QantasLink Pilot Interview: Recruitment Process, Requirements, Questions and Salary
If you're preparing for a QantasLink pilot interview, there is more to prepare for than a list of behavioural interview questions.
If you're preparing for a QantasLink pilot interview, there is more to prepare for than a list of behavioural interview questions.
Recent candidate reports suggest the QantasLink assessment can involve a combination of behavioural and technical questions, a simulator assessment and a group exercise. The exact process can change, so the most useful preparation isn't memorising a set of questions. It's understanding what you're likely to be assessed on and preparing yourself to demonstrate those competencies when the questions or assessment change.
In this guide, we'll look at the current QantasLink pilot requirements, salary, bases, recruitment process, what candidates have recently reported experiencing on assessment day, reported interview questions and the themes you should prepare for.
Important: Reported interview questions and assessment details can change. The questions below are based on candidate reports and historical recruitment discussions, not leaked or guaranteed QantasLink questions.
What Is QantasLink?
QantasLink is the Qantas Group's regional airline operation, connecting metropolitan and regional communities across Australia.
Qantas currently describes QantasLink as operating more than 2,000 flights each week. The regional operation includes Eastern Australia Airlines, Sunstate Airlines, National Jet Systems and Network Aviation. Its current fleet across the regional operation includes aircraft such as the Dash 8, Embraer E190, Fokker 100 and Airbus A220, A319 and A320 aircraft.
Learn more about QantasLink and its current network and fleet
For pilots, QantasLink offers regional flying and a pathway into the wider Qantas Group. The current Direct Entry First Officer advertisement describes QantasLink as an entry point to the Qantas Group and highlights opportunities for career progression and training.
That makes it an attractive option for pilots who want airline experience without necessarily meeting the higher experience requirements associated with some mainline positions.
QantasLink Pilot Requirements
The requirements can change as recruitment needs change, so always check the current vacancy before applying.
At the time of writing, the published QantasLink Direct Entry First Officer requirements include:
- Minimum 500 hours total aeroplane flight time
- CASA ATPL(A), or CASA CPL(A) with passes in all Australian ATPL theory subjects
- Level 6 English Language Proficiency
- Australian multi-engine instrument rating
- Instrument Approach 2D and 3D endorsements
- Current CASA Class 1 Aviation Medical Certificate
- Australian citizenship or unrestricted rights to work in Australia or New Zealand without sponsorship
- Ability to pass drug and alcohol testing
- Ability to obtain an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC)
- Current passport with unrestricted access to Qantas ports of call
Qantas also states that preference is given to applicants who have flown at least 50 hours during the previous 12 months.
For New Zealand pilots, Qantas' published minimum requirements state that licences and ratings must be converted to the relevant Australian licence/rating before applying.
The 500-hour requirement is worth understanding
The published minimum of 500 hours is important because it means QantasLink's Direct Entry First Officer pathway is accessible to pilots much earlier in their careers than many pilots might assume.
However, meeting the minimum requirement doesn't automatically mean you're a competitive candidate.
There is a difference between being eligible to apply and being ready to perform well in the assessment.
That distinction matters.
What Is the QantasLink Pilot Salary?
Current QantasLink Direct Entry First Officer advertisements have listed salaries in the region of:
AUD $79,252–$94,383 plus superannuation and allowances.
Previous QantasLink Direct Entry First Officer advertisements have listed different salary ranges, so candidates should always check the current vacancy rather than relying on an old figure.
There are also detailed salary classifications within the relevant enterprise agreements. For example, the Eastern Australia Airlines Pilots Enterprise Agreement includes separate salary scales for Dash 8 pilots based on aircraft, classification and years of service. The agreement's 2026 Dash 8 Captain rates begin at approximately $149,563 and increase with service.
This means there isn't really one single number that can accurately be described as the "QantasLink pilot salary".
Pay can depend on the employing Qantas Group entity, aircraft, classification, experience, allowances and progression.
