Merged: QANTASLINK Crewing Crisis!
Icarus,
I know for a fact that some mainline pilots have been stopped from going to Jeststar through their MOU because of staff shortages. It would be reasonable to believe it would happen elsewhere in the QF group.
The answer: one application and recruitment process for the Qantas group. QF can send new hires where they need them, and employees could bid for whatever slots their seniority would get them (after some type freeze period). Cost savings include: recruitment (1 unit instead of 3), courses (courses such as CRM, security, DG's etc are common), probably training (pilots used to one or similar SOP's), reduced upward wage pressure at QL (carrot is the career path).
Suddenly QL isn't "the turboprop cul-de-sac of Qantas" (thanks B
), but part of a rewarding career within the Qantas group. I might even throw in an application!
I know for a fact that some mainline pilots have been stopped from going to Jeststar through their MOU because of staff shortages. It would be reasonable to believe it would happen elsewhere in the QF group.
The answer: one application and recruitment process for the Qantas group. QF can send new hires where they need them, and employees could bid for whatever slots their seniority would get them (after some type freeze period). Cost savings include: recruitment (1 unit instead of 3), courses (courses such as CRM, security, DG's etc are common), probably training (pilots used to one or similar SOP's), reduced upward wage pressure at QL (carrot is the career path).
Suddenly QL isn't "the turboprop cul-de-sac of Qantas" (thanks B
), but part of a rewarding career within the Qantas group. I might even throw in an application!
Last edited by grrowler; 11th Feb 2008 at 10:32.
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ggrowler
In principle, I agree entirely. What you propose is similar to a suggestion I made in this thread:
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=301019
As I put there though, I can't see how you would go from the current state of affairs to a fully integrated seniority list and pilot group.
A payrise would certainly be nice, but we all know that the type of money required to compete with jet salary is beyond the scope of what any manager would endorse (we're talking about 70% + increase in pay).
I've always felt that while money is an issue, it's not usually the reason people leave an organisation in droves. If management were actually seen to demonstrate leadership amongst the pilot group, and demonstrated some empathy with our situation, you might be surprised. Sadly, managers these days are usually more bound up in KPIs rather than actual leadership. Limited space prohibits my complete rant on this subject, and now it's dinner time.
Icarus
In principle, I agree entirely. What you propose is similar to a suggestion I made in this thread:
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=301019
As I put there though, I can't see how you would go from the current state of affairs to a fully integrated seniority list and pilot group.
Having gone out on that limb, do you also believe that a significant (and I mean significant) payrise for QFlink pilots would also have little effect in attracting and retaining talented and experienced pilots?
I've always felt that while money is an issue, it's not usually the reason people leave an organisation in droves. If management were actually seen to demonstrate leadership amongst the pilot group, and demonstrated some empathy with our situation, you might be surprised. Sadly, managers these days are usually more bound up in KPIs rather than actual leadership. Limited space prohibits my complete rant on this subject, and now it's dinner time.
Icarus
Hugh, I believe that the busted arse 743 sim will be gone as of mid year when two of the four remaining Classics retire. In the currently empty Sim Bay 3 will be a Dash-8 Q400 sim and eventually in Sim Bay 4 will be a Dash-8 Q300 sim.
I don't know where the JQ applicants will be tested after that as all the other sims will be flat out for the next 7-10 years.
I don't know where the JQ applicants will be tested after that as all the other sims will be flat out for the next 7-10 years.
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grrowler.Yep, that's logical and a water-tight argument but do you think after 6 years of constant departures to their competition etc it has sunk in?
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A very good friend recently told me that after coming to fruition 12 months ago, his beloved and life-long ambition to become a Dash 8 regional pilot based in Melbourne has gone from "complete contentment" to "get me the hell out of here"...all in only one year! Apparently your last EBA was the back-breaker. Fewer days off? Split days off??? An insulting "retention bonus" that would have been more at home as a CHRISTMAS bonus. A pay increase BELOW CPI? (A pay DECREASE in reality.) Who the heck voted for this? So glad now that I bypassed and went straight to VB. 
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HSC requirement
Why the HSC (yr 12) subjects.
