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-   -   Qantas Recruitment (https://www.pprune.org/australia-new-zealand-pacific/584827-qantas-recruitment.html)

Sykes 17th Jun 2018 03:52

KEG, what we have is a difference of opinion based on our differing viewpoints and differing “data sets” that we each have.

Where it gets silly is that all I did originally was to put up my opinion, instead of starting with “Sorry, that’s complete and utter crap...” Who would have guessed that I’d come back here and defend myself?


“Ill informed... inaccurate information” How so?

Was my then CP lying when he stated that only 51% of Dash pilots were successful? Was my own experience when speaking with pilots regarding the success rate of pilots into Cathay and Emirates ill informed? Did the 1/3 of the 2008/9 Cadets who failed their re-assessment into mainline not happen? Are there not pilots at Qantaslink who successfully passed their mainline interviews two years ago still waiting for their December start date?

I’m reasonably certain that you’re flying with ex-link drivers who can confirm all that I’ve said.

Nothing in your claim that the turboprop guys are over-represented (and I notice you still include other internals) invalidates anything I’ve stated.You may care to note that nowhere have I said that YOUR information is “ill informed or inaccurate” apart from wanting you to separate Qlink from the other internals. You may also care to note that I’m not disputing what you’ve said.

It just doesn’t change my opinion.

The reason it doesn’t change my opinion is that if Qantaslink management had their way there would be ZERO turboprop guys getting mainline gigs. The only reason that the pathway has opened is to try to prevent the outpouring of pilots to other carriers. The amount of guys getting in is kept low enough to encourage people to stay, but minimising as much as possible the impact on the turboprop operation.

As for calling you a Skygod, if you write stuff like

So let’s not pretend that being a QLink Driver makes you a successful mainline pilot either.
you can expect some incoming. If you can’t take crap, don’t dish it out. (Love the “skygodwin law” btw).

Once again, many of those TP drivers who fell under the category of “lets not pretend...” are now Captains at Virgin and Dragonair, and in two years some will be widebody captains for Emirates.

So if you’ve got any real arguments, instead of telling me that I’m wrong and abuse such as “NFI, or chips on shoulders”, please come back with them.

Otherwise, you’re just being boring.

The Green Goblin 17th Jun 2018 04:34

Keg does his best on here to give you an informed opinion.

You can listen to it. Or not. I’m sure he’s not going to lose sleep over it. Skygodwins law is a laugh though.

As for Qlink to QF. Yes there’s a few waiting a while. I know of a couple too. It sucks when you’re waiting. However that’s life. QF are running a business. They need the fleet in all devisions flying.

If you don’t like it. Vote with your feet. If enough do. Perhaps the system will change. Perhaps it won’t.

After you hit 40, life goes on. Its all the same. Kids. Mortgage. Wife. Husband. Bills. More bills. Sims. Flying pays for your life and being present with the family, which is more important than SJS with a brand on the tail.

itsnotthatbloodyhard 17th Jun 2018 05:15


As for calling you a Skygod, if you write stuff like
Quote:
So let’s not pretend that being a QLink Driver makes you a successful mainline pilot either.

you can expect some incoming.
Sykes, I think you might be being oversensitive about that particular remark and not taking the way it was intended. The fact is that we’ve occasionally seen that being a short haul driver doesn’t necessarily make you a successful long haul pilot, and being a long haul pilot doesn’t guarantee you’ll be a successful short haul pilot. Likewise, being a mainline pilot doesn’t guarantee you’ll be a successful QLink driver - and Keg actually said as much, if you read what he wrote. Taken in that context, playing the Skygod card is something of an overreaction, don’t you think?

Keg 17th Jun 2018 09:57


Nothing in your claim that the turboprop guys are over-represented (and I notice you still include other internals) invalidates anything I’ve stated.
Geez, you’re like a dog with a bone on this line that mainline has a set against QLink pilots. ALL group pilots are over represented as a percentage of total applicants. This includes QLink pilots. Basically what I’m saying is that externals who are more qualified, more experienced but just happen to be external pilots have missed out to give priority to those within the group.

Does se this mean all within the group will get in? No. Some will deal themselves out of contention by how they perform at either psych/ skills, or at assessment centre. Does this mean if successful that they will get in straight away? No. Many have had to wait some months to get in. The longest I’ve heard was 15 months from when they were advised they were successful to their projected start date. A total of some two years from initial application.

Now you choose to interpret these things as a ‘bias’ against QLink. I see it as the most positive thing for QLink pilots since Qantas started recruiting again after an 8 year hiatus. Many of us older generation certainly remember the days when we took virtually no one from internal subsidiaries and the most likely move for a QLink driver to make was to become an F/O was with Ansett (prior to 2001) and VOZ (post 2001).

