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Hi Captain Lim,
I am a 22-year-old Malaysian, currently studying Engineering in the UK. Recently, I have decided to switch career to become a pilot. It has been my dream since I was small. I am quite interested to join SIA or Cathay Pacific Airways (CX). I went through the CX website and found that the cadet pilot program is only available to Hong Kong residents. So, my only hope now is SIA . What I know from your website it that, it*s not easy to get into the SIA cadet pilot program. If in case I fail the selection process, I will consider continuing my dream with my own fund to pursue the CPL/IR.
Okay, here are my few questions:
1. I went through Malaysian Flying Academy website - they seem to provide quite a good course leading to a commercial airlines pilot license. But I still need some opinions from you - is it worth taking a course there or do it in UK or Australia?
2. What does "frozen ATPL" means?
3. In case I complete the CPL/IR course, can I apply directly to major airlines as a Second Officer, or do I need additional training?
4. I went through the Cathay Pacific Airways website and found that the requirements to become a Second Officer are as below:
a. An ICAO Airline Transport Pilot's License (ATPL) (obtained without exemptions) or ICAO Commercial Pilot's License (CPL) (obtained without exemptions) with passes in all ATPL ground examinations
b. A valid Multi-Engine Instrument Rating
c. A minimum of 1000 hours fixed wing (preference will be given to applicants with turbine or multi-engine experience)
d. Experience commensurate with age
e. A current Class One Medical
f. Fluent spoken & written English
My question - does the CPL (by DCA Malaysia) obtained from MFA fulfills the first requirement?
5. What does "1000 hours fixed wing" means?
6. What does "multi-engine instrument rating" means?
7. Can you please provide me an alternative way to achieve the above requirements?
Sorry for asking too many questions.
Thanks for your help.
Joe.
Hi Joe,
1. For the answers to your first question, please read all the threads "Should I go for my flying training in Malaysia or Australia?" in my Forum.
2. What does "frozen ATPL" means?
ATPL stands for Airline Transport Pilot License. This license is highly recognized worldwide by ICAO. Today, when you complete a flying course, you would be awarded a CPL/IR with "frozen ATPL". It means that you have successful passed all of the ATPL theory exams but do not have the flying experience to be given a full ATPL. This will enable you to seek a job with an airline and fly as a second pilot until you have attained at least 23 years and 1500 hours before your license is "unfrozen".
The frozen ATPL is an important qualification to have for those new as it shows potential employers that you are serious about your career in aviation. Many airlines that employ pilots on the right hand seat as co-pilots would look for at least frozen ATPL.
3. In case I complete the CPL/IR course, can I apply directly to major airlines as Second Officer, or do I need additional training?
Yes, you can apply to join the airlines but most would still require you to go through an almost similar interviewing and selection process that they used for the cadet pilot program. So, there is still a hurdle to jump if you want to join a major airline. However, if you are not particular, a low cost carrier may take you in without that much fuss.
If you build up some flying experience in general aviation before applying for the airlines, it would help you with the application process.
4. Is the CPL (by DCA Malaysia) obtained from Malaysian Flying Academy (MFA) fulfills the first requirement?
I quote MFA FAQ here.
"Is my Malaysian CPL/IR license recognized by other countries?"
Most countries operating under the UKCAA Ruling will accept a Malaysian license. If you wish to convert the Malaysian License to a foreign license, you are advised to check with the Aviation Authorities in that country for the requirements.
Malaysia is an ICAO signatory. Hence all other countries that are ICAO signatories will honor your license (subject to their local additional requirements to be met by you).
5. What does "1000 hours fixed wing" means?
Fixed wings are aircraft with wings and not helicopters (rotary wings). You must have a minimum of 1000 hours flying experience on an aircraft.
6. What does "multi engine instrument rating" means?
It is a flying qualification to enable you to fly in instruments in bad weather on an aircraft with more than one engine (usually on a twin engine plane)
7. Can you please provide me alternative way to achieve above requirements?
Please read all my FAQ from Pilot Career and browse my Forum for more resources.
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