Changes to Qantas Cadet Pilot Program

[Will T]

As some of you may be aware, a number of changes have been made to the Qantas Cadet Pilot Program, effective from now on.

Several links to the changes have popped up on Pprune, but I couldn't find the original links on the QF website. Nonetheless, they sum up the changes to both the CIPP (Industry Placement) and post-CIPP stages:

2009 Cadet Industry Placement

The Compulsory Industry Placement Program (CIPP) will remain a requirement for course completion, however all future Qantas Cadets will assume responsibility for sourcing and securing placement with an industry employer to undertake their practical training. Qantas sees this as an important step in the personal and professional development of Cadets. The length of time in industry may vary due to bonding arrangements or contractual requirements. Qantas' requirement is for a minimum of 2 years employment, from the date of checking to line, in industry.

Industry Placement may take the form of instructional, charter, or RPT operations. Multi Engine time is preferred, but not essential. Each Cadet will have the opportunity to discuss their placement with Qantas Management prior to their graduation date. Qantas will provide timely feedback, during the Cadets training, to ensure that developmental opportunities are addressed prior to the commencement of their CIPP. Qantas will continue to oversee each Cadets' development whilst on industry placement.

http://www.qantas.com.au/info/about/...ustryPlacement

2009 Direct Entry Second Officer Recruitment for Qantas Cadets

As a requirement for any potential entry into Qantas as a Trainee Second Officer, future Qantas Cadets will complete an abridged Direct Entry screening and assessment program post the completion of their Industry Placement. Details of this testing program will be communicated during 2009.

http://www.qantas.com.au/info/about/...otsEntrySecond

[Matt_L]

Hey Will,

I noticed this off the website too. I'd like to see what you and others thought of these new changes.
Personally as someone who has applied recently for the program- future applications are definitely one i will reconsider after seeing these new terms and conditions when compared to other cadetships or even say a flying school course when there are no guarantees etc.

What did you think Will as a former cadet who had the hold of these new changes as no doubt it signals a return almost to the days of the 90's where these 3-5 yr holds were common place at QF. Now occuring to an extent with the QFlink cadets, current Qantas cadets etc.

Matt

[Brenden S]

Hey Will, do you know if QF are looking into this new multi crew licence. The course they are conducting in Brisbane?

[Adam G]

Originally Posted by Matt_L

What did you think Will as a former cadet who had the hold of these new changes as no doubt it signals a return almost to the days of the 90's where these 3-5 yr holds were common place at QF. Now occuring to an extent with the QFlink cadets, current Qantas cadets etc.

Matt

Matt as I often tell my students the current world is nothing like what it use to be. The simple fact is that CPL students with minimal hours are getting slots on Turbine aircraft (especially Caravan's) and even Twins. With 800ish hours it's possible to get a twin job in or very close to major capital cities - go back 10-15 years and you needed many, many more hours for that.

Today you can be in the RHS of a decent regional turbo prop with 850TT/300 (or less with the QFL & Rex programs) Twin and almost the day you get the requirements of the ATPL & company requirements gain command - in days gone by people waited 4-5 years easily for command at places like QFL & Rex and initially had 2500-3000 hours when they got in.

If you think that the economy works in cycles and at the moment we are towards the lower end of the downward slide - in 12/18/24/36 months when it bounces back airlines will have a suddern requirement for pilots with relatively quick upgrades to command (especially given the baby boomer retirement age is coming up). People learning to fly these days are down on previous times so it's possible there will again be a decent shortage.

With regards to the Qantas Cadetship - I'd say it's a whole lot cheaper to get the Qantas minimum requirements yourself now and make a direct entry application at 500 command hours. There are a lot of jobs available these days for entry level commercial pilots and they don't seem to be decreasing. It would also potentially give you a better opportunity to develop command decision making skills for the future flying single pilot then the old CIPP scheme did in the RHS of a turbo prop.

Good luck with your flying career!

Adam

[Will T]

Matt, I think Adam G's assessment of the industry is a good one. In a nutshell, the confluence of a number of factors means that movement through GA is unprecedented, and pilots (including instructors) are very much 'in demand' in most avenues leading up to the major airlines. As such, you'd need to carefully evaluate the differences between the new QF Cadetship and going through industry, particularly in areas such as expected rate of progress, quality of training and subsequent flying experience and, of course, changes in industry conditions which might stem from current economic woes.

You may be aware that QF have significantly scaled back their recruitment until the middle of the year at least. This means that their phones probably aren't running as hot as they were last year, and that you'd be able to run a few of these things by them. They might also be able to provide some rationale for their latest cadet program changes. Certainly the new program - and the industry itself - are completely different from the one I went through eight years ago, so it's difficult for me to compare apples with apples.

Brenden, I think most airlines are interested in the concept, but it's something that I can't see gaining traction in QF Mainline for the foreseeable future. Never say never, though...

[Will T]

The Qantas website has now been updated to reflect the changes, at http://www.qantas.com.au/info/about/employment/pilots .

The latest Cadet Program 'Course Update' is as follows:

2009 Course Updates

The 2009 Qantas/Swinburne Bachelor Degree will begin in early 2009 with successful applicants advised by 16 January 2009.

The 2009 Qantas/Griffith Bachelor Degree and Graduate Diploma will begin in early 2009 with successful applicants advised by 30 January 2009.

The 2009 Qantas/Swinburne Associate Degree is postponed. Requirements for a course commencing in August 2009 will be reviewed in May 2009. All current applications remain active whilst our review is conducted (unless withdrawn on their own accord). Candidates will be advised of their status at the completion of the review. Applicants cannot withdraw from the Associate Degree and move across to the Qantas/Swinburne Bachelor Degree Program. Applicants may however wish to apply for the Swinburne Bachelor Degree Program directly with the University through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre.

The 2009 Autumn (March) and Winter (May) Qantas Commercial Programs have been withdrawn, with the requirement for a Spring (October) course to be determined by 30 June 2009. All current applications will remain active whilst this review is underway (unless withdrawn on their own accord). Candidates will be advised of their status following this review.

- http://www.qantas.com.au/info/about/...tsCourseUpdate


Furthermore, Direct Entry recruitment and applications have been suspended:

Direct Entry Pilot

Qantas Trainee Second Officer positions are subject to continual review in response to the changing aviation environment.

Qantas Pilot Recruitment will not be accepting new or updated applications effective from 1 January 2009 to 30 June 2009. This period may be extended in line with fleet requirements. Updated information will be posted at qantas.com, as and when it is made available.

All current applications have been deferred. Updated information will be posted at qantas.com, to those candidates impacted by this change, as and when it is made available.