Mega Merged: REX Recruitment/Cadetship and Working for REX
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,628
Likes: 1,183
From: Aus
The only problem is that Rex to LKH is like a weekend fishing boat is for you or me. If it goes broke he'll just buy into another 'boat' and all the employees will be left without work. For pilots thats not an issue, they can go somewhere else pretty easily, but there are a lot of other staff especially in the country ports that will suffer.
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Sydney, Australia
Hey everyone,
I'm currently in my HSC year and am looking at applying to take part in the Rex Cadetship in 2024.
I've certainly heard some mixed reviews about the Cadetship but am keen to hear a bit more...especially from anyone who has undertaken the cadetship themselves or is/has been employed at Rex.
1) How does this cadetship compare to the others offered? It is better or less so, and why? Are there any others I should consider?
2) What range of salary does Rex offer to cadetship pilots once graduate onto the 340? Does this differ from their other pilots/pilots with similar experience?
3) Does the Cadetship not including an ATPL compromise future prospects?
4) Regardless of what the brochure says regarding command upgrades, how long would this typically take?
5) Also want to confirm how many hours/year I could expect after coming out of the cadetship? How does this compare to elsewhere?
6) Are there any additional or hidden costs related to the cadetship or employed with Rex - I've noticed it is $50000-80000 cheaper than some other cadetships with guaranteed employment.
7) Curious also about the contract, as it seems to get a bad wrap...is anyone able to elaborate?
Looking forward to hearing back, thank you in advance for your help!
I'm currently in my HSC year and am looking at applying to take part in the Rex Cadetship in 2024.
I've certainly heard some mixed reviews about the Cadetship but am keen to hear a bit more...especially from anyone who has undertaken the cadetship themselves or is/has been employed at Rex.
1) How does this cadetship compare to the others offered? It is better or less so, and why? Are there any others I should consider?
2) What range of salary does Rex offer to cadetship pilots once graduate onto the 340? Does this differ from their other pilots/pilots with similar experience?
3) Does the Cadetship not including an ATPL compromise future prospects?
4) Regardless of what the brochure says regarding command upgrades, how long would this typically take?
5) Also want to confirm how many hours/year I could expect after coming out of the cadetship? How does this compare to elsewhere?
6) Are there any additional or hidden costs related to the cadetship or employed with Rex - I've noticed it is $50000-80000 cheaper than some other cadetships with guaranteed employment.
7) Curious also about the contract, as it seems to get a bad wrap...is anyone able to elaborate?
Looking forward to hearing back, thank you in advance for your help!
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 693
Likes: 208
From: Sydney
It was previously 7 years from your first day of employment at rex (that doesn't include the 8-12 months training at AAPA)
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Melb
Hey All
About a month ago I took a shot at the Rex cadetship and completed the 10-15 minute first interview, I got a email couple days back saying I was unsuccessful in my application.
They first asked me some questions about my opinions about Rex and what I think they do/places they fly too and i feel like answered the questions pretty well and gave them some examples of the routes they fly. They also asked to summarise thier FAQ page which I reckon I did pretty well.
They also asked about what I have been doing with work as I graduated Yr12 last year which I replied saying im currently working at a maintenance hangar at YMMB performing maintence on citations ,warriors and 152s to improve my aviation knowledge and to be more involved in GA etc I mentioned also that im AAFC cadet and have been involed heavily with the orginisations aviation programs teaching younger cadets about the fundamentals of aviation.
The big one was about my past flight experience, I told them I have 50 hours to which the interviewee took a step back and said how high that was and if i was nearly up to my PPL. I explained that ive only got a RPL and was going to continue to get my PPL but was advised not too as the cadetships dont like that so i spent the remaining hours having fun around Moorabbin as i had around 10-15 left on my 50 hour pre paid VET course. To that they asked me to send in a picture of my logbook of when I went first solo which was at 19hours , its a bit high but my training was stuffed around due to covid.
They didnt ask about grades from yr12 but I ended up getting a 77 atar and doing both physics and general maths, i feel like if grades were a issue they wouldnt have allowed me to even begin as a friend of mine was denied a interview due to his low atar.
