Mega Merged: REX Recruitment/Cadetship and Working for REX

[phlegm]

Keen to know this too.

Haven't been able to find a clear answer anywhere about whether Year 12 maths and physics is required or not. On the Rex Cadetship page on their site it makes no mention of it, but in some of their other documentation it asks for copies of school and uni results, including maths and physics. Anyone know?

[thisishardtochoose]

Roger and phlegm;

If I remember correctly, the WOMBAT test was for pure hand-eye coordination, testing your concentration levels over time. I didn't really need to do any sort of Maths test. I went till the first interview stage at Wagga, my pointers would be just be yourself. Read up a little on aviation but I doubt they'll ask you any technical questions as you have no flying experience.

I did have to give them my KDR's and uni/school results as well, which had maths and physics on them.

[roger7060]

Originally Posted by thisishardtochoose

Roger and phlegm;

If I remember correctly, the WOMBAT test was for pure hand-eye coordination, testing your concentration levels over time. I didn't really need to do any sort of Maths test. I went till the first interview stage at Wagga, my pointers would be just be yourself. Read up a little on aviation but I doubt they'll ask you any technical questions as you have no flying experience.

I did have to give them my KDR's and uni/school results as well, which had maths and physics on them.

Thank you for replying Captain. Much appreciated.

I have a kind of lame question. But please understand that I am new to the region and still trying to understand the culture.
What will be the appropriate attire when I go for the WOMBAT test?

I was thinking to wear a jeans with collared shirt and a blazer as I think formal suit will be too formal and I should wear that if I get lucky enough to be called for an interview.
Please let me know as I don't want to look "Fresh off the boat".
Last thing, I am planning to take an introductory class. Any recommendations for the same?
I am in Sydney.

[717Atlantic]

Originally Posted by roger7060

I was thinking to wear a jeans with collared shirt and a blazer as I think formal suit will be too formal and I should wear that if I get lucky enough to be called for an interview.
Please let me know as I don't want to look "Fresh off the boat".

Long time lurker, first time poster!

I would say you definitely want to avoid wearing jeans to any kind of interview. At the very least, I'd wear a nice business shirt, chinos, and polished leather shoes. A good blazer would complete the look nicely. Also, I wouldn't say a suit is necessarily too formal!

Out of interest - when did you apply for REX's cadetship? I've been patiently waiting for them to update their website to announce the next intake, as it still says the next cohort begins "in January 2019". I'm all ready to apply - just didn't want my application to get "lost in the system" if I submitted it now which I thought could be too early.

Does anyone have any intuition on what the situation is, or how many cohorts they usually take each year? Cheers!

[thisishardtochoose]

Originally Posted by roger7060

Thank you for replying Captain. Much appreciated.

I have a kind of lame question. But please understand that I am new to the region and still trying to understand the culture.
What will be the appropriate attire when I go for the WOMBAT test?

I was thinking to wear a jeans with collared shirt and a blazer as I think formal suit will be too formal and I should wear that if I get lucky enough to be called for an interview.
Please let me know as I don't want to look "Fresh off the boat".
Last thing, I am planning to take an introductory class. Any recommendations for the same?
I am in Sydney.

WOMBAT testing is only stage 1, from my experience in Melbourne, you do not do the interview on the same day. If you have been successful in passing the WOMBAT test they'll contact you for a phone interview. Then upon passing the phone interview you'll be invited to Wagga Wagga for a face to face interview.

[roger7060]

Originally Posted by roger7060

Thank you for replying Captain. Much appreciated.

I have a kind of lame question. But please understand that I am new to the region and still trying to understand the culture.
What will be the appropriate attire when I go for the WOMBAT test?

I was thinking to wear a jeans with collared shirt and a blazer as I think formal suit will be too formal and I should wear that if I get lucky enough to be called for an interview.
Please let me know as I don't want to look "Fresh off the boat".
Last thing, I am planning to take an introductory class. Any recommendations for the same?
I am in Sydney.

