Selection stages

1. Online application (cut-e/Aon aptitude tests + personality questionnaire)
2. HR video interview (MS Teams, ~25-40 min, 1 HR rep)
3. Day 1 in Hong Kong: simulator assessment (type and profile sent ~7 days ahead)
4. Day 2: panel interview (Captain + HR) mixing HR and technical questions, document check
5. Pre-employment: HKCAD Class 1 medical, background check, drug screen

Tests

• Cut-e (Aon): numerical, verbal, logical/inductive reasoning, applied numeracy, spatial orientation, monitoring, reaction, multitasking, complex control
• Personality questionnaire
• Raven-type abstract reasoning (cadet stage 2)
• Technical multiple-choice paper (~60 min, cadet/advanced entry)

Simulator check

Direct entry: full-flight sim on A330, B747, B777-300 or A321neo; takeoff, clean-up, turns/navigation, ILS, go-around, engine fire, ILS; flown as PIC with assessor prompts; CRM/communication weighted; candidates report ~half fail. Older cadet/advanced-entry reports: B777-300ER.

By rank

• Cadet: Cadet Pilot Programme (Learn To Fly 2019; latestpilotjobs 2023): psychometric/aptitude tests -> HR + technical screening interview and 60-min technical MCQ -> group exercise, Raven and personality tests -> detailed HR/flight ops interview. Glassdoor cadet report 2021 adds online aptitude, HR screen, assessment day, final panel with pilots and HR.
• First officer: Direct Entry SO/FO: HR Teams interview, then 2 days in HK (sim day + panel day). Questions on relocation, returning to FO seat, fleet preference, notice period.

Interview questions

Personal and CV

1. Tell me about yourself and your career so far.
2. Where would you live in Hong Kong, and have you considered living costs and schooling for children? (First officer)

Motivation

1. Why Cathay Pacific, and why not another airline?
2. Why do you want to become a pilot? (Cadet)

Company and industry

1. What do you know about Cathay Pacific - its history, recent news, route network and fleet?

Situational

1. What would you do if you were not given the fleet you prefer? (First officer)

Technical

1. Technical questioning on high-speed flight, meteorology, icing, engine theory and aircraft performance. (First officer)

Competency and CRM

1. How can we be confident you could safely fly a B747 into Anchorage at night in snow and ice, given your age and experience? (First officer)