AirAsia Cadet Pilot Programme 2017 : Experience Sharing

A very good day to all reading. A friend of mine has just recently completed all the stages of his AirAsia cadet pilot programme of 2017. Hence, I thought it would greatly benefit others who are anxious to know about the whole process from start to finish and what goes on behind it. As updated resources and articles from blogs are few and scarce, I am very grateful that my friend has accepted my invitation to write for this humble blog, sharing the same hopes that this will encourage, inspire and in due course, prepare the next batch. Happy reading.

P.S. - It's long. But if you're truly interested, it won't matter, wouldn't it?

"I'm a candidate of the AirAsia Cadet Programme Year 2017 and have just completed my SPM last year. It's a golden opportunity for those who dream to soar the skies when AirAsia announced their cadet pilot programme opening. As an SPM leaver without having any hesitations, I directly applied for the programme on the day my SPM results were released. Soon after that, I was glad to get an invitation of STAGE 1-Entrance Exam a month before sitting for the assessment. The assessments of this year were basically still the same as the previous year. Now I’m going to share in detail all of the processes I’ve gone through.

In Stage 1, we'll be assessed in 3 SPM-syllabus based subjects namely English, Maths and Physics. All papers were in the form of Multi Choice Questions (MCQ). English paper's standard was slightly more advanced than SPM and it was similar to MUET standard. Without any doubt, I just kept practicing by doing MUET Paper 3 as much as I could, although I knew that I was just an ordinary SPM leaver. Remember what Sir Tony Fernandes has said, "DREAM THE IMPOSSIBLE, BELIEVE THE UNBELIEVABLE and NEVER TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER." Bear in mind, we weren't allowed to use any calculator for MATHS paper. But non-programmable scientific calculators were allowed to be used in PHYSICS paper. Physics paper was okay for me because it was more to SPM syllabus. Please do not just pick a chapter of SPM Physics which is related to aviation to study, TRUST ME the questions asked in the exam covered all the chapters. Do practice lots and lots of SPM past year questions especially for Maths and Physics until you get familiar, by then you should be able to ace the exam. The most important thing for this first stage is to focus as much as you can in doing your preparations as those efforts will pay off.

Surprisingly, I got my invitation email for Stage 2- Harrison assessment after 2 weeks. The Harrison assessment is a personality test assessing our characteristics whether or not we are suitable to become a pilot. Firstly, I was assisted by a HR lady in logging into the test, so there shouldn't be any problem. Always listen to instructions from the HR people during the assessment. Well, in this test, there are at least 8 statements in each question. Eg. I like outdoor activities, I don't mind sitting for a long time, etc. You will need to drag the statements according to your personality, the one you put at the top describes you the most while the one you put at the bottom describes you the least/not at all. Don't arrange the statements as how a pilot is going to arrange, just be yourself when answering. The system itself is able to detect our dishonesty if our answering pattern is not consistent. So, you will be asked to repeat the test again from beginning to ensure consistency. There's no time limit for this test BUT the HR lady told us not to do more than 30 minutes as doing more than that, means you're over-analyzed of yourself and this surely will affect your marks. As there is no wrong and right in this test, you can’t really tell if you did well or not. And once again, BE YOURSELF when answering the test. That's all for stage 2.

And again after 2 weeks, I was very excited to be invited for Stage 3- Face to Face Interview. It was an individual interview instead of a group interview. There were 2 sets of interviewers, so each set would be interviewing ONE candidate at the same time. We had to wait for our turn to be called for interview session. Yes, it was indeed a very nervous period of waiting time. Moreover, I was the last to be interviewed. My interview panel consisted of one captain and 2 HR ladies, thus it was 3 vs 1. As soon as I handed over my documents and certificates to them, I was asked to tell them about myself. They did ask me a CRM question which seemed to be quite hard. Try not to ignore their suggestions though. And, DON'T lie to them and just say you don't know if you have no idea how to answer their questions because they'll know from the way you answer. I was asked about AirAsia, specifically about the background, newest route and board of directors (Who are they? What are their roles in AirAsia?) all in rapid fire. There were a few candidates interviewed earlier who were asked to draw an aircraft on the whiteboard, label the components on the drawing and explain their functions. They might not ask any technical questions at all, but instead ask a lot of questions related to your academic experiences and qualifications (not necessarily related to aviation) if you're a diploma/degree holder. Everyone has their own background, so we would be given questions differently, but still we have to prepare at least for questions regarding the basics of flight. As they know I'm a flightsimmer and did study about the A320, I was asked to visualize the A320 cockpit instruments, what's shown on Primary Flight Display, what are ECAM actions, how do I cope with engine 1 fire etc. I believe they were just interested in your passion towards aviation. My advice is, BE HONEST. Alright, stage 3 done.