I emailed them back asking for some feedback but they said they cant disclose anything but they said im more then welcome to apply again in 6 months so I dont think my previous flight experience was the issue because they would have told me to just get lost.
im not trying to be sore about it but I feel like I am a decent candidate when it comes to aviation experience, im assuming they found something that didnt that fit their criteria.
Anyway onto the next probably will apply again but im looking towards something closer to home such as the Moorabin Flying Services airline program with Kakadu Air and Southern airlines either that or the sharp program lord help me with the $200,000 fee.
just looking for some potential advice on where to go from here or maybe if anyone has some info on the MFS airline program. My main end goal after training is to head to greece and fly for Olympic or Aegean as its a long time dream of mine.
Thanks
About a month ago I took a shot at the Rex cadetship and completed the 10-15 minute first interview, I got a email couple days back saying I was unsuccessful in my application.
They first asked me some questions about my opinions about Rex and what I think they do/places they fly too and i feel like answered the questions pretty well and gave them some examples of the routes they fly. They also asked to summarise thier FAQ page which I reckon I did pretty well.
They also asked about what I have been doing with work as I graduated Yr12 last year which I replied saying im currently working at a maintenance hangar at YMMB performing maintence on citations ,warriors and 152s to improve my aviation knowledge and to be more involved in GA etc I mentioned also that im AAFC cadet and have been involed heavily with the orginisations aviation programs teaching younger cadets about the fundamentals of aviation.
The big one was about my past flight experience, I told them I have 50 hours to which the interviewee took a step back and said how high that was and if i was nearly up to my PPL. I explained that ive only got a RPL and was going to continue to get my PPL but was advised not too as the cadetships dont like that so i spent the remaining hours having fun around Moorabbin as i had around 10-15 left on my 50 hour pre paid VET course. To that they asked me to send in a picture of my logbook of when I went first solo which was at 19hours , its a bit high but my training was stuffed around due to covid.
They didnt ask about grades from yr12 but I ended up getting a 77 atar and doing both physics and general maths, i feel like if grades were a issue they wouldnt have allowed me to even begin as a friend of mine was denied a interview due to his low atar.
I emailed them back asking for some feedback but they said they cant disclose anything but they said im more then welcome to apply again in 6 months so I dont think my previous flight experience was the issue because they would have told me to just get lost.
im not trying to be sore about it but I feel like I am a decent candidate when it comes to aviation experience, im assuming they found something that didnt that fit their criteria.
Anyway onto the next probably will apply again but im looking towards something closer to home such as the Moorabin Flying Services airline program with Kakadu Air and Southern airlines either that or the sharp program lord help me with the $200,000 fee.
just looking for some potential advice on where to go from here or maybe if anyone has some info on the MFS airline program. My main end goal after training is to head to greece and fly for Olympic or Aegean as its a long time dream of mine.
Thanks
Last edited by Batza250; 30th October 2023 at 04:43. Reason: added extra information
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 446
Likes: 78
From: australia
Anyone know how often Rex runs interviews/ground courses for direct entry F/O's on the S340?
Not for me as I have no interest in airline ops, but a student of mine is looking for advice as they already have over the 1000 hour mark.
I know advice to follow would be to run far away but apparently the basing is what they are attracted to.
Any info on the current state of things would be appreciated.
Not for me as I have no interest in airline ops, but a student of mine is looking for advice as they already have over the 1000 hour mark.
I know advice to follow would be to run far away but apparently the basing is what they are attracted to.
Any info on the current state of things would be appreciated.
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 619
Likes: 687
From: Australia
Hey All
About a month ago I took a shot at the Rex cadetship and completed the 10-15 minute first interview, I got a email couple days back saying I was unsuccessful in my application.
They first asked me some questions about my opinions about Rex and what I think they do/places they fly too and i feel like answered the questions pretty well and gave them some examples of the routes they fly. They also asked to summarise thier FAQ page which I reckon I did pretty well.
They also asked about what I have been doing with work as I graduated Yr12 last year which I replied saying im currently working at a maintenance hangar at YMMB performing maintence on citations ,warriors and 152s to improve my aviation knowledge and to be more involved in GA etc I mentioned also that im AAFC cadet and have been involed heavily with the orginisations aviation programs teaching younger cadets about the fundamentals of aviation.
