Australia: Training, Licence Conversion, Job Prospects
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If you do complete your CPL in Australia what hoops do you need to jump to fly in the US, and how much $ would you look at burning in the process?
I like the idea of training in the US, but would like to know all the options, from what I read scheduling training flights is tough everyday in those jam packed schools. And although they must be well cashed up I don't like the thought of them possibly shutting down mid way through training.
I like the idea of training in the US, but would like to know all the options, from what I read scheduling training flights is tough everyday in those jam packed schools. And although they must be well cashed up I don't like the thought of them possibly shutting down mid way through training.
Join Date: Jan 2006
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Dont complete your CPL in Oz. Your J1 visa wont allow it. It would be cheaper for you to do more in the US too.
Scheduling in the schools is tough but if you get the right instructor who can work the system for you, you can get fast tracked.
The 2 schools mentioned wont take your money up front. They're pay as you go.
Try and talk to current students to see what the situation is like right now and what has been put in place to ease the tensions.
Scheduling in the schools is tough but if you get the right instructor who can work the system for you, you can get fast tracked.
The 2 schools mentioned wont take your money up front. They're pay as you go.
Try and talk to current students to see what the situation is like right now and what has been put in place to ease the tensions.
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Thanks for the answer's. I am trying to get all the info given the hardest hurdle is transitioning from finishing the CPL to paid heli work.
I am lucky that I'm in a great position, I'm single with no kids and have the funds to pursue this career change without the need for a loan.
It seems you can obtain a PPL license plus no greater than 50 hours and still be eligible for the J1. Is this true or even a good idea? Or would the US not recognise the hours and qualification? Edit, forget this option as I the waiting list is now into March 2009 for the Miami school, the other one will be much the same I guess.
Okay so training in OZ (any other good options to train overseas with better employemnt prospects, asia?) is the go.
At what stage after completing your CPL can you get a job overseas, and how are the prospects?
I am lucky that I'm in a great position, I'm single with no kids and have the funds to pursue this career change without the need for a loan.
It seems you can obtain a PPL license plus no greater than 50 hours and still be eligible for the J1. Is this true or even a good idea? Or would the US not recognise the hours and qualification? Edit, forget this option as I the waiting list is now into March 2009 for the Miami school, the other one will be much the same I guess.
Okay so training in OZ (any other good options to train overseas with better employemnt prospects, asia?) is the go.
At what stage after completing your CPL can you get a job overseas, and how are the prospects?
Last edited by Benjamin James; 10th Feb 2008 at 06:50.
Mate if you're going to do it in the States, do it all there. Get your instructor rating and get some time up, come back to OZ and then worry about the CASA CPLh.
Cheers
Ringer
Cheers
Ringer
BJ, If you do decide to stay in Aus, I would recommend Air T&G. You are right about the small school feel but they are a promising young couple and you would be learning from one of the top instructors around. Best of luck whichever way you go. P.S. I don't know if you would be able to beat the quality and enjoyment you would get from the hour-building flying in Australia! HC.
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Don't do it all in the States.
Do your private with a long time instructor in Australia. When you go to the States you'll probably be put with a low timer CFI. That's the way the system works but you'll do yourself a favour if you get at least your private with someone who's been around the block before.
You'll learn a whole load as a CFI and in the end, it'll cost you a lot less than being a hangar-rat for 5 years.
The waiting list on the other side of the country is not as long and most of their instruction is in the R22 and lately the R44. They have one very old Schweitzer. By far the majority of other schools in the US where you may end up as a CFI are using the R22. On the other hand, the Florida school is mostly Schweitzer and as I understand, far less flexible with schedules etc.
Do your private with a long time instructor in Australia. When you go to the States you'll probably be put with a low timer CFI. That's the way the system works but you'll do yourself a favour if you get at least your private with someone who's been around the block before.
You'll learn a whole load as a CFI and in the end, it'll cost you a lot less than being a hangar-rat for 5 years.
The waiting list on the other side of the country is not as long and most of their instruction is in the R22 and lately the R44. They have one very old Schweitzer. By far the majority of other schools in the US where you may end up as a CFI are using the R22. On the other hand, the Florida school is mostly Schweitzer and as I understand, far less flexible with schedules etc.