Was the QLink CP right about his numbers? I’ve no idea. I presume so and I’ll take you at your word on those numbers. Having been a part of the process assessing the ex cadets and LOI holders I can guarantee there was no bias, direction or other riding instructions against QLink pilots. Were all the recruiting decisions made over the last couple of years correct? Gosh no. We probably said ‘no’ to some who would be great and I know for sure we’ve said ‘yes’ to a few who have demonstrated oh so clearly that we got it very wrong. That still doesn’t demonstrate bias.

So for the avoidance of doubt, I’ll make it clear again. If you’re a low time GA pilot (say less than 2000 hrs) my opinion is that you’re a bigger chance of getting into Qantas in a few years if you go via QLink than if you hold out to be a DE 3500 hour pilot.

One more point. When I’ve sat across from an applicant I want them to do well- same with virtually all of the other recruiters. I watch the body language. I see the sweaty palms, the dry mouths, the stumbling over words, the internal chaos that comes at various times during an assessment centre. My heart breaks if someone is struggling- though less so if I’m watching someone arrogantly dig their own grave... and some certainly do. The individual pilot fronting up for interview is the greatest determinate of whether or not they’ll get through. Not what airline they think mainline may be biased against.

Keg 17th Jun 2018 10:03


Originally Posted by itsnotthatbloodyhard (Post 10174839)


Sykes, I think you might be being oversensitive about that particular remark and not taking the way it was intended. The fact is that we’ve occasionally seen that being a short haul driver doesn’t necessarily make you a successful long haul pilot, and being a long haul pilot doesn’t guarantee you’ll be a successful short haul pilot. Likewise, being a mainline pilot doesn’t guarantee you’ll be a successful QLink driver - and Keg actually said as much, if you read what he wrote. Taken in that context, playing the Skygod card is something of an overreaction, don’t you think?

I’ll take it a step further. Anyone that thinks because they’re a regional pilot they can/ should be/ must be as good as a mainline pilot has just demonstrated precisely why they’re not. The same applies to any mainline pilot that presumes the reverse. As itsnotthatboodyhard so rightly points out even within mainline we have crew who struggle in the different worlds of the different hauls. Most don’t. Some do. But those who arrogantly presume they’re good enough because they’re in the group? You’re in for a rude shock.

Aussie Fo 17th Jun 2018 10:39

Honestly sometimes things don’t work out for a reason.

Qantas isn’t everything. Different airlines look for different things. Sykes you appear pretty “ head strong”. Perhaps Qantas identified you’d be a great Captain but not suited to a 15 year stint as a So/Fo.

Chase those airlines that provide a short time to Command.

As a Qantas employee, trust me the system isn’t perfect. We all know of the ones who got in who make a name for themselves. But on Balance 95% of the guys and Girls are great people to work with.

i don’t doubt that a amazing number of people fall by the way side. There are a limited number of positions. Qantas/ media talk up a lax, of pilots but the reality is I think 250 at most in 18 months after 8 yers of nothing. And yes there is a shortage much worse in the Dash 8 ranks. But they aren’t going to pilfer themselves!

Keg I would ask, Does anyone oversee the process after pilots loose involvement? At what point does HR get a final decision?

i think everyone would love a group seniority list

take care everyone. Tomorrow’s a better day and there are a lot of airlines who want their own personalities.

the grass isn’t always greener somewhere else, but it does grow in lots of places

Rated De 17th Jun 2018 10:58


Does anyone oversee the process after pilots loose(sic) involvement? At what point does HR get a final decision?
The problem for many airlines is that HR is wedged into every conversation, everything that generates 'performance management' is a work input for them. Generating 'work' is self fulfilling: Control the process and your department survives.
At a particular airline of our experience so entrenched was HR, that flight operations was given a recommended list.The assessment in a simulator a binary outcome. Effectively what was a technical job was reduced and controlled by administration. That was literally all, the process had been captured.

The airline in this example realised a substantial problem with new pilots; issues of training and conversion came to light. It took time but eventually some hardy souls dared to challenge the recruitment templates. What was found was really insightful. HR had looked for mirrors of themselves; those well versed in corporate process, an eye for administrative detail and importantly a willingness to acquiesce. Such traits were not what the airline concerned thought was in the best interests of flight safety.

Removing HR from the process was costly and designing the replacement model found them back where they started before the dark art got control.

wombat watcher 17th Jun 2018 11:35


Originally Posted by Rated De (Post 10175022)
The problem for many airlines is that HR is wedged into every conversation, everything that generates 'performance management' is a work input for them. Generating 'work' is self fulfilling: Control the process and your department survives.
At a particular airline of our experience so entrenched was HR, that flight operations was given a recommended list.The assessment in a simulator a binary outcome. Effectively what was a technical job was reduced and controlled by administration. That was literally all, the process had been captured.

The airline in this example realised a substantial problem with new pilots; issues of training and conversion came to light. It took time but eventually some hardy souls dared to challenge the recruitment templates. What was found was really insightful. HR had looked for mirrors of themselves; those well versed in corporate process, an eye for administrative detail and importantly a willingness to acquiesce. Such traits were not what the airline concerned thought was in the best interests of flight safety.