If you're considering applying, use the current job advertisement and applicable enterprise agreement as your source of truth.
What Bases Does QantasLink Have?
Current Direct Entry First Officer advertisements have listed bases including:
- Cairns
- Brisbane
- Sydney
- Melbourne
- Adelaide
- Mildura
Not every recruitment campaign necessarily advertises the same bases, so don't assume that every location will be available when you apply.
QantasLink operates across a much wider network of Australian destinations, but the locations from which the airline operates flights should not be confused with available pilot bases.
This is another reason to check the current vacancy rather than relying on information from an older recruitment campaign.
What Happens During a QantasLink Pilot Assessment?
This is where things get particularly interesting.
Recent candidate reports suggest that the assessment can involve several different components rather than being a simple sit-down interview.
One candidate who reported successfully completing QantasLink recruitment in February 2025 said their entire assessment took place over one day and included:
- Technical and behavioural interview
- Q300 simulator assessment
- A group "Mayday" exercise
The candidate described the group exercise as being focused on working together and making sensible decisions rather than simply arriving at a particular outcome.
Another candidate who reported completing the assessment in May 2025 described a panel interview involving an HR representative and a Captain, followed by a Q300 simulator assessment.
These reports are useful, but they should be treated as candidate experiences rather than a guaranteed assessment format.
Recruitment processes can change.
Preparing for QantasLink?
We’ve built a specific preparation package for pilots applying to QantasLink, bringing the key company research, preparation material and potential interview questions together in one place.
View the QantasLink Preparation Package →The QantasLink Panel Interview
One recent candidate reported that their panel interview consisted of:
- An introduction
- Four behavioural "Tell me about a time..." questions
- Approximately 12 technical questions
The technical questions were reportedly focused on basic AIP and IFR operational knowledge, including identifying symbols and interpreting information such as SIGMETs.
That candidate also reported that they weren't asked Dash 8-specific technical questions, although other candidates reportedly received some basic aircraft-specific questions.
Another candidate reported that their simulator assessment involved a Q300 profile provided approximately two weeks beforehand, including power settings and pitch attitudes to learn. They described the exercise as including a take-off, steep turns, positional information, radial interception and VOR and ILS approaches, with no landing required.
Again, don't assume this exact profile will be used for your assessment.
The important lesson is the breadth of preparation required.
You may need to prepare for behavioural questions, technical knowledge and simulator performance — potentially within the same assessment process.
Reported QantasLink Pilot Interview Questions
There are a number of reported QantasLink and Qantas Group interview questions available online.
Some are recent, while others come from older recruitment campaigns. That distinction is important.
I would not recommend preparing by memorising these questions.
Instead, use them to understand the types of evidence the interview may be looking for.
Behavioural Questions
Recent candidate reports specifically mention "Tell me about a time..." questions.
Reported questions across Qantas and QantasLink recruitment discussions have included themes such as:
- Tell us about a time you had a conflict at work.
- Tell us about a time you made a mistake.
- What did you learn from that situation?
- Tell us about a time you had to make a decision without having all the information.
- Tell us about a time you had to challenge someone.
- Tell us about a time you demonstrated leadership.
- Tell us about a time you had to deal with a difficult person.
- Tell us about a time you failed to complete a task.
- Tell us about a time you had to work with someone you disagreed with.
- What is your greatest achievement?
- What are your strengths?
- What are your weaknesses?
Historical Qantas interview reports contain many examples of this style of questioning, including conflict, mistakes, decision-making, leadership, rule compliance and learning from experience.
The important point isn't whether one of these exact questions appears.
It's the competency underneath it.
Don't just prepare for questions. Prepare for the assessment.
Our QantasLink preparation package brings together company research, preparation material and a potential interview question bank to help you prepare for the areas that matter.
Explore the QantasLink Preparation Package →Common QantasLink Interview Themes
Based on the current recruitment information and the candidate reports available, there are several areas worth preparing carefully.
1. Safety and judgement
Airline interviews aren't simply trying to determine whether you know the rules.
