Help with upcoming Regional Express Cadet pilot Interview
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Sydney
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Help with upcoming Regional Express Cadet pilot Interview
I've been very fortunate to secure an interview with Regional Express regarding their cadetship. I would like to go in prepared and was wondering if there was anyone out there who may have gone through the same process and could give me any advice on what it involves e.g questions they may ask, testing procedures, tips etc. I would be very very greatful to anyone who could give me a hand. Thanks for your time.
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Sydney
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You should just have a somewhat clear idea of what your going to say when you answer the usual questions such as:
Tell me in a nutshell, why you’re sitting here today
Do you have a plan B?
What do you think Rex's main/most important market is?
Tell us about a situation when:
1/You’ve overlooked something You’ve challenged a given/held assumption
2/When have you gone beyond what was required of you
3/When has someone disagreed with you or your suggestions
4/When you’ve had to stand your ground
5/When have you had to work or think methodically
6/Has there been a time you’ve had to deviate from this?
Then there are those questions you don't prepare for any I can't think
of any on the top of my head but questions like do you have any questions for us? think of all the questions they would ask you
and just come up with answers on a piece of paper..
then there is presentation and things like..tidy hair, what you wear,
smell etc..remember..you only get one chance to make a first impression
so make sure it's a good one..you think they might not care about these
small details..but i can assure you they do!
Overall, just act positively. Don't just sit there and answer questions like a robot..try and make the interview as a conversation; not too formal..but not too informal either..try and also be concise with your answers..most people have a tendency to bring in a background to their answer..in answer to some of those questions, its effective, in others, it just makes your answer boring..
btw..remember to be courteous..in the lead up to the interview..you should see if you can get your hands on some of their annual reports..or anything thats happened lately at rex..it may help..
and!! the program is abt $80 000 isnt it..?
hope this helps
Tell me in a nutshell, why you’re sitting here today
Do you have a plan B?
What do you think Rex's main/most important market is?
Tell us about a situation when:
1/You’ve overlooked something You’ve challenged a given/held assumption
2/When have you gone beyond what was required of you
3/When has someone disagreed with you or your suggestions
4/When you’ve had to stand your ground
5/When have you had to work or think methodically
6/Has there been a time you’ve had to deviate from this?
Then there are those questions you don't prepare for any I can't think
of any on the top of my head but questions like do you have any questions for us? think of all the questions they would ask you
and just come up with answers on a piece of paper..
then there is presentation and things like..tidy hair, what you wear,
smell etc..remember..you only get one chance to make a first impression
so make sure it's a good one..you think they might not care about these
small details..but i can assure you they do!
Overall, just act positively. Don't just sit there and answer questions like a robot..try and make the interview as a conversation; not too formal..but not too informal either..try and also be concise with your answers..most people have a tendency to bring in a background to their answer..in answer to some of those questions, its effective, in others, it just makes your answer boring..
btw..remember to be courteous..in the lead up to the interview..you should see if you can get your hands on some of their annual reports..or anything thats happened lately at rex..it may help..
and!! the program is abt $80 000 isnt it..?
hope this helps
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: The Zoo
Posts: 335
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mate, I'm actually a little disappointed at how bitter and twisted people are here on PPRUNE and the lengths they go to discourage people from committing aviation. Seriously, I find it very disgusting that you have nothing better to do than troll this place with your dull responses, hoping someone will bite on your political agenda allowing you to rant further. (Can't wait to see you respond with more of the same)
Now you may have gone through the ranks, realised that a Regional is not for you and that you specifically want a Jet Job. That's fine, and I have no problem with that. But for the people who are young, enthusiastic and want a job with a regional, and may find that being home every night works for them, why do you even bother opening your mouth? You're not contributing anything useful to the conversation here.
I've got a few mates who are with REX and having the time of their lives. Sure, if management practices don't change, they may one day become as bitter as you and complain about wages, and how the company doesn't look after them, etc. but why take away the fun they are having now, not to mention the experience they are gaining which opens so many more doors?
