Another early morning on the East Coast!
Heard an interesting rumour yesterday, totally unsubstantiated as yet but this is a rumour network!!
It seems that following the acquisition of Skywest, Virgin Australia may have reviewed their recruitment needs in relation to the timing and/or continuation of the Cadet program.
One can only speculate given that this is, at this stage, only a rumour but I would think it would include:
The mining boom seems to have peaked and is now contracting following decisions by major industry players not to proceed with certain projects in Australia. FIFO market may not expand as originally predicted.
Identification that there are sufficient, experienced pilots in the Skywest holding file to satisfy on-going recruitment needs based on availability of Training Captains (or lack of).
Concerns within the 'Skywest AOC' and those legally responsible for it over the abilities of Cadet graduates compared to the tried and tested 'GA experienced' route
Implications and additional requirements to be incorporated into the Operations Manual of having extremely low time pilots flying into regional airports and the additional risk associated with it.
Concerns that Virgin Australia will suffer embarrassment and be forced to pick up the tab for Cadet's training costs should the current use of VETFEE Help funding for the program be exposed as illegal.
More to Follow
The Kelpie
Last edited by The Kelpie; 17th Jun 2013 at 08:55.