Originally Posted by
aussiefarmer
I always answer the same to friends who ask about DEC: just don't do it. Historically, it's been difficult to make it through the selection process, and from those who make it there's a relatively high failure rate in the conversion course. Bear in mind we do have a new pilot selection manager who is probably going to make it better for DECs (pure speculation from my part).
Reality is unless you come from a similar operator (QR, Etihad), the sheer amount of information and culture you need to process is just overwhelming. It is much less stressfull and dramatically increases your success chances to come as Accelerated Command. Spend one year on the right seat learning the airline and the airplane and then go for the upgrade shot, knowing what is expected of you and how to play the game. Just my 2c.
This post really sums it up - it should be the main reference for anyone willing to attempt the DEC path.
I may add that if you decide to go for it and are successful at screening, leave your family in your home country for the first year. Your life will be pretty much training, sims, flying, study, eat, sleep, repeat. Better to sacrifice one year of your personal life than the position you're trying to get.