring? Competitive mins?

[DOVPILOT]

Very intense interview process.

Understatement from what I have heard.

 

[johnsonrod]

With regard to SO positions at CX, are all SO positions (whether 747-400 or 777) based only out of Hong Kong? If the PDT Dash 8 pilot was placed on the 777, was that because of opportunities on that fleet (growing fleet) or because of preference? I thought most SOs go to the 747-400 fleet but I guess the 777s and A340s need SOs for the longer flights too...

Lastly, what is the potential time from SO to FO at CX? If you start as a 777 SO, what is the "likely" next stop - 777 FO or other fleet types? Are some fleets more popular than others?

 

[Mayday911]

SOs are based in HKG, but after one year you are eligible for a temp basing anywhere in the world. When hired they put you where you are needed, you can wait for something different when they call you. The 777 has the most long haul growth right now, so I think that they are getting most of the DESO new joiners at this point. The 747-400 and the 340s have SOs as well.

777 SO will most likely go to FO on the 777 but some guys have jumped to the Airbus to position themselves for future basings (ie. Aussies on the Airbus because all Aus bases are Airbus, not counting the freighter).

Mayday

 

[OzBushWhacker]

As for interview. Process as a whole was really intense but final interview per say not so much. At this point its more of a get to know you.

Initial interview, they want you to know basics of what forms the syllabus for what people study for issue of an ATP in countries outside the USA. This is high speed aerodynamics, basic aerodynamics, alot of meteorology, basic knowledge of design features of modern jet transports (stability, dutch roll etc). Total drag curve; range/endurance and differences in Max range cruise vs long range cruise.
Obviously there is stuff out there you can study for this.

There are plenty of areas to screw up, simulator, maths test, psych test, group interview, piss off the doctor, be a nob at the drinks meeting etc. So its the lengthy time under the microscope.

Call to initial interview: 6 months after update, total application in over 1 yr.

 

[johnsonrod]

SOs are based in HKG, but after one year you are eligible for a temp basing anywhere in the world. When hired they put you where you are needed, you can wait for something different when they call you. The 777 has the most long haul growth right now, so I think that they are getting most of the DESO new joiners at this point. The 747-400 and the 340s have SOs as well.

777 SO will most likely go to FO on the 777 but some guys have jumped to the Airbus to position themselves for future basings (ie. Aussies on the Airbus because all Aus bases are Airbus, not counting the freighter).

Mayday

That's great information. So, if you get hired as a 777 SO and you stay in HKG for one year and get the option to move to another base, do you have to move to a base that 777s serve? For example, could you bid a base like LAX if CX 777s don't serve LAX (maybe only 744s and A340s)? Are you limited to certain bases by the types of aircraft that serve those bases?

Also, this may have been covered elsewhere, but can you get hired on the Freighter 744 and then bid the pax 777 or A340 in a few years if a seat is available or do you have to stay on the freighter fleet?

 

[threegreen]

Thanks for the info everyone. I got the invitation to interview in SFO. Looking forward to meeting everyone; it's going to be a busy month of preparation!

 

[jousteagle]

Congrats 3 green. When's your interview? Just trying to do the math and figure out timeline:

Application complete: (7 April, from your previous post)
Invitation for interview: (30 April)
1st Interview: ???
etc...

Thanks and let us know how it goes!