Looking for some guidance, starting a career...
Hi all,
First post on here and looking for a bit of wisdom from those of you who know a thing or two about the industry. Getting started and knowing the uncertainty around this career is definetly a bit nerve racking but I'm eager to find out a bit more. As of now, I've got my PPL which I worked on through high school, sitting at somehere around 100 hours now. . Similar to many of the aviation hopefuls I'm sure, the eventual goal is to make it to the airlines although of course that would be sometime away. However I know there are quite a few steps along the way; CPL, ratings, plenty of GA/instructing before even having a shot at the shiny TP's or Jets. I'd appreciate any insight on the following aspects:
1. What does the industry look like today for those looking to make it to the airlines? I know airlines like Air NZ have hiring mins at 500 hours for the TP's but in reality are many getting hired at these hours? Are they looking purely at PIC hours or also turbine, MEIR etc as well? How is the scope in this part of the world outside Air NZ; e.g I've seen Jetstar with 500 hour minimums but again not sure if there are many A320 right seaters with 500 hours this part of the world? I also realise there is plenty of opportunity overseas and this is something I would be open to.
2. As for my further licenses and ratings (CPL, C-Cat, MEIR etc), what is the best/recomended pathway to get this? I beleive I would be able to self fund a CPL and C-Cat through an aero club as I did with my PPL, but is there a signficant advantage going through a flight training institute (e.g IAANZ) and doing a course such as the diploma which I know is faster but also more costly?
3. From what I've heard, landing that first job is perhaps one of the most challenging parts of many people's career and is where a lot of people fall out? I know many go the instructor route for hour building, is this the best way or other options to explore? Any other tips and tricks for when that comes around?