Second Officer Jun Turned Her Interest in Flying into a Career Through the Cadet Pilot Programme
Growing up near an airport in the Chinese Mainland, Jun was captivated by aviation from an early age. Watching aircraft take off and land became a part of her daily life, eventually transforming a childhood passion into a clear career ambition.
While those around her viewed becoming a pilot as an unrealistic dream, Jun quietly pursued her ambition on her own terms, even taking flying courses while working overseas. When Cathay launched its Cadet Pilot Programme recruitment in the Chinese Mainland, she seized the opportunity to apply and take her first step towards the flight deck.
Structured Training and Building Professional Excellence
Cathay’s Cadet Pilot Programme offers a structured roadmap that guides cadets through clear milestones at every stage of their journey. Flying training is conducted at world-class flying training organisations, where Jun found it invaluable to learn from a diverse group of instructors. This experience helped her develop strong teamwork skills essential for collaborating with crew members from different backgrounds.
While the training is demanding, Jun describes the environment as incredibly supportive. "It’s okay to make mistakes," she notes. "The priority is learning from them, and instructors always encourage us to ask questions and find our voice." Upon graduation, Cathay continues to provide ongoing mentorship and digital resources to support continuous professional development throughout their careers.
Making Every Challenge a Catalyst for Growth
A pilot’s role requires swift decision-making under tight time constraints. "Managing competing priorities in the flight deck has taught me to stay calm and deeply focused on the decisions I need to make," Jun explains. "That mindset hasn’t just helped me on the flight deck, it’s also been a big part of my personal growth."
Looking back on her journey to becoming a pilot, Jun is grateful she chose to pursue a career that once felt out of reach. She encourages aspiring pilots to take that first step to elevate their flying careers to new heights.