After that, I got an email saying I passed the interview and invited to attend Stage 4- QCT and psychomotor test/Final Assessment of AirAsia Cadet Programme 2017. We were given a manual of the psychomotor test and a short briefing on the overall assessment, so technically don't have to worry much. Then, we were split into 2 batches. I was in the first batch going for QCT first while the second batch would be waiting to sit for psychomotor to save time. QCT (Quantitative Critical Thinking) is a computer-based Maths exam to test our quantitative reasoning ability. There were a lot of problem-solving questions related to simultaneous equations (2 to 3 unknowns) and each question had its own time limit depending on the difficulty. They were in the form of multi choice questions (MCQ) and had 8 choices of answers. Once the time limit is reached, you will automatically jump into the next question. So you need solve as fast as you can and not waste any time. Although you have solved the question and still have time left, you can't go back to it right after you've clicked to proceed to next question. Thus, do make use of the remaining time to double check your answer. The system will keep giving you questions until you can’t answer anymore to see how smart you are. And yes, you're allowed to use non-programmable scientific calculator and given A4 papers in this test.

Next, we proceeded into the 2nd part of the assessment which is the psychomotor test to assess our multitasking skill. In this test, you will be facing a monitor with a Logitech Extreme 3D Pro joystick provided, a 3x3 numeric keypad, a headset and a mouse (which you don't actually need). Before the psychomotor test begins, you will have a short trial for practice and familiarization. Okay, let's talk about the tasks.

First task- On the Primary Flight Display (PFD), you have to follow the flight director/crossbar which constantly moves, as close as possible under the conditions of wake turbulence.

Second task- You need to memorize the 5-digit recall numbers displayed at the top of PFD as you will have to key the number in a box which only appears when the PFD freezes. There will be only ONE 5-digit number appearing for about 5 seconds at once. In my session, I had two different numbers appear consecutively so I had to memorize them and input the numbers in sequence. After you've keyed in the recall number, the PFD unfreezes. Note: You can't write down the recall numbers in a paper, you MUST memorize instead. <------ (This is new) 

Third task- You're required to listen to the voice from your headset, continuously calling out a number (range 1-9) with an interval of roughly 5 seconds before the next one is mentioned. When you hear 3 consecutive odd numbers, press on either one of the odd number-labeled buttons on the joystick. If 3 consecutive even numbers, then press on an even number-labeled button on the joystick. There are buttons labeled 1, 2, 3 etc. on the joystick. Try not to miss out any number callout.

Fourth task- You'll see two virtual 3x3 numeric keypads situated beside the PFD, one on the left and right respectively. It's just like a game. Whenever any key of any of the virtual keypads illuminate yellow, you must quickly react by pressing on the corresponding key on your 3x3 number pad to acknowledge. Prolonging the reaction time will affect your result. Only one key will illuminate yellow at once. It's kind of a test to see how fast our reaction is towards a change.

Overall, you have to carry out all the tasks continuously up to 10 minutes. Felt so exhausted after the test but I was grateful to have completed all the assessments of AirAsia Cadet Programme 2017.

Thankfully after everything I’ve gone through, I received an email from AirAsia to prepare for Class 1 Medical test. I've got my Class 1 Medical Certificate and am now waiting for my enrollment into HMA, Langkawi next month. Being a pilot has always been my dream since childhood, it's now getting one step closer towards getting it realized. Invest your efforts into something you dream to achieve in life and the efforts will definitely pay off. They will."

MASWings Cabin Crew Interview Experience

Since there aren't many articles or posts regarding the interview process for MASwings, I decided to write one based on my personal experience having just attended one in Kuching early this year (on 21st Jan). I hope that my experience sharing will benefit future candidates and help them prepare in case they would want to attend a MASwings cabin crew interview in the future.

Before going for the interview, I searched and read articles and blog posts regarding the Malaysia Airlines cabin crew interview process, just to get a rough idea of how it will be for MASwings. It should be pretty similar since MASwings is a subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines Berhad.

The MASwings cabin crew interview that I attended wasn't an open walk-in interview, it was invitation by email. About a month or so before the interview, MASwings posted on their social media that they were recruiting. Interested candidates were instructed to apply online. Only shortlisted candidates would be notified via email. Now this is where you have to make a resume that impresses them. Since they will no doubt be filtering through hundreds of resumes, you want to make sure yours stand out or at least be good enough to be selected. If you have any experiences at all in customer service or even in the F&B industry, list it down! Write in your objective that you really want to give the best service you can to serve not only the airline but also for the passengers of Sabah and Sarawak.

After you've submitted your application, wait for the email. It will take about 2 weeks or more. The closing date for the application was 9th Jan. I submitted my application on the 8th and got the interview invitation email on the 18th. The interview was to be held on the 21st, so only less than 3 days to prepare!

I could tell you, once I received the interview invitation email, I was over the moon. Here’s how the email looked like.

D-day.
Arrived at the interview venue at 0815 and registration was scheduled to start at 0830. Already there were lots of people queuing up. Registration only actually started at 0945. We were brought up to a holding room where we were split into two groups to facilitate the flow as it was getting crowded.

