Cathay Pacific

[thebest]

I didn't compare you to anything. I ASKED if it was like that. I have no idea that's why I'm here asking. There are many places that look good on the surface then you find out something completely different. That's why I came here in hopes of finding out from someone that worked there. So thanks for th info. When I get my time I shoot an application over. 2000hrs where most of it is flight instruction doesn't seem to do the job just yet.

However how are you on the internet on american sites being in Honkong? I thought China limited all that stuff. I know they try not to change HK but just wondering.

evil hands are happy hands?

 

[boxjockey]

Not saying that you have to have 1000 TPIC, but that amount and more is the norm for people being hired onto the freighter. As far as staff travel. I believe we have ID90 with all OneWorld partners, and ZED with most other carriers. Staff travel here is definitely one of the drawbacks.

box

 

[bigsky]

Just curious, as I have a friend there, and he says it is a longer process for Americans to upgrade to Captain..... Sounds like they were not strictly seniority based which sounded surprising.

 

[Tatoosh65]

Study Material

To the recent Cathay guys and gals, what are some good study tools you used for the interview. I've heard stories of guys spending over a year preparing for the interview, and if this is true, then I would be interested in getting my hands on some prep materials. Is there any specific books out there which you found helpful? Or any other beta, preps, ect.
Thanks
Tatoosh

 

[ERJdca]

ATLDRVR, Feel Free to PM me about ATL.

bigsky,

If your asking if Americans take longer to upgrade then the rest, then NO. Never heard that. Can they be a bit more picky with Americans..maybe. However i have never seen anything since i have been here. The command is not entirely seniority based. You go through an interview, if successful your results, personal and training files are brought before a decision board who determine based on your performance whether you are suitable. It also depends what you want to take a command on? PAX fleet, about 9.5 years. Freighter is always looking for commands.

Tatoosh65,

Been over 3 years since i interviewed. Not much has changed from what i hear. Newer guys can correct me. Material.... Handling the Big Jets, Aerodynamics for Naval Aviators, Your present company ops, current aircraft systems, and anything you can find that will better prepare you for the H.R. I used Checklist for Success which i thought was pretty good. CX Website has a great deal of information on history/aircraft/destinations. Do a search on PPRUNE.COM!!

 

[Little Bubba]

Just curious, as I have a friend there, and he says it is a longer process for Americans to upgrade to Captain..... Sounds like they were not strictly seniority based which sounded surprising.

100 % American. Upgraded when my number came up.

 

[charterpuke]

Does Cathay still require you to retire at 55 yrs. old?

 

[ERJFO]

Can US based freighter guys commute to and from work? How? Using ID90/ZED fares only? How many do this?

 

[boxjockey]

As of right now the retirement age is 55, but we have a lot of guys extending on a new contract, which is a whole other discussion...

The commuting thing can work, but expect to buy IDs, maybe even up to ID50 during heavy loads, no CASS, etc. I know we have a lot of pilots that do it, but it can be a headache and expensive.

box

 

[-9Capt]

Official policy says AirTran does not allow any foreign airline employees to jumpseat.

I should have added that...

If you make it past the gate agent, I sure as hell aint gonna stop ya.

 

[VVJM265]

A buddy of mine just got hired for a class date later in the year. He's expecting that it may move up - apparently they are having a fairly high number of no-shows among the American new hires... To the original poster - you may just get lucky!

All the best,
265

 

[mach10]

Box,

What do the SO's think about all this DEFO-Pax deal? I know they're only doing it for OZ & AMS basings, but, they're still FO slots that current SO's should be able to take. For me, it seems like it's gonna take even longer to ugrade to JFO (currently 3-3.5 yrs?) now that they're hiring direct DEFO-Pax. I'm sure the time off you get for being an SO is great, but, the pay difference between being an SO for a longer period of time and being able to upgrade to JFO sooner is HUGE.

BTW, thanks for all the info you've provided on this board.

 

[i'mbatman]

100 % American. Upgraded when my number came up.

