Mega Merged: REX Recruitment/Cadetship and Working for REX
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It's what they deserve
All the airlines in Australia have been getting a free ride by using GA as a training ground for new pilots so they don't have to spend their own money. When the numbers were small this worked reasonably well, but in recent years the numbers increased beyond a reasonable ammount and this did enormous harm to ga by flooding the industry with pilots who did not want to be there and only expected to be there a short time. Soon there were lots of broke, unhappy pilots who thought they could buy their way into a lucrative airline job by investing in training. They were most unhappy when that did not happen.And they could not escape. Is this like Bubai??
GA pilots need experience too.They provide a feeder service for the airlines.
Eventually the pool of ga pilots was found to be too small, and is no longer big enough to allow for major expansion. So they have killed the goose that laid the golden eggs.
I have always said that ga was not just a training ground for airline pilots, and they should train their own, or at least sign provisional agreements with some who pass their psych test and medical. GA is a very important industry that provides air services to 80% of the country where the airline don't go. It's often difficult, demanding work. GA needs experienced pilots to do this, and has very few.
The airline accountants don't care, but the fact that they do not have a big enough pool to cope with major expansion, and they cannot cut salaries and keep staff might get their attention.
Sure, Rex has had a cadet scheme for a short while, but not long enough. They have been getting the freebies too.
What happened to GA is starting to happen to the airline system.
GA pilots need experience too.They provide a feeder service for the airlines.
Eventually the pool of ga pilots was found to be too small, and is no longer big enough to allow for major expansion. So they have killed the goose that laid the golden eggs.
I have always said that ga was not just a training ground for airline pilots, and they should train their own, or at least sign provisional agreements with some who pass their psych test and medical. GA is a very important industry that provides air services to 80% of the country where the airline don't go. It's often difficult, demanding work. GA needs experienced pilots to do this, and has very few.
The airline accountants don't care, but the fact that they do not have a big enough pool to cope with major expansion, and they cannot cut salaries and keep staff might get their attention.
Sure, Rex has had a cadet scheme for a short while, but not long enough. They have been getting the freebies too.
What happened to GA is starting to happen to the airline system.
Good points Bushy, however the REX cadet scheme is better than a freebie, they in fact profit from the stary eyed youngsters.
With reference to your remark about killing the Golden Goose. Never a truer word spoken! The day of reckoning is a comin'!
With reference to your remark about killing the Golden Goose. Never a truer word spoken! The day of reckoning is a comin'!
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Surely REX wouldn't "POACH" pilots from GA companies? that would be a bit hypocritical wouldn't it?
And insofar as the DEC's go, I don't think that the REX EBA allows a pilot to be employed directly as a captain. I think that they would HAVE to be INITIALLY employed as an F/O.... and maybe on day one of the training, apply for and be promoted to capt, pending passing the sim etc.
"DEC's" would STILL be paid the training wage for the first 3 months, then yr1 F/O salary after the three months, until checked to line as a captain. With very few training captains about, this could be 42k for the first 6 months! .... and bonded for 2 years/$20k.... AND in a base they do not want to be (remember the Virgin Blue EMB DEC's scandal)
Any prospective DEC, would want to get IN WRITING from REX management, that they WILL be upgraded on day one..... else the music could stop again and they find themselves in a seat they do not want to be in for a lot less money than they first thought.
And insofar as the DEC's go, I don't think that the REX EBA allows a pilot to be employed directly as a captain. I think that they would HAVE to be INITIALLY employed as an F/O.... and maybe on day one of the training, apply for and be promoted to capt, pending passing the sim etc.
"DEC's" would STILL be paid the training wage for the first 3 months, then yr1 F/O salary after the three months, until checked to line as a captain. With very few training captains about, this could be 42k for the first 6 months! .... and bonded for 2 years/$20k.... AND in a base they do not want to be (remember the Virgin Blue EMB DEC's scandal)
Any prospective DEC, would want to get IN WRITING from REX management, that they WILL be upgraded on day one..... else the music could stop again and they find themselves in a seat they do not want to be in for a lot less money than they first thought.
No, you're not wrong old mate.
DEC's for REX have more wiskers than Santa Clause. Have a read/re-read of my post #380 on the previous page. Instead of searching for DEC's, I think you'll find REX mangement are still trying to woo CASA to allow either changes to the Low Cap AOC and/or the logging of ICUS from the RHS by low time pilots, with the only criteria that it is their leg! If CASA roll over on this one, then they are weaker than even I gave them credit for.
REX are heading for some major headaches and embarassments this year. If they throw DEC's into the mix It'll be all but an admission that their strategies so far haven't been working, not to mention the problems that you have already stated. I really can't see it happening?
One thing's for sure though, if they do try it, It'll be entertaining!
DEC's for REX have more wiskers than Santa Clause. Have a read/re-read of my post #380 on the previous page. Instead of searching for DEC's, I think you'll find REX mangement are still trying to woo CASA to allow either changes to the Low Cap AOC and/or the logging of ICUS from the RHS by low time pilots, with the only criteria that it is their leg! If CASA roll over on this one, then they are weaker than even I gave them credit for.
