Cathay Pacific

[Helos2Galaxy]

I haven't heard much about CX on this board but if anyone has any info on their interview process and are willing to pass it on, it will be greatly appreciated!

Fly safely!

 

[dojetdriver]

I haven't heard much about CX on this board but if anyone has any info on their interview process and are willing to pass it on, it will be greatly appreciated!

Fly safely!

Good grief, how many times does it have to be covered? Go to pprune.com, scroll down to the fragrant harbour section. More CX info than anybody can possibly digest.

 

[ERJdca]

Good grief, how many times does it have to be covered? Go to pprune.com, scroll down to the fragrant harbour section. More CX info than anybody can possibly digest.

Maybe there are a few guys around this board that would be happy to answer some questions? Helos2Galaxy, Feel free to PM me.ERJDCA

 

[Flybet3]

Good grief, how many times does it have to be covered? Go to pprune.com, scroll down to the fragrant harbour section. More CX info than anybody can possibly digest.

well the guy seems to be new to flight info you prick!!!!

 

[hyflyt560]

It's true, pprune has a lot of good info to get you started on your way. A must is reading, and understanding, "Handling the Big Jets", Davies. Concentrate on Mach vs. IAS, winglets, anything and everything about the CX fleet, particularly the 744, know about the RB211 engines, know the CX history, Hong Kong, and read everything about cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons, etc. And, even if you think you've studied it all, keep looking for more info and honing your knowledge base. I had about five weeks notice prior to my CX interview and I studied my a$$ off every day...easily over 100 hours total. And, I felt I did well in the interview, but it wasn't to be.

Good luck with it as it's the place to be.

 

[Helos2Galaxy]

I know its a tough interview but, if nothing else, my GK in aviation will certainly be increased while studying for the interview.

 

[Bjammin]

PM me as much as you want. It was extreamly tough, but I truly think the interview was much more about the sim ride and cocktail party then "How does an IRS work?"

 

[gcsass]

Waldo,

Is that you? In either case please drop me a pm and I will get in touch. Interviewed at CX but not hired. Good experience....!

gil

 

[SAEaviator]

Is CX's only bases in the states ORD and JFK?? How likely is it to get the U.S. bases? Any info on what the typical schedule is?? Sorry to ask so many questions but I'm in no hurry to run over to pprune and start an account.

 

[linecheck]

Did the first interview in SFO for a SO position. Interview was successful but decided not to go to HK for the second interview as I wanted to pursue another airline here in the US.

Needless to say, the interview was the most technical one I have ever experienced. I would equate it to the gameshow, "the weakest link," where you're being cross examined by two British interviewers and the environment is very cut and dry.. no emotions.

By all means, know everything there is about the 747-400. And I mean everything! They even have a model there in the interview room for you to reference. Engines, weights, 300 differences, brake pads, winglets.. the list goes on. Some great resources are "handling the big jets" (I'm pretty sure that's the title) the internet, and an interview company up in vancouver. There's also an interview guide that would be very helpful, but be sure to disclose that in the interview when they asked you how you prepared. I think its called XYZ or something like that.

Goodluck.. if you're willing to live in Hong Kong it seems like a great gig. Certainly they are a powerhouse of an airline that's here to stay for a long time.

PM if you have any more question.

linecheck

 

[Bjammin]

The CX base are LAX, ORD, JFK, ANC, and soon ATL and then maybe DAL. Most people commute and the airline has many options to get you to and fro. If you get hired as an FO you WILL be based out of the US.
My schedule has been great so far. Usually 10-13 day a month away from home. ie: 2, 5 day trips, or a 7day and a 3 day or any of the above combinations. Most of my trips go through ANC, but not all go to HKG. Sometimes I just fly around domestically.

I can't bid for my trips, but I can bid for days off.

 

[yankee22]

Bjammin...

How do you guys commute around without jumpseat priveleges. I've been told it can be very difficult to commute even if your stateside. I'm interested in Cathay and would like to know how you guys work it???

Thanx

 

[yankee22]

Bjammin..

I also ran into an ex Cathay (retired) pilot a few months back and mentioned how I was interested but he almost sounded negative about the company to be honest. You mentioned 10-13 days away but he painted a picture of 18-20 days away. He said that they only guarantee you something like 9 days off a month. He said it's all work and no play. Not sure if that was an accurate statement but that's what he said!! ??

