Have pilot's licence? Cathay calls

Dave Hodges, deputy flying training manager at Cathay Pacific, speaks to Margaret Harris

Cathay Pacific wants to recruit South African pilots. What qualifications and experience are you looking for?

There are three streams in the Cathay second-officer programme:

The cadet pilot programme, which is a 61-week course for applicants with little or no flying experience. It is limited to Hong Kong identity card holders;

The advanced entry course, which is a 32-week course for applicants who possess an International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) commercial pilot's licence and at least 200 total flying hours; and

The transition training course, a four-week intensive course for applicants with an ICAO airline transport pilot's licence.

What character traits do pilots need?

We are looking for dynamic people who are determined, have a good work ethic, are able to work as a team with others, can make decisions and solve problems. A pilot never stops studying. Licence renewals occur in a simulator twice a year and they also have an annual line check, where knowledge of systems and procedures is tested. Pilots have to stay abreast of the changes in technology and procedures, which require self-study.

Will candidates have to do tests? If so, what tests?

Suitably qualified candidates will be invited for a first interview, usually in their home country, for example South Africa. This consists of a written technical exam and a reasoning test, as well as a one-hour interview. Successful candidates are then invited to attend a further interview process at Cathay Pacific's headquarters in Hong Kong. This is a two-day process that consists of computer tests, group exercises and a medical examination.

Why have you chosen South Africa as a region from which to recruit?

We recruit pilots worldwide, but we have found that pilots from South Africa are suitably qualified and appear to fit well into life in Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong in general. Numerous South African pilots have been successful in both the advanced entry and transition training streams.

Do you employ many female pilots?

Yes, we do. Those people who are suitably qualified and pass our interview process will be employed regardless of race, sex or creed. Cathay Pacific has 77 female pilots, of whom 10 are captains. It is important to remember that promotion in Cathay Pacific, though seniority based, is earned by hard work and suitable performance.