Interesting observations heffy_inc.
The REX Cadets have simply chosen to take a path that will at the very least give them a significant start in the industry. If I were in their position 25 years ago, I would have done the same thing. REX management know this, and as such will always have enough applicants for a program that promises a job at the end, provided you make the grade of course.
Previously when a pilot finally "made it" even to a regional job, the wide eyed expectations of youth were somewhat tempered by the experiences they had already gone through. Many cadets don't have this "advantage", and as such the reality may bite a little harder for some of them. The notion of having to sit in the RHS for 4-5-6 or more years after graduation is ceratinly no different to what their counterparts in years gone by had to expect, and that's after up to a decade in GA!
So what's the problem? Expectations, that's what! Most Cadets (excepting the silvers spooners) are beginning to realise the coveted job of "airline pilot" does not provide financial security. Most graduates of a "professional" technical course (especially one that requires the outlay of $80K) would normally expect at least the national average wage to start. DOUGH!
Eventually Cadets will make it into the LHS. Their wages will increase, perhaps not enough to offset the massive debt some may now find themselves in, but it certainly won't happen anytime soon. And there's the problem for REX. The death of GA has been fuelled in part by the overall reduction in the terms and conditions of professional pilots. Airline management have failed to take responsibility for their role in this, and despite whatever deal they can do with the regulator, it will continue to bite them in the arse for years to come.
As for Cadets being the way of the future? If what's left of GA continues to decline, then that may be the case. The challenge for management will then be attracting the "quality" of candidate. You see boys, you're only delaying the inevitable!
