Originally Posted by
DingdongClunk
Looking to make a permanent move from the dysfunctional ****show that is the US in the Trump era. Seems the pilot shortage has hit Australia. Thanks!
So your reason for leaving the US is Trump?? We could use him down here! Australian government at all levels is infested with left-leaning ('liberal' to you) politicians who are slowly destroying the nation through self-interest and virtue-signalling. The head of Australia's military has banned 'aggressive symbols' on badges etc. The country, rich in uranium, coal and gas, has one of the world's highest energy prices due to green lunatics who think that magic squares on roofs, and windmills will change the world's weather. Unchecked immigration is turning the major cities into ghetto-ridden, overcrowded sprawls with infrastructure that barely copes. Do some research into rental and house prices in Sydney or Melbourne within commute to an airport. Australia's CASA makes the FAA look like Mother Theresa's charity. Australia's major airports take you back to the 1970's, and ATC is, as I have said elsewhere, anal at best and cringeworthy at worst.
Taxes are punitive as Australia is one of the most over governed nations on the planet, three levels of government for just over 24 million people. A relatively small number of taxpayers support these governments, in addition to legitimate requirements but also an army of multi-generational welfare recipients and illegal immigrants. This should be taken into account when you look at salaries on offer. There is also a GST (Goods and Services Tax), 10% on almost everything you purchase.
There is no pilot shortage in Australia, just a shortage of experienced pilots willing to work for the abysmal conditions on offer outside what you would call the 'majors', which have more than enough suitable aspirants. The country has a fraction of the population of the US, and a corresponding tiny airliner count. Ironically, there is a thread elsewhere on this forum about how Australians can get sponsored to fly in the States; maybe you could organise a swap with one!
There are some attractive and relatively cheap towns which could suit if you flew for one of the regional operators, but you would have to be easily amused and like the quiet life! Good luck.