This kid has an interest in aviation, and more specifically in REX, why do you have to pick a fault in that? Take a page out of xXmuffin0manXx's book and give the kid a hand - doing so isn't going to hurt you in anyway. It's people like you turning this industry in to a miserable bunch of .....'s and taking away the magic and fun from the industry - what kid didn't want to be a pilot growing up? - it seriously wasn't all that long ago that crews recognised that magic and ran with it, from the airlines allowing kids up to the cockpit (heck I even scored a jump seat landing or two when I was younger) to the GA operators who would take the time to talk to a kid watching through the fence and show them around... right place, right time I managed to score a formation flight when they were going up for a bit of fun.
Now I don't expect you and your bitterness to invite kids up front or show them around, and I understand that the new set of regulations make that sort of thing harder these days. I also don't mind if you don't want to pass on the favour any of the previous generation of crews did for you when you were younger. But why do you have to go to the other extreme with "Rex sucks mate, don't bother with them!!" or "Save yourself while you still can.R*x is a a piece of
of a company." and assume everyone wants a jet job like you? If you really want to warn him, explain why you say that so he can make his own rational decision. If you're only baiting others then leave it and let the kid aviate however he wants to.
Spartair, if you haven't aleady, head out to your local airfield and go for a TIF. If I was interviewing you, and you hadn't flown a TIF, I'd seriously question how you know you want to be a pilot? I'd also ask yourself if you really want to work with the two negative posters before me For me, the answer is no, I'd much rather fly a taildragger on weekends than drive a computer around the sky, but at the same time, you'll get so many opportunities in this industry to see and do things many people never get a chance to, you won't regret it!! Best of luck!
Now you may have gone through the ranks, realised that a Regional is not for you and that you specifically want a Jet Job. That's fine, and I have no problem with that. But for the people who are young, enthusiastic and want a job with a regional, and may find that being home every night works for them, why do you even bother opening your mouth? You're not contributing anything useful to the conversation here.
I've got a few mates who are with REX and having the time of their lives. Sure, if management practices don't change, they may one day become as bitter as you and complain about wages, and how the company doesn't look after them, etc. but why take away the fun they are having now, not to mention the experience they are gaining which opens so many more doors?
This kid has an interest in aviation, and more specifically in REX, why do you have to pick a fault in that? Take a page out of xXmuffin0manXx's book and give the kid a hand - doing so isn't going to hurt you in anyway. It's people like you turning this industry in to a miserable bunch of .....'s and taking away the magic and fun from the industry - what kid didn't want to be a pilot growing up? - it seriously wasn't all that long ago that crews recognised that magic and ran with it, from the airlines allowing kids up to the cockpit (heck I even scored a jump seat landing or two when I was younger) to the GA operators who would take the time to talk to a kid watching through the fence and show them around... right place, right time I managed to score a formation flight when they were going up for a bit of fun.
Now I don't expect you and your bitterness to invite kids up front or show them around, and I understand that the new set of regulations make that sort of thing harder these days. I also don't mind if you don't want to pass on the favour any of the previous generation of crews did for you when you were younger. But why do you have to go to the other extreme with "Rex sucks mate, don't bother with them!!" or "Save yourself while you still can.R*x is a a piece of
of a company." and assume everyone wants a jet job like you? If you really want to warn him, explain why you say that so he can make his own rational decision. If you're only baiting others then leave it and let the kid aviate however he wants to.Spartair, if you haven't aleady, head out to your local airfield and go for a TIF. If I was interviewing you, and you hadn't flown a TIF, I'd seriously question how you know you want to be a pilot? I'd also ask yourself if you really want to work with the two negative posters before me
For me, the answer is no, I'd much rather fly a taildragger on weekends than drive a computer around the sky, but at the same time, you'll get so many opportunities in this industry to see and do things many people never get a chance to, you won't regret it!! Best of luck!
