Airline Cadetships

[Matthew Hogg]

Just a general question...

What are peoples thoughts on the various pilot cadetships offered worldwide?
Obviously one very popular one here is the Qantas Cadetship. But is this the best one to choose?

What to people seemt to think of the Rex Cadetship? Also the fact that Etihad now allows international applicants opens up another option for Aussies.

[Mick F]

Matt,
May I suggest you steer clear of Rex's cadetship as far as you can possibly ever get.

If you're considering a future in aviation as a pilot, can I suggest to consider doing some time in General Aviation along the way. Many a successful pilot has gone through General Aviation and enjoyed every minute of it. It's an area of aviation which a lot of people seem to try and bypass as much as possible, when it should really be included as much as possible.

The GA scene these days really need's more pilot's.

Give it a thought.

Mick

[Matthew Hogg]

Thanks Mick,
I've heard a smililar opinion of the Rex Cadetship off somebody else actually. Could anybody tell me why that particular program is so frowned upon?

[Matt_L]

Originally Posted by Matthew Hogg

Thanks Mick,
I've heard a smililar opinion of the Rex Cadetship off somebody else actually. Could anybody tell me why that particular program is so frowned upon?

Without wanting to re direct traffic, Matt take a quick look at http://pprune.org/forums (am i allowed to hyperlink other forum? just did) in the D AND G section- check REX cadet threads and whilst these posters are no doubt somewhat biased it gives a very real depiction and first hand account of what is occuring.

To give an idea the instructors are basically non existant or very few down there at Mangalore. The cadets progress is very slow, facilities are apparently not too great as well for a reputable airline like REX.

[Will T]

Matt, my suggestion is to find the airline you'd like to end up working for, and look into their cadet program. If you're not eligible for it, choose the next airline down and look at theirs, etc. Obviously don't close any doors, but if you're going to try for a cadet program then I'd suggest it at least be with someone you want to fly for.

Finally, as Mike says, don't feel that it's 'cadetship or bust'. There are many great experiences to be had in General Aviation, and the current tightness in the pilot labour market makes it a very reasonable time to be looking for a job there. Having said that, Mike's also in the enviable position of working for the pinnacle GA operator, whose selection criteria are legendary, and with conditions to match. Many haven't achieved the same lofty heights, and there are innumerable horror stories from people who've worked for shonky employers, flying unairworthy aeroplanes and being asked to regularly break the rules. There's certainly nothing 'hard yards' or 'real flying' about any of that, particularly where you're carrying fare-paying passengers who don't know any better. Thankfully it's a pilots' market at the moment, and unscrupulous operators are unlikely to retain their staff for long.

[Daniel G]

I think as has been suggested by previous posts, it's important not to put all of your eggs into the one basket so to speak. While cadetships may be a fantastic entry point into the airline you would like to work for, it shouldn't be your ultimate goal in aviation.

Sometimes it is necessary to step back, and look at what you want from a career in aviation holistically. If you so decide that becoming an airline pilot with whichever airline is your goal, then it is my belief that you will do whatever you can to get there... Sure put in your cadet application, but if you're unsuccessful with your application, the alternative method is?

If you are determined enough, you will get there regardless of whether your cadetship application is successful.