They also want to understand how you use that knowledge when circumstances become complicated.
You may be asked about situations involving:
- Operational pressure
- Risk
- Rule compliance
- Decision-making
- Challenging another crew member
- Making decisions with incomplete information
- Balancing competing priorities
Historical Qantas Group interview reports include questions about breaking rules, being asked to break rules and dealing with situations where a pilot disagreed with another crew member.
The specific questions may be old.
The underlying competency isn't.
2. CRM and teamwork
The reported QantasLink group exercise is particularly relevant here.
If the exercise is designed to assess how a group reaches a decision, then simply being the person who talks the most isn't necessarily an advantage.
Good CRM isn't about dominating the conversation.
It's about contributing useful information, listening to other people, recognising when you may be wrong and helping the group reach a sensible decision.
That's a very different skill from simply demonstrating that you're confident.
3. Decision making
Decision-making comes up repeatedly in reported interview material.
Interviewers may want to understand:
- How you gather information
- How you identify the important information
- How you assess risk
- When you seek another person's input
- How you make a decision when time is limited
- Whether you review your decision afterwards
One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is describing the decision itself without explaining the thinking behind it.
The interviewer isn't just interested in what you did.
They're interested in why you did it.
4. Communication
Recent candidate reports indicate that behavioural questions form a significant part of the panel interview.
That means communication matters.
And this is where experienced pilots can sometimes make life unnecessarily difficult for themselves.
You may have an excellent example.
But if you spend four minutes setting the scene, another three minutes describing what everyone else did and only 20 seconds explaining your own actions, the interviewer has to work hard to find the evidence.
Good interview answers aren't necessarily long.
They're clear.
5. Technical knowledge
Don't make the mistake of preparing only for behavioural questions.
One recent candidate reported approximately 12 technical questions covering AIP and IFR operational knowledge, including interpreting symbols and SIGMET information.
Historical candidate reports also describe technical questions covering topics such as:
- Instrument procedures
- Weather
- Aircraft knowledge
- Company operations
- IFR rules
- Aircraft limitations
The level and subject matter can change depending on your background and the current recruitment process.
The safest approach is to know the fundamentals of the operation you're currently flying and to revise the relevant IFR and operational knowledge expected of an airline pilot.
6. Motivation and airline knowledge
"Why QantasLink?" is hardly a surprising question.
But many pilots still give weak answers.
Saying:
"It's a great airline and I'd like to progress to Qantas."
doesn't demonstrate much preparation.
Before an interview, you should understand:
- What QantasLink does
- Its role within the Qantas Group
- Its current fleet
- Its network
- The type of flying involved
- The bases available
- Why the operation appeals to you
- What you can contribute
Qantas itself describes QantasLink as a regional operation with a strong connection to Australian communities and as an entry point into the wider Qantas Group.
Your answer should demonstrate that you've done your homework.
Don't Memorise the Reported Questions
This is probably the most important piece of advice I can give you.
If you find a list online containing 50 QantasLink interview questions, it can be tempting to write an answer for every one.
I don't think that's the best way to prepare.
Why?
Because interviewers can change the wording.
They can ask a follow-up.
They can ask you why you made a particular decision.
They can challenge your assumption.
They can ask what you would do differently.
And suddenly your perfectly memorised answer doesn't fit anymore.
Instead, build a library of genuine experiences.
You should have examples covering areas such as:
- Safety
- Decision making
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Conflict
- Communication
- Mistakes
- Learning
- Pressure
- Challenge
- Adapting to change
Then practise explaining those experiences clearly.
How to Prepare for the QantasLink Pilot Interview
1. Understand the current recruitment process
Don't prepare for the QantasLink assessment based on something a pilot experienced five years ago.
Even the recent candidate reports show that there can be differences between assessments.
One candidate reported a Q300 simulator and a particular technical interview format. Another candidate had questions about whether a different simulator profile was being used.
Recruitment processes evolve.
