REX Failures
2 more Command upgrades made permanent F/O's!
Notwithstanding the fact that REX have been reduced to recruiting pilots with much less experience than that required for command, but now many of those with the minimum experience are failing the upgrade process. This is despite the fact that candidates are being given 3 three attempts instead of the previous 2!
What a sorry situation. I really feel for these people, but I'm afraid there's more to come. Not all fail, and those who get through are to be truely commended. The ratio of failure to sucess however is starting to swing towards the negative. Where once a new pilot had the benefit of several years in the right seat, and a substantial amount of Sim experience to draw upon, they are now litteraly being thrown in at the deep end. Commands at REX are now running at 6 (yes that's right) 6 months from time of joining. This is insufficient time to become fully accustomed to the position of F/O, let alone tackle the demands of command upgrade. The standards of the checks are every bit as rigorous, and in any event CASA are reportedly quite determined that this level be maintained.
The last command to be awarded saw a jump of no less than 17 places on the seniority list. The next lot (due out this week) will see the three instructors at the Mangalore training centre become eligible! And none of them have even flown a SAAB!!!
We are now seeing the results of REX's inability to grasp the true nature of the pilot shortage. There is only one way to describe what this has become.
FARCE!