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That sounds like a good plan i4iq.
I guess I have to figure out how much training after getting a PPL I can do and if it's even applicable to the FAA system.
Would it matter what Heli I get my PPL in? Would it be a dis-advantage to do it in the Bell 47 that Air T&G use? I like the idea of this school if Sir HC is correct about the instruction being among the best around.
Edit, another question. With a J1 it says you are allowed to undergo work experience as a flight instructer, is this the only work you can do? How is everyone getting turbine time?
I guess I have to figure out how much training after getting a PPL I can do and if it's even applicable to the FAA system.
Would it matter what Heli I get my PPL in? Would it be a dis-advantage to do it in the Bell 47 that Air T&G use? I like the idea of this school if Sir HC is correct about the instruction being among the best around.
Edit, another question. With a J1 it says you are allowed to undergo work experience as a flight instructer, is this the only work you can do? How is everyone getting turbine time?
Last edited by Benjamin James; 11th Feb 2008 at 01:57.
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If you can learn in the R22 from the beginning, do so - it's harder to fly than the Bell 47, although without the throttle control practice.
The J1 only allows you to work in an area directly related to your flight training. You can't get a job at MacDonalds.
The J1 only allows you to work in an area directly related to your flight training. You can't get a job at MacDonalds.
lol. 
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I recieved a reply email from Hillsboro regarding J1 visa's and CPL (H).
It mentions that "Each student must supply a copy of the transcripts from the highest level of education achieved or a copy of their high school diploma (or it's equivelant)".
Is it a requirement to have atleast a high school certificate, and I am right in assuming this is the same as a year 12 certificate in Australia.
BTW I sent you a PM i4iq.
It mentions that "Each student must supply a copy of the transcripts from the highest level of education achieved or a copy of their high school diploma (or it's equivelant)".
Is it a requirement to have atleast a high school certificate, and I am right in assuming this is the same as a year 12 certificate in Australia.
BTW I sent you a PM i4iq.
Join Date: Feb 2008
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Syd/NSW training?
Hey all,
From what I've read in this long post it seems that the best options for training are in VIC (Melbourne) or QLD (Sunshine Coast), is that the case? I guess what I am trying to figure out is if I need to leave NSW in order for me to get good training?
Also, chopperline and PHS seem to suggest that they have good opportunities for employment within the company/parent company, so is it worth training there for that reason, or are you just as likely to get your first job having trained elsewhere?
Thanks!
From what I've read in this long post it seems that the best options for training are in VIC (Melbourne) or QLD (Sunshine Coast), is that the case? I guess what I am trying to figure out is if I need to leave NSW in order for me to get good training?
Also, chopperline and PHS seem to suggest that they have good opportunities for employment within the company/parent company, so is it worth training there for that reason, or are you just as likely to get your first job having trained elsewhere?
Thanks!
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Why anyone would encourage someone on a J1 visa to go to an all Schweizer school is beyond me- if the clock is ticking in the US for you to get flight hours after you get your ratings, then you need Robinson time to be able to get a job somewhere, if your own school doesn't hire you- (have a plan "B").
Remember- the airframe you choose to train in, is most likely the same airframe that you will be getting your first 1000 hours in- if you do it in a Bell 47, you had better have a Bell 47 job promised to you when you finish, because you won't be able to get a job teaching in a 300, R-22, or R-44. Don't limit your options. The Florida J1 school is great, but if you don't land a job with them, you are screwed- 90% of the schools in the US, and almost every low-time commercial job opportunity is in a Robinson R-22/R-44.
Insurance companies run this industry- Yeah, you might be a great guy with a great attitude, but nobody can hire you if you don't have the minimum airframe hours that the insurance company requires for the airframe that you will be teaching in. Good Luck!
Remember- the airframe you choose to train in, is most likely the same airframe that you will be getting your first 1000 hours in- if you do it in a Bell 47, you had better have a Bell 47 job promised to you when you finish, because you won't be able to get a job teaching in a 300, R-22, or R-44. Don't limit your options. The Florida J1 school is great, but if you don't land a job with them, you are screwed- 90% of the schools in the US, and almost every low-time commercial job opportunity is in a Robinson R-22/R-44.
