Hey folks,
I just wanted to give my two cents for tips to anyone coming up to the top end based on my experience. I understand that there are a whole heap of these type of posts both on GA aviation Australia and PPRUNE itself but it's coming up to the dry season and I'm assuming there'll be a big flux of CPL pilots coming up to the NT, WA etc very shortly.
- Establish yourself a base for the next few months - i.e. Kununurra, Darwin or Broome are good options as there are multiple charter operators based here. However, when deciding to base yourself, just remember that most small towns (even Kununurra or Broome) don't have an aircraft to hire out so keep that in mind!
- This relates to my previous point as when you establish yourself at a top end town - stick it out! Doesn't matter how long it'll take, as long as you've got the right attitude and are willing to learn and continuously study, you will eventually land yourself a job.
- Get a job essentially as soon as you can, whether it be at your local bar woolies/coles whatever. Just get yourself a job as you may think you've got enough money to last yourself for a few months - trust me - you don't. You'll probably blast through your budget within a few weeks or so (depending on how much you have) paying for rent, food, fuel, booze etc. If you're not working, money will just piss out of your bank account like there's no tomorrow. Additionally, you can also meet other pilots at these jobs and therefore build a network which could land you your first job
- This may be a grey area but from my experience, it seems most companies prefer you to have Cessna 200 series time - preferably in a 210. Most companies up in the top end operate a 210 so it'd be beneficial on your CV in getting that 210 time. There is also a relatively large jump from flying a 172 to a 210 in terms of handling characteristics among others so getting that 'feel' for the 210 won't leave you looking like you don't know what you're doing if you do get that call up for a check flight...
- CV's and cover letters: 1 page each. You want to make it easy for the chief pilot to read considering they're always busy. A general guide I used was: hours and endorsements/qualifications at the top, followed by employment history, education and referees at the bottom (know the difference between a referee and reference please). You don't need to include every aircraft type you've flown i.e. C172: 102.3, C182: 10.1. Only add aircraft type that are relevant to the company you're applying to. Do your research on the company you'll be applying for - the aircraft they fly, types of operations conducted, who the owner(s) and chief pilot are etc. Try to not add "Dear chief pilot" - that'll just lead to your CV getting chucked in the bin - again do your research on the company. On what to write for your cover letter, keep it simple (others replying below may have their cover letters differently which is fine); Why you want to work for the company, why you think the company should hire you, what your flying history is and how can you adapt that to the company you're applying for.
- Get a car. If you don't have one already, get a car. Public transportation in the Top End isn't the greatest and is certainly nothing like down south or the east coast. Ideally get a car with functioning AC cause if you haven't been up here to the top end before, you'll be in for a shock at the heat.
- Presenting yourself: When going in to present yourself to a company, please don't rock up in a t-shirt, shorts and thongs. The aviation community is very small, word will spread around fast that there's a guy doing the 'rounds' wearing informal clothing - that's one way to blacklist yourself. Simple dress shirt, black or navy blue dress pants and dress shoes is all you need. Introduce yourself to whoever's available - don't ask for the chief pilot or the owner (big no-no) - establish a rapport with the company - be confident, be polite and be thankful for their time. Come back every 2-3 weeks and if you're lucky enough, you may catch the CP or owner etc.
- Have a listen to some of the episodes on Trent Robinson's podcast, they are bloody good and useful - specific ones to name are episode 6 "applying for your first job in aviation", episode 24 "April 2022 mailbag..." and episode 108 "HOFO Territory Air Services" (episode 108 in particular as Territory Air Services is one of the charter companies up in Darwin) to name a few.
- Do a provide first aid course (St John's ambulance is a good one), dangerous goods course, DAMP on CASA's website - these are some minimum requirements companies may want.
- Keep your nose clean, have a good attitude and mind your own business. Might sound harsh but comes back to the previous point - the aviation community is very small - you never know who you could run into (especially applies when you're on a night out!).
- Study up on aircraft technical knowledge and law, especially part 135. Also advisable to study the POH of the aircraft for the company you're applying for i.e. if a company has a C210, read up on the C210 POH (there's a billion 210 POH's online and know the differences between L, M and N models). Keep your knowledge to a high standard. You may end up with an interview within a week but if you can't answer a simple question such as the special VFR met minima, that's not a great look.
- If based in a town where you can hire an aircraft, try to keep current with your flying. It's very easy to lose currency.
- Make friends. It's a big jump moving from one side of the country to the other (or to the kiwis jumping across the ditch), you'll want to have some people by your side - socialise and make friends - enjoy it while you're up here as you'll make a lot of good memories up here.
This is all I could think of from my experience. To those who have top end experience, please feel free to add anything.
Good luck!