Mega Merged: REX Recruitment/Cadetship and Working for REX
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You need to listen closely to those who have:
1) "been there, done that"
2) "been there, avoided that"
I had the same mentality as yourself, however - the bigger picture isn't all 747's and pretty pilot uniforms.
Learn quickly, Sir. You will be thankful.
1) "been there, done that"
2) "been there, avoided that"
I had the same mentality as yourself, however - the bigger picture isn't all 747's and pretty pilot uniforms.
Learn quickly, Sir. You will be thankful.
Phyk/Ben,
I am still young enough to remember the dreams I had in year 12...to be PAID to fly, WOW. This may sound really condescending, and it may be partly intentional, but you have a great deal to learn, as did I.
Its not rude 'shutting down' the schemes offered, it is someone's opinion WHO HAS BEEN IN THE INDUSTRY! Seeing as you are somewhat lacking in that department, I would mind what I say. There is no such thing as a free lunch, or an easy way, everyone pays their dues, be it GA, or sitting in the RHS of a SAAB for 5 years. Don't think 5 years is too long? Look back on the last 5, you were in Year 7. Look at all the friends, crushes, experiences and time that has passed and then tell me 5 years aint much.
Before you go chasing the dream of wearing the train drivers cap straight away, why don't you explore ALL OPTIONS.... I reckon I have a pretty good idea which path would be more enjoyable.
j3
I am still young enough to remember the dreams I had in year 12...to be PAID to fly, WOW. This may sound really condescending, and it may be partly intentional, but you have a great deal to learn, as did I.
Its not rude 'shutting down' the schemes offered, it is someone's opinion WHO HAS BEEN IN THE INDUSTRY! Seeing as you are somewhat lacking in that department, I would mind what I say. There is no such thing as a free lunch, or an easy way, everyone pays their dues, be it GA, or sitting in the RHS of a SAAB for 5 years. Don't think 5 years is too long? Look back on the last 5, you were in Year 7. Look at all the friends, crushes, experiences and time that has passed and then tell me 5 years aint much.
Before you go chasing the dream of wearing the train drivers cap straight away, why don't you explore ALL OPTIONS.... I reckon I have a pretty good idea which path would be more enjoyable.
j3
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sorry guys, I must had missed all those other thread on this forum...thx for all the input anyway!!
I actually emailed them twice about the program and not getting a single reply!! So as CN said before, it does kind of promoting a sense of unprofessionalism....but ohh well, I wouldn't care less for it, not yet.
The reason why im asking is because I've been out of the industry since 2006 as I said, had my CPl since then, but got diverted into another field...but at this very moment, I am pretty sure what I really want to do and is quite desperate in getting back into flying, hence I might make a wrong decision by rushing thru without thinking ahead much!!
I guess if i take up a traditional route to become a commercial pilot would be bash around the bush or get myself a Instructor Rating.....but again the thing is, I am still owing the Aust Gov my HECs from uni, so probably not gonna do instructor path, neither would I spend an extra $45k at Rex, cos byt eh time I finish the training, I'd be owing up sh*t load of money, not pretty man~~~so a no go zone!!
Thanks for all the contribution though!! very nice of you guys....
Oooo one more question though guys if I haven't asked for too much already, I am just trying to catch up with the news within the industry, been buying Magazine and stuff....is there another that you'd suggest me to catch-up with the industry??
Thanks!!! good luck everyone!! Safe flying!!
I actually emailed them twice about the program and not getting a single reply!! So as CN said before, it does kind of promoting a sense of unprofessionalism....but ohh well, I wouldn't care less for it, not yet.
The reason why im asking is because I've been out of the industry since 2006 as I said, had my CPl since then, but got diverted into another field...but at this very moment, I am pretty sure what I really want to do and is quite desperate in getting back into flying, hence I might make a wrong decision by rushing thru without thinking ahead much!!
I guess if i take up a traditional route to become a commercial pilot would be bash around the bush or get myself a Instructor Rating.....but again the thing is, I am still owing the Aust Gov my HECs from uni, so probably not gonna do instructor path, neither would I spend an extra $45k at Rex, cos byt eh time I finish the training, I'd be owing up sh*t load of money, not pretty man~~~so a no go zone!!
Thanks for all the contribution though!! very nice of you guys....
Oooo one more question though guys if I haven't asked for too much already, I am just trying to catch up with the news within the industry, been buying Magazine and stuff....is there another that you'd suggest me to catch-up with the industry??
Thanks!!! good luck everyone!! Safe flying!!
K3nnyboy, It's possible you may have missed the boat. When REX started the Cadet program more than 2 years ago, the Chief Pilot proudly stated that they had more than 700 applications. My sources tell me that these applicants now number in excess of a thousand!
