Merged: The REX Cadet Scheme
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Rex Owns AAPA and other charter companies. They Shift the cadets around so they get the command hours they need so they can be SAAB capt. Its kinda mentioned in the FAQ. So pretty much in 2-3 years after the course you will be in a LHS with a "decent" amount of money in your pocket + very attractive multi crew command hours.
Cheers
Ben
Cheers
Ben
Crikey tmahon, where do we start?
Believe it or not at your age, the cadetship may not be a bad option. What you need however is be comfortable with the results of your decision.
REX F/O's are paid approx 20% below the national average wage! If you are sucessful with the cadet program, you may be an F/O for a very long time. A long time could be around 6 years, or it could be permanent! The wild card in all of this is the required 500 hours multi under the IFR, something that has yet to be addressed.
If you are sucessful in attaining a command after 6 years, bearing in mind you will need a Class 1 ATPL, then I reckon at your age you'd be way in front. At one stage not long ago, 6 years was the average time to command at many large regional airlines anyway.
On the downside, your lack of command time may limit your options if you decide a career with REX is not for you. As far as paying out the bond and moving on, well I suppoose that would depend on how much of a financial hit you are prepared to take.
With regard to the "WOMBAT" test, maybe someone else could provide the info. When I started with the regionals, the emphasis was on compliance and flying skill!
Best of luck,
Krusty.
Believe it or not at your age, the cadetship may not be a bad option. What you need however is be comfortable with the results of your decision.
REX F/O's are paid approx 20% below the national average wage! If you are sucessful with the cadet program, you may be an F/O for a very long time. A long time could be around 6 years, or it could be permanent! The wild card in all of this is the required 500 hours multi under the IFR, something that has yet to be addressed.
If you are sucessful in attaining a command after 6 years, bearing in mind you will need a Class 1 ATPL, then I reckon at your age you'd be way in front. At one stage not long ago, 6 years was the average time to command at many large regional airlines anyway.
On the downside, your lack of command time may limit your options if you decide a career with REX is not for you. As far as paying out the bond and moving on, well I suppoose that would depend on how much of a financial hit you are prepared to take.
With regard to the "WOMBAT" test, maybe someone else could provide the info. When I started with the regionals, the emphasis was on compliance and flying skill!
Best of luck,
Krusty.
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tmahon, here is some info on the WOMBAT.
WOMBAT-CS Test Scenario (Complex Systems Operator)
Basically its an aptitude test. So in theory you can't prepare for it.
As for going for the cadet scheme - It all depends on if you can afford to or not. I think there will be opportunities for you to progress to command. The industry is picking up and there will be progression. Don't worry about age being a factor. More and more I'm seeing diverse age groups being employed even at the top end of town. You only have one life and if you can afford it then give it a go. Best of luck.
One point though. These forums are read by employers and that would make you identifiable given your age bracket. I'm not saying you've said anything incorrect just warning you that its easy for people to make conclusions on what you may write here.
You will find mainly on this forum that fellows like yourself are well treated and looked after by the long term posters such as KRUSTY or Keg ect. These guys and alot of people in the industry will bend over backwards to assist you.
WOMBAT-CS Test Scenario (Complex Systems Operator)
Basically its an aptitude test. So in theory you can't prepare for it.
As for going for the cadet scheme - It all depends on if you can afford to or not. I think there will be opportunities for you to progress to command. The industry is picking up and there will be progression. Don't worry about age being a factor. More and more I'm seeing diverse age groups being employed even at the top end of town. You only have one life and if you can afford it then give it a go. Best of luck.
One point though. These forums are read by employers and that would make you identifiable given your age bracket. I'm not saying you've said anything incorrect just warning you that its easy for people to make conclusions on what you may write here.
You will find mainly on this forum that fellows like yourself are well treated and looked after by the long term posters such as KRUSTY or Keg ect. These guys and alot of people in the industry will bend over backwards to assist you.
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Krusty
You seem to imply that the many pilots who take the GA route are not yet professional pilots.
I beg to differ. There are many very capable and responsible pilots flying small aircraft in outback Australia, and this is an essential and honourable profession.
I beg to differ. There are many very capable and responsible pilots flying small aircraft in outback Australia, and this is an essential and honourable profession.
Last edited by bushy; 13th Feb 2010 at 01:56.
Absolutely no implication meant bushy
I was a professional pilot working in GA for 6 years before I scored my first job with a regional airline. I was addressing an individual(s) with little or no experience, and my use of the word professional was directed at the first paying (flying) job these people may find themselves in. For the cadets it may be the RHS of the SAAB. For those following the "traditional" route it would be something else that one day may either lead to the SAAB or who know's what other type.
