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Welcome to the Qantas Cadet Pilot Program

Are you ready to start your flying career with the worlds most experienced airline?

Qantas prides itself on the excellence of its pilot training and the Qantas Cadet Pilot Program is no exception. This program gives you a unique opportunity to build your knowledge and experience with access to industry leading training and dedicated staff.

What our program offers you

  • Depending on your level of experience, Qantas offers four university and flying based programs to meet your training requirements.
  • Professional and superior training by an industry leader
  • Access to the very best education and training designed to prepare you for the expectations required of an experienced airline pilot.
  • Qualified and dedicated staff to provide you with individual support and advice throughout your time as a Qantas Cadet
  • Flight training offered by Qantas Approved Flight Training Organisations and these organisations operate at the highest standards, at every step, All staff are highly qualified in delivering flight training to meet the needs of Qantas
  • Government assistance is available (to eligible Cadets) through FEE-HELP and HECS, ensuring that the Qantas Cadet Pilot Program is one of the most cost effective ways of undertaking Pilot training in Australia.

Qantas Pilot Recruitment has recently completed the final review of its Cadet Program requirements. After careful consideration we have informed our Industry Partners of our intention to suspend all proposed Cadet programs.

We acknowledge that this message will disappoint candidates interested in Cadet opportunities, however the decision has been based on numerous internal and external factors which we believe warrants the suspension of all courses.

Qantas Pilot Recruitment will continue to review Cadet opportunities.

Keep watching this site for further information relating to future cadet pilot opportunities.

In the meantime, more information about the Qantas Cadet Pilot Program can be seen below. This will provide you with all of the relevant information relating to each individual Cadet Program.

Qantas Cadet Pilot Program Minimum Criteria

This following information sets out the minimum residency, age, education and other requirements you must meet in order to apply for the Qantas Cadet Pilot Program.

It is vital that you meet the minimum criteria prior to applying for the Qantas Cadet Pilot Program. Applicants who do not meet the minimum criteria will not progress through the recruitment process.

For further detail on minimum criteria please refer to Qantas Cadet Minimum Criteria

Operational, Residency, and Age Criteria
It is essential that you meet the following criteria:

  • Have Australian Permanent Residency status;
  • Eligibility to hold a passport with unrestricted access;
  • Hold a current CASA Class 1 Medical Certificate;
  • Be 17 years or older.

All applicants are advised that a series of blood tests will need to be conducted through your local GP. The results are to be brought with you if you are selected for the Assessment Centre (Qantas OHA). The information will then be utilised by the Qantas Medical staff. The following letter is to be presented to your GP at your initial appointment.

All applicants are advised that detailed ophthalmology information is required to be sourced from your ophthalmologist during your eye examination for the Class 1 medical. The following form is required to be filled out by your ophthalmologist and brought with you if you are selected for the Assessment Centre (Qantas OHA). The information will then be utilised by the Qantas Medical staff.

For those that have already obtained a Class 1 medical, you are advised to visit your ophthalmologist again to ensure that this form is completed by the Assessment Centre dates.

The Qantas Medical department advises that the original document (not copies) must be brought on the day of your Qantas OHA.

Education Criteria
You must have one of the below to meet minimum educational requirements.

  • A pass in Year 12 English, OR a pass in a suitable humanities/social science type subject at Degree level; and
  • A pass in a suitable Year 12 Mathematics subject, OR a pass in a suitable Degree level Mathematics subject;
    OR
  • A fully completed Bachelor Degree in any discipline;
    Be currently completing the relevant Year 12 subjects or other education criteria.

For further detail on minimum criteria please refer to Qantas Cadet Minimum Criteria

Additional Information
You will be required to upload supporting documentation to show evidence that you are undertaking the relevant subjects required to meet the Qantas minimum criteria. All candidates will need to provide evidence of their results before being offered a position on the program.

Please note that minimum criteria between Qantas and its University partners may vary due to departmental requirements. There are also a number of unsuitable Year 12 Mathematics subjects that currently do not meet the Qantas minimum requirements.

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Cadet Recruitment Process

Online Application

  • When applying for the Qantas Cadet Pilot Program, you will be required to complete the online application and upload all required documentation via Qantas Careers. Please check that you meet the minimum criteria and that you complete all mandatory fields to ensure your application will be submitted successfully.
  • Your application is then reviewed by Pilot Recruitment to ensure the minimum Cadet criteria are met. Meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee that you will progress to the next stage of the selection process.

