Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific said it has removed three sponsored cadet pilots from its Cadet Pilot Training Programme following their non-compliance with flight incident reporting requirements during their training at AeroGuard Flight Training Center in Phoenix, Arizona. The airline’s decision follows the completion of a comprehensive investigation conducted by the training school in coordination with Cathay Pacific and the relevant authorities.
Cathay Pacific Director Flight Operations Captain Chris Kempis said: “A just and open reporting culture is at the centre of our values. Being aligned with this culture is fundamental to being a Cathay Pacific pilot; we recognise that mistakes will occur, particularly during training, and that opportunities to learn and improve must never be overlooked. However, we have a zero-tolerance approach to non-compliance with flight incident reporting requirements. We are committed to providing comprehensive training and ensuring that our future pilots are well-equipped to uphold the highest levels of safety and professionalism.”
Solo operations involving the airline’s sponsored pilots at AeroGuard Flight Training Center have resumed with immediate effect, having been suspended while the investigation was being conducted. Going forward, our just and open reporting culture as well as the appropriate communication process for reporting flight incidents will continue to be reinforced among all Cathay Pacific cadet pilots through additional training.
Cathay Pacific said has an extremely stringent recruitment and assessment process for its cadets, with less than 8% of the applicants being accepted onto the programme and able to complete the training and assessment to becoming a Second Officer. All qualifying cadet pilots after graduation from their initial 60-week course are required to undergo further induction training in order to join the company and be endorsed as Second Officers on one of Cathay Pacific’s aircraft types. This training involves further assessments, culminating in a final check to line flying that is conducted by a Senior Check Captain, before they can operate under oversight as Second Officers.
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