Pilots and Flight Operations
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The Qantas Group Future Pilot Program provides Aviation students at either the Qantas Group Pilot Academy or during their university degree the opportunity to be mentored by experienced Qantas Group pilots, and selected students will be invited to complete an airline pathway program, subject to operational requirements. If successful, students may be eligible to enter the Qantas Group as a Turboprop First Officer with QantasLink.
Note: due to the impact of COVID-19 on airline operations, the airline pathway program is temporarily closed.
The Qantas Group Future Pilot Program is open to Aviation students at:
- Qantas Group Pilot Academy,
- UNSWOpens external site in a new window,
- Griffith UniversityOpens external site in a new window,
- University of Southern QueenslandOpens external site in a new window,
- Swinburne University of TechnologyOpens external site in a new window,
- RMIT UniversityOpens external site in a new window,
- Central Queensland UniversityOpens external site in a new window, and
- University of South AustraliaOpens external site in a new window.
Once employed by QantasLink, graduates will complete their training under the supervision of QantasLink’s experienced training team and go on to become qualified as First Officers flying the Group’s Dash 8 200/300 or Q400 fleet in Australia.
To be eligible, university students will need to be in Year 2, have a GPA of 5.0 (on a 7 point scale) or above for the duration of their Bachelor of Aviation degree and Australian work rights for a role at QantasLink. Students at the Qantas Group Pilot Academy have automatic entry to the program.
For more information, email us.
One of the world’s most experienced airlines, we operate a technically advanced fleet of Airbus (A380 and A330) and Boeing (787 and 737NG) aircraft.
Qantas Direct Entry Trainee Second Officer Scheme
As a Trainee Second Officer, you'll perform an essential role as part of the Qantas operating crew on our long haul services. Our Second Officers perform critical duties on our A330, A380 and B787-9 aircraft.
Qantas Trainee Second Officers are trained at one of the world's most respected and professional flight training establishments - Qantas Flight Training. You'll be able to develop and learn with dedicated staff who are committed to our industry leading safety standards. You'll work with experienced Qantas pilots to develop your operational experience on an active line, and have the opportunity to travel the world on some of the most technologically-advanced aircraft in the industry.
As a Second Officer, you'll form part of a team dedicated to ensuring the safe operation of the aircraft, delivering premium customer service and upholding Qantas' core professional values.
Learn about the Qantas direct entry minimum requirements [PDF].
Pilot recruitment process
To ensure best practice, we continuously review our recruitment process in light of industry feedback, internal and external governance requirements.
The recruitment process involves a number of stages including:
- Initial application
- Psychometric testing
- Online / phone interview
- Assessment Centre - which may include group activities, scenarios and a behavioural based interview.
- Medical assessments
- Simulator assessments.
Refer to the Civil Aviation Safety AuthorityOpens external site in a new window (CASA) for more information about becoming a pilot.
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We’re proud to represent regional Australia and be a part of its communities. Our modern fleet of Dash-8, Q400, 300 and 200 aircraft proudly service regional Australia and connect regional ports with our capital cities. Our pilots get the best of both worlds with challenging, hands-on piloting, and the opportunity to experience the true beauty of our nation.
As a QantasLink Flight Crew member you’ll make safety your first priority and take looking after our customers seriously.
The ongoing training we provide is of the highest standard, highly regarded in the aviation industry, and designed to ensure our impeccable safety record is maintained while developing our crew to their full potential. In exchange for your hard work and commitment, you’ll have the chance to expand your skills and experience including command upgrades, training and checking positions and opportunities to move into regulatory and compliance roles within Flying Operations.
Although we’re a large company, we’re one big family. Every pilot becomes part of our loyal, close-knit team, and is valued for their contribution to our company's visions and values.
If you're keen to join our team, based on your experience, there are two pathways to register your interest: as a Direct Entry First Officer (more information below) or through the Qantas Future Pilot Program.
QantasLink Direct Entry First Officer
Minimum requirements
- Australian Air Transport Pilot Licence or Australian Commercial Pilot Licence with passes in all Australian ATPL theory subjects. International applicants, visit CASAOpens external site in a new window for information on converting overseas licenses.
- English Language Proficiency Level 6 on your licence.
- Hold current endorsements for Instrument Approach 2D and 3D on a current Australian Instrument Rating – Multi Engine Aeroplane. New Zealand applicants must have converted their licence/ratings to an Australian Licence/Rating prior to applying for a position.
- Total aeronautical experience of 700 hours or greater.
- 250 hours or greater PIC of a multi-engine aeroplane (MEA) (excluding ICUS & SIM); or 250 hours or greater PIC of a single engine turbine aircraft greater than 3,400kg MTOW (excluding ICUS & SIM); or 250 hours or greater as a co-pilot in a multi-engine turbine, multi-crew aircraft (excluding ICUS & SIM).
- Current CASA Class 1 Aviation Medical Certificate.
- Be willing and able to pass drug and alcohol testing.
- The ability to hold an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC) (effective 1st July 1997 under the Commonwealth Air Navigation Act, you are required to undertake extensive background and security checks, at your own expense, to establish your eligibility to hold an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC)
- Hold a current passport with unrestricted access to all Qantas ports of call with at least 12 months validity.
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Jetconnect embraces the Qantas brand, training and safety values whilst offering pilots the opportunity to live in Auckland or Wellington and enjoy everything New Zealand has to offer. Our pilots fly Qantas 737-800 aircraft across the Tasman to key destinations and form an integral part in connecting New Zealand and Australia to the Qantas International network.
Jetconnect pilots are provided with the highest standard of training from one of the worlds most respected and professional flight training establishments – Qantas Flight Training.
With a variety of flying backgrounds offering a unique combination of experience, our pilots are an integral part of the Jetconnect team ensuring operational excellence with a safety conscious culture. The excitement and challenge of flying jet aircraft ensures every day is different!
If you have good interpersonal skills, enjoy working within a team and want to live in New Zealand whilst working for one of the oldest airline brands in the world then Jetconnect is for you!
View the Jetconnect minimum criteria matrix Opens external site in a new windowand search for jobsOpens external site in a new window now.
Based at Perth Airport, Network Aviation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Qantas Group. Flying under the QantasLink brand, we provide high capacity jet airline services to our customers throughout Western Australia.
We operate a fleet of Airbus A320 and Fokker 100 aircraft, which are fully supported by comprehensive maintenance facilities at Perth Airport. Our services operate from the Qantas Domestic/International passenger terminal complex.
Network Aviation is a market leader in providing specialist charter support to large resource operations, and has a reputation for excellence in safety, reliability and customer service.
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Express Freighters Australia (EFA) is Qantas Freight's wholly-owned subsidiary freighter management company.
EFA currently operates four B737-300SF, one B737-400SF, one B767-300F and one A321-P2F freighter aircraft, on domestic and international RPT routes and Charter operations.
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Important information
Disclaimer: * An Australian licence can be converted to a New Zealand licence via the TTMRA process.
Disclaimer: ~ A Boeing 737-800 Type Rating is required to join Jetconnect. If you're a qualified pilot and meet the other requirements without this type rating, we have a partnership with Boeing to provide one. You won't be a Jetconnect employee during this time however, on employment, we'll provide you with a one-off reimbursement of costs associated with the travel and living expenses for obtaining the type rating.