Seasonally Adjusted
Spartair, have you read through the various REX posts that have appeared on this forum over the last few months?
Not to say that it is all true but it does make for interesting reading.
Not to say that it is all true but it does make for interesting reading.
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Australia.
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Kalavo + Muffinman (with the X's haha),
They were the most constructive posts that I have seen on here for a very long time - thankyou!
Like Spartair, I have an interview with the CP on Tuesday arvo re the cadet scheme.
I'm going in their with a mind set that i'll be doing them a favour - not them doing me a favour thus I will find out every little detail about this "deal". I already made it clear on the phone that I refuse to be in the RH seat for anything more than 3 years and she still wanted to sign me up for the interview with Chris Hine - they must be desperate hehe.
All in all, there is a lot we all don't know about this scheme. To me, the interview is going to be a fact finding mission. I'm willing to put forth the questions that will damage my reputation, thus not getting a chance.
Spartair, while I cannot provide specifics about the interview, I have started researching the Co'. Information such as fleet specs, routes, crisis related issues (read pilot shortage and what they plan to achieve), structure, senior management etc etc.
If you have any flying history (BAK/GFPT/SPL etc etc) and are a little rough on the details, no doubt the CP will question you on some of your knowledge. So brush up on that.
Also, if invited, we will be doing some WOMBAT test. From what I understand, you are in a study/learning environment for 60 minutes and then you get 90 minutes worth of testing based on what we had just learnt.
All in all, take on board all the basic interview ettiquette that muffin man has provided you with.
Lastly, do not, under any circumstances, be affraid to ask questions. You cannot go in to this interview and not ask atleast 10 questions. These guys need to understand that it is your money, your time and your 5 years of service - not that they are giving you a job.... you are paying for that job.
The other little subject is the scholarship. Make it clear to them that you cannot do the course without that other $40k being paid by them. $80k for a MECIR is a bit steep.... so tell them you will need the scholarship. Without it, you wont be doing it.
One question that is on my mind - the first "few" groups will be to address Rex's pilot shortage issue (blah blah blah). HR (Kim) explained to me that the first "few" groups will be for the Saabs RH seat... My question to that was "who is paying for the endo"... she couldnt answer. So, is it going to cost us $90 to be a RH seat driver on a SF340 ($10k for the endo) for 3 years max [it was explained that we would get command within 3 years (I laughed)]
They were the most constructive posts that I have seen on here for a very long time - thankyou!
Like Spartair, I have an interview with the CP on Tuesday arvo re the cadet scheme.
I'm going in their with a mind set that i'll be doing them a favour - not them doing me a favour thus I will find out every little detail about this "deal". I already made it clear on the phone that I refuse to be in the RH seat for anything more than 3 years and she still wanted to sign me up for the interview with Chris Hine - they must be desperate hehe.
All in all, there is a lot we all don't know about this scheme. To me, the interview is going to be a fact finding mission. I'm willing to put forth the questions that will damage my reputation, thus not getting a chance.
Spartair, while I cannot provide specifics about the interview, I have started researching the Co'. Information such as fleet specs, routes, crisis related issues (read pilot shortage and what they plan to achieve), structure, senior management etc etc.
If you have any flying history (BAK/GFPT/SPL etc etc) and are a little rough on the details, no doubt the CP will question you on some of your knowledge. So brush up on that.
Also, if invited, we will be doing some WOMBAT test. From what I understand, you are in a study/learning environment for 60 minutes and then you get 90 minutes worth of testing based on what we had just learnt.
All in all, take on board all the basic interview ettiquette that muffin man has provided you with.
Lastly, do not, under any circumstances, be affraid to ask questions. You cannot go in to this interview and not ask atleast 10 questions. These guys need to understand that it is your money, your time and your 5 years of service - not that they are giving you a job.... you are paying for that job.