Use current information where possible and then prepare broadly enough to deal with variation.
2. Build your example library
Rather than preparing an answer for every conceivable behavioural question, identify around 8–12 strong experiences from your career.
For each one, know:
Situation: What was happening?
Task: What were you responsible for?
Action: What did you personally do?
Result: What happened?
Reflection: What did you learn?
The reflection is particularly important.
An interviewer doesn't just want to know that you handled a difficult situation.
They want to know what you took from it.
3. Revise your technical knowledge
Don't assume the technical component will be an aircraft-type interrogation.
Recent candidate reports suggest some questions were relatively fundamental AIP and IFR questions.
That doesn't mean you should only revise those subjects.
It means you should make sure your fundamentals are solid.
Review the operational knowledge relevant to your current flying, including:
- IFR procedures
- AIP
- Instrument approaches
- Weather
- Charts
- Aircraft systems and limitations
- Operational decision making
And if you know which aircraft you'll be assessed on, prepare accordingly.
4. Prepare for the simulator
If you are given a simulator profile before the assessment, learn it properly.
Don't just read it.
Practise the profile until the basic numbers become familiar enough that you can concentrate on flying.
Recent candidate reports suggest that simulator preparation can involve learning pitch attitudes and power settings before the assessment.
But don't fall into another trap.
The goal isn't to fly like a robot.
The goal is to demonstrate that you can operate the aircraft accurately while maintaining situational awareness and sound instrument flying technique.
5. Practise speaking, not just writing
This is one of the biggest differences between preparing for an interview and preparing for an exam.
You don't get marks for having a brilliant answer written in a notebook.
You get assessed on how effectively you communicate it in the room.
Take your examples and say them out loud.
Then ask yourself:
- Did I answer the question?
- Did I explain what I personally did?
- Did I spend too much time on the background?
- Did I explain why I made the decision?
- Did I explain the result?
- Did I explain what I learned?
- Could I say the same thing in 90 seconds?
If you can't comfortably explain your example out loud, you probably aren't ready to be interviewed on it.
6. Prepare for follow-up questions
This is where memorised answers often fall apart.
Suppose you say:
"I challenged the Captain because I was concerned about the weather."
The next question might be:
"What specifically were you concerned about?"
Then:
"Why didn't you raise it earlier?"
The interviewer isn't necessarily trying to catch you out.
They're trying to understand your thinking.
7. Prepare for the group exercise
If your assessment includes a group exercise, don't walk in thinking you need to become the leader.
You don't.
Listen.
Contribute.
Ask questions.
Bring useful information into the discussion.
Make space for other people.
If you disagree, explain why without becoming argumentative.
And help the group reach a sensible decision.
The reported QantasLink "Mayday" exercise is particularly interesting because one successful candidate said the process of reaching the decision appeared more important than the final outcome.
That's a useful lesson.
The loudest person in the room isn't automatically the strongest candidate.
Prepare for the airline, not just the interview.
Our QantasLink Pilot Interview Preparation Package brings the key preparation resources together in one place — including company research, preparation guidance and a potential interview question bank.
View the QantasLink Preparation Package →Sean's Perspective
One of the biggest mistakes pilots make when preparing for an airline interview is assuming the assessment is simply an opportunity to prove that they're a good pilot.
It isn't.
The people assessing you already know that you have flying experience. Your application has told them your qualifications, hours and employment history.
The interview gives you an opportunity to show them how you think.
That's why two pilots with very similar flying experience can perform very differently in an interview.
One might give a technically correct but vague answer.
Another might tell a simple story that clearly demonstrates sound judgement, good communication, appropriate challenge and genuine reflection.
The second candidate has made the interviewer's job easier.
That's important.
You don't need the most dramatic story.
You need useful evidence.
What Are QantasLink Interviewers Really Looking For?
Nobody outside QantasLink can tell you exactly what every assessor will be looking for in your individual assessment.
