Mega Merged: REX Recruitment/Cadetship and Working for REX
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Aus
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G’day everyone,
Just wondering if anyone currently working for Rex knows if they’re planning on taking on more DE FO’s? And also, how often are they running ground courses?
I have no doubt that the experience pool is still being drained with the current movement.
Cheers,
MB
Just wondering if anyone currently working for Rex knows if they’re planning on taking on more DE FO’s? And also, how often are they running ground courses?
I have no doubt that the experience pool is still being drained with the current movement.
Cheers,
MB
So I've been invited to sit the WOMBAT test, so as part of my due diligence I'm going over all the documentation I can get my hands on with a fine-tooth comb.
What I've not seen anyone post about is secondments.
Clause 5.3: "The Cadet agrees that he may be seconded to, and the Cadet agrees to take up
secondment with, other air transport operators, either inside or outside the Rex group,
as required by Rex."
Does anybody have any real world examples of this? Where were you sent and for how long? A few other times in the contract it only mentions that you will be hired as a "professional pilot" and does not explicitly state FO in a Saab 340. What other flying roles might you be asked to do instead, where, and with which other operators? I know about Air Link and Pel Air, but this states they can ask you to work with groups with no affiliation with Rex.
As an aside, the next part of that clause does say that the cadet will not be disadvantaged in terms of pay, conditions or seniority by this posting.
What I've not seen anyone post about is secondments.
Clause 5.3: "The Cadet agrees that he may be seconded to, and the Cadet agrees to take up
secondment with, other air transport operators, either inside or outside the Rex group,
as required by Rex."
Does anybody have any real world examples of this? Where were you sent and for how long? A few other times in the contract it only mentions that you will be hired as a "professional pilot" and does not explicitly state FO in a Saab 340. What other flying roles might you be asked to do instead, where, and with which other operators? I know about Air Link and Pel Air, but this states they can ask you to work with groups with no affiliation with Rex.
As an aside, the next part of that clause does say that the cadet will not be disadvantaged in terms of pay, conditions or seniority by this posting.
So I've been invited to sit the WOMBAT test, so as part of my due diligence I'm going over all the documentation I can get my hands on with a fine-tooth comb.
What I've not seen anyone post about is secondments.
Clause 5.3: "The Cadet agrees that he may be seconded to, and the Cadet agrees to take up
secondment with, other air transport operators, either inside or outside the Rex group,
as required by Rex."
Does anybody have any real world examples of this? Where were you sent and for how long? A few other times in the contract it only mentions that you will be hired as a "professional pilot" and does not explicitly state FO in a Saab 340. What other flying roles might you be asked to do instead, where, and with which other operators? I know about Air Link and Pel Air, but this states they can ask you to work with groups with no affiliation with Rex.
As an aside, the next part of that clause does say that the cadet will not be disadvantaged in terms of pay, conditions or seniority by this posting.
What I've not seen anyone post about is secondments.
Clause 5.3: "The Cadet agrees that he may be seconded to, and the Cadet agrees to take up
secondment with, other air transport operators, either inside or outside the Rex group,
as required by Rex."
Does anybody have any real world examples of this? Where were you sent and for how long? A few other times in the contract it only mentions that you will be hired as a "professional pilot" and does not explicitly state FO in a Saab 340. What other flying roles might you be asked to do instead, where, and with which other operators? I know about Air Link and Pel Air, but this states they can ask you to work with groups with no affiliation with Rex.
As an aside, the next part of that clause does say that the cadet will not be disadvantaged in terms of pay, conditions or seniority by this posting.
Some have also stayed on as instructors, and at least one opted for a DBO base with Air-Link. I don’t know of anybody being forced into secondment (tbc?).
The only thing you “will not be disadvantaged in terms of...” is seniority. You will definitely not be compensated or otherwise employed on the terms of the Rex EBA.
The only thing you “will not be disadvantaged in terms of...” is seniority. You will definitely not be compensated or otherwise employed on the terms of the Rex EBA.
The only guarantee in working for a Rex Group company is that you will get screwed over - somewhere along the line.
Both of those statements are a little troubling given that the contract explicitly states that you'll be matched in terms of pay and seniority: "In such secondment, the Cadet will not suffer disadvantage with respect to salary or principal conditions of employment including seniority unless such secondment is requested by the Cadet".
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: Australia
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So I've been invited to sit the WOMBAT test, so as part of my due diligence I'm going over all the documentation I can get my hands on with a fine-tooth comb.