The big one was about my past flight experience, I told them I have 50 hours to which the interviewee took a step back and said how high that was and if i was nearly up to my PPL. I explained that ive only got a RPL and was going to continue to get my PPL but was advised not too as the cadetships dont like that so i spent the remaining hours having fun around Moorabbin as i had around 10-15 left on my 50 hour pre paid VET course. To that they asked me to send in a picture of my logbook of when I went first solo which was at 19hours , its a bit high but my training was stuffed around due to covid.
They didnt ask about grades from yr12 but I ended up getting a 77 atar and doing both physics and general maths, i feel like if grades were a issue they wouldnt have allowed me to even begin as a friend of mine was denied a interview due to his low atar.
I emailed them back asking for some feedback but they said they cant disclose anything but they said im more then welcome to apply again in 6 months so I dont think my previous flight experience was the issue because they would have told me to just get lost.
im not trying to be sore about it but I feel like I am a decent candidate when it comes to aviation experience, im assuming they found something that didnt that fit their criteria.
Anyway onto the next probably will apply again but im looking towards something closer to home such as the Moorabin Flying Services airline program with Kakadu Air and Southern airlines either that or the sharp program lord help me with the $200,000 fee.
just looking for some potential advice on where to go from here or maybe if anyone has some info on the MFS airline program. My main end goal after training is to head to greece and fly for Olympic or Aegean as its a long time dream of mine.
Thanks
About a month ago I took a shot at the Rex cadetship and completed the 10-15 minute first interview, I got a email couple days back saying I was unsuccessful in my application.
They first asked me some questions about my opinions about Rex and what I think they do/places they fly too and i feel like answered the questions pretty well and gave them some examples of the routes they fly. They also asked to summarise thier FAQ page which I reckon I did pretty well.
They also asked about what I have been doing with work as I graduated Yr12 last year which I replied saying im currently working at a maintenance hangar at YMMB performing maintence on citations ,warriors and 152s to improve my aviation knowledge and to be more involved in GA etc I mentioned also that im AAFC cadet and have been involed heavily with the orginisations aviation programs teaching younger cadets about the fundamentals of aviation.
The big one was about my past flight experience, I told them I have 50 hours to which the interviewee took a step back and said how high that was and if i was nearly up to my PPL. I explained that ive only got a RPL and was going to continue to get my PPL but was advised not too as the cadetships dont like that so i spent the remaining hours having fun around Moorabbin as i had around 10-15 left on my 50 hour pre paid VET course. To that they asked me to send in a picture of my logbook of when I went first solo which was at 19hours , its a bit high but my training was stuffed around due to covid.
They didnt ask about grades from yr12 but I ended up getting a 77 atar and doing both physics and general maths, i feel like if grades were a issue they wouldnt have allowed me to even begin as a friend of mine was denied a interview due to his low atar.
I emailed them back asking for some feedback but they said they cant disclose anything but they said im more then welcome to apply again in 6 months so I dont think my previous flight experience was the issue because they would have told me to just get lost.
im not trying to be sore about it but I feel like I am a decent candidate when it comes to aviation experience, im assuming they found something that didnt that fit their criteria.
Anyway onto the next probably will apply again but im looking towards something closer to home such as the Moorabin Flying Services airline program with Kakadu Air and Southern airlines either that or the sharp program lord help me with the $200,000 fee.
just looking for some potential advice on where to go from here or maybe if anyone has some info on the MFS airline program. My main end goal after training is to head to greece and fly for Olympic or Aegean as its a long time dream of mine.
Thanks
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: NSW
Hey everyone,
I’ve read up a lot on the REX cadetship, and one thing that confuses me is the cost of the program.
“The Programme fee is AUD $105,000. This is all inclusive of CASA charges, exam fees, theory,text books, Jeppesen Charts, flight and simulator training, uniforms as well as food and board. However there are additional charges for repeats of sorties due to failure to meet standards. The Cadet needs to be able to pay up front AUD $25,000 at the start of the Programme.”
So of course, I understand a $25,000 upfront cost is required, leaving $80,000.
“If the Cadet resigns within the initial seven years, the outstanding loan and accrued interest (at 10% compounded) become due and repayable by the Cadet in full, immediately at the last day of employment with the Company.”