Guys please help with the recommendation for trial flight. I am in Sydney.

[roger7060]

Bad News!

So I went through the WOMBAT test at Mascot Rex office today. Within 2 hours after completing my assessment I received an email from Rex recruitment that I have failed my assessment!
Saying that I am heart broken will be an understatement. It feels like end of the world. I am 36 and this was my only chance of achieving my childhood dream. I understand the general opinion about Rex cadet program but keeping my financial position and age in mind it felt like only reasonable option. There is no way I can afford a CPL and type rating by self finance route.

I am so disappointed in myself. I have been a failure all my life and the trend continues. I am sure that I am the only soul on this planet earth who failed a WOMBAT test.

Before I sign off for good, I would like to Thank the fellow members for taking time out and answering to my queries.
Happy Flying.

[log0008]

Your not the only one don't worry, I failed the Wombat test 2.5 years ago, today I'm happily working as an instructor early little less than I would have had I been a REX F.O. I was only 20 so a different set of circumstances. Do you have access to fee-help?

[thisishardtochoose]

Hey mate, nothing wrong with failing the WOMBAT test. Doesn't mean you can't be a pilot still! There are plenty of other options still available. Look into Fee-Help if you are an Australian Citizen (or Perm Resident although don't know if it's available to perm residents). Other than that, getting an IT gig will help you self fund your flight training (probably cheaper and more bang for your buck). Don't give up just yet mate!

[roger7060]

I am a Permanent Resident but as far as I know FEE-HELP is not offered to me as I migrated under "Skilled Migrant Program".

My other concern is that I believe that almost all the airlines make you go through WOMBAT or PAT as a part of their hiring process so I am not employable even if I manage CPL and TR.

[KRviator]

Originally Posted by roger7060

So I went through the WOMBAT test at Mascot Rex office today. Within 2 hours after completing my assessment I received an email from Rex recruitment that I have failed my assessment!
Saying that I am heart broken will be an understatement. It feels like end of the world. I am 36 and this was my only chance of achieving my childhood dream. I understand the general opinion about Rex cadet program but keeping my financial position and age in mind it felt like only reasonable option. There is no way I can afford a CPL and type rating by self finance route.

I am so disappointed in myself. I have been a failure all my life and the trend continues. I am sure that I am the only soul on this planet earth who failed a WOMBAT test.

Before I sign off for good, I would like to Thank the fellow members for taking time out and answering to my queries.
Happy Flying.

Don't stress too much about not making the grade with Rex. I wanted to be a pilot since going to primary school in Toowoomba across the road the airport and seeing Guido's collection, even going so far as doing the Loadmaster thing on Hercs. Now I am glad I didn't continue on to make a career out of it! 14 years ago, I got a job in an industry I enjoy just as much as aviation, and earn enough to have built my own plane that allows me to fly where I want, when I want with who I want - and I don't have to deal with the buffoons at the security checkpoint every day just to get to my office....

[newpielot]

I just wondred if REX would consider hiring a non Australian. I am British and currently completing my CPL IR in The Philippines.

Id love to be able to join my sister out in Australia who has lived there for 30 years.

[RHSandLovingIt]

Originally Posted by roger7060

My other concern is that I believe that almost all the airlines make you go through WOMBAT or PAT as a part of their hiring process so I am not employable even if I manage CPL and TR.

AFAIK, WOMBAT and PAT and COMPASS et al, are usually reserved for "cadet" type courses where the applicant will generally have "zero" flying hours... They generally won't have access to a proper sim (due costs etc), so the company has no way to determine your ability to fly. Because of this they resort to these very artificial tests to try and gauge your hand-eye co-ordination and multi-tasking abilities.

Once you have a CPL, MEIR (and/or TR) your ability to fly has already been proven... and instead of applying for cadetships, you're applying for First Officer roles (that might include a Type Rating)... these interviews generally involve a Sim check, as opposed to the WOMBAT/PAT/COMPASS etc.

