Q&A on the "I Can Fly" Programme
| Applications and Recruitment |
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- Can I join the programme if I am going on 15?
Everyone who would be 15 by the deadline (3rd November 2007) is welcomed to join.
- Can I join the programme if I am just 19?
Any applicants have to be under the age of 19 on the deadline (3rd November 2007).
- Can I join the programme without the consent from my parental/guardian?
Applicants under 18 years must have the consent from their parents or guardians before joining the programme.
- Can I fill in another application if I missed out some information on the form?
Application form, once submitted, cannot be altered. Multiple entries are not allowed and applicants who enrol more than once will be disqualified. Members can, however, change their personal information upon acceptance into the programme.
- What if I cannot find my school name on the form?
Please fill in your school name in the 'others' field at the bottom of the pull down menu.
- I do not have any aviation activities and community service experience, does that mean I do not have any chance?
We are looking for candidates who are passionate about aviation and also interested in community service. Experience in the two areas shows us you have taken action and shows your level of enthusiasm. However, there were members in your situation who were admitted into the programme previously. Therefore, we strongly recommend you to apply as you will not know until you try.
- How will the 1,000 members be grouped?
The 1,000 members will be divided into 20 groups with 50 people in each group. Members will stick to the same group throughout the programme year.
- Will I be able to swap to another group?
The grouping is done after careful consideration and so we would only consider the request under exceptional circumstances.
- Do I have to compete with other members within or outside the group?
The objective of the programme is to promote aviation and encourage youngsters to contribute to the society. The programme also aims at enhancing team spirit, leadership skills and organisational skills of local youth. We believe in the importance of experience sharing and learning from each another. Members do not endeavour to compete with each other. Those who perform exceptionally well will be able to take part in the rewarding activities.
- What will I get from the programme?
The programme is unique in the sense that it combines charity and aviation. Apart from helping those in need, members can meet new friends and get a taste of aviation through pilot gatherings or visiting aviation related venues and facilities.
- Apart from the pre-assigned activities, can I participate in any extra ones to demonstrate my commitment?
The activities are arranged in such a way to ensure all participants have the chance to equally take part in, 3 aviation activities (Ground school training, aviation facilities visits) and 1 self-designed social service activities. Members are welcome to participate in more than the stated activities with Cathay Pacific's consent though Cathay Pacific has the final decision on the issue.
- What happen if I am unable to attend the assigned activity? Will I be able to go to another one?
It is of the member's responsibilities to attend the scheduled events. A swapping mechanism is in place for members to swap for limited times only under exceptional circumstances. Cathay Pacific does not guarantee we can accommodate all requests.
- When will I know the type of activities that I will be participating?
A detailed event calendar will be announced after you being admitted while each group will have a different schedule. There will also be email updates to inform members of what is going on.
- Are pictures allowed in the events?
Members can take pictures though they should seek the consent of the others prior to doing so. After each activity, Cathay Pacific will post the event summary as well as some downloadable pictures of the activity on the website.
- Can my parents/friends take part in the activity?
"I Can Fly" programme targets at our members. Teachers and parents can get a taste of the activities by viewing our website. There will also be email updates to teachers and parents whereby we will discuss the activities.
- Will the activities affect my normal school days? Will they take place during weekends and holidays? Will they overlap with examination periods?
All scheduled activities will take place during weekends. As different age group may have a different examination period, we will try our best to avoid the examination seasons. However, we do have a mechanism for members to swap for a limited times under exceptional circumstances.
Also members are encouraged to contribute to the blog of their with photos and words also.
- How many activities do I need to participate in?
You are required to attend a minimum of 3 days of aviation activities, 1 self-designed social service programme, 1 pilot gather, inaugural ceremony, and graduation ceremony. There are also other reward activities that you may have a chance to attend, please refer to the programme details page for information.
- Will there be an upper limit of the number of students we take from a certain school?
No. We pick students based on the selection criteria rather than the schools they are from.
- Is there a quota for each age group?
No. We will, however, try to get a good balance of different ages within each group.
- Will interviews be part of the selection process?
We will pick the students based on their ideas in the 200-word essay, as well as their previous aviation and voluntary service experiences.
- It is not fair to compare the essay of the 15 and 18-year olds. How are you going to solve this problem?
We will only compare essays within the same age group but not across age groups.
- Should a member be selected to go on an overseas trip, will he/she need to make any financial contributions?
Cathay Pacific will bear all the costs of the "I Can Fly" Programme.
- A lot of activities take place near the airport. What is the transport arrangement like?
We will arrange a central pick-up point (for example, Middle Road in Tsim Sha Tsui) where we pick everyone up. Members only need to make their way to the pick-up point.
- What is the language medium of the programme? How will you accommodate non-Cantonese speaking members?
There will be English and Cantonese speaking groups in the programme. Non-Cantonese speakers can therefore join the English speaking groups.
- I cannot apply this year because of my tight schedule, will there be "I Can Fly" Programme 2008 therefore I can join next year?
We evaluate the "I Can Fly" Programme every programme year, therefore we have not made the decision yet when we are going to have the 4th "I Can Fly" Programme.