 

[(o) (o)]

Your amount of days off is directly related to how fast you rack up your 84 hours minimum flying (pay gaurantee).

So if you do exclusively long haul stuff..you're home a lot...If you fly the 777 based out of HongKong (our regional jets). You work your butts off all the time.

 

[ERJdca]

yankee22,

First, days off vary with position and equipment type. The min day off is 8 however i have yet to hear anyone getting close to that. Also 6 weeks annual vacation. Right now the 777 guys have the toughest roster because of the regional flying it does. Im on the Pax side so i can't comment accurately on the freight schedule but i have seen a bunch of firends rosters with 15-17 off. I havn't seen a freight roster with less than 14 yet, but thats not to say there aren't. On the Pax side the rosters are much better, and again vary with position. I normally see 18-22 off a month. When you do work, it is work. Much different atmosphere then the US.

Guys commute using Zed fares. Many do commute in the U.S. Not much of a difference since you can only occupy a seat in the back anyhow. The Cathay website has a wealth of information guys.

Take Care,
ERJDCA

 

[01mm]

Can anyone that started at Cathay as a Second Officer descibe their progression and the highs and lows of the job that might affect someone that would want to live in N. America post Hong Kong basing?

 

[Cpt. Underpants]

He said it's all work and no play. Not sure if that was an accurate statement but that's what he said!! ??

You don't get to make USD700 Million profit with 95 airplanes unless someone is working...

Having said that, I have been with CX for 16 years and although it's hardly been Sunshine and Lollypops the whole time, I have NEVER had to be concerned about my job security or a paycheck. Admittedly, I am A scale and been in the left seat a long time, but I still have fun. My big decision of the day will be whether I should go skiing or snowboarding in Anchorage on the weekend...

 

[Bjammin]

I guess you find guys in every airline that are disgusted. I don't find the all work no fun thing at all. I party hard in ANC everytime i'm there and in Hong Kong ..... holy smokes.

As far as the rosters go, the long haul guys very much get more time off. I can't speak for the short haul guys at all as far as their days at home, but I know as a training captain you can do most of your trips as Out and Ins and be home most nights.

Capt. U is right, someone has to work and I will work for job security any day.

 

[Uppercrust]

Anybody know what the male to female ratio is like in Hong Kong??

 

[Bjammin]

In the company or city?

Company, very good if you include the F/A's

City, good as well. Look up "Wan Chi"

 

[masedogg19]

I know that it's years off for me but is it possible at all to go from a regional here in the US to CX? Or is it necessary to have some intermediate stop flying something larger?

 

[ERJdca]

I know that it's years off for me but is it possible at all to go from a regional here in the US to CX? Or is it necessary to have some intermediate stop flying something larger?

I came from the regionals. Do some research on the company, if it sounds like something for you and you meet the mininmum requirement posted on their web page by all means fill out the app and get it in. You might not be competitve at the moment but they will respond to you and keep you on file for further updates. When its time for an interview it will be clear to them that you have been interested and that will go a long way i think with CX. They are NOT looking for people who feel CX is their second choice.

Good Luck.

 

[Mayday911]

I was hired from the right seat of a US based CRJ and am currently awaiting a course date. DEFO

 

[masedogg19]

Better news than I expected. Thanks guys.

 

[Lear70]

Hey Mayday,

How long from your original application did it take for them to interview you and did you have any help from inside?

Thanks,

 

[Bjammin]

I applied in Mar 03.

Updated my app Nov 03.

Got called in Apr 04 for a May 04 initial interview

2nd Interview Aug 04

Got called Feb 05 for an Apr 05 class


I did have someone walk in my app.

 

[Lear70]

I applied in Mar 03.

Updated my app Nov 03.

Got called in Apr 04 for a May 04 initial interview

2nd Interview Aug 04

Got called Feb 05 for an Apr 05 class


I did have someone walk in my app.

Holy crap!

Someone walks in your app, and it still takes TWO YEARS... Wow (shaking my head).

 

[DL_Infidel]

It can be quicker

Sent my app in Oct 05. Was contacted Dec 05 for a 27 Jan interview in SFO. Wish me well tomorrow.

 

[Green]

Sent my app in Oct 05. Was contacted Dec 05 for a 27 Jan interview in SFO. Wish me well tomorrow.

It's yours for the taking....!

 

[Lear70]

That's fantastic! Seems a lot more reasonable, now GO GET YOUR JOB!

Good luck, buddy!