Yesterday I asked about a New Zealand resident like myself joining the Asian airlines such as Singapore, Malaysia and Cathay. You responded saying that Cathay would be the only one of those carriers who will accept non-residents to work for them.
And while Cathay may be a possibility in the future, yes, I was also just wondering if you were familiar with the process of joining the Middle Eastern airlines such as Emirates, Etihad or Qatar. I've only ever flown Emirates and found them to be great, but I've heard good things about the other two as well, so I was hoping that if you have any further information on joining these airlines in a recruitment programme after finishing flight school that would be great.
What you said about Air New Zealand was helpful and I've since found that Massey University (the primary New Zealand Flight School) has established a feeding programme of sorts from graduation into Air New Zealand, so that is always a possibility, but I was just wondering if my aspirations to work internationally as a pilot are realistic or not.
Thanking you once again,
Mitch
Hi Mitch,
Amongst the Middle Eastern Airlines, only Etihad takes in International Cadet Pilots who are non-residents: Below are some FAQ for your further information.
Q 1. What is the Etihad Airways Cadet Pilot Programme?
A. Etihad Airways Cadet Pilot Programme prepares outstanding individuals for the role as a pilot for its modern and expanding fleet. The successful candidate will complete their training at the Horizon International Flight Academy in Al Ain, UAE for duration of 18 months.
Q 2. How to Apply?
A. To apply for this programme, you must be aged between 18 to 26 at the time of testing; Height 157 to 195 cm; have graduated high school and be medically fit with a BMI (body mass index) of below 30.
You must have the ability to speak English to an equivalent to ICAO level 4 and provide details of such.
Q 3. What does ‘initial selection’ mean?
A. Initial selection takes places in various parts of the world. To reduce your costs, we will travel to North America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia at various times. We do reserve the right to not visit any particular venue if we feel it is not in Etihad’s best interests. The initial selection comprises of six written aptitude tests, there is no interview at this stage. If you are successful with this stage you will be invited back to Abu Dhabi for the second stage at our cost.
Q 4. What is the ‘second stage’?
A. The second stage, in Abu Dhabi is more individual. You will have interviews, group exercises and further aptitude tests to complete which will include a psychomotor test. The final element will be a class one medical. The second stage is done with a succeed and continue approach, this means you may be required in Abu Dhabi for the full 3 days or less if you fail to pass any stage of the selection. We do not offer feedback to unsuccessful candidates.
Q 5. Am I considered as Etihad Employee if selected for the Cadet Pilot Programme?
A. No. You will be enrolled as a permanent full time employee of Etihad Airways subject to completion of the necessary medical examinations, security checks, and police clearance and after successful completion of your frozen ATPL. Until this point you will be employed on a training contract. The exact details of this will be made clear to you at your initial selection.
Q 6. Will I get paid during the Foundation Course/Training?
A. Yes. The company will pay you a salary on a monthly basis; this will not be subject to annual increments or bonuses as per main line staff within Etihad during the next 18 months at Horizon International Flight Academy in Al Ain.
Q 7. Will I be provided an accommodation and transportation during the course period?
A. Cadets are provided with single bedroom shared accommodation in Al Ain. Transportation is provided to and from the Horizon academy and to all other venues required by Etihad.
Q 8. How long is the Cadet Pilot Programme/Training Course?
A. The cadet pilot program will take 2 years to complete. This should include your type rating course, however this will depend on Etihad Airways training commitments at the time.
Q 9. What will be my Position Title after the Cadet Pilot Program?
A. After the successful completion of the Cadet Pilot Program, you will be required to sign another employment contract with Etihad Airways to serve as a Second Officer.
PS. To check for any latest updates or postings, you can follow my new Twitter at @CaptKHLim
Interview Tips: Tell me about yourself. A GOOD example.
Although Massey is a good choice, be careful about basing your decision around being fed into an airline on graduation. I went through Massey a number of years ago and was told a similar story, but nothing eventuated for any graduates at that time. Maybe things have changed but I wouldn't count on it. Also, a Kiwi or Aussie passport can mean a harder road to the majors, I fly for a smaller operator in Asia, and have seen many of my co-pilots move through to bigger operators because of their nationality 'advantage'. Frustrating, but a reality of the business. Having said that, it has its moments and if you have to fly, nothing will stop you. all the best!
Mark ,
22 Dec, 2011
+0
Experience
How much flight experience (if any) is required for you to be considered in this Etihad Cadet Pilot Programme?
Fray ,
23 Dec, 2011
+0
...
Sir,
Thanks for the information but where can I apply for this cadet program, I have checked the website and it says thats its only for UAE Nationals and where as i am an indian
surya ,
15 Jan, 2012
+0
Application form
Hi, do you know the link for the International Cadet application form? I couldn't find it.
Thank you
peter ,
26 Mar, 2012
+0
...
Etihad stopped recruiting International cadets exceptions are Omani nationals and seychelles nationals. The programe is only open for UAE nationals along with the former 2 nationalities.
Ryan ,
29 Mar, 2012
+0
To:RYAN
Etihad stopped recruiting International cadets exceptions are Omani nationals and seychelles nationals. The programe is only open for UAE nationals along with the former 2 nationalities.
How do you Know that?
Cadet ,
04 Apr, 2012
+0
Where
Hey Mitch thanks for all the information but can you Get me an address as to where to enrole do you have To be put on a waiting list if so how long is the waiting List
Sir ,
07 Apr, 2012
+0
TO:Cadet
hi cadet, There was job post in etihad airways website for cadet pilot for seychelles nationals and the previous year for omani nationals. Remember etihad airways now owns air seychelles and they give preference to seychelles nationals and the government has agreement with oman government so they give preference to omani nationals.