What I want to highlight is the Interest (at 10% compounded)
So I just wanted to clear things up as to how much the loan will be, and whether or not it attracts interest as other posts on this thread claim it is only $105,000 in total excluding interest, which today, is pretty good for pilot training.
I’ve read up a lot on the REX cadetship, and one thing that confuses me is the cost of the program.
“The Programme fee is AUD $105,000. This is all inclusive of CASA charges, exam fees, theory,text books, Jeppesen Charts, flight and simulator training, uniforms as well as food and board. However there are additional charges for repeats of sorties due to failure to meet standards. The Cadet needs to be able to pay up front AUD $25,000 at the start of the Programme.”
So of course, I understand a $25,000 upfront cost is required, leaving $80,000.
“If the Cadet resigns within the initial seven years, the outstanding loan and accrued interest (at 10% compounded) become due and repayable by the Cadet in full, immediately at the last day of employment with the Company.”
What I want to highlight is the Interest (at 10% compounded)
So I just wanted to clear things up as to how much the loan will be, and whether or not it attracts interest as other posts on this thread claim it is only $105,000 in total excluding interest, which today, is pretty good for pilot training.
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Windsor. NSW
Application times?
Hi guys, I’ve read thru this thread and unfortunately the last reply was almost 5 months ago now 
I applied for the cadetship last week and haven’t heard a yes, no or try again soon.
How long does one normally wait for a reply?
thanks
I applied for the cadetship last week and haven’t heard a yes, no or try again soon.
How long does one normally wait for a reply?
thanks
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 190
Likes: 62
From: Aus
Hey everyone,
I’ve read up a lot on the REX cadetship, and one thing that confuses me is the cost of the program.
“The Programme fee is AUD $105,000. This is all inclusive of CASA charges, exam fees, theory,text books, Jeppesen Charts, flight and simulator training, uniforms as well as food and board. However there are additional charges for repeats of sorties due to failure to meet standards. The Cadet needs to be able to pay up front AUD $25,000 at the start of the Programme.”
So of course, I understand a $25,000 upfront cost is required, leaving $80,000.
“If the Cadet resigns within the initial seven years, the outstanding loan and accrued interest (at 10% compounded) become due and repayable by the Cadet in full, immediately at the last day of employment with the Company.”
What I want to highlight is the Interest (at 10% compounded)
So I just wanted to clear things up as to how much the loan will be, and whether or not it attracts interest as other posts on this thread claim it is only $105,000 in total excluding interest, which today, is pretty good for pilot training.
I’ve read up a lot on the REX cadetship, and one thing that confuses me is the cost of the program.
“The Programme fee is AUD $105,000. This is all inclusive of CASA charges, exam fees, theory,text books, Jeppesen Charts, flight and simulator training, uniforms as well as food and board. However there are additional charges for repeats of sorties due to failure to meet standards. The Cadet needs to be able to pay up front AUD $25,000 at the start of the Programme.”
So of course, I understand a $25,000 upfront cost is required, leaving $80,000.
“If the Cadet resigns within the initial seven years, the outstanding loan and accrued interest (at 10% compounded) become due and repayable by the Cadet in full, immediately at the last day of employment with the Company.”
What I want to highlight is the Interest (at 10% compounded)
So I just wanted to clear things up as to how much the loan will be, and whether or not it attracts interest as other posts on this thread claim it is only $105,000 in total excluding interest, which today, is pretty good for pilot training.
$80,000 debt at 10% compounded interest (assuming compounded annually?) would be $156k in 7 years time. So if you leave after 6 years, you're up for nearly that much?
Or, does the $80,000 'reduce' over than 7 years - like an imaginary repayment/amortisation schedule?
FFS amazes me that kids who supposedly have the ability to do math for aviation CPL/ATPL somehow can't work out how much they're going to ruin their lives with these huge bonds or training debts.
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,628
Likes: 1,183
From: Aus
If that's true, that seems absolutely outrageous.
$80,000 debt at 10% compounded interest (assuming compounded annually?) would be $156k in 7 years time. So if you leave after 6 years, you're up for nearly that much?
Or, does the $80,000 'reduce' over than 7 years - like an imaginary repayment/amortisation schedule?
FFS amazes me that kids who supposedly have the ability to do math for aviation CPL/ATPL somehow can't work out how much they're going to ruin their lives with these huge bonds or training debts.
