Failure rates are up, and they are well above traditional levels. The check and training system has remained essentially unchanged so what's happened? The reasons are varied.
In years gone by the typical experience level of a new F/O was around 3 thousand hours + and at least a thousand hours Multi-IFR Command. As well as that, a candidate for command would probably spend between 3-4 years, and have at least 2,000 hours experience on type before coming up for command training! By that time the upgrading pilot had a broad range of experience both on the aircraft in normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures. Now we have people thrown into command training before they even have a chance to become settled into the operation! Even for those with reasonable experience, it's still a lot to take in.
Some of the lower time candidates have risen above that lack of experience and it's a credit to them. Many haven't been able to, and that's a shame. In years gone past these people simply would not have been recruited in the first place. I suppose they have paid the price for the state the industry is now in!
The theory about the Cadets is that because they are trained in REX procedures, CRM, etc from the word go, they should be well equipped to move easily into the REX First Officer Training program. That of course is the theory, which still remains to be tested.
As far as Cadets coming up for command is concerned, despite what B.S. may or may not have been fed to them, it will be at least 5 years, if not never untill they move over to the left seat. The provisions of the REX AOC are quite clear. ATPL, 2,000 hours total and 500 hours multi-Command under the IFR. Assuming after 4-5 years a Cadet has reached the 2,000 hours total, their Multi command time under the IFR will still amount to no more than what they accrued during their I.F. training. 50 hours maybe? Quite a shortfall!
As far as I am aware the pass standards for the Cadets will be the same as for everyone else.
Sure will be interesting!