This has been touched on before aviator23. REX have the option of employing Direct Entry Captains (DEC's), but only after the pool of upgradeable F/O's is exhausted. It's interesting to note that when the mass exodus of pilots took place last time, REX embarked on a recruitment frenzy to employ pilots with sufficient experience that could be upgraded to command down the track. Mainly due to the decimation of GA, REX found that the experience levels of their candidates were moving inexorably downwards. Of the more than 100 pilots employed over the last 2 years, only 50% had the minimum experience to hold a command when their "number" came up. The last of these pilots have now moved to the Left seat or have/about to leave for greener pastures. The remainder are either Ex Cadets or do not have the quals for command upgrade.
The problem for REX this time around is that GA has not sufficiently recovered (if ever it does) to provide enough "quality" candidates, and the pool of REX F/O's that can hold a command is all but exhausted. So on the surface the option of employing DEC's is certainly a possibility. Unfortunately this may prove easier said than done!
I can tell you now, quite a few experienced REX F/O's, some with thousands of hours on REX SAAB's, have been unsuccessful in their command upgrade. In most of these cases they go back to the right seat for 6-12 months, reflect on the experience, recieve additional training and mentoring, and eventually qualify for command. It can be, and often is a long and labourious process, and these people already have significant experience in the REX system!
How many pilots out there, not currently working for REX, preferably with SAAB experience, would be available, willing, and capable of moving to the Left seat of the SAAB?
Let's say these pilots exist. How many have, or are soon to be, employed by the major airlines?
How many of these pilots are willing to fly a REX SAAB, as opposed to flying a jet for approx $50K P/A more. And that's just to start!
REX have dug themselves into a hole with this one. IMHO DEC's will only be an option if REX offer a significant increase in salary and lifestyle. If that does not happen, then they will be unable to attract and retain the type of people they need, if indeed there are that many left out there.
A few posters here have lamented the fact that REX do not offer DEC's, and have said that they would jump at the opportunity. The reality of such a course is probably a little more complex than some may think.
As far as I'm concerened successful DEC's for REX can only mean one thing. A willingness by REX management to compete for professional labour, so I say bring it on. Does anyone really think that will happen?