How long have you been there? Are you on the Frieghter? What is the upgrade process like? Thanks
CX swimmer

 

[j32drivr]

Mach 10,
Not sure what your ultimate goals are, but bear in mind that if you meet the requirements for a DEFO at the time of hire, after 12 months as an SO you can apply for a promotion to Freighter FO. Sort of a way around the system. I wouldn't worry too much about the DEFO pax situation though, with all the growth coming in the next few years there should be something for everyone depending on what you want; in the long run you'll still be well off.
Cheers,
J32drivr (100% satisfied Yank)

 

[chuychanga]

J32,

Is that a common transition (Pax SO to Freighter FO)? My application has been in for a while for DEFO. I think I'm just on the edge of being competitive for it with 4500tt and 700 pic turbine. But I'm thinking about checking the SO box next time I update the application, in hopes of getting an interview sooner.

My wife and I would be excited about the possibility of living in HK for a while, but don't think we really want to stay for three or four years. Eventually I'd like to spend the majority of my career in the U.S. If I thought there was a reasonable chance I could get away with only spending a year or two in HK by starting as a SO and then upgrading on the freighter I'd be all over it.

Are there any hidden obstacles in the way of a transition like that? Is it looked down upon by the company?

 

[j32drivr]

No, it's not that common of a transition, but it can be done. The thing is, it's not guaranteed. One could apply to become a freighter FO after 12 months online (so about 15-16 months after Date of Joining) and be denied. Either way, if you come here as an SO be prepared for the possibility of spending some time in Hong Kong; right now upgrade to JFO on the Passenger fleet is around 3 years.
There are a variety of reasons that not many pilots go from SO to Freighter FO. Primarily, its financially driven. For the Europeans, Aussies, and Canadians (which make up the majority of the pilot workforce), there are HUGE tax advantages to living in Hong Kong-not that significant of a difference for US citizens. Plus there's the loss of the housing allowance by going back to the states. Also, for some it's the quality of life-SOs def have a pretty cushy schedule (as a friend of mine once jokingly said-he doesn't really ever want to upgrade to FO-it would get in the way of his social life!).
Whatever, to each their own. I will say though, that to truly enjoy the benefits of a career at Cathay, I would be in the mindset to spend more than just one or two years in Honkers, whether it be as an SO or as a Captain on the Pax fleet. HK is where you'll make the most money, and give one the opportunity to see a variety of places that you wont get flying out of the US.
Cheers

 

[atpcliff]

Hi!

4 more info on Cathay and ALL the foreign carriers, including the Asian carriers, go to pprune.org. Pprune is like flightinfo, except for worldwide airlines, instead of just US.

Cathay is under "Fragrant Harbour", I believe.

cliff
YIP

 

[chuychanga]

Thanks for the honest answer. I can see financial benefits of living in HK, with the housing and schooling allowances and the Pax payscale, but to be honest with you, flying boxes is very appealing to me. I'm sure the flying gets monotonous, but I'd rather see the world while on vacation. The other big factor for me is taking my parents' grandson away from them for so long. He's a big part of their lives and they aren't going to be around forever.

 

[i'mbatman]

Hi!

4 more info on Cathay and ALL the foreign carriers, including the Asian carriers, go to pprune.org. Pprune is like flightinfo, except for worldwide airlines, instead of just US.

Cathay is under "Fragrant Harbour", I believe.

cliff
YIP

I would much rather read an intelligent thread here about CX life, pay, basings, etc with honest answers than go to pprune where the sky is falling....it seems there is more of an 'American CX' presence on Flightinfo and most of us American have lots of q's that can really only be answered by....well....Americans.

 

[vtwin]

I would much rather read an intelligent thread here about CX life, pay, basings, etc with honest answers than go to pprune where the sky is falling....it seems there is more of an 'American CX' presence on Flightinfo and most of us American have lots of q's that can really only be answered by....well....Americans.

Dismiss PPrune at your at your own expense. If you think everything is coming up roses at CX your making a miscalculation. Most Americans joined there thinking they had a keeper. Most, after experiencing the, "Cathay Way" are either leaving for there former legacy as recalled or, waiting for the opportune time to do so. Even with all the uncertainty. Many Canadians would scatter if they had the opportunities "Yanks" had. Many are applying to UPS/FEDEX, some are in the pool and others have already left. This just on the DEFO 744 freighter fleet.

It takes about 2-3 years for a well intentioned American to burn out. Folks with prior airline experience have a difficult time adjusting to CX "training" culture, and embracing an inferior method, when they know better. And Cathay is loath to admit they are adrift. You will never feel welcome, but if you have the mental toughness to surrender yourself to it then you could have some measure of job satisfaction but, don't delude yourself in this area. You will also find few Americans leaving over pay, basings, time off etc.

Good luck, you will need it doing CX "training," everybody does.