But the current recruitment process and candidate reports point towards several recurring areas:
- Sound judgement
- Safety mindset
- Decision making
- Communication
- Teamwork
- CRM
- Technical knowledge
- Learning from experience
- Self-awareness
- Professionalism
- Ability to operate under pressure
The common thread is that they're not simply asking:
"Is this person a good pilot?"
They're trying to build a picture of how this person is likely to operate as an airline pilot within their organisation.
That's why your preparation needs to go beyond memorising answers.
Is QantasLink a Pathway to Qantas Mainline?
QantasLink is part of the wider Qantas Group and Qantas describes the operation as providing a gateway for pilots into the broader Group.
That makes QantasLink an attractive career option for pilots who want to build airline experience within the Qantas Group.
However, it's important to be realistic.
Joining QantasLink does not mean you are guaranteed a future position at Qantas mainline.
Career progression depends on a range of factors including performance, experience, vacancies, recruitment requirements and the needs of the business.
Treat QantasLink as a career in its own right rather than simply a stepping stone to something else.
Final Thoughts
If you're preparing for a QantasLink pilot interview, don't make the mistake of trying to predict every question you'll be asked.
The current candidate reports show why.
Different candidates can experience different technical questions, simulator profiles and assessment components.
A better approach is to prepare for the competencies behind the questions.
Know your experiences.
Know your technical fundamentals.
Know the airline.
Understand the role.
Practise communicating clearly.
And be prepared to explain not only what you did, but why you did it and what you learned.
The strongest preparation isn't:
"I know the questions."
It's:
"Whatever they ask me, I can give them good evidence."
Ready to prepare properly?
If QantasLink is the next step you're aiming for, our dedicated preparation package gives you a structured starting point for researching the airline and preparing for the potential interview and assessment areas.
View the QantasLink Pilot Interview Package →If you're preparing for an airline interview, you can also learn more about how to prepare for an airline pilot interview and build a broader preparation strategy around behavioural questions, technical preparation, simulator assessments and follow-up questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do you need to apply for QantasLink?
The current published minimum for the Direct Entry First Officer position is 500 hours total aeroplane flight time. Qantas states that preference is given to candidates with at least 50 hours in the previous 12 months.
What licence do you need for QantasLink?
Applicants need either a CASA ATPL(A), or a CASA CPL(A) with passes in all Australian ATPL theory subjects, together with the required instrument qualifications and endorsements.
What is the QantasLink First Officer salary?
Current advertised QantasLink Direct Entry First Officer salaries have been around AUD $79,000–$94,000 plus superannuation and allowances, although advertised ranges can change.
What bases does QantasLink have?
Recent Direct Entry First Officer advertisements have listed bases including Cairns, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and, in some campaigns, Mildura. Available bases can change between recruitment campaigns.
Does QantasLink have a simulator assessment?
Recent candidates have reported a simulator assessment as part of the recruitment process, including Q300 simulator profiles. However, simulator requirements can change, so candidates should follow the information provided for their individual assessment.
What questions are asked in the QantasLink interview?
Recent candidates have reported behavioural "Tell me about a time..." questions alongside technical questions covering areas such as AIP, IFR operations and interpreting aviation information. Historical reports also include questions around conflict, decision making, leadership, mistakes, safety and motivation. These should be treated as reported examples rather than guaranteed current questions.
Should I memorise reported QantasLink interview questions?
No. Use reported questions to identify the themes you need to prepare for, but build a library of genuine experiences that you can adapt to different questions and follow-ups.
How should I prepare for the QantasLink interview?
Prepare across four areas: your behavioural examples, technical knowledge, knowledge of QantasLink and simulator/group assessment skills. Most importantly, practise explaining your thinking rather than simply memorising answers.
View our specific QantasLink Airline Pilot Interview Package →
Can QantasLink lead to Qantas mainline?
QantasLink is part of the Qantas Group and its recruitment material describes it as an entry point to the wider Group. However, progression to another Qantas Group airline is not guaranteed and depends on individual performance, vacancies, requirements and business needs.