REX are heading for some major headaches and embarassments this year. If they throw DEC's into the mix It'll be all but an admission that their strategies so far haven't been working, not to mention the problems that you have already stated. I really can't see it happening?
One thing's for sure though, if they do try it, It'll be entertaining!
Last edited by KRUSTY 34; 19th Mar 2010 at 01:00.
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I am interested if Rex starts training the foreign students at their training academy in Wagga Wagga, and given the track record of the foreign students' ability to speak "reasonably" on the radio. Would that not poses a safety issue for RPT going in and out of the airport? (eg. REX, Qantaslink...etc)
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I just don't get why the majority that I read in this post is negative towards the REX Cadetship. This cadetship is the opportunity of a lifetime. I personally know a Cadet who is currently in the program and they couldn't speak more highly of it. I am agreeing with NAVIG8R, the people putting the program down don't know the truth and aren't directly linked in any way to the program so can't speak on it's behalf. These people also mustn't be talking to the cadets, because from the few I have met, they have had no regrets, and still can't get over the fact that they have been presented with this perfect opportunity. Stop abusing those involved in running the program and maybe congratulate them for providing this opportunity!!
For all those wanting to become pilots don't listen to majority of the things said on this site, give the REX program a shot and then make up your mind!
For all those wanting to become pilots don't listen to majority of the things said on this site, give the REX program a shot and then make up your mind!
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Hahaha, what a joke! You that is! To write that you must be either trying to get a rise out of all the rex crew on here and or be totally ignorant of casa rules and the industry itself!
FMC.
FMC.
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FMC, you are exactly one of those people who are ill informed of the situation regarding the REX cadetship. I would be interested to hear where you get the information backing your statements!!
I'm pretty sure that people who are involved in the program would have a much more informed idea about what happens than those who read it all off the web!
I'm pretty sure that people who are involved in the program would have a much more informed idea about what happens than those who read it all off the web!
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yes, the rex cadetship is a great opportunity, if you want to be a FO for etrernity on just $42K less loan repayments. (just hope you have the minimum command hours required for upgrade before you start)
Join Date: Nov 2006
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Cadetship, an awesome opportunity
I agree with you Aviator, it is an awesome opportunity.
I think it is the best thing that has happened to REX, and those who conceived the cadetship should be commended for their foresight and management skills.
I hope more people take up the scheme and especially YOU. Good luck and I hope you get into the cadetship for an opportunity of a lifetime.
I meet the cadets daily at work and have mates in various stages of their training, and they all have only good things to say about it. Go for it, you'll love it!!
I think it is the best thing that has happened to REX, and those who conceived the cadetship should be commended for their foresight and management skills.
I hope more people take up the scheme and especially YOU. Good luck and I hope you get into the cadetship for an opportunity of a lifetime.
I meet the cadets daily at work and have mates in various stages of their training, and they all have only good things to say about it. Go for it, you'll love it!!
Join Date: May 2008
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Aviator329
Yep, go for it mate, fantastic opportunity, you seem to have the right attitude, no experience now but you do seem to know all about aviation and you have worked out that the majority here know nothing.
Imagine how good you will be when you get 200 hours, expert material, you will be able to tell all those "grumpy old guys" what they have been doing wrong for the last 25 years of their career.
You will fit right in and you will have a command in two years, go for it I say
Yep, go for it mate, fantastic opportunity, you seem to have the right attitude, no experience now but you do seem to know all about aviation and you have worked out that the majority here know nothing.
Imagine how good you will be when you get 200 hours, expert material, you will be able to tell all those "grumpy old guys" what they have been doing wrong for the last 25 years of their career.
You will fit right in and you will have a command in two years, go for it I say
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It seems the cadets will either stay and get commands at some stage (RHS ICUS pending) or they will go elsewhere, surely a few years in the RHS of a Saab with airline experience be it Co-pilot time accounts for something.
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Aviator,
an hour in the RHS on the Saab as a 200hr cadet means a whole lot more than an hour as PIC in a Chieftain.
RHS ICUS will be approved very shortly (I heard from extremely trustworthy, reliable, friendly and honest REX management), and it will enable cadets to progress to Command seamlessly, most likely within 2-3 years from employment, as touted in the interviews
Do not hear what other sour grapes have to say on Pprune about this cadetship. It is one of the best out there at the moment, unless something pops up that promises command to a 200hr pilot in less than 2 years that betters REX's promise.
Most people here are taking the Mickey out of you, don't relent. Stick to your guns and understand that this cadet scheme is here to stay. After all, REX has invested >$10m into the school, so you can take heart that there will be many more who will jump at this golden opportunity behind you.The latter entries will be lower on the seniority list and will inadvertantly be first to be made redundant at the next GFC before you do....Just keep in mind that when REX parks a/c against the fence from May, they may need more cadets to fund the AAPA school. The sooner you get in, the sooner your Command will arrive.
All up, great scheme. as Chipmunk says it, if not for REX Management's skills and foresight, where will this company be today?
an hour in the RHS on the Saab as a 200hr cadet means a whole lot more than an hour as PIC in a Chieftain.