What I said was, the "decision" to become a professional pilot is a major one. My appologies if you feel I implied something else.
I was a professional pilot working in GA for 6 years before I scored my first job with a regional airline. I was addressing an individual(s) with little or no experience, and my use of the word professional was directed at the first paying (flying) job these people may find themselves in. For the cadets it may be the RHS of the SAAB. For those following the "traditional" route it would be something else that one day may either lead to the SAAB or who know's what other type.
What I said was, the "decision" to become a professional pilot is a major one. My appologies if you feel I implied something else.
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Mr Hat,
Thank you for your advice and kind words of encouragement. At the moment I am so excited and looking forward to my interview, (don’t know how I will go, it’s been a long time since I have been to school) anyway I will let you know how I get on.
Thank you once again.
Thank you for your advice and kind words of encouragement. At the moment I am so excited and looking forward to my interview, (don’t know how I will go, it’s been a long time since I have been to school) anyway I will let you know how I get on.
Thank you once again.
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ICUS shot down
Whoop whoop,
what's more important that you should be asking is : "Why is REX withholding the fact that CASA disapproved of the ICUS program months ago and that they have NOT told any of their current cadets who are already online, in training and the future ones going through interviews......??"
Hit up Lawrie Cox at the AFAP, he will give you the straight facts. Better than reading about them on PPrune, which you and many others would prefer not to believe.
Don't worry about money that they might withhold mate, information is more valuable. In the first place, if you don't hand over any moolah for a permanent job as an FO
, these issues shouldn't even arise to start with.
Good luck and sorry to burst your bubble.
what's more important that you should be asking is : "Why is REX withholding the fact that CASA disapproved of the ICUS program months ago and that they have NOT told any of their current cadets who are already online, in training and the future ones going through interviews......??"
Hit up Lawrie Cox at the AFAP, he will give you the straight facts. Better than reading about them on PPrune, which you and many others would prefer not to believe.
Don't worry about money that they might withhold mate, information is more valuable. In the first place, if you don't hand over any moolah for a permanent job as an FO
, these issues shouldn't even arise to start with.Good luck and sorry to burst your bubble.
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I've applied for the latest intake too but haven't been invited to a wombat.
For the training repayments, well it's over 7 years so you'd need $6285 a year taken for the actual loan only. I can't be bothered working out the interest but a rough estimate would be about $700 average a year? Of course income tax would be coming out too and would amount to another $7000 assuming you don't get a tax deduction for the training costs. The take home pay would end up being around $500 a week - about the same as a shop assistant.
Anyone know if the cadetship is a Government recognised course? It might be possible to get Austudy payments from Centrelink.
For the training repayments, well it's over 7 years so you'd need $6285 a year taken for the actual loan only. I can't be bothered working out the interest but a rough estimate would be about $700 average a year? Of course income tax would be coming out too and would amount to another $7000 assuming you don't get a tax deduction for the training costs. The take home pay would end up being around $500 a week - about the same as a shop assistant.
Anyone know if the cadetship is a Government recognised course? It might be possible to get Austudy payments from Centrelink.
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Hi tmahon,
Good luck with the interview, I hope it all goes well for you.
I also threw my hat into the ring with Rex but I didn't even get an acknowledgement of my application let alone an opportunity for an interview and test. I wonder if that means I didn't make the short list or perhaps my application disappeared into the black hole of cyberspace? When did you submit your application and when did you get a reply?
In any case, I would dearly love a job as a pilot. I would be happy to accept the conditions stipulated by Rex just to fly. I guess maybe I'll have to go the "traditional" route and pay the full cost and compete with everyone else for the elusive first job in GA? The Rex scheme looks attractive with the promise(?) of a job at the end of the training even though the pay (and perhaps conditions) is not as good as elsewhere; even so, I'd jump at it if I was offered the chance. By the looks of things, I've missed out. Bummer!
Good luck tmahon.
Cheers,
Cn
Good luck with the interview, I hope it all goes well for you.
I also threw my hat into the ring with Rex but I didn't even get an acknowledgement of my application let alone an opportunity for an interview and test. I wonder if that means I didn't make the short list or perhaps my application disappeared into the black hole of cyberspace? When did you submit your application and when did you get a reply?
In any case, I would dearly love a job as a pilot. I would be happy to accept the conditions stipulated by Rex just to fly. I guess maybe I'll have to go the "traditional" route and pay the full cost and compete with everyone else for the elusive first job in GA? The Rex scheme looks attractive with the promise(?) of a job at the end of the training even though the pay (and perhaps conditions) is not as good as elsewhere; even so, I'd jump at it if I was offered the chance. By the looks of things, I've missed out. Bummer!
