I tread where others dare to go...but must i say Highflyer nearly got it right but;
Pros/Cons.
1. 2009 contract was only for 10 months due to a reduction in the course length from 30 months to 27 months. This was because Rex/Qantas/Fastrack/Jetcraft etc all offered "short courses" not something I was happy about but guess how many still offer cadetships? This was spealt out in the 2009 contracts prior to sign up. On the flip side we offered NO reduction in flying hours i.e. we still promised the 500 hours of experience or 750 hours total as per the 12 month contract
2. Cadets are paid i.a.w. the Regional Airline Pilots award group 6 Co-Pilot i.e. $38,742 plus super etc (look it up). The reduction comes from your choice to take the reduced price i.e. $98K we then advance you $11K to help cover the course costs (mum and dad normally do not argue!!) This does then reduce your take home and this amount is bonded until you finish...no apologies for this.
3. Yes we work you hard but within duty limits but Gen Y sometimes have issues with working hard but don't get me started....no apologies for that as most pilots reading this including me worked their buts off to get where they are.
4. I cannot help current GFC but I can tell you there are 2 cadets left without jobs from 2008 course and I have secured them interviews in the next few weeks (they do not know this yet but will find out now no doubt!)
5. 19 years of running our cadetship has delivered a 85% success ratio something that I bet most larger courses would not get close to...no apologies for that! But when Jonny or Sammy says they find it all too hard and even though mum and dad have spent $100K on me I would rather take some time off to tour the world etc...I say fill your boots young fellow but you are wasting a great opportunity....you know you can lead the horse to water etc!!
6. A small majority of our pilots have gone to QL but most have gone to Jetstar, Virgin, Qantas, Cathay, Airnorth, Rex, Brindabella etc. Not always directly but that's aviation love it or hate it.
As HF says if you want to work hard get paid reasonably you will make it in aviation but its never a given. My first job was flogging around in a C210 then instructing (and I loved it) and after 1,500 hours I finally got some twin time only to have my job taken by the 89'ers, but no hard feelings to these guys as they did it hard as well.
So if getting your backside into a 250kt turboprop at 250 hours in a
multicrew enviroment at flight levels above most wx earning award wages is tough then try doing what I did and most other aviators have done before you....! also do not bother applying for our course.
So give me a call or send me an e-mail if you are interested and I will tell you how it is and how it should be...I make no apologies for that and the many that have been before me.
Sleep well.
Msharp.