RHS ICUS will be approved very shortly (I heard from extremely trustworthy, reliable, friendly and honest REX management), and it will enable cadets to progress to Command seamlessly, most likely within 2-3 years from employment, as touted in the interviews
Do not hear what other sour grapes have to say on Pprune about this cadetship. It is one of the best out there at the moment, unless something pops up that promises command to a 200hr pilot in less than 2 years that betters REX's promise.
Most people here are taking the Mickey out of you, don't relent. Stick to your guns and understand that this cadet scheme is here to stay. After all, REX has invested >$10m into the school, so you can take heart that there will be many more who will jump at this golden opportunity behind you.The latter entries will be lower on the seniority list and will inadvertantly be first to be made redundant at the next GFC before you do....Just keep in mind that when REX parks a/c against the fence from May, they may need more cadets to fund the AAPA school. The sooner you get in, the sooner your Command will arrive.
All up, great scheme. as Chipmunk says it, if not for REX Management's skills and foresight, where will this company be today?
Last edited by Bloody Blind Bat; 27th Mar 2010 at 06:23.
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and it will enable cadets to progress to Command seamlessly, most likely within 2-3 years from employment, as touted in the interviews
I know this has been discussed before but check out this video if you have the spare time FRONTLINE: flying cheap: watch the full program | PBS
For those with shortened attention spans go to Part 3 Life of a Regional Pilot.
During the video it discusses how 500 hour pilots are getting command on Dash 8, and how thats too soon!
I wouldn't have wanted to be flying arouund with myself or any other pilot I know at 500 hours in command of a dash 8, saab etc etc. A 210/206 or light twin maybe but a high performance twin turbine NO!
You could have a Captain with 500 hours and FO with 200.
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CAO 82.3 Appendix 4 -Qualifications for Pilot in Command of RPT aircraft in other than high capacity aircraft(REX currently has a Low capacity AOC)
Aeroplanes exceeding 5 700 kg MTOW
Air transport pilot (aeroplane)licence
Command (multi-engine aeroplane) instrument rating
2 000 hours total aeronautical
experience as a pilot, that
includes:
experience as a pilot, that
includes:
500 hours as pilot in
command (or acting as pilot
in command under
supervision) on multi-engine
aeroplanes under the I.F.R.;
and
50 hours as pilot in command
(or acting as pilot in
command under supervision)
on the aeroplane type; and
100 hours experience as acommand (or acting as pilot
in command under
supervision) on multi-engine
aeroplanes under the I.F.R.;
and
50 hours as pilot in command
(or acting as pilot in
command under supervision)
on the aeroplane type; and
pilot on night operations.
These requirements are the same as the companys requirements for command, as written in the REX Check and Training manual.
I'm not here to REX Cadet bash, in fact some of my good friends are cadets, and they speak highly of the cadet program, but please be factual when reffering to the requirements for command.
One of the biggest limiting factors for Cadets with regards to reaching the requirements for a command, is the 2000 aeronautical experience. Remember, time in the RHS of a SAAB is logged as co-pilot time, therefore only worth 50% of total flight time - i.e only 50% of any time you do in the RHS of the SAAB counts towards your 2000hrs.
Your average cadet by the time he finishes his training will have 200hrs. This means to reach the aeronautical experinece required for a command, he will have to do 3600hrs in the RHS of a SAAB(remember, co-pilot time is halved when calculating aeronautical experience) assuming ICUS is not brought in. At the current rate, REX FO's are doing approximately 600hrs a year. This means it would take 6 years to reach this requirement alone!
Even if ICUS was brought in, it can only be logged for the sectors which you fly. ICUS hours counts as a full hour towards the aeronautical experience requirement unlike Co-pilot time. Generally, pilots take it in turns(sector to sector). This means 50% of the time you do will be logged as ICUS, and 50% will be logged as Co-pilot, meaning if you were a 200hr cadet starting with the company, and ICUS had been brought in, at the rate of 600hrs a year, it would still take you 4 years, to reach the requirements for command(2400hrs - 50% ICUS(1200hrs) + 50% Co-pilot(only worth 600hrs) + your existing 200hrs = 2000hrs aeronautical experience.
Therefore, unless you commenced the cadetship with previous experience(e.g-some of the first groups of cadets did) it would take years to reach these requirements, even if ICUS did get approved.
Once again, I'm not REX Cadet bashing, i happen to think it is a good opportunity. Just understand that based on the FACTS, at the very least it would take you 4-6 years for a command. My cadet friends understand this and know that a command is a very distant improbability and they're okay with that, so please, if anyone tries to tell you that it is possible to get a command in 2years as a cadet and you don't have previous experience, please open your CAO, show them this requirement, and see how they can explain their way around it.
If anyone has any questions regarding this explanation, or would like any more information, i'm happy to provide you with the facts. Send me a PM.
NOTE- all of this is without mentioning the 500hr Muti-command/ICUS requirement which of course would require the logging of ICUS to be approved
