Study Map — Cathay Cadet vs PHAK and PPL Notes
| Navigation: Interview hub | Technical | Home |
Use this table to avoid studying CASA air law when you need PHAK aerodynamics, or preparing only the monitoring aptitude test.
By interview stage
| Stage | Primary prep on this site | PHAK (FAA) | PPL chapter (secondary) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application | Eligibility | — | — |
| ICAO LPT | ICAO English | — | — |
| Aptitude | Aptitude tests · Numeracy | — | — |
| HR / video | HR & behavioural · STAR worksheet | Ch 2 (ADM) optional | Ch 4 CRM/TEM |
| Group exercise | Group exercise | — | Ch 4, Ch 7 |
| Technical / panel | Technical | Ch 4, 5, 6, 7, 12 | Ch 2, 5 (see below) |
| Medical | Medical | — | — |
| Simulator (if invited) | Simulator assessment | — | Ch 7 callouts |
PHAK chapter map (cadet technical — primary)
| PHAK chapter | Topics | Site supplement |
|---|---|---|
| Ch 4 — Principles of Flight | Lift, drag, stall, stability | Technical § A |
| Ch 5 — Aerodynamics of Flight | AoA, turns, load factor | Technical § A |
| Ch 6 — Flight Controls | Primary/secondary controls | Technical § A |
| Ch 7 — Aircraft Systems | Piston + intro systems | Ch 2 — add jet from Technical § B |
| Ch 8 — Flight Instruments | Pitot-static, gyros | Ch 2 §2.7 |
| Ch 12 — Weather Theory | Fronts, stability, hazards | Ch 5 — skip GAF/SIGMET Australia detail |
| Ch 11 — Performance | W&B, charts | Ch 3 — optional for cadet |
PPL chapters — use / skip for Cathay
| Chapter | Use for Cathay? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ch 1 Air Law | Skip for CX interview | Australia CASA/AIP — not HK cadet focus |
| Ch 2 AGK | Partial | §2.7 instruments; §2.6 gyros; ignore piston-only traps if question is jet |
| Ch 3 Performance | Optional | Balanced field, density altitude concepts |
| Ch 4 Human factors | High | TEM, CRM, illusions, fatigue — HR + group exercise |
| Ch 5 Meteorology | Partial | Fronts, METAR/TAF logic; skip Australian GAF emphasis |
| Ch 6 Navigation | Low | Unless aptitude numeracy needs refresh |
| Ch 7 Operational procedures | High | SOP mindset, sterile cockpit, emergencies Aviate-Navigate-Communicate |
Topics not in PPL notes (study on Technical page)
| Topic | Where |
|---|---|
| Turbofan / high-bypass engines | Technical § B |
| Cathay fleet and engines | Technical § E |
| Mach vs IAS | Technical — gouge |
| Cut-E six modules | Aptitude tests |
| STAR story bank | HR & behavioural |
4-week sample plan (zero flight hours)
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1 | Eligibility + Aptitude daily practice + PHAK Ch 4 |
| 2 | PHAK Ch 5–6 + ICAO drills + HR STAR stories |
| 3 | PHAK Ch 7, 12 + Technical fleet table + Ch 4 |
| 4 | Group exercise mock + full panel mock + Medical paperwork |
| Navigation: Interview hub | PPL TOC |
IMPORTANT: Always verify with current official publications.
prepared by Raptor K, a guy learning to fly (feel free to contact me via IG: @raptorkwok or Email)