Roger Copy Ta

There seems to be alot of interest of late in Pacific Island jobs. But do pilots with experience in this area believe that this is a realistic shortcut to Jet time compared to staying in Australia in todays industry? Forget about living conditions and pay, just interested in the overall average time frame.

Also curious if this option might limit or expand the potential airlines one might end up with in anyway.

Is this a classic grass is greener case for struggling pilots or does a genuine shortcut/opportunity exist for those willing to make the leap?

Before anyone asks about experience, I have 500hrs, MECIR & ATPL's.

Chimbu chuckles

If you view it only then probably not.

If you view it as a great experience that will make you a more rounded human being and pilot then it probably is.

Realistically at 500TT you are YEARS away from being competitive against the average successful airline applicant in Australia who probably has 3000-5000 TT and some turbine command.

If you go to 'the Pacific' you will probably end up flying ME quicker than staying in Australia. As an example I went to 'the Pacific' with 350 odd hrs and by the time I had 1100 600+ was ME command. You will probably end up with Turbine command time quicker. I was SP ME turbine at 2400TT.

But if you go to 'the Pacific' and spend your entire time there motivated by a mere short cut you will likely be unhappy...and that will become obvious to all around you and you won't get ahead as quickly as you think reasonable...and then you will be bitter and unhappy.

Go for the fun, adventure, drinking and flying...or don't go at all.

OzExpat

As usual Chuck, you've said it all... very succintly!

Roger Copy Ta

Cheers Chucky, very helpful.

In my defence... fast progression is not at all my main motivation, just one of many important considerations in deciding the direction of my future. I agree completely with your views on attitude, but thanks for the tip anyway.

In any case, you've answered my question so many thanks.

However, 'shortcut' was clearly the wrong term to use and has misrepresented my query, what I'm actually concerned about is getting stuck in a dead end. You hear of some guys with thousands of single hours, or all SIC but no PIC time and unable to move ahead. This is what I'm really asking about and trying to avoid.

I love flying singles, I love working in GA and am happy to continue to do so in any country, but I'd like to know that I'll be in a good position 5 years down the track and how my options will or will not be limited by the choices I make now.

Any views or advice on this in regards to staying in Australia or going to the Pacific region (such as PNG and Solomans) is much appreciated.

Cheers.

Chimbu chuckles

No worries

I cannot see a downside to going to PNG or somewhere...apart from, like me, you may get to like it so much you'll stay too long. I saw several guys leave after 2 years and join QF, a bunch more go after a few more and join AN/TAA...I stayed nearly 14

But I have not one regret...I had a ball.

Aussie

On that note, anyone worked at Pacific flight services???? Anyone know anything about them?

Cheers

Aussie

Chimbu chuckles

There was a PFS with Lears at Seletar...that who you mean?