Pilot Capability Assessment

  • Once you have been successfully short listed, you will be required to undertake the online Pilot Capability Assessments which will measure:
  • Your personality and abilities against a number of Qantas Pilot competencies;
  • Your potential performance on the Cadet program and;
  • Other competencies which will outline your motivations, commitment to succeed, leadership,

    communicative skills and your ability to cope with pressure and change.
  • If you have been short listed you will receive your invitation via email and a non-refundable fee of AUD$220 is payable online for this assessment. The Pilot Capability Assessment can be undertaken at any location convenient to you. For example, at your home or office as long as you have access to the internet, will be free from distraction and the environment is quiet.
  • If successful you will then be required to undertake a supervised validation assessment to validate your original results. It is therefore critical that you undertake this initial assessment as if it were a supervised examination. It is important that you read all the instructions carefully and take the test seriously. Pilot Recruitment and the Pilot Capability Assessment provider have strict audit procedures which can identify erroneous assessment inputs.

Telephone Interview

  • Candidates who are being considered for the Assessment Centre will be contacted to undertake a telephone interview by Pilot Recruitment. You will be asked a number of behavioural based questions and it is recommended that you research Qantas and the selected Cadet Pilot Program prior to, or directly after the completion of the Pilot Assessment.
  • The telephone interview requires 10 -15 minutes of your time and you will be contacted between 8am - 6pm by Pilot Recruitment.
  • The telephone interview, along with information gathered during the Pilot Assessment and your application, will be the determining factors as to whether you will be invited to the assessment centre.

Cadet Recruitment Assessment Centre
Pilot Capability Assessment Validation, Skills Assessment, Panel Interview and OHA Assessment

  • Further short listed candidates will be required to participate in a number of assessments comprising of the Pilot Capability Assessment Validation, a Computer-Based Skills Assessment, a Panel Interview, and a Qantas Occupational Health Assessment (OHA).
  • Assessments will be carried out over a 48 hour period at the Pilot Recruitment Assessment Centre and the Qantas Jetbase. These assessments can occur in any order depending on the resourcing at the two locations.
  • A non-refundable fee of AUD$150 is payable for the OHA. There is no fee payable for the Computer-Based Skills Assessment, or the Pilot Assessment Validation.

Flight Test (for Commercial Program candidates only)

  • Candidates within the Commercial Program recruitment process will be required to undertake a Cadet Flight Test. The flight test will be conducted along the requirements of a CASA Commercial Flight test, with additional Qantas competencies assessed.
  • If short listed for the Cadet Flight Test you will be provided additional information by email.

Security Clearances and Reference Checks

Candidates who remain in the selection process will receive email notification to submit documentation to enable an Australian AUSCHECK security clearance. A non-refundable fee of AUD$175 is payable by bank cheque for the AUSCHECK clearance.

At this time, reference checks will also be conducted by Pilot Recruitment.

Final Decision and Offer

  • After reviewing all of your application information and assessment results, a senior management panel will undertake final selection decisions for positions on the Qantas Cadet Pilot Program.
  • Verbal offers will be made by Pilot Recruitment which will be followed by formal offers from the Qantas Flight Operations Department.
  • You will also be asked to supply a dental x-ray (OPG) with your signed Cadet offer letter which will be retained on your records.

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How To Apply

The following information will remain on the website during the recruitment process to ensure that all candidates are aware of the documentation that will be required to be viewed during the Assessment Centre stages.

The following documents were required to be uploaded with your online application and all require certification (apart from your personal resume).

  • Proof of Australian Permanent Residency status (e.g. Birth Certificate, Australian/New Zealand passport, visa page of overseas passport)
  • Current Australian/New Zealand passport pages showing expiration date, or overseas passport pages with Australian Permanent Residency visa showing expiration date of both passport and visa
  • Proof of education documentation/certificates:
    Completed Bachelors Degree certificate and academic transcript (if applicable) OR
  • Evidence of approved Degree level subjects currently being undertaken OR
  • Completed secondary education (i.e. Australian Year 12) certificates showing subjects studied and results achieved OR
  • Evidence of Year 12 subjects being studied, for e.g. Year 12 interim school reports or Year 12 trial exam results (if completed)
  • An up to date Resume

We will request to sight your original documents during the recruitment process.

Additional Documentation
The following documents were not required for your online application however the originals will be requested during the recruitment process.