The other little subject is the scholarship. Make it clear to them that you cannot do the course without that other $40k being paid by them. $80k for a MECIR is a bit steep.... so tell them you will need the scholarship. Without it, you wont be doing it.
One question that is on my mind - the first "few" groups will be to address Rex's pilot shortage issue (blah blah blah). HR (Kim) explained to me that the first "few" groups will be for the Saabs RH seat... My question to that was "who is paying for the endo"... she couldnt answer. So, is it going to cost us $90 to be a RH seat driver on a SF340 ($10k for the endo) for 3 years max [it was explained that we would get command within 3 years (I laughed)]
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Sydney
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks Kalavo for your opinion. Flying has been a dream of mine for a long time and I have accumulated a few hours already. There seems to be arguments from both sides and I think they both have good reasons. At this stage im still deciding which route ill take. I think the best thing I can do is decide for myself. Of course the opinions of others are always very helpful and I thank you all very much for your time. Still at this stage im trying to find anyone who has gone through a rex interview or is currently a cadet pilot. I will commit to them if im satisfied with what theyre offering. Thank you all again.
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Sydney
Posts: 817
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Spartair.
It sounds like you are going into this interview with your eyes wide open, and I applaud you for that.
As someone else mentioned, you ONLY get one chance to make a first impression, so make the most of that opportunity. Whilst you do not need to dazzle them from ninute one, making rookie mistakes can really really cost you. Things like :
Not turning your phone off,
turning up late,
spelling mistakes/grammatical errors on your resume(use spellcheck!!!),
dirty shoes or scruffy appearance,
no prior preparation, etc.
DO NOT lay down the law to them in the INTERVIEW.... wait until they offer you the job / cadetship, THEN lay down your terms. If you do NOT like what is on the table, and they won't meet some of your basic requirements, then maybe the job is not for you.
Chris Hine is a lovely bloke, and will make you feel welcomed at all times. Ensure that you are warm and friendly as well as serious. The interview should NOT be him asking you questions, and you responding with one word answers, and then you sitting there in silence whilst he tries to figure out your personality!
Have some decent questions for him too! show that you are interested in moving up within the group ie not just going to sit in the RHS for six years then leave.
remember, it is them interviewing you.... but also YOU deciding if this is the right path for you! I have done a few interviews, been offered the job and decided that what I saw was NOT the path for me.Do NOT be naiive about this position/opportunity.
if this IS the job for you, then good luck!
It sounds like you are going into this interview with your eyes wide open, and I applaud you for that.
As someone else mentioned, you ONLY get one chance to make a first impression, so make the most of that opportunity. Whilst you do not need to dazzle them from ninute one, making rookie mistakes can really really cost you. Things like :
Not turning your phone off,
turning up late,
spelling mistakes/grammatical errors on your resume(use spellcheck!!!),
dirty shoes or scruffy appearance,
no prior preparation, etc.
DO NOT lay down the law to them in the INTERVIEW.... wait until they offer you the job / cadetship, THEN lay down your terms. If you do NOT like what is on the table, and they won't meet some of your basic requirements, then maybe the job is not for you.
Chris Hine is a lovely bloke, and will make you feel welcomed at all times. Ensure that you are warm and friendly as well as serious. The interview should NOT be him asking you questions, and you responding with one word answers, and then you sitting there in silence whilst he tries to figure out your personality!
Have some decent questions for him too! show that you are interested in moving up within the group ie not just going to sit in the RHS for six years then leave.
remember, it is them interviewing you.... but also YOU deciding if this is the right path for you! I have done a few interviews, been offered the job and decided that what I saw was NOT the path for me.Do NOT be naiive about this position/opportunity.
if this IS the job for you, then good luck!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Sydney
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks apache, your advice has been very helpful and I thank you for your time and input. I will endeavour to make a good impression and convey my enthusiasm for aviation. Thanks again.
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: syd
Age: 56
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Kalavo,
I was merely pointing out to the young'n that Rex is not a great company to work for, and the QF cadet course would provide a much better career path. Not for the fact you'll be in a jet quickly but also the way Rex is heading there may not be a company in 2 years!!!!