That one failure was just a snapshot of your performance on one day... It also doesn't mean you can't ever apply for another job and try the test again. Treat it as a learning experience and keep moving forward. You now know what it is all about, and will be better prepared next time.

Note that I got my CPL (self funded) at the age of 35 back in 2010... I just got checked to line on a twin turboprop at a regional airline yesterday, at the age of 43... don't lose hope mate!

[roger7060]

Originally Posted by RHSandLovingIt

AFAIK, WOMBAT and PAT and COMPASS et al, are usually reserved for "cadet" type courses where the applicant will generally have "zero" flying hours... They generally won't have access to a proper sim (due costs etc), so the company has no way to determine your ability to fly. Because of this they resort to these very artificial tests to try and gauge your hand-eye co-ordination and multi-tasking abilities.

Once you have a CPL, MEIR (and/or TR) your ability to fly has already been proven... and instead of applying for cadetships, you're applying for First Officer roles (that might include a Type Rating)... these interviews generally involve a Sim check, as opposed to the WOMBAT/PAT/COMPASS etc.

That one failure was just a snapshot of your performance on one day... It also doesn't mean you can't ever apply for another job and try the test again. Treat it as a learning experience and keep moving forward. You now know what it is all about, and will be better prepared next time.

Note that I got my CPL (self funded) at the age of 35 back in 2010... I just got checked to line on a twin turboprop at a regional airline yesterday, at the age of 43... don't lose hope mate!

Thank you for responding. Much appreciated.
Do you have any idea on how much it costs for CPL? Are you TR as well?

[RHSandLovingIt]

Originally Posted by roger7060

Thank you for responding. Much appreciated.
Do you have any idea on how much it costs for CPL? Are you TR as well?

I did all my training in NZ... and did my flight training 10 years ago. No idea of current pricing here, let along what they are in AUS... but I'd guess "Lots"™

You can probably make an educated guess by taking an hourly rate and multiplying by the minimum hours for a CPL... then factor in some more for ancillary costs (exams+textbooks, maps, landing fees etc.). Contact some of the flying schools and ask for some numbers, they generally have rough numbers (at least for a PPL)... and the good ones will tell you that is the minimum you can expect to pay.

Personally, although I've never sat down and counted it all, I'm sure all the money I spent on PPL (+exams), CPL (+exams), Initial issue MEIR (+exams), MEIR renewals and medicals over the years would put me easily into six figures.

TR? I didn't pay for my type rating before getting hired if that is what you're asking... the company provided all the training.

[TempoTCu]

In regards to the REX Cadetship - are there any people on the forums who have completed this Cadetship whilst at the same time maintaining a family and mortgage? Is it possible? I can afford the deposit but don't think I have the finances to support the home repayments while not working for 8-12 months whilst 'on campus'.

[Far Canel]

Are they recruiting Direct entry FO’s at the moment? Seems to have really slowed down, or is it just December and January having very small ground school numbers. Most likely up their mimimum requirements again for FO’s? But anyone’s guess

[Coskun Yay]

Hi to everyone,

Let me introduce myself before start asking my questions.

I'm an Aussie living in Turkey (actually I'm here for 25 years, so I've lost my accent).
I graduated from university with a bachelor degree in Astronomy and Space Science so I don't think that I'll have any problems with maths and physics.
Happily married for 7 years and have a son 5 years old. I'm planning to bring them after I start working for REX.

Right now I'm in the selection process for Turkish Airlines. I've passed the first three stages (in 8 months) and two is left and its pretty damn hard. Let me tell you this way, 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).

Now here comes my questions.
1) How long does the selection process take (From the application form filled to calling AAPA Campus our new home)? I know the steps between them but can't figure out roughly how long it would take.
2) How many cadets are planned to be recruited by REX for each intake?
3) It's says that "Working part-time is not allowed" so we have to fund ourselves for some time. I can't recall where but I read something about "Training Wage when starting Saab 340 training". Is that true?
4) Honestly asking how hard is the selection process (from 0 to 10)?
5) In the FAQ it says that "The duration of the Programme up to CPL with Multi-Engine Instrument Rating is based on 34 weeks." but on the forum I've read that some groups had been in training up to 61 weeks. Is that a general problem of the operational staff or was it for one time only?