Do you remember the scene from "An Officer and a Gentleman" where Lou Gosset asks Richard Gere, "Why are you here Mayo'?" To which Mayo' replied "I wanna' fly jets". The tough Gunny then spat at him, "MY GRANDMOTHER WANT'S TO FLY JETS!!!"
The program is oversubscribed to buggery. As a result, REX are now oversupplied with F/O's, most of whom are unable to hold a command, and will not be able, if ever, to sit in the LHS for years! Whether you consider REX's lack of response unprofessional or not, the fact is I can't see too many more Cadets coming through, hense the reason for their apparent silence. The real game for the AAPA now, is the training of overseas students. REX haven't spent 12 million dollars on the new facilities in Wagga so that it can supply F/O's to REX, where there is no longer a demand.
The moral to the story. Move on! If you've decided to get back into the game and have found yourself at the bottom of the expansion/recruitment cycle, and you have to spend the next decade (as many of us did) slogging it out in GA, then so be it. If you decide it's not the right time, and wait for the "golden" opportunities, you'll probably never make it.
Best of luck,
Krusty.
Do you remember the scene from "An Officer and a Gentleman" where Lou Gosset asks Richard Gere, "Why are you here Mayo'?" To which Mayo' replied "I wanna' fly jets". The tough Gunny then spat at him, "MY GRANDMOTHER WANT'S TO FLY JETS!!!"
The program is oversubscribed to buggery. As a result, REX are now oversupplied with F/O's, most of whom are unable to hold a command, and will not be able, if ever, to sit in the LHS for years! Whether you consider REX's lack of response unprofessional or not, the fact is I can't see too many more Cadets coming through, hense the reason for their apparent silence. The real game for the AAPA now, is the training of overseas students. REX haven't spent 12 million dollars on the new facilities in Wagga so that it can supply F/O's to REX, where there is no longer a demand.
The moral to the story. Move on! If you've decided to get back into the game and have found yourself at the bottom of the expansion/recruitment cycle, and you have to spend the next decade (as many of us did) slogging it out in GA, then so be it. If you decide it's not the right time, and wait for the "golden" opportunities, you'll probably never make it.
Best of luck,
Krusty.
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REX Cadet Scheme has died a natural death.
Great news for all REX FOs
Your lifestyle is set to improve dramatically and permanently within the next 2 months. We will see mass resignations from end of March and throughout April, which includes training captains, mostly line captains and some upgradeable FOs. It will amount to no less than 10% of our 230+ pilots, the last 40 being cadets in training are not included in the count. My numbers, though approximate, are not far off.
Flying hours will drop further and RSV days will become RDOs as you won't get a call out, all because there will be no more Captains around, no training captains to train cadets as they will all be oversubscribed training Upgrades and the bucketloads of FOs already around.
I did 520hrs last year and at this rate, it will be sub 500 this year, awesome!! For those cadets reading, whip out your calculators and see how long it will take you to get 2000 aeronautical hours for your 'command' to satisfy the AOC requirements that cannot be altered (of course you will need the multi command as well, which I'm sure REX will happily dish out, NOT)...definitely not the 4 years as you have been lead to believe....or is it 2 years, the original promise?
Does REX need more cadets after the Chinese invasion in the next month or so? You be the judge..... I can tell you what REX needs more of, even a blind man can tell you.
So to the REX IT department who read PPrune and Facebook everyday as part of your chores, what is 10% 0f 230? Beter go tell someone quick and break up their group hug, because I still need this job for another few months.
Now back to my interview study......
Your lifestyle is set to improve dramatically and permanently within the next 2 months. We will see mass resignations from end of March and throughout April, which includes training captains, mostly line captains and some upgradeable FOs. It will amount to no less than 10% of our 230+ pilots, the last 40 being cadets in training are not included in the count. My numbers, though approximate, are not far off.
Flying hours will drop further and RSV days will become RDOs as you won't get a call out, all because there will be no more Captains around, no training captains to train cadets as they will all be oversubscribed training Upgrades and the bucketloads of FOs already around.
I did 520hrs last year and at this rate, it will be sub 500 this year, awesome!! For those cadets reading, whip out your calculators and see how long it will take you to get 2000 aeronautical hours for your 'command' to satisfy the AOC requirements that cannot be altered (of course you will need the multi command as well, which I'm sure REX will happily dish out, NOT)...definitely not the 4 years as you have been lead to believe....or is it 2 years, the original promise?
Does REX need more cadets after the Chinese invasion in the next month or so? You be the judge..... I can tell you what REX needs more of, even a blind man can tell you.
So to the REX IT department who read PPrune and Facebook everyday as part of your chores, what is 10% 0f 230? Beter go tell someone quick and break up their group hug, because I still need this job for another few months.
Now back to my interview study......