If i was asking for advice on a huge investment I would want everyones "OPINION"...
Anyway to say we are bitter and you would not want to sit with us is a joke.
I reguarly have kids on the flight deck after flights and encourage all to take up flying as a career.
Anyway, if they choose Rex good luck to them......
I was merely pointing out to the young'n that Rex is not a great company to work for, and the QF cadet course would provide a much better career path. Not for the fact you'll be in a jet quickly but also the way Rex is heading there may not be a company in 2 years!!!!
If i was asking for advice on a huge investment I would want everyones "OPINION"...
Anyway to say we are bitter and you would not want to sit with us is a joke.
I reguarly have kids on the flight deck after flights and encourage all to take up flying as a career.
Anyway, if they choose Rex good luck to them......
Quote:
"I already made it clear on the phone that I refuse to be in the RH seat for anything more than 3 years and she still wanted to sign me up for the interview with Chris Hine - they must be desperate hehe."
wesky,
Do you hold a Class 1 ATPL?
Do you have at least 500 hours Multi engine command under the IFR?
If the answer to both of these questions is no, then you will not be in the RHS for 3 years. You will be in the RHS for life!
You are right about one thing, they are desperate. But be under no illusion. CASA make the rules regarding Low Cap RPT, Not the chief pilot of REX, and certainly not the Chairman. After Lockhart river, any watering down of the regs in this regard is highly unlikely.
"I already made it clear on the phone that I refuse to be in the RH seat for anything more than 3 years and she still wanted to sign me up for the interview with Chris Hine - they must be desperate hehe."
wesky,
Do you hold a Class 1 ATPL?
Do you have at least 500 hours Multi engine command under the IFR?
If the answer to both of these questions is no, then you will not be in the RHS for 3 years. You will be in the RHS for life!
You are right about one thing, they are desperate. But be under no illusion. CASA make the rules regarding Low Cap RPT, Not the chief pilot of REX, and certainly not the Chairman. After Lockhart river, any watering down of the regs in this regard is highly unlikely.
Last edited by KRUSTY 34; 29th Jan 2008 at 01:49. Reason: clarity
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Australia
Posts: 2,382
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Spartair, for just over half the money you can do 18 months in ga, have the time of your life, learn priceless flying and life skils and then go and fy a turbo prop or a jet when you are ready.
Times have changed mate, its a short path these days and it makes reaching your goal all that sweeter.
kalavo - This isn't about CHOOSING to stay in ga or regionals anymore its plain and simple being able to make enough money to buy a house and raise a family. (have you seen how sharply house prices have risen? and have you noticed wages haven't risen as sharply? and what do most people use to pay off mortgages? wages) Case closed.
G Cantstandya - you are right the QF cadetship is the only one.
Times have changed mate, its a short path these days and it makes reaching your goal all that sweeter.
kalavo - This isn't about CHOOSING to stay in ga or regionals anymore its plain and simple being able to make enough money to buy a house and raise a family. (have you seen how sharply house prices have risen? and have you noticed wages haven't risen as sharply? and what do most people use to pay off mortgages? wages) Case closed.
G Cantstandya - you are right the QF cadetship is the only one.
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Australia.
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Krusty and all,
What can I say.
To be honest, anyone that is being demotivated by PPRune posts - there is always 3 sides to the story and you are only ever going to know 2 of them. I strongly suggest that you do your best to discover the 2 sides....
WOMBAT test - unique, nothing I have ever seen or done before. Pain staking = hell yes. Hard - no. 90 minutes of chasing a circle around the screen and flash card tests is more than enough to send a gay man straight.
Interview - put simply, a formal chat. Mine went nothing like your usual interviews of "Give me an example of when you did this, that and everything thing and how the hell did it turn out?"... nothing of the sort. The HR lady, the CP and I had a good chat for about 1.2 hours. Aerodynamic questions are asked to gauge your interest in the industry. Know Rex as much as their media and stat releases allow you too.