Removing HR from the process was costly and designing the replacement model found them back where they started before the dark art got control.


what is this “ our experience” bullsh#t?
You are a navel gazer of the first order.
you do know don’t you that it can make you go blind.... wanking I mean.

Guest123 17th Jun 2018 11:48


Originally Posted by Slippery_Pete (Post 10174796)

And while were on it, I know of several Cobham guys who have been “on hold” with Jetstar for 12+ months. Meanwhile, pilots applying from non QF group regionals are getting start dates inside 2 months of applying and jumping guys with significant jet command.

This back room deal is affecting the whole of Cobham, not just the 717 drivers. It can’t be legal. I hope there’s light at the end of the tunnel for them.

A320 Flyer 17th Jun 2018 13:24

Of the 8 that ended up on my 330 course last year - 2 were JQ 320 FOs and 2 were Dash 8 captains.... exactly a 50% representation from the group.

Even if its a small sample of the 250+ recently recruited I'd say this is quite a good representation. Interestingly 2 from each group company.

It is my understanding that once a group pilot has been offered a position on the hold file, even if mainline wants them last week it's up to their current employer to release them to take up the position. This could be leading to some of the delays for Qlink pilots mentioned in previous posts.

Also for what its worth when I'm meeting new guys out on line most of them are surprised I'm not "off the dash". This leads me to believe Qlink pilots have been largely represented in recent recruitment.

TimmyTee 17th Jun 2018 13:49

If the success rate is 50% for Qlink drivers, what's the success rate for female Qlink applicants? As keg said there's no bias or agenda, so obviously the success rate would be pretty close to 50%.. (Only ask as a mate reckons it's closer to 90% getting in)

dragon man 17th Jun 2018 21:45


Originally Posted by TimmyTee (Post 10175138)
If the success rate is 50% for Qlink drivers, what's the success rate for female Qlink applicants? As keg said there's no bias or agenda, so obviously the success rate would be pretty close to 50%.. (Only ask as a mate reckons it's closer to 90% getting in)

And your mate is probably about right.

mattyj 18th Jun 2018 12:34

What’s the trick to withdrawing your Qantas workday applications? It says you can do it in the initial page but there seems to be no mechanism..?

a380neo 18th Jun 2018 18:30

Anyone know the average time to get onto a 73 at the moment after joining with previous jet experience? And chances of getting MEL are?

Cheers in advance folks.

engine out 18th Jun 2018 21:02

In the latest round Brooke who joined around October got Melbourne 73 slots for training later this year.

DirectAnywhere 18th Jun 2018 22:58

MEL 737 F/O was the most junior position in the recently released training slots for the next 12 months.

I don't have a current seniority list, but I would suggest it's currently under 12 months from joining to an F/O spot on the 737 in Melbourne. This may change rapidly.

Although Perth has traditionally been the most junior base, Keg opined elsewhere that the reason MEL may be more junior now is base balancing. ie. the company can't find the F/Os wanting to become Captains they need who are willing to go to Perth so there's no point sending a bunch of F/Os to Perth if there's no-one to fly with. Makes sense to this casual observer as the most junior 737 command in Perth was about 80 numbers junior to the most junior in Melbourne.

It's either that or they reckon they've got the numbers right in Perth as the Network flying starts to expand. :suspect:

ilikecheese 18th Jun 2018 23:18


Originally Posted by DirectAnywhere (Post 10176239)
I don't have a current seniority list, but I would suggest it's currently under 12 months from joining to an F/O spot on the 737 in Melbourne. This may change rapidly

For better with residual training slots or worse with the traffic jam in the training department?

Keg 18th Jun 2018 23:34


Originally Posted by DirectAnywhere (Post 10176239)

Although Perth has traditionally been the most junior base, Keg opined elsewhere that the reason MEL may be more junior now is base balancing. ie. the company can't find the F/Os wanting to become Captains they need who are willing to go to Perth so there's no point sending a bunch of F/Os to Perth if there's no-one to fly with. Makes sense to this casual observer as the most junior 737 command in Perth was about 80 numbers junior to the most junior in Melbourne.

It's either that or they reckon they've got the numbers right in Perth as the Network flying starts to expand. :suspect:

Close but other way around. Lack of S/Os bidding for PER 737 F/O. They’ve got people bidding for PER 737 Captain.

I don’t rule out a bit of your last point though. What will tell the tale is if the number of 737 crew overnighting in PER increases.




a380neo 19th Jun 2018 12:13

Cheers for the quick replies!

So the current procedure is to apply as an S/O then bid for a 73 position and base? Or would QF take a direct entry 73 F/O?

DirectAnywhere 19th Jun 2018 21:13

You would have to join as a S/O and then bid for a promotion accordingly. There are no DEFOs or DECs to mainline.

The only time time I recall it happening was post Ansett collapse in 2001 and I believe that was for a specified period in rank only.

If if you haven’t applied yet though - sounds like you haven’t - you might be waiting a while from here. They’ve just really started processing another 500 applicants after rejecting another few hundred.


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