Alteon or Qantas?
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Australia
Posts: 324
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've heard QF 737-800 booked out for quite a while, training customer airlines and QF crew. I could be wrong, but from what I have seen round the place it looks like it is true.
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,414
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
earliest sim slot at both Alteon and Qantas is Oct!
Join Date: May 1999
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thought I'd shoot this up to the top again. There seems to be alot of us who got the Nod from VB and now have to find an endorsement.
Would like to hear some (recent) experiences. From what I've researched so far:
Any info greatfully received.
Would like to hear some (recent) experiences. From what I've researched so far:
Very difficult to get a NG slot this year due simulators booked by big airlines.
Quickest option to get a classic endorsement with differences course. But with difference course only 3 days duration can it be any good really???
Can get endorsement overseas but have to pay your own way. i.e. no help with airfares or accom.
USA endorsement uses a method different to AUS in that all training is done at low level, much like a much smaller aircraft, so no experience to FLight Levels and the associated difficulties such as slowing down (apparently an issue with the B737).
Is there a need to get in quick as I've heard that seniorority is just one input to selecting command slots.Any info greatfully received.
Last edited by mention1; 30th Aug 2007 at 06:11. Reason: indents
Hombrey
While you are waiting, recruit yourself into Qantas then you won't have to pay for your endorsement. 
Got the VB job but earliest sim slot at both Alteon and Qantas is Oct!
Join Date: Aug 1998
Location: australia
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Australia
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
HMMM, Alteon 320 endo:
CBT rudimentry at best or completely inaccurate,
No class room time at all, let alone with an A320 experienced instructor
FMS simulator that did/does not work
Sim instructors with no time on type
Qantas 737 endo:
CBT very good &
Class room instruction with rated instructor
FMS simulator works
Sim instructors actually "flying the line" as well
Basic facts but good enough reasons to go with Q. Alteon cr@p, Q very good. (and no am not a Q pilot)
CBT rudimentry at best or completely inaccurate,
No class room time at all, let alone with an A320 experienced instructor
FMS simulator that did/does not work
Sim instructors with no time on type
Qantas 737 endo:
CBT very good &
Class room instruction with rated instructor
FMS simulator works
Sim instructors actually "flying the line" as well
Basic facts but good enough reasons to go with Q. Alteon cr@p, Q very good. (and no am not a Q pilot)
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: australia
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I did my 737 endo at QF and was very happy with the training.They used a great interactive CBT which was very easy to use.For those interested there is a listing on ebay australia under 737 for the 737ng groundschool on cd which I bought.It is just like the QF course and I find it great for reviewing systems etc.May be of help to some people waiting around.
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: dubai
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
No wonder the standard in Oz is getting worse, you guys need to be spoon fed everything. Read the manuals and be prepared when you go to Alteon, and you won't need an instructor to hold your hand with everything. Most places you do an endo, you do your homework beforehand.
The guys at Alteon are very experienced and know their stuff. Are you telling me you know everything about your current type------I know I'm still learning.
Only so much in 4 weeks you can digest, hence line training, then again most of you will want to be pattered through that too. Rant over.......
The guys at Alteon are very experienced and know their stuff. Are you telling me you know everything about your current type------I know I'm still learning.
Only so much in 4 weeks you can digest, hence line training, then again most of you will want to be pattered through that too. Rant over.......
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: oz
Posts: 622
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Kabong, you forgot to mention Alteon are 10-15% dearer than QF for less help.
Xkred, yep, that was a rant alright. Both Alteon courses I have done in the last 2 years did'nt come with manuals 'til after I got there. Still I spose if I was'nt spoon fed I could have studied on the internet or Discovery channel.
Apart from that, the thread is " which course is better ", and since QF " spoon feed " people as you so eloquently put it, for around 5K less, I guess for those of us who are " average " QF is better
return rant over.
Xkred, yep, that was a rant alright. Both Alteon courses I have done in the last 2 years did'nt come with manuals 'til after I got there. Still I spose if I was'nt spoon fed I could have studied on the internet or Discovery channel.
Apart from that, the thread is " which course is better ", and since QF " spoon feed " people as you so eloquently put it, for around 5K less, I guess for those of us who are " average " QF is better
return rant over.
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Living next door to Alan
Posts: 1,521
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Now let me get this right... According to Cunning (and he/she's been there twice), if you want an endorsement from a company that encourages and facilitates your learning, and with good support - then choose the QF course.
On the other hand - if you want to be left to your own "hairy-chested" devices with NO support, then choose ALTEON. They might know their stuff, but "knowing your stuff" doesn't necessarily make you capable of passing your knowledge on to a trainee......And there are plenty of people I know that have chosen Alteon and have come out dissatisfied with the product.
AFAIK, it's a no-brainer. I know which provider I'd choose if I were placed in such a position....
Compared to what? Time to move into the '70s, Mr. xkred27 
On the other hand - if you want to be left to your own "hairy-chested" devices with NO support, then choose ALTEON. They might know their stuff, but "knowing your stuff" doesn't necessarily make you capable of passing your knowledge on to a trainee......And there are plenty of people I know that have chosen Alteon and have come out dissatisfied with the product.
AFAIK, it's a no-brainer. I know which provider I'd choose if I were placed in such a position....
No wonder the standard in Oz is getting worse
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: oz
Posts: 622
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You're not as silly as you look Jarse 
Horse, heard they have gone down sal sac track, basically reducing your pay by 33K for the first year. I'm sure some VB personell can confirm/deny that.
Horse, heard they have gone down sal sac track, basically reducing your pay by 33K for the first year. I'm sure some VB personell can confirm/deny that.
Join Date: May 1999
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks people this is all good stuff.
Seems to be a clear trend here.
Just seems to be a S**T Fight as to the process. I have heard stories that you just add your name to the list and the various companies contact you in turn.
Shouldn't VB find a spot for you and tell you when/where to start?
What about the Ansett MEL Sim centre option? Anyone been there? Are they familiar with the VB SOP's ???
Seems to be a clear trend here.
Just seems to be a S**T Fight as to the process. I have heard stories that you just add your name to the list and the various companies contact you in turn.
Shouldn't VB find a spot for you and tell you when/where to start?
What about the Ansett MEL Sim centre option? Anyone been there? Are they familiar with the VB SOP's ???