Good luck tmahon.
Cheers,
Cn
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Good luck to Whoooop1991 and Agaga for the Rex applications.
I've applied too but have heard nothing yet; not even an acknowledgement of my application. Perhaps that means I didn't make the shortlist or my application got lost in cyberspace?
Anyway, I'd jump at the opportunity if it came my way. I am going to get my CPL etc whether it is with Rex or via the traditional route and somehow I will fly. I am determined to do that. The way I see things is that in order to get the same quals as I would get by joining the Rex scheme; I'd have to leave home to do the training, it would cost about the same (approx $80K) and at least with the Rex scheme, I'd be guaranteed employment at the end of my training. I understand that my pay wouldn't be as good with Rex as it might be elsewhere but at least I'd have a job flying. That is what I want to do.
Obviously, I'm new to this industry and have lots to learn so I'd be pleased to hear from others about what points I might be missing or should be aware of before making some pretty big decisions. Please feel free to spell it all out for me; I'm very keen to hear what you have to say.
Thanks,
Cn
I've applied too but have heard nothing yet; not even an acknowledgement of my application. Perhaps that means I didn't make the shortlist or my application got lost in cyberspace?
Anyway, I'd jump at the opportunity if it came my way. I am going to get my CPL etc whether it is with Rex or via the traditional route and somehow I will fly. I am determined to do that. The way I see things is that in order to get the same quals as I would get by joining the Rex scheme; I'd have to leave home to do the training, it would cost about the same (approx $80K) and at least with the Rex scheme, I'd be guaranteed employment at the end of my training. I understand that my pay wouldn't be as good with Rex as it might be elsewhere but at least I'd have a job flying. That is what I want to do.
Obviously, I'm new to this industry and have lots to learn so I'd be pleased to hear from others about what points I might be missing or should be aware of before making some pretty big decisions. Please feel free to spell it all out for me; I'm very keen to hear what you have to say.
Thanks,
Cn
I would be happy to accept the conditions stipulated by Rex just to fly.
Please rethink that statement as it is this reason alone why pilot T's and C's are down the crapper.
Sometimes Rex dont even reply to you AFTER you have received a job offer either!
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Hi Chadzat.
When I said I'd accept the conditions stipulated by Rex, I meant the bonding period and loan repayments. I expect (but perhaps I'm wrong) that Rex pilots are paid at the award rate and they would have a union or some such body that oversees their employment conditions? Hopefully they aren't exploited (but reading some of the posts on these forums they might be getting the rough end of the pineapple sometimes) by management?
I'm keen to fly and I get the impression from the flying schools that I've contacted so far, that they will happily take my money but once the training is finished, I'm on my own. At least with Rex, I'd have a job at the end of the training. For me, that is a very big plus. Judging by what a lot of other people have said on these forums, getting a job at the end of CPL training is very difficult, so that makes joining the Rex scheme all the more attractive. I find it really hard to sort the wheat from the chaff on this one. Perhaps not hearing back from Rex means I've missed out and if that is the case then it might be a blessing in disguise? I'd have to go the traditional route and take my chances along with everyone else. I've already started training and will be looking for a job so time will tell eventually.
Cheers,
Cn
When I said I'd accept the conditions stipulated by Rex, I meant the bonding period and loan repayments. I expect (but perhaps I'm wrong) that Rex pilots are paid at the award rate and they would have a union or some such body that oversees their employment conditions? Hopefully they aren't exploited (but reading some of the posts on these forums they might be getting the rough end of the pineapple sometimes) by management?
I'm keen to fly and I get the impression from the flying schools that I've contacted so far, that they will happily take my money but once the training is finished, I'm on my own. At least with Rex, I'd have a job at the end of the training. For me, that is a very big plus. Judging by what a lot of other people have said on these forums, getting a job at the end of CPL training is very difficult, so that makes joining the Rex scheme all the more attractive. I find it really hard to sort the wheat from the chaff on this one. Perhaps not hearing back from Rex means I've missed out and if that is the case then it might be a blessing in disguise? I'd have to go the traditional route and take my chances along with everyone else. I've already started training and will be looking for a job so time will tell eventually.
Cheers,
Cn
Cirronimbus, if you havent already may I politely suggest you read every Rex thread on pprune (there are a few BIG ones floating around) and you will get a fair idea of what the cadetship is REALLY like.