  • CASA Class 1 Medical Certificate
  • Last 3 pages of pilot log book, if applicable
  • CASA Multi-Page Pilot Licence, if applicable
  • CASA Prerequisite Report, for candidates who have already sat CASA theory examinations (In Australia, contact CASA on 131757 to obtain this document or utilise the CASA self service online portal).

Username and Password
You will also be asked to create a username and login password in order to proceed with your application. Please keep this information in a safe place in case you wish to alter any of your personal information throughout the application process.

All correspondence for the Qantas Cadet Pilot Program will be issued via e-mail throughout the recruitment process. Please regularly monitor your email account, including your junk mail folder, to ensure you receive and respond to all correspondence within the necessary timeframe.

Griffith University Bachelor Degree Cadet Program

The Griffith Bachelor Degree of Aviation and Graduate Diploma of Flight Management is designed for applicants with little or no flying experience who wish to gain a Bachelor Degree and Graduate Diploma qualifications in addition to flight training up to and including a Command Instrument Rating and Frozen ATPL .

  • This course is based in Brisbane, Queensland and operates in conjunction with Qantas Airways, Griffith University, and Airline Academy of Australia.
  • To be eligible to apply for the Qantas Cadet Pilot Program, you must be an enrolled student in the Griffith University Bachelor of Aviation and have successfully completed 3 semesters of prescribed academic courses.
  • All eligible students undertake the full Qantas Cadet Recruitment process and positions on a Cadet course are not guaranteed.

Your training and education:

  • If you are successful in becoming a Qantas Cadet, your flight training will commence with Airline Academy of Australia at Archerfield Airport.
  • Qantas will monitor your training and performance on course, and will provide ongoing assistance to ensure that any training development needs are identified and allocated the appropriate corrective training assistance from dedicated flying instructors.
  • Academically, Qantas will jointly manage your remaining university studies with Griffith University.

What you will achieve:

  • You will graduate from this program with a Bachelor Degree in Aviation and a Graduate Diploma in Flight Management, in addition to the flight qualifications gained.
  • This will provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to allow the best opportunity of being successful in your future flying career, including potential management opportunities within the aviation industry.
  • Although there is no guarantee of future employment within the industry or with Qantas, our aim for all Cadets is to provide them with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to fulfil their ambitions to be an Airline Pilot.

For individuals wishing to gain further information relating to enrolment for Griffith University courses, please refer to the the Griffith University website or alternatively the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) website.

Applications for this Cadet Program are now closed. We thank you for your application and wish you all the best.

Further information about the Qantas Cadet Pilot Program, can be found in the Qantas Cadet Information Booklet.

Swinburne University Bachelor Degree Cadet Program

The Swinburne Bachelor Degree of Aviation and Graduate Certificate of Aviation (Piloting) is a three year program based in Melbourne, Victoria and operates in conjunction with Qantas Airways, Swinburne University, and Oxford Aviation Academy.

  • This combined program is designed for applicants with little or no flying experience who wish to gain a Bachelor Degree and, like the Associate Degree, extensive flight training up to and including a Command Instrument Rating and Frozen ATPL (completed ATPL theory subjects).
  • The course incorporates flight training and academic studies in Aviation Human Factors, Air Transportation Management and Aviation Technology.
  • Your time on course will be a mixture of university life (Swinburne's Hawthorn Campus) and Flight Training (Oxford Aviation Academy, Moorabbin Airport).

Your training and education:

  • On course you will receive outstanding training and education by experienced instructors and educators.
  • The program offers more than the standard private industry course - You will also be exposed to Qantas' check and training procedures throughout your training, particularly in the Multi Crew Course, whilst the Gas Turbine Rating is an experience in itself.
  • Qantas continually monitors your performance on course, and provides ongoing assistance to ensure that any training development needs are identified and allocated the appropriate corrective training assistance from dedicated flying instructors.

What you will achieve:

  • You will graduate from this program with a broad Aviation education that will prepare you for possible future management roles within the aviation industry, in addition to your flying qualifications.
  • Although there is no guarantee of future employment within the industry or with Qantas, our aim for all Cadets is to provide them with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to fulfil their ambitions to be an Airline Pilot.

Applications for this Cadet Program are now closed. We thank you for your application and we wish you all the best.

Further information about the Qantas Cadet Pilot Program, can be found in the Qantas Cadet Information Booklet.

Or in addition please review the 2010 Swinburne Bachelor Degree Information Booklet.