What'll really get REX management scratching their heads BBB', is what will they do with 40-50 F/O's surplus to requirements after the inevitable schedule reduction! 
Last edited by KRUSTY 34; 6th Mar 2010 at 08:31.
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Applications for the latest intake were extended a month.
I put a application in last month (still waiting to hear back) when the closing date was 5th Feb. Checked back there a few days ago and noticed it was now saying 5TH March!
This is for a class that's supposed to start in April! Very odd.
I put a application in last month (still waiting to hear back) when the closing date was 5th Feb. Checked back there a few days ago and noticed it was now saying 5TH March!
This is for a class that's supposed to start in April! Very odd.
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OK, I'll bite. If Rex recieved 1,000s of applications (I don't doubt they did either) why would they extend the original cut-off date from 5 Feb to 12 Feb and then again to 5 Mar? Especially if they have a surplus of FOs? Are these poor sods just guinea pigs for the new school to sort out the teething problems so that the Chinese cadets get a smooth ride and then go home with glowing reports about the school? I'm getting the impression that Rex are happy to train the next group and then have them sitting around doing nothing; perhaps so they give up and quit early and pay out their "bond". Rex scores bucket loads of cash and goes on to train students for foreign airlines. Rex wins big time! Sounds like Rex are actually more interested in training foreign students than running a regional airline. Or am I being too cynical?
It's a good question Cirronimbus.
Perhaps there's an aspect to this thing we haven't thought of. Maybe REX are happy to carry a significant excess of crew. Or is it possible REX management have painted themselves into a corner and are either too vain, or frightened to admit (either publicly, or to the Chairman perhaps) that they've got it wrong! I think I know which one it is.
Either way, it can't go on like this forever. Some "interesting" announcements probably sooner rather than later methinks.
Perhaps there's an aspect to this thing we haven't thought of. Maybe REX are happy to carry a significant excess of crew. Or is it possible REX management have painted themselves into a corner and are either too vain, or frightened to admit (either publicly, or to the Chairman perhaps) that they've got it wrong! I think I know which one it is.
Either way, it can't go on like this forever. Some "interesting" announcements probably sooner rather than later methinks.
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I have a SF340 endoresment and 400 odd hours as an FO and over 2000TT and 1800PIC. Now Ive been told that there is no direct entry FO's and that they are utilising their cadets.
Can someone in the know at REX tell me what is going on? I would of thought they would be screaming for experienced crew at the minute.
Can someone in the know at REX tell me what is going on? I would of thought they would be screaming for experienced crew at the minute.
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Zoomy,
I'm not in the know but I'd hazard a guess at the following (based on previous posts from others):-
"cadets" are cheaper to employ than experienced people like you;
those cadets are likely to be around longer unless they want to pay out their bond;
it appears as though there is actually a surplus of FOs anyway;
it appears as though REX wants to establish a flying training school for trainees from overseas; no requirement for experienced aircrew.
Also, bear in mind that some of us with stuff all experience and a willingness to learn (and were willing to pay for the privelege too) have been completely ignored. Don't feel bad about it. I think of it as a blessing in disguise.
I could be completely wrong about all of that but I will watch to see how it all pans out. Good luck with it all.
Cheers,
Cn
I'm not in the know but I'd hazard a guess at the following (based on previous posts from others):-
"cadets" are cheaper to employ than experienced people like you;
those cadets are likely to be around longer unless they want to pay out their bond;
it appears as though there is actually a surplus of FOs anyway;
it appears as though REX wants to establish a flying training school for trainees from overseas; no requirement for experienced aircrew.
Also, bear in mind that some of us with stuff all experience and a willingness to learn (and were willing to pay for the privelege too) have been completely ignored. Don't feel bad about it. I think of it as a blessing in disguise.
I could be completely wrong about all of that but I will watch to see how it all pans out. Good luck with it all.
Cheers,
Cn
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RSG85:
i think they may be a separate intake, the 5th of feb close date applicants have already had interviews and callbacks with a yes or no, if its the same intake i dont think your getting a call.
i think they may be a separate intake, the 5th of feb close date applicants have already had interviews and callbacks with a yes or no, if its the same intake i dont think your getting a call.
The application info said the whole time, that it was for the "next" class starting in April. Nothing changed except the closing date. Theres two classes starting in April? Are you sure all those interview recieved callbacks and the (first?) class is already filled?
Either way, I'm not expecting a call now.
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chinese contract with rex
I just heard that the General Manager of AAPA, Geoff Cook, is in China now trying to finalise a couple of deals with un-named airlines, and that a Cadet that failed the course is now in charge of all the other cadets(just while Geoff is away)......
Typical REX, to put the man who couple complete the course in charge of the course.
Typical REX, to put the man who couple complete the course in charge of the course.
