So what exactly does the ideal direct entry candidate need to bring to the table to make the cut? I take it that most probably rock up with a few thousand hours on either the 320 or 737 having been flown from other airlines. Or does one just need the bare minimum requirements + absolutely excel at the assessment phase?

I think you need to be someone that you could sit opposite for hours on end. That would be a good start. You could 10,000 hours and a space shuttle endorsement and still be an ass

These days, I’d say doing well in the assessment is the key. The interview used to be good at weeding out the weirdos but now it’s just standard HR fluff.

The minimum requirements are just that, if you meet them and do well at the assessment you’re in no worse shape than someone with plenty of experience.

Lots of the new hires have plenty of turboprop time or time on smaller jets. Some have been Capt previously. Others are out of GA with no multi crew experience.

Most turn up with a good attitude and are keen to learn, while others turn up thinking they’ve done it all and have learned everything before joining.

I Have almost 10k hours on the 330 and almost a 1000 hours command on the 320 and was hoping to one day join Qantas. Are you telling me all of this is doesn't make a dent and it just comes down to personality? Man have I wasted 10 years 🤦🏻‍♂️

You can turn this around in just one day. Just identify as an alphabet person and you can be one of the many fruitcakes featured in a Sunrise flight or one of there many propaganda stunts.

Wasted 10 years? Not at all - I’m assuming you have enjoyed your time and life wherever you are. If now you want something new, go ahead and apply - your experience is valuable. Just don’t make the mistake that experience is ALL you need to succeed.

Why would you give that up for a SO job on the 787 based in Perth on $80,000 a year?

Because it's Perth?

$80,000 a year? Not sure where you get your information from, but that’s very roughly only about $44,000 a year out, and that’s based on min divisor all year!

Well if you’ve developed the personality of an assh*le over 10 years then yes you’ve potentially wasted 10 years.

Yep - you can spend several days wading through the world’s most complicated EA to confirm that:

QANTAS AIRWAYS LIMITED PILOTS (LONG HAUL) ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT 2020

Take note that with the promotions expected over the next 4 years you’ll only be remaining on new hire SO pay if you choose to.

Check the seniority list - 1699. It'd probably get them a Perth widebody right seat in a few weeks.
How more people aren't outraged by it baffles me. Especially those being held back at link to help plug the hole in the training pipeline.

Yeah you’re still a long way out. Even on the new rate, I get $125k base. Plus any extras like training throughout the year. Not $80k.

*edited because MGH on the 787 is actually 145, not 140

My apologies it’s $97,000 minimum guarantee on 330/350/380 no training as against $121,500 on the 787 first year. I gues there is a C scale then.

Dre/Dragon Man, whoever you are.

Still wrong.

A380/330/350 base excluding training is $110k in a couple of months time.

I still can’t work out what maths you’re using.

Well I can't say but I haven't enjoyed my time where I am at the moment, but I also could have moved perhaps to the middle East for a little more money and nicer routes/aircraft. And maybe have ended up with command there too on a much nicer plane than the 320.
But to answer your question, I guess Qantas has always been the dream job, for me and hey I don't mind roughing it out on a second officer salary for 4 years and im not too picky on which fleet I get assigned. So.....

Hey there Captainhan, sad truth old boy, when it comes to HR at QF and who they do or do not hire I can assure you that your experience counts for SFA, 10,000 hours in command of a wide body on international operations to them is the same as 500 hours in a C206 out Broome. Go figure.

wait. How many chief pilots are there? I was thinking of AY

Hasn't been chief for a long time now.