kalavo,
Before the financial crisis, every charter company in North and Western Australia consistently advertised for low time pilots with the bare minimum throughout the year.
I know a few guys who were flying twins after 6 months, as there was so much movement then, as there wasn't those cadet schemes.
There were up to 30 jobs each month on the afap website consistently advertised throughout the year, for instructors, C210 pilots, turbine experienced drivers and up to 70% of students learning to fly in Australia were international students.
As the financial crisis hit, a global slow down occurred with Australia being also exposed.
At Bankstown, three flying schools closed down shortly afterwards.
The Rex, Jetstar, Qantas, SkyWest cadet schemes, have limited the number of positions available for direct entry F/O positions.
The dynamics of the industry have changed permanently and a lot of you guys aren't seeing that and don't want hear about it.
People working as a charter pilot or instructor these days, can expect to stay in that line of work for years to come, unless they start thinking globally, as over 50% of future F/O positions are and will be getting filled up with a particular airlines' cadets.
The days where the airlines in Australia, have recruited mostly from the G.A industry have unfortunantly gone!
As you can all see, the entry requirements for a single engine driver job in W.A have gone up to 400 hours now, because there isn't much movement in the top part of the G.A industry.
There's still a world economic slow down and it also affects Australia's aviation scene.
Rex lowered there entry hours to 800 hour total time and 250 multi or ICUS, before the cadet scheme started, now it's 2000 hours with 500 multi and the best way to get in, is to be an instructor at their academy.
The Green Goblin: Quote:
"With all these new jets on the way and
VB/Skywest turboprops requiring at least 5 crew per aircraft, I think we will see a good year ahead for recruitment".
Just wait for it....
Hope i'm wrong, but expect to see at least 50% of the new DJ/Skywest operation to be filled by Skywest's cadets!
The DJ/Skywest operation, is the equivalent to Qantaslink.