The interview will have 5 stages:

1. Height and weight check
2. Document & credentials check
3. Grooming
4. Drilling
5. Final

First stage, height and weight check.
The first stage is where you will see a lot of people start to disappear already. Your height and weight will be measured. After that, your BMI will be calculated on the spot. They were using an online BMI calculator. One person measures the height and weight, one person records it on your application slip and one person calculates the BMI and checks the boxes 'ACCEPTED' or 'REJECTED'. They will be looking for people with an average BMI. Those who are underweight or overweight will have the REJECTED box ticked and will be told 'sorry, you are underweight/overweight and have been rejected. You can try again next time.' And those people will be sent home straight away. My interview had around 130 candidates (if not mistaken). Out of 130++ people, only half or even less than that were left after the first stage. So my advice is if you are scared that you will be sent home at the first stage, calculate your BMI at home first. If you are under or over, don't waste your time. They are quite strict with little or no compromise at all. I calculated by BMI the night before and I got an average BMI so I was good to go.

Second stage, document & credentials check.
The second stage is pretty self-explanatory. They will check that you have the required SPM qualifications, full body photo, passport size photo, photocopy of IC and other necessary credentials. Please make sure to bring both original and photocopy of any documents you bring. Once you have all necessary documents, you will be given an employment application form to be filled up and returned to the desk. Otherwise, you will be sent home. Oh, and always make sure to bring a pen, stapler or glue to any flight attendant interview. They will hand out forms and some of those forms will require you to stick a passport size photo on it. For those with thick folders of qualifications and certificates, please do not bring all of them. If you have certificates related to customer service, first-aid or anything related to the job of a flight attendant then you may bring them. Otherwise please don’t bring folders that look like Yellow Pages. You don’t actually think the appraisers will have time to go through all of them, do you?

Third & fourth stage, grooming and drilling (combined).
The third stage will be the grooming stage. Probably the stage where even more people will be sent home as they are very strict at this stage. The grooming stage will be held at a different room and only 5 people will be called at one time to go down for the grooming stage. 2 will go into the room and the rest will wait outside. Unfortunate to say, this is the stage where I failed and was sent home. While waiting outside, you will be given an evaluation form and they will ask you to fill up your name, IC number and queue number. The rest will be filled by the appraiser (the person who checks/evaluates you.) It is a 5-6 page form. The first page will be the one where you fill in your name etc and the bottom of the page will be the final decision 'ACCEPTED' or 'REJECED' boxes as well as score by the appraiser. The rest of the pages will have sections devoted to almost all parts of the body with boxes under them. Each section will have 3 boxes saying 'YES' 'NO' and 'Reason for non-recommendation'. Beside the third box will be various reasons for non-recommendation. For example the Face section. Beside the third box you will find reasons like 'shape too broad/shape too long' etc. I'll let the pictures below do the talking. 

For my interview, it seemed like the third and fourth stage (grooming and drilling) was combined. For those with pimples and red scars on the face and neck area, I'm so sorry but it's 95% confirmed you will be sent home no matter how stunning you may look all dressed up. For those with braces or crooked teeth, it's the same. It is brutal and you should prepare for the worst.

To prepare for the drilling, (they MIGHT constantly shoot you questions after questions) read up on the role of a flight attendant, do some research on the company background, their fleet, their slogan, their key people etc. Show that you are interested in being apart of the company.

In the room there will be two tables, one at each end. At each table there will be two appraisers. For men wearing long sleeves, they will ask you to roll up your sleeves to check for any visible scarring, birth marks and tattoos. They will then ask you to loosen your tie and unbutton the top button and they will examine your neck area for scars, birthmarks and tattoos. After that they will sit and have a little chat with you. This is where you have to sell yourself. Interest them; make them curious to know more about you. Talk a lot and with confidence. And one important thing, don't forget to SMILE! Smile from the moment you enter the room. Smile all the way. Heck, smile for no reason at all! The longer they keep chatting with you, the better. Because it shows they are interested in you and they want to keep you to know more about you. They will be asking typical interview questions like 'tell me about yourself' or 'describe yourself' and all that.

There will be a crew luggage bag near each table. You will be asked to walk from one end of the room and back while pulling along the bag. Just like a real flight attendant walking through the airport. So stand straight, chest forward, shoulders back and relaxed, eyes all the way forward with a SMILE and walk with confidence! At the end of that, you will be asked to wait outside for your results. Unfortunately mine was 'I'm sorry Mr. Xxx, you have been rejected. You may try again next time.'

Fifth and final stage.
Oh, how I wished I was among the lucky handful to have advanced to this stage. Unfortunately I can’t tell you what the final stage is like. But from a separate blog post detailing Malaysia Airlines cabin crew interview process, the final stage is supposed to be more relaxed. The remaining candidates will be separated into small groups and will be given topics to talk about. And maybe the appraisers will have a casual chat with you just to know you more. I assume it’s the same with MASwings.

So even if I was not successful, I am still very grateful. Because I am one of 130 people who got the invitation email. Most people dream about it but do not get it yet I got it so I am thankful. I am thankful I passed the first 2 stages when so many people were sent home at that stage. I am thankful to have seen the standards they require so I know where I'm lacking and where I can still improve. Overall I'm grateful for the whole experience. For those who are reading this, those who went and are reading this and weren't successful, it's okay. Be thankful for all the little things. I am so thankful to be among the final 20-30 candidates left.

So thank you MASwings for the opportunity and thank you all for spending your time to read this all the way till the end.