Qantaslink: Need Dash 8 endorsement before applying?
 

Just had a quick look at the Qantaslink minimum requirements here. So, you need to be endorsed on the Dash 8 before they'd look at your application? Geesh, what happens if you don't make it. That's $10K down the drain?

No it is not a requirement to have the endorsement before you apply. It is however required before you can be employed by Qlink.
It works like this:
on successful completion of the interview process you are offered a position with the company pending a Dash8 endorsement in your log book.
they will then offer you a position on the ground course for $10,000AUD (which you must produce in full on day one) and once you pass that sucessfully you will commence employement with the company.
For most guys this means resigning from your current job, getting yourself to sydney and organising meals and accomodation for approximately 5-7 weeks (typical time for ground course and sim training). This is all at your own
expense mind you and it is becoming less attractive as the pilot shortage deepens.
Still a great company though, with great standards. Just ask VB and J* as it appears they are very fond of the product that Qlink are producing!!

Well, I'm wondering whether they've changed the requirements because it quite clearly says;

"You must meet the minimum criteria in all areas before your application for employment will be considered. You will be required to produce supporting evidence upon request."

Try the next tab over from minimum requirements. Under important information you'll find the section frequently asked questions.

This looks like a pretty good deal to me.

Experience

• 700 hours total flying time.
• 250 hours Command or Co-Pilot of multi-engined, fixed wing aircraft (excluding ICUS).
• Turbine experience is desirable but not compulsory.

Realistic experience requirements for a young fella on the rise. Subsidised Dash 8 endorsment - can't do your CV any harm at all even if you don't get into QLink. If its a requirement of the job, it would have to be tax deductable as well.

If you do crack it - you are a free agent with no obligation to the company other than normal notice.

If being a jet jocky is your thing, start applying as soon as you meet the minimum requirements. Meanwhile you get paid to see some of the best scenery Aus has to offer.

I have never got all this cr*p about not paying for endorsements or accepting a bond. It is very common in other professions to have to pay to ungrade your qualifications. If you can crack a scholarship or employer support, well and good. If not, and you can come up with the readdies then that is what you do. I forked out a chunck of change to upgrade 25 years ago - have never regretted it - and have never looked back.

Dr :cool:

I agree with Dr.

It is a small price to pay for such sought after training and seeing that you are paying the money the company expects no loyalty in return. Alternatively if you were bonded like some other company's do you would have a return of service expectation placed upon you in the order of at least 2 years.

This is working fantastically for the people who are joining sunnies and eastern at the moment as they are not expected to stay. So therefor they are joining, enjoying the training, and moving on to jet jobs within 12 months!

Don't be turned off paying $10000 as there are a lot of hidden benifits!

Maybe so but $10000 (dash 8) + $30 000(jet endo) + moving around = alot of money!!

Where does it end? Next we're paying for upgrades, moving from base to base etc etc. At least with bonds you won't be going broke if you want to hang around.

"Where does it end? Next we're paying for upgrades, moving from base to base etc etc. At least with bonds you won't be going broke if you want to hang around."

I know it is not right neville and it certainly doesnt work for those who want to actually stick around.

But that is the way that management have structured it and they are defiant in relaxing the endorsement charge. Instead they are choosing to continually drop the minimum requirements to attract applicants.

As a rough guide I would say that well over 75% of FO's that have paid for their endorsement are well on the way out the door if they have not already left. So whilst you say that it is not good for the guys who want to stay, it seems to be working well for the majority who want to progress to major carriers.

Why don't you apply for Qantas mainline?

Forktailed,

Just wondering what professions you are thinking of?

As previously said by others, you get a written letter of intent from Qlink upon completion of the first interviews offering employment after the succesful completion of the dash endo. The actual dash endo is around $17700 after been subsidised, play your cards right and talk to your accountant and its actually a deductable expence. I decided to do the course and Im up at sunstate halfway throug my training, #%!@# good flying and great crew, stick around and watch the industry take of boys. You dont need the dash endorsement before applying but need the endo before you are actually employed by Qlink...weird i know