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Swinburne University Associate Degree Cadet Program

The Swinburne Associate Degree of Aviation is a fast tracked education and flight training program designed for those that wish to complete their studies and Pilot training within a shortened timeframe.

  • This 18 month Melbourne based course is specifically offered for ab-initio pilots (those with little or no flying experience) wishing to gain extensive flight training up to and including a Command Instrument Rating and Frozen ATPL (completed ATPL theory subjects)
  • The Associate Degree is operated in conjunction with Qantas Airways, Swinburne University, and Oxford Aviation Academy.
  • Your time on course will be a mixture of University life (Swinburne's Hawthorn Campus) and Flight Training (Oxford Aviation Academy, Moorabbin Airport).

Your training and education:

Cadets on course will receive outstanding training and education by experienced instructors and educators.

The program offers more than the standard private industry course - you will be exposed to Qantas' check and training procedures throughout your training, particularly in the Multi Crew Course, whilst the Gas Turbine Rating is an experience in itself.

Qantas continually monitors your performance on course, and provides ongoing assistance to ensure that any training development needs are identified and allocated the appropriate corrective training assistance from dedicated flying instructors.

What you will achieve:

  • The Qantas Cadet Pilot Program is intensive, with all Cadets expected to excel and achieve Qantas' high standards.
  • You will Graduate with an Associate Degree of Aviation and be equipped with the necessary skills to progress your career to the next level - flying experience with an industry operator.
  • Although Qantas does not guarantee future employment within the industry or with the
    airline, our aim for all Cadets is to provide them with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to fulfil their ambitions to be an Airline Pilot.

Further information about the Qantas Cadet Pilot Program, can be found in the Qantas Cadet Information Booklet.

Qantas Commercial Cadet Program

The Qantas Commercial Cadet Program is designed for applicants who have completed or are about to complete a Commercial Pilot (Aeroplane) Licence. This Program is a full-time theory and flight training course conducted by Flight Training Adelaide at Parafield Airport.

  • As a Commercial Cadet you will complete an abridged full-time theory and flight training course of approximately six months duration;
  • The Commercial Program is designed to attract potential pilots with nominal experience and equip them with the skills and knowledge required to operate as a successful airline pilot;
  • It will also provide you with the opportunity to share all of your training milestones with a group of fellow cadets who are ultimately aspiring to the same career goals.

Training and education:

  • On course you will receive outstanding training and education by experienced instructors.
  • The Program offers more than the standard private industry course - you will also be exposed to Qantas' check and training procedures throughout your training, particularly in the Multi Crew Course.
  • Qantas continually monitors your performance on course, and provides ongoing assistance to ensure that any training development needs are identified and allocated the appropriate corrective training assistance from dedicated flying instructors.

What you will achieve:

  • You will graduate from this program with a Command Instrument Rating and all CASA ATPL theory subjects completed (i.e. a frozen ATPL).
  • Although there is no guarantee of future employment within the industry or with Qantas, our aim for all Cadets is to provide them with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to fulfil their ambitions to be an Airline Pilot.

Further information about the Qantas Cadet Pilot Program, can be found in the Qantas Cadet Information Booklet.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Am I eligible to apply - What are the minimum requirements?
A: Please refer to the Cadet Pilot Minimum Criteria for a list of the minimum requirements for application and the documents that will be required at a later stage to support the information provided on the application form. Qantas will be unable to process your application if you do not meet all of the minimum criteria or if the application form is not completed correctly.

Q: Is there an age limit for the Cadet Pilot Program ?
A: There is no maximum age limit for the Qantas Cadet Program. All applicants however must be age 17 or older.

Q: Is there a height restriction for Cadet Pilots?
A: No. There are no minimum or maximum height restrictions.

Q: If I am accepted as a Qantas Cadet, does that mean I am a Qantas employee?
A: No. Cadet Pilots are not employees of Qantas and Cadets do not have access to the benefits and privileges under Qantas employment conditions. There is also no guarantee or commitment of future employment at any time after completion of the Cadet training program.

Q: Can Qantas help me organise funding for the Qantas Cadet Pilot Program?
A: Please refer to the Qantas Cadet Information Booklet in relation to HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP. Note that Pilot Recruitment are not the subject matter experts on FEE-HELP and HECS-HELP. Any questions relating to FEE-HELP or HECS- HELP should be directed to the applicable university or government body.