I've got alot more to ask but I'd like to cut it short. Thanks for everyone who helped for the answers in advance.

Cheers

[Seagull201]

Originally Posted by Coskun Yay

Hi to everyone,

Let me introduce myself before start asking my questions.

I'm an Aussie living in Turkey (actually I'm here for 25 years, so I've lost my accent).
I graduated from university with a bachelor degree in Astronomy and Space Science so I don't think that I'll have any problems with maths and physics.
Happily married for 7 years and have a son 5 years old. I'm planning to bring them after I start working for REX.

Right now I'm in the selection process for Turkish Airlines. I've passed the first three stages (in 8 months) and two is left and its pretty damn hard. Let me tell you this way, 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).

Now here comes my questions.
1) How long does the selection process take (From the application form filled to calling AAPA Campus our new home)? I know the steps between them but can't figure out roughly how long it would take.
2) How many cadets are planned to be recruited by REX for each intake?
3) It's says that "Working part-time is not allowed" so we have to fund ourselves for some time. I can't recall where but I read something about "Training Wage when starting Saab 340 training". Is that true?
4) Honestly asking how hard is the selection process (from 0 to 10)?
5) In the FAQ it says that "The duration of the Programme up to CPL with Multi-Engine Instrument Rating is based on 34 weeks." but on the forum I've read that some groups had been in training up to 61 weeks. Is that a general problem of the operational staff or was it for one time only?

I've got alot more to ask but I'd like to cut it short. Thanks for everyone who helped for the answers in advance.

Cheers

Coskun,

I have seen your post and noticed nobody has responded, I will tell you of what i think.

Since you are living 25 years out of the country, it will take you some time time, to adjust back, to the lifestyle in Australia.

For yourself to be considered for the Rex pilot cadet programme, you need to send your application, then wait until you get invited, for the selection stages.
As i understand, a person needs to pass the WOMBAT test (read previous posts), an insufficient result in this part, will exclude a person, to progress to the next stage.

**My question to you sir, "what are you going to do, if you don't get into the Rex cadet programme?"
(Why do i ask you this? Because there are people that have been living here/Australia, for 25 years/longer and people don't get into the Rex programme, it's very competitive).

You can try, you could be successful (I wish you well), but as i wrote before, "what are you going to do, if you don't get into Rex?"

**If you don't get into Rex, you are going to have to get a JOB and work, to support yourself and your family. (If you have other family here, that will be a big help for you).

Since you are an OZ citizen, you get can a government loan (HECS/VET) of up to $100K, to do these flying training courses (CPL), but you have to start paying back the loan, i think it's 5 per cent of your income, above earnings of 50K, until you eventually pay the loan off.
Flying training is expensive, 80K for a CPL, 30K for a twin engine Instrument Rating, 25K for a flight Instructor Rating.

Since you have a family, you have to WEIGH UP your options, if you can afford flying training, whilst supporting a family, paying rent and electricity/water/council/insurance/motor vehicle expenses.
If you bring money from overseas, that will really help you!

I've read your comments about getting into the major airlines,especially, in your part of the world, that's fantastic, that you're good at maths and physics, I think, it's IMPORTANT to actually have contacts/know persons, in the airline(s), that you want to get into, in the part of the world, WHERE you are, to have ANY chance, of success!

In countries that have high populations, knowing people/persons, in large companies, can be the difference, to getting a job, or being unsuccessful.

Where you are, the aviation history is quite rich and it's very active, there are quite a few airlines there, i'm surprised you didn't do training to get the local flying license's and tried to get into some of the other airlines there. (I suppose flying training is quite expensive there, as here in OZ).

Wish you all the very best.

[master_beta]

Hiring 2019

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