All cadet programmes

[craigbell]

Thanks for your thoughts Chilli.

I feel this thread has gotten slightly off topic, so aside from Etihad, Rex, and Atlantic for those with a PPL, are there any other cadet schemes that I should look into?

Flyboy: What's your story, are you applying to cadet schemes too? experience?

[airfoil]

When is the closing date for the REX Cadet Pilot program?

[Csacsa]

Hello guys out there!

I think, I am in similar situation as Craig and other wannabes. Already as a child I wanna be a pilot, but unfortunately the feeling wasn't strong enough. Some years have passed and last year I got back to my childhood's dream: to be an airline pilot. So I started to gather information (cadet programmes, flying schools, pilot forums, etc), when I found Lufthansa's cadet programme. Unfortunately I am too old to qualify, but maybe you can try it.

Good luck!

[craigbell]

Csacsa:

Thanks for the heads up, unfortunately I cannot speak German though which is one of their requirements.

[zwarriorz]

I've had a look at the rex one. It appear's very competative. I read in their inflight magazine out of over 1000 applicants only 40 of them were accepted into the cadetship. Good luck

The Etihad one is alot more competitive, out of thousands of people who took the first assessment, only 19 people were invited to Abu Dhabi for second assessment, and I think only 6 people were selected at the end.

Good luck!

[craigbell]

I think without a doubt it could be said that any cadet scheme will be competitive. They subsidise or pay for your training, offer you a job at the end. That's some pretty good incentives, especially in todays climate. I wonder how many people who actually apply really want the position.

I bet, and this is a pure guestimate that at least 25% of applicants are doing it for the hell of it.

When is the closing date for the REX Cadet Pilot program?

Not sure, doesn't seem to mention a closing date. I guess it may be a rolling application where it doesn't expire.

PS anyone got details of REX salaries? Do they still have pilot shortages?

[Carambar]

Craigbell,

I think you will find the REX Cadetship has gone a bit quiet, in that F/O's are being laid off as we speak. Although it does appear to be an attractive scheme, not all applicants are eligible for the full scholarship. Meaning, the majority of cadets still need to fork out $20K or so.

If the idea of being committed to REX for 7 years in order to gain a free ride to CPL and little progression within the airline appeals to you. Go for it! But as you mentionned, the pay is below standards and T&C's are questionnable to say the least.

Aside from REX, you would have also found that QF has gone into a recruitment freeze. The 2009 Cadetship has been postponed until further notice, however, I would keep checking their website as news regarding the 2010 program will become available fairly soon. It might be worth a shot!

Some would argue that the QF scheme has become more of glorified training course - In that, the cadet may access FEE-HELP ($80K max.) to offset the costs of training. However the course costs being approximated at around $100K, the cadets are responsible for extra $20K. Furthermore, once the course has been successfully completed (aswell as Industry Placement) they undergo further screening/assessment to determine whether or not they will be offered positions as second officers.

In short, every cadet scheme has its pros and cons - In the long run you might be better off taking out a loan and working your way up, as the majority of people do. But in the current climate I wouldn't be betting on a cadet scheme anytime soon and would consider other options.

Best of luck with it all
Carambar