Q: Do Qantas offer scholarships or sponsorships for candidates based in Australia or those candidates wanting to apply from overseas?
A: Qantas does not offer scholarships or sponsorships for the Cadet Pilot Program. The Cadet program is self funded by the Cadets, with the opportunity of Government Assistance (eg FEE-HELP and HECS-HELP) where applicable.

Q: What are the stages in becoming a qualified airline pilot?
A: When pursuing a career as an airline pilot, there are a number of stages that you will undertake to achieve your Airline Transport Pilots Licence (ATPL). The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) refers to each of the necessary stages in becoming a Pilot and also provides other information on the topic of 'Learning to Fly'.

Refer to the CASA website for more information about the 'Stages in Becoming a Pilot'.

Q: What if I completed my secondary education qualifications overseas?
A: Candidates with overseas secondary education qualifications who believe their course of study may be equivalent to the NSW Year 12 Higher School Certificate (HSC) English and Mathematics may be asked by Qantas to obtain a Statement of Equivalence from the NSW Board of Studies. If supporting documentation is requested by Qantas during the selection process, candidates should provide a copy of both the Statement of Equivalence and their overseas education certificate. Candidates with secondary education qualifications from Australia, New Zealand, England, South Africa or who have an International Baccalaureate may not be required to provide a Statement of Equivalence.

Q: I did not do Maths at School. If I complete an adult learning course will that be acceptable for the Cadet program?
A: The minimum Mathematics criterion states that either a suitable Year 12 Math subject or a pass in a suitable degree level Mathematics subject are acceptable. We are unable to accept Bridging, Trade or Diploma courses. Suitable Year 12 subjects can be studied at TAFE colleges where candidates sit the official, supervised exam at the end of the course. If you are enrolled in a course and are unsure if it meets our requirements, send a copy of the course outline and course content to us and we can assess its suitability.

Q: If I complete my training privately at a Qantas Approved Flight Training Organisation, would I be recognised as a Cadet graduate?
A: No. You must apply to the Qantas Cadet Pilot Program and be accepted as a Qantas Cadet prior to commencing your training. Alternatively, you must achieve the Direct Entry Pilot Minimum Criteria and apply as a Direct Entry Pilot.

Q: What is an Aviation Reference Number (ARN) and how do I obtain one?
A: The application form to apply for an ARN can be found at flying schools CASA Area Offices or on the CASA website. The form should be completed and submitted to your local CASA Area .This can be done via fax, post or be hand delivered, alternatively you can scan and email these to CASA at clarc@casa.gov.au. Depending on the method of application, it can take up to 10 days to receive an ARN. All ARN applicants should ensure a copy of appropriate identification is submitted with the application, with details noted on the ARN application form. Please note: An Aviation Reference Number is required in order to submit a Cadet Pilot Program application.

Q: How long does the Cadet program go for and how much does it cost?
A:

  • Swinburne Bach Degree: 3 Years, $130K - HECS and FEE-HELP approved;
  • Swinburne Assoc Degree: 18 months, $130K - FEE HELP approved;
  • Griffith Bach Degree: 3 Years, $112K - HECS and FEE HELP approved;
  • Commercial Program: approx. 6 months, approx $52K (fully self funded).

Further information should be sourced through the Qantas Cadet Information Booklet.

Q: I am interested in obtaining information relating to QantasLink and/or Jetstar Pilot Recruitment. Can you tell me more about their available positions ?
A: Qantaslink and Jetstar have separate departments for pilot recruitment. Information relating to Qantaslink or Jetstar opportunities can be sourced through these airlines websites.

Q: Can you still be a pilot for Qantas if you have mild colour blindness / diabetes etc?
A: CASA regulates all medical policy relating to aviation and piloting. Refer to the CASA website for further information.

Have more questions? Refer to our Careers FAQ document for more information.

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Qantas Pilot Recruitment Contact Information

Applicants are advised that all of the relevent information for you to succesfully complete the Qantas Cadet application process is available on this website. Furthemore, all information relating to the Program options can be sourced via the appropriate Program links on this website or via the Qantas Cadet Information Booklet.

All correspondence for the Qantas Cadet Pilot Program will be issued via e-mail throughout the recruitment process. Please regularly monitor your email account, including your junk mail folder, to ensure you receive and respond to all correspondence within the necessary timeframe.

For any urgent requests, email Qantas Pilot Recruitment at pilotrecruitment@qantas.com.au. Allow up to seven business days for a response.

Note: Qantas Pilot Recruitment is unable to assist individuals with career advice or work experience requests. For information relating to becoming a Pilot, refer to the CASA website.