The English language and literacy skills plus the math and science knowledge and skill for an ATPL are equivalent if not superior to yr 12.
WHY YR 12 HSC?
I agree, how STUPID. 3-4 thousand hrs in log book with years flying multi charter and they would knock you back because you did not do year 12. Do they want real pilots or academics. Can't be a pilot shortage.
I agree, how STUPID. 3-4 thousand hrs in log book with years flying multi charter and they would knock you back because you did not do year 12. Do they want real pilots or academics. Can't be a pilot shortage.
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G'Day Hugh
Yes I agree most of the guys going through too mainline are not via the MOU. Technically speaking they are external direct entry candidates. However I would expect that there is still some level of communication between QL and Q about these guys start dates.
Ggrowler has it sorted out though.
P.S. Whats wrong with an employer requesting a very basic level of education?
Bulla
Yes I agree most of the guys going through too mainline are not via the MOU. Technically speaking they are external direct entry candidates. However I would expect that there is still some level of communication between QL and Q about these guys start dates.
Ggrowler has it sorted out though.
P.S. Whats wrong with an employer requesting a very basic level of education?
Bulla
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The English language and literacy skills plus the math and science knowledge and skill for an ATPL are equivalent if not superior to yr 12.
For the older pilots that grew up in an era when year 12 was the exception rather than the rule (and we're talking guys no younger than in their 40's here) then I certainly feel for you, but there are alternatives out there both in terms of choice of employers and choice in courses if you want meet the minimum requirement.
BTW triathlon, HSC with passes in maths and english does not equal academia.
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WHY YR 12 HSC?
I agree, how STUPID. 3-4 thousand hrs in log book with years flying multi charter and they would knock you back because you did not do year 12. Do they want real pilots or academics. Can't be a pilot shortage.
I agree, how STUPID. 3-4 thousand hrs in log book with years flying multi charter and they would knock you back because you did not do year 12. Do they want real pilots or academics. Can't be a pilot shortage.
I certainly agree that a pilot who can pass all exams including ATPL would have a good understanding of Maths, Physics and English needed to be a competent pilot.
I've been looking at goin to TAFE and doing Yr 12 maths, English and Physics anyway so that might take me an extra year or so.
Moderator
It is my understanding Sunnies/Eastern no longer stipulate Year 12 Maths & Physics as a pre-requisite to pilot employment.
Lets stick to the facts please!
Tail Wheel
Lets stick to the facts please!
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Year 12 Maths & English are still a requirement for the trainee program however.
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I pulled this off bfound, couldn't help but have a laugh at these clowns
haw haw 
he he he 
no mention of DJ, the primary jet employer of QFlink drivers..
ha ha ha he heheh ha
oh boy, NK or who ever wrote this crap needs to get out more...
The "pay for your own endorsement" is very much an industry norm.
It has existed in certain parts of GA and other airlines for some time and is used by these companies to keep costs down. The QantasLink business is under considerable market pressure to reduce costs to remain competitive.
This has become more apparent with the commitment to purchase a large number of Dash 8 400's and the emergence of Qantas Airways (?)
and Jetstar as a recruiter of QantasLink pilots. Self funded FO training is just one of a number of initiatives the business is using to reduce these costs.
oh boy, NK or who ever wrote this crap needs to get out more...
Last edited by WynSock; 12th Feb 2008 at 09:48.
Apparently my link above doesn't work. 
It is available at the bottom of this page - Application for Qantaslink Pilot, then click on the "Minimum Requirements" tab.
Regards,
OpsN.
It is available at the bottom of this page - Application for Qantaslink Pilot, then click on the "Minimum Requirements" tab.
Regards,
OpsN.
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There be a new set of FAQ's on the QLINK BFOUND website.....for those interested....
http://qantaslink.bfound.net/det-con...CoId=189&rq=11
3 year bond for type rating and 4 year bond for training...must stay with QLINK for 2 years before moving upto mainline....
http://qantaslink.bfound.net/det-con...CoId=189&rq=11
3 year bond for type rating and 4 year bond for training...must stay with QLINK for 2 years before moving upto mainline....