Unfortunately at the early stages of a flying career the rose coloured glasses are VERY strong and can blind you to a really sh*t deal. I understand the tendency is to take the easy road and its nly human sometimes, but just think about WHY it is easy (Im not saying the rex cadetship is easy or otherwise as I have no experience with it). Maybe because the tradeoff for having a "guaranteed" job is crap wages (whole paying back a loan) and no career progression for 7 years?
Have a serious think about wanting to go to rex versus "that difficult first job in GA", sure the GA route mightnt be a walk in the park, but if your into life experiences then not much beats it and when you do get the front end of a turboprop/jet of your choice then it makes it all that much sweeter.
Half the reason people whinge about not being able to get a go in GA is because they stay in a capital city and dont "head north" or they have done the bare basic cpl and have not "value added" with other experience that can sweeten the resume to that first Charter employer.
I'll just say again, read through pprune, search for threads about heading north (although you seem to be already up there in Darwin!) and weigh it all up against a cadetship which is of ZERO benefit to the cadet. Te cadetship was only started because rex refused to pay their pilots any more, so they were ALL LEAVING.
Unfortunately at the early stages of a flying career the rose coloured glasses are VERY strong and can blind you to a really sh*t deal. I understand the tendency is to take the easy road and its nly human sometimes, but just think about WHY it is easy (Im not saying the rex cadetship is easy or otherwise as I have no experience with it). Maybe because the tradeoff for having a "guaranteed" job is crap wages (whole paying back a loan) and no career progression for 7 years?
Have a serious think about wanting to go to rex versus "that difficult first job in GA", sure the GA route mightnt be a walk in the park, but if your into life experiences then not much beats it and when you do get the front end of a turboprop/jet of your choice then it makes it all that much sweeter.
Half the reason people whinge about not being able to get a go in GA is because they stay in a capital city and dont "head north" or they have done the bare basic cpl and have not "value added" with other experience that can sweeten the resume to that first Charter employer.
I'll just say again, read through pprune, search for threads about heading north (although you seem to be already up there in Darwin!) and weigh it all up against a cadetship which is of ZERO benefit to the cadet. Te cadetship was only started because rex refused to pay their pilots any more, so they were ALL LEAVING.
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Thanks to all for your input and ideas; it all helps.
I've read all the posts and articles that I can find (not sure if I've read everything that is available though so I'm still looking) and it seems there are a lot more negative views of the Rex scheme than there are positive ones. I don't think I've actually come across any posts or info from anyone who has participated in the scheme and recommends it; that in itself might tell the story?
As a newbie, I'm finding it very hard to decide just what the value of the qualifications gained through the Rex scheme are when compared to what I could obtain through the various other flying schools and which ones offer the best deal for $$$$.
It seems that the first GA job pay packet isn't much different to what a graduate of the Rex scheme would earn anyway and some of the GA operators don't offer much to even their Chief Pilots. Hard to work out where one would be better off. I guess that depends on what I want to fly and where I want to do it; am I on the right track here?
As always, any advice or ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Cn
I've read all the posts and articles that I can find (not sure if I've read everything that is available though so I'm still looking) and it seems there are a lot more negative views of the Rex scheme than there are positive ones. I don't think I've actually come across any posts or info from anyone who has participated in the scheme and recommends it; that in itself might tell the story?
As a newbie, I'm finding it very hard to decide just what the value of the qualifications gained through the Rex scheme are when compared to what I could obtain through the various other flying schools and which ones offer the best deal for $$$$.
It seems that the first GA job pay packet isn't much different to what a graduate of the Rex scheme would earn anyway and some of the GA operators don't offer much to even their Chief Pilots. Hard to work out where one would be better off. I guess that depends on what I want to fly and where I want to do it; am I on the right track here?
As always, any advice or ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Cn
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I don't think I've actually come across any posts or info from anyone who has participated in the scheme and recommends it; that in itself might tell the story?
To my knowledge, NONE of the cadets, including the first rounders some 2 years ago, have seen the RHS of the SF340.
From what I understand, there seems to be an issue getting them through the line phase.
... and that's just one of the stories.
Krusty - you may be able to confirm?
PS: For those keen to get onboard the Cadetship, I'd encourage you to read this thread in it's entirety; paying close attention to my posts. I have ignored most of the PM's sent to me - as all information can be found here.
PPS: Don't do it.
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Watch the "flying cheap" video
Ive just spent a lot of time watching the Frontline "flying cheap" program. (see Owen Stanley"s post no 246) I believe it should be compulsory viewing for anyone connected with aviation. Much of this is already happening in Australia, although a little different. The major message is " safety is number one priority everywhere, except in the boardroom."