I'm not sure if the Cadet in question actually failed the (Cadet) course. I think he may have been unsucessful in completeing the REX SAAB F/O training.
From what I hear he may not be the only one!
From what I hear he may not be the only one!
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not only does pprune provide a lot of factual information, it also provides a lot of bull sh*t!
Check out the EK thread in the ME forum for a good example - or any thread involving Luke Butler!
Lots of people use to get away with murder in this industry (and still do) - it is a little bit harder now to con your way along.
Agreed Dizzy Llama.
whoooop1991, feel free to join in the debate. All anonymous forums have some BS. Exactly what area of this particular thread do you disagree with?
whoooop1991, feel free to join in the debate. All anonymous forums have some BS. Exactly what area of this particular thread do you disagree with?
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In regard to the captain crisis is there any possibility of employing direct entry captains? If there is no chance for an upgrade for the cadets in years to come surely they will move onto greener pastures, from what ive heard their contracts are not worth the paper they are written on?
AV23
AV23
This has been touched on before aviator23. REX have the option of employing Direct Entry Captains (DEC's), but only after the pool of upgradeable F/O's is exhausted. It's interesting to note that when the mass exodus of pilots took place last time, REX embarked on a recruitment frenzy to employ pilots with sufficient experience that could be upgraded to command down the track. Mainly due to the decimation of GA, REX found that the experience levels of their candidates were moving inexorably downwards. Of the more than 100 pilots employed over the last 2 years, only 50% had the minimum experience to hold a command when their "number" came up. The last of these pilots have now moved to the Left seat or have/about to leave for greener pastures. The remainder are either Ex Cadets or do not have the quals for command upgrade.
The problem for REX this time around is that GA has not sufficiently recovered (if ever it does) to provide enough "quality" candidates, and the pool of REX F/O's that can hold a command is all but exhausted. So on the surface the option of employing DEC's is certainly a possibility. Unfortunately this may prove easier said than done!
I can tell you now, quite a few experienced REX F/O's, some with thousands of hours on REX SAAB's, have been unsuccessful in their command upgrade. In most of these cases they go back to the right seat for 6-12 months, reflect on the experience, recieve additional training and mentoring, and eventually qualify for command. It can be, and often is a long and labourious process, and these people already have significant experience in the REX system!
How many pilots out there, not currently working for REX, preferably with SAAB experience, would be available, willing, and capable of moving to the Left seat of the SAAB?
Let's say these pilots exist. How many have, or are soon to be, employed by the major airlines?
How many of these pilots are willing to fly a REX SAAB, as opposed to flying a jet for approx $50K P/A more. And that's just to start!
REX have dug themselves into a hole with this one. IMHO DEC's will only be an option if REX offer a significant increase in salary and lifestyle. If that does not happen, then they will be unable to attract and retain the type of people they need, if indeed there are that many left out there.
A few posters here have lamented the fact that REX do not offer DEC's, and have said that they would jump at the opportunity. The reality of such a course is probably a little more complex than some may think.
As far as I'm concerened successful DEC's for REX can only mean one thing. A willingness by REX management to compete for professional labour, so I say bring it on. Does anyone really think that will happen?
The problem for REX this time around is that GA has not sufficiently recovered (if ever it does) to provide enough "quality" candidates, and the pool of REX F/O's that can hold a command is all but exhausted. So on the surface the option of employing DEC's is certainly a possibility. Unfortunately this may prove easier said than done!
I can tell you now, quite a few experienced REX F/O's, some with thousands of hours on REX SAAB's, have been unsuccessful in their command upgrade. In most of these cases they go back to the right seat for 6-12 months, reflect on the experience, recieve additional training and mentoring, and eventually qualify for command. It can be, and often is a long and labourious process, and these people already have significant experience in the REX system!
How many pilots out there, not currently working for REX, preferably with SAAB experience, would be available, willing, and capable of moving to the Left seat of the SAAB?
Let's say these pilots exist. How many have, or are soon to be, employed by the major airlines?
How many of these pilots are willing to fly a REX SAAB, as opposed to flying a jet for approx $50K P/A more. And that's just to start!
REX have dug themselves into a hole with this one. IMHO DEC's will only be an option if REX offer a significant increase in salary and lifestyle. If that does not happen, then they will be unable to attract and retain the type of people they need, if indeed there are that many left out there.
A few posters here have lamented the fact that REX do not offer DEC's, and have said that they would jump at the opportunity. The reality of such a course is probably a little more complex than some may think.
As far as I'm concerened successful DEC's for REX can only mean one thing. A willingness by REX management to compete for professional labour, so I say bring it on. Does anyone really think that will happen?
Last edited by KRUSTY 34; 13th Mar 2010 at 23:04.