My conclusion - Is the program good - yes. Is there anything dodgy - no. Is 5-6 years committment a long time - yes. The big question (and dont anyone dare to ask me how it will work - just get yourself an interview) expected time to command time - 2 years (again, dont question me. get yourself an interview and get the CP to explain it). $80k is a lot of money. In saying that, it covers everything (including 2 ATPL subjects [law and HF's] - right down to the washing powder you need to wash your supplied uniform.
If you can afford to do your MECIR and 30% of the ATPL subjects yourself, do it. You can be doing bigger and better things after 3 years of battling it on the noodle diet up north. The first few groups will be mainly for Rex (SF340). Airlink and Pel arent really in need at this point in time. CP said you can forget about working @ Pel and very little chance of doing Airlink.
At the moment, it is straight out from 32 weeks then on to ground school for 2-3 months while on $30k Once checked to line, expect about $2800 take home p/mnth (base wage plus a DTA built in to the agreement). The endo for the SF340 is in way of being stuck with them for 2 years as opposed to paying $10k. This doesnt matter as you would be stuck there for 5-6 years anyways.
If you have been a pilot, want to be a pilot and can show you interest in aviation but cant afford to progress - go for your life with this - especially if you are young (6 years service at the age of 20 is nothing. If you can afford your own training - get your own training and do the hard yards with out Rex. You will move much quicker and no doubt be more happier and richer long before anyone taking up the offer has the opportunity to move away from Rex. In saying that, if you would be happy at Rex - you would be 'set', so to speak.
What can I say.
To be honest, anyone that is being demotivated by PPRune posts - there is always 3 sides to the story and you are only ever going to know 2 of them. I strongly suggest that you do your best to discover the 2 sides....
WOMBAT test - unique, nothing I have ever seen or done before. Pain staking = hell yes. Hard - no. 90 minutes of chasing a circle around the screen and flash card tests is more than enough to send a gay man straight.
Interview - put simply, a formal chat. Mine went nothing like your usual interviews of "Give me an example of when you did this, that and everything thing and how the hell did it turn out?"... nothing of the sort. The HR lady, the CP and I had a good chat for about 1.2 hours. Aerodynamic questions are asked to gauge your interest in the industry. Know Rex as much as their media and stat releases allow you too.
My conclusion - Is the program good - yes. Is there anything dodgy - no. Is 5-6 years committment a long time - yes. The big question (and dont anyone dare to ask me how it will work - just get yourself an interview) expected time to command time - 2 years (again, dont question me. get yourself an interview and get the CP to explain it). $80k is a lot of money. In saying that, it covers everything (including 2 ATPL subjects [law and HF's] - right down to the washing powder you need to wash your supplied uniform.
If you can afford to do your MECIR and 30% of the ATPL subjects yourself, do it. You can be doing bigger and better things after 3 years of battling it on the noodle diet up north. The first few groups will be mainly for Rex (SF340). Airlink and Pel arent really in need at this point in time. CP said you can forget about working @ Pel and very little chance of doing Airlink.
At the moment, it is straight out from 32 weeks then on to ground school for 2-3 months while on $30k Once checked to line, expect about $2800 take home p/mnth (base wage plus a DTA built in to the agreement). The endo for the SF340 is in way of being stuck with them for 2 years as opposed to paying $10k. This doesnt matter as you would be stuck there for 5-6 years anyways.
If you have been a pilot, want to be a pilot and can show you interest in aviation but cant afford to progress - go for your life with this - especially if you are young (6 years service at the age of 20 is nothing. If you can afford your own training - get your own training and do the hard yards with out Rex. You will move much quicker and no doubt be more happier and richer
long before anyone taking up the offer has the opportunity to move away from Rex. In saying that, if you would be happy at Rex - you would be 'set', so to speak.