What I've not seen anyone post about is secondments.
Clause 5.3: "The Cadet agrees that he may be seconded to, and the Cadet agrees to take up
secondment with, other air transport operators, either inside or outside the Rex group,
as required by Rex."
Does anybody have any real world examples of this? Where were you sent and for how long? A few other times in the contract it only mentions that you will be hired as a "professional pilot" and does not explicitly state FO in a Saab 340. What other flying roles might you be asked to do instead, where, and with which other operators? I know about Air Link and Pel Air, but this states they can ask you to work with groups with no affiliation with Rex.
As an aside, the next part of that clause does say that the cadet will not be disadvantaged in terms of pay, conditions or seniority by this posting.
What I've not seen anyone post about is secondments.
Clause 5.3: "The Cadet agrees that he may be seconded to, and the Cadet agrees to take up
secondment with, other air transport operators, either inside or outside the Rex group,
as required by Rex."
Does anybody have any real world examples of this? Where were you sent and for how long? A few other times in the contract it only mentions that you will be hired as a "professional pilot" and does not explicitly state FO in a Saab 340. What other flying roles might you be asked to do instead, where, and with which other operators? I know about Air Link and Pel Air, but this states they can ask you to work with groups with no affiliation with Rex.
As an aside, the next part of that clause does say that the cadet will not be disadvantaged in terms of pay, conditions or seniority by this posting.
I applied for the program about 2 weeks ago and have not had a response as of yet. I am just wondering how long it took from you sending through your application to receiving an invitation for the WOMBAT test?
Thanks
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: Adelaide
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Application Wait Time
So I've been invited to sit the WOMBAT test, so as part of my due diligence I'm going over all the documentation I can get my hands on with a fine-tooth comb.
What I've not seen anyone post about is secondments.
Clause 5.3: "The Cadet agrees that he may be seconded to, and the Cadet agrees to take up
secondment with, other air transport operators, either inside or outside the Rex group,
as required by Rex."
Does anybody have any real world examples of this? Where were you sent and for how long? A few other times in the contract it only mentions that you will be hired as a "professional pilot" and does not explicitly state FO in a Saab 340. What other flying roles might you be asked to do instead, where, and with which other operators? I know about Air Link and Pel Air, but this states they can ask you to work with groups with no affiliation with Rex.
As an aside, the next part of that clause does say that the cadet will not be disadvantaged in terms of pay, conditions or seniority by this posting.
What I've not seen anyone post about is secondments.
Clause 5.3: "The Cadet agrees that he may be seconded to, and the Cadet agrees to take up
secondment with, other air transport operators, either inside or outside the Rex group,
as required by Rex."
Does anybody have any real world examples of this? Where were you sent and for how long? A few other times in the contract it only mentions that you will be hired as a "professional pilot" and does not explicitly state FO in a Saab 340. What other flying roles might you be asked to do instead, where, and with which other operators? I know about Air Link and Pel Air, but this states they can ask you to work with groups with no affiliation with Rex.
As an aside, the next part of that clause does say that the cadet will not be disadvantaged in terms of pay, conditions or seniority by this posting.
if you get recruited by Turkish Airlines that means you have been chosen to be the best 500 in 140000 applicants (That number is only for 2018).
If you were chosen because you were considered to be "one of the best" in 140,000 applicants" does that means the rest were camel drivers? Seriously though, best of luck with REX. No doubt there are good people there and you don't need armour plating on your head
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: Melbourne
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Seeking some helpful advice. I am 42 years old. Had a passion to fly forever, but it was cost prohibative. Had a a turning point this year and now want to pursue airline flying career. I plan to go through the REX program. I have some questions:
1) How likely is it that I can get my base of choice (this is a must to enable my partner to support us financially since my income will be terribly low (I am going from $200k + PA to what I understand will be $70k PA as an FO?
2) Is it likely that I will go into the SAAB and REX and not another REX business?
3) If I decided to apply to QantasLink Direct Entry FO as soon as I accumulate the hours (700 total and 250 as FO) in order to increase renumeration (assuming) this will take two years or so at REX - what would my chances be like?
4) Am I at risk of discrimination with other airlines (say if the QF LINK does not work out) and I consider other global opportunities (subject to my hours meeting requirements) because of my age? I would be mid 40's by then - still with nearly 20 years of possibly flying (I can't see that as a negative to carriers).