Insurance companies run this industry- Yeah, you might be a great guy with a great attitude, but nobody can hire you if you don't have the minimum airframe hours that the insurance company requires for the airframe that you will be teaching in. Good Luck!
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BJ, I might see you in Oregon this summer if you hurry.
i4iq has good idea. PPL won't invalidate you for J1 and it ain't bad to have home PPL before going to the US. Will save some time and give you an idea about the stuff. I'd do it if I weren't based in the UK (nuff nuff)
Isn't it that there's many low/lowish timers flooding heli companies in Australia with CVs and therefore they'd pick someone up from suitable candidates?
Well, if you still don't know the market you wish to work in by the time you have the hours as yours...
helicfi you're right in a way.
First of all, there's only two J1 heli schools. Oregon and Florida.
Secondly, nobody forces folks to do all the training in in S300. Bristow Academy DO HAVE Robbies as well. Few, but they have.
Also, nobody says it's hard to get R22 for SFH in that area.
From what I've read, 50 hours in R22 and 25h in R44 for SFAR sign-offs and the R22 time can be substituted by R44, ie 25 R22 and 25 R44.
That's theory-wise. Naturally, if someone's comparable in hours and ratings, but there's 100 hour in R22 difference, the operators might be inclined to hire the 'more experienced' guy. Some advise to have 100/100 first 200 hours anyway. not to forget that 200TT min in heli for R22 instructing...
The choice is theirs how they make up their TT summary being aware of the US training market specifics.
i4iq has good idea. PPL won't invalidate you for J1 and it ain't bad to have home PPL before going to the US. Will save some time and give you an idea about the stuff. I'd do it if I weren't based in the UK (nuff nuff)
I see lots of Jobs for experienced twin IFR pilots is anyone looking for pilots with around 1600 single with turbine experience. I just don't see any of these jobs advertised.
Thanks for any leads
Thanks for any leads
Well, if you still don't know the market you wish to work in by the time you have the hours as yours...
helicfi you're right in a way.
First of all, there's only two J1 heli schools. Oregon and Florida.
Secondly, nobody forces folks to do all the training in in S300. Bristow Academy DO HAVE Robbies as well. Few, but they have.
Also, nobody says it's hard to get R22 for SFH in that area.
From what I've read, 50 hours in R22 and 25h in R44 for SFAR sign-offs and the R22 time can be substituted by R44, ie 25 R22 and 25 R44.
That's theory-wise. Naturally, if someone's comparable in hours and ratings, but there's 100 hour in R22 difference, the operators might be inclined to hire the 'more experienced' guy. Some advise to have 100/100 first 200 hours anyway. not to forget that 200TT min in heli for R22 instructing...
The choice is theirs how they make up their TT summary being aware of the US training market specifics.
Join Date: Jun 2005
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Hey all, I'm heading to melbourne next year for my brothers wedding and im thinking about doing my training there (was looking to head somewhere else and get out of ireland for a while anyway, and just thought while in rome etc)
I'm killing time at work here checking out different schools. Had a browse through this thread but wasnt too sure about this, are there schools in oz that do JAA courses? if not and if I get a cpl there whats the procedure to getting it converted. Also have about 40hrs in ireland in a r22 but havent been up since 06, just been saving my money since, can this be put towards training in australia or will i be basically starting from scratch.
Thanks
I'm killing time at work here checking out different schools. Had a browse through this thread but wasnt too sure about this, are there schools in oz that do JAA courses? if not and if I get a cpl there whats the procedure to getting it converted. Also have about 40hrs in ireland in a r22 but havent been up since 06, just been saving my money since, can this be put towards training in australia or will i be basically starting from scratch.
Thanks
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Jobs in Oz
So if there's work for relative newbies here In Australia...who's hiring? I have 400hrs RW (mostly B47/KH4 and R22) and 2100hrs FW. I miss helicopters too much and wonder if now's a good time to do the swap back to real flying. I'd really love to get some turbine time or anything helicopters anywhere. Anyone have any ideas? Cheers!
Join Date: Feb 2005
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Hey all, I'm heading to melbourne next year for my brothers wedding and im thinking about doing my training there
So if there's work for relative newbies here In Australia?