$80,000 debt at 10% compounded interest (assuming compounded annually?) would be $156k in 7 years time. So if you leave after 6 years, you're up for nearly that much?
Or, does the $80,000 'reduce' over than 7 years - like an imaginary repayment/amortisation schedule?
FFS amazes me that kids who supposedly have the ability to do math for aviation CPL/ATPL somehow can't work out how much they're going to ruin their lives with these huge bonds or training debts.
I think repayments come out of the pilots pay, at a rate that ramps up after 4 or so years, which is the time you are expected to upgrade to command. All stuff you need to sort out with the loan provider at the beginning, before you sign up, not rely on some anonymous forum response.
In any case $105k does not sound all that bad considering around $30k of that will be accommodation, services and food. At $70,000 that's around $470 average per hour for the 150 hours required for a CPL. Most schools are charging almost $500 an hour for dual in PA28 and $700+ for dual in PA44 these days, then there is theory course, test fees, uniform and other sundries that come to around another $10k or more again.
PS You might want to do some research on how much interest an unsecured personal loan will attract given to a person under 25 with sketchy employment and limited credit history.
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 18
Likes: 1
From: Brisbane
Does anyone know about the number of people that apply versus how many people actually get into their cadetship. I've been looking around, and while pprune and their FAQs are helpful, there's not much about the acceptance rate.
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 11
Likes: 5
From: Australia
ADF & REX (ignore the garbage bonfire commonly referred to as (Qantas Pilot Academy)) are the first choice for many aspiring pilots especially those fresh out of their high schooling years. With that high volume of applicants you can expect that only the creme-de-la-creme REX picks to join the program, from a very very large pool of applicants. All the applicants are ranked based on a number of different aspects before the initial interviews are even held, so with hundreds of applicants fighting over 8-12 positions you can see where it becomes a matter of a lot of disappointed applicants.
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 18
Likes: 1
From: Brisbane
ADF & REX (ignore the garbage bonfire commonly referred to as (Qantas Pilot Academy)) are the first choice for many aspiring pilots especially those fresh out of their high schooling years. With that high volume of applicants you can expect that only the creme-de-la-creme REX picks to join the program, from a very very large pool of applicants. All the applicants are ranked based on a number of different aspects before the initial interviews are even held, so with hundreds of applicants fighting over 8-12 positions you can see where it becomes a matter of a lot of disappointed applicants.
The flying school at my local airport can take me right the way through to CPL at my own pace without the diploma fee help garbage and it’s just pay as you go.
These three options are the only ones that make sense for me since practical in terms of relocation and finance but I seriously can’t decide because they all have their pros and cons, keeping in mind the end goal is to be an airline pilot.
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 11
Likes: 5
From: Australia
I finish Grade 12 this year and REX require your ATAR/results which aren’t released until December. Ideally I want to be flying asap and full time which I can’t do until after I’m finished school. I’ve already submitted an early application to QGPA (purely to keep my options open), but I’m worried the REX application will either take too long or I won’t cut it.
The flying school at my local airport can take me right the way through to CPL at my own pace without the diploma fee help garbage and it’s just pay as you go.
These three options are the only ones that make sense for me since practical in terms of relocation and finance but I seriously can’t decide because they all have their pros and cons, keeping in mind the end goal is to be an airline pilot.
The flying school at my local airport can take me right the way through to CPL at my own pace without the diploma fee help garbage and it’s just pay as you go.
These three options are the only ones that make sense for me since practical in terms of relocation and finance but I seriously can’t decide because they all have their pros and cons, keeping in mind the end goal is to be an airline pilot.
Unfortunately I cannot even recommend QGPA/FTA in the slightest, as I have spoken to many former Instructors & students that went through the sausage factory. Many horror stories and consistent bad experiences I’ve heard repeated from many. Especially keep in mind it’s not a guaranteed job at QF by any means and no charter operator I know of fly all G1000 & any Diamond aircraft.
Theres a fantastic team at Wagga and I would definitely recommend doing a bit of flight training in the meantime and waiting for your Atar/High school results. Hope that could help a little. Any other questions feel free to fire em at me.
Last edited by Bugsy1; 9th July 2024 at 07:48. Reason: typo