Appreciate that if I bail out of REX under 7 years I will need to pay all the $105k + interenst in one hit (i'd be able to do that). I just could not see a quality of life on $70k with my responsiblities etc., for min 7 years. And I could not accept the cadetship if I was to be shipped to a regional town or other city - it would need to be my current home town.
1) How likely is it that I can get my base of choice (this is a must to enable my partner to support us financially since my income will be terribly low (I am going from $200k + PA to what I understand will be $70k PA as an FO?
2) Is it likely that I will go into the SAAB and REX and not another REX business?
3) If I decided to apply to QantasLink Direct Entry FO as soon as I accumulate the hours (700 total and 250 as FO) in order to increase renumeration (assuming) this will take two years or so at REX - what would my chances be like?
4) Am I at risk of discrimination with other airlines (say if the QF LINK does not work out) and I consider other global opportunities (subject to my hours meeting requirements) because of my age? I would be mid 40's by then - still with nearly 20 years of possibly flying (I can't see that as a negative to carriers).
Appreciate that if I bail out of REX under 7 years I will need to pay all the $105k + interenst in one hit (i'd be able to do that). I just could not see a quality of life on $70k with my responsiblities etc., for min 7 years. And I could not accept the cadetship if I was to be shipped to a regional town or other city - it would need to be my current home town.
Seeking some helpful advice. I am 42 years old. Had a passion to fly forever, but it was cost prohibative. Had a a turning point this year and now want to pursue airline flying career. I plan to go through the REX program. I have some questions:
1) How likely is it that I can get my base of choice (this is a must to enable my partner to support us financially since my income will be terribly low (I am going from $200k + PA to what I understand will be $70k PA as an FO?
2) Is it likely that I will go into the SAAB and REX and not another REX business?
3) If I decided to apply to QantasLink Direct Entry FO as soon as I accumulate the hours (700 total and 250 as FO) in order to increase renumeration (assuming) this will take two years or so at REX - what would my chances be like?
4) Am I at risk of discrimination with other airlines (say if the QF LINK does not work out) and I consider other global opportunities (subject to my hours meeting requirements) because of my age? I would be mid 40's by then - still with nearly 20 years of possibly flying (I can't see that as a negative to carriers).
Appreciate that if I bail out of REX under 7 years I will need to pay all the $105k + interenst in one hit (i'd be able to do that). I just could not see a quality of life on $70k with my responsiblities etc., for min 7 years. And I could not accept the cadetship if I was to be shipped to a regional town or other city - it would need to be my current home town.
1) How likely is it that I can get my base of choice (this is a must to enable my partner to support us financially since my income will be terribly low (I am going from $200k + PA to what I understand will be $70k PA as an FO?
2) Is it likely that I will go into the SAAB and REX and not another REX business?
3) If I decided to apply to QantasLink Direct Entry FO as soon as I accumulate the hours (700 total and 250 as FO) in order to increase renumeration (assuming) this will take two years or so at REX - what would my chances be like?
4) Am I at risk of discrimination with other airlines (say if the QF LINK does not work out) and I consider other global opportunities (subject to my hours meeting requirements) because of my age? I would be mid 40's by then - still with nearly 20 years of possibly flying (I can't see that as a negative to carriers).
Appreciate that if I bail out of REX under 7 years I will need to pay all the $105k + interenst in one hit (i'd be able to do that). I just could not see a quality of life on $70k with my responsiblities etc., for min 7 years. And I could not accept the cadetship if I was to be shipped to a regional town or other city - it would need to be my current home town.
1. Depends on the base you want. In short, yes, definitely.
2. You will go to Rex.
3. You’d be downright stupid to go to QLink after finishing a REX cadetship. If you think that’ll increase pay, you’re kidding yourself. Rex yearly allowances are a lot better than QLink and the wage difference is negligible (Saab FO vs Q400. Q300 is nil). Not only that, you’d be down $100k MINIMUM, so really you’re paying off your $100k from savings with the slight extra base salary from QLink? Makes no sense to me what-so-ever. That’s only if you’re awarded a Q400 position too. If you’re not, then you need to bid over to the Q400 and your time on type for command starts over essentially (see below) setting you back further.
4. I’d say you’d probably be asked questions. Will it negatively impact you? Who knows...
If you join Rex, you’d be a captain within 3 - 3.5 years at current cadet progression rates. By the time you get the time you need for QLink to take you seriously (and your ATPLs), you’re better off staying at Rex to get a command and be on a $100k+ job. At the same time, you’ll essentially be stepping back to QLink on year 1 $65k base plus allowances. Then you need 1000 hours on a Dash 8 to upgrade there, which will take a minimum of 2 years. So essentially you’re taking a backwards step on your career by 2 years at the age of 44 or 45. At that age, I wouldn’t be doing that. You need command time. It’s the same column at either airline.
The Qantas name (QantasLink in particular) is not all it’s cracked up to be and rushing to get to another airline isn’t what you should be doing.
Also, your salary at Rex does not stay at $70k for 7 years. It goes up yearly like at any other airline
I agree with most of what transition_alt said 👍
I’d add or stress the following points:
Not sure what industry you’re in now but I’d imagine a similar rule applies. When you are just getting started it’s normally best to stick it out at the first job until you have something useful to take to the next employer. By that I mean 700 ish hours is not that useful in the grand scheme of things. However an ATPL is! The only way to get that is by passing an upgrade to Captain at Rex or Qlink. I’ve seen a former Rex f/o do exactly what you are suggesting, he paid out over $70K to go fly a Dash 8 for the same money. Went back to the bottom of the seniority pile and then left after 18 months anyway! The irony of it all was if he’d stuck it out at Rex he would have made it to the left seat by then....
Be very wary of any idea or way you think you can take a short cut or somehow ‘game’ the system. Although you have said paying out a bond is not a $$$ issue for you, I can’t see any upside until you’ve got a command and are then leaving for a jet f/o position. Sideways to another turboprop is a waste of your time and money.
As for Rex, Sydney and Melbourne are definitely possible if not straight away, you’ll probably only have to wait six months to get back there from somewhere else. Adelaide I’m not as sure about and Brisbane is only a small base so will be hard to get into. Also for your future planning Sydney is also where a lot of commands come up, Melbourne and Adelaide less, you can almost forget about a Brisbane command at Rex.
Basically if it is your plan to make the jump to aviation, there is no way to avoid at least 3-4 years of lower pay. Sorry but that’s the truth. Until you have a couple of years and 1500 or so hours under your belt the opportunities are limited.
But there is an upside. Opportunities like the Rex cadet scheme never existed when I started. It was ‘go north’ or flight instructing (on far less than $70K) in the capital cities, both of which don’t really sound viable in your situation. So if you manage to get accepted, work your but off and count yourself lucky you had the opportunity at all!
I’d add or stress the following points:
Not sure what industry you’re in now but I’d imagine a similar rule applies. When you are just getting started it’s normally best to stick it out at the first job until you have something useful to take to the next employer. By that I mean 700 ish hours is not that useful in the grand scheme of things. However an ATPL is! The only way to get that is by passing an upgrade to Captain at Rex or Qlink. I’ve seen a former Rex f/o do exactly what you are suggesting, he paid out over $70K to go fly a Dash 8 for the same money. Went back to the bottom of the seniority pile and then left after 18 months anyway! The irony of it all was if he’d stuck it out at Rex he would have made it to the left seat by then....
Be very wary of any idea or way you think you can take a short cut or somehow ‘game’ the system. Although you have said paying out a bond is not a $$$ issue for you, I can’t see any upside until you’ve got a command and are then leaving for a jet f/o position. Sideways to another turboprop is a waste of your time and money.
As for Rex, Sydney and Melbourne are definitely possible if not straight away, you’ll probably only have to wait six months to get back there from somewhere else. Adelaide I’m not as sure about and Brisbane is only a small base so will be hard to get into. Also for your future planning Sydney is also where a lot of commands come up, Melbourne and Adelaide less, you can almost forget about a Brisbane command at Rex.
Basically if it is your plan to make the jump to aviation, there is no way to avoid at least 3-4 years of lower pay. Sorry but that’s the truth. Until you have a couple of years and 1500 or so hours under your belt the opportunities are limited.
But there is an upside. Opportunities like the Rex cadet scheme never existed when I started. It was ‘go north’ or flight instructing (on far less than $70K) in the capital cities, both of which don’t really sound viable in your situation. So if you manage to get accepted, work your but off and count yourself lucky you had the opportunity at all!
So you're narrowing yourself down to someone in the 40s applying for a cadetship, and before even applying you're talking about getting hours and bailing.
Great move!! Just the sort of recruit every company wants.
Great move!! Just the sort of recruit every company wants.
They seem to be fairly slow in responding. I got a confirmation of my application about a month after I applied, then heard nothing. I followed up after two months with some updated information about my flying experience and got an invitation to sit the WOMBAT a couple of weeks later.
Join Date: Sep 2014
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