"First of all should I take heaps of stuff like I am moving there or just the bear essentials like head sets, log book, sleeping bag etc and other nececities like that ? "
In my opinion, I would suggest you take the bare essentials first, cause whether your driving or flying, you will save quite abit of effort. You can always bring the rest of your **** when you are 'stable' (I wish) and have a job. Just offers more flexibility thats all. This is prominent if you are not driving. There is always the option of you girlfriend brining it up if you cant.
"How long should I plan on being away if say I would like to get around 1000 tt on a single and then maybe a job on a twin and maybe get another 1000 hrs on the twin gining me 2000 tt. How long should this approx take to get ?"
This with your experience can take anywhere between 1 to 2 years. I dont want to sound to harsh, but unfortunately its the way the 'game' works. I think it will be really tough for you and your girlfriend to be able to put up with the **** you will have to both endure until you both have a satisfactory life. Not to say this is impossible. For you both, it might mean getting based in a totally remote area, that is no life for a white guy, let alone a white girl, unless your both from the bustling bush already and/or are totally dedicated to each other. So I would say plan on being away for a very long time if you are dedicated in what you set out to achieve, otherwise, you are kidding yourself and your girlfriend. Nobody is a fortune teller here, so its really just a matter of going with the flow, and if all things go your way, meaning you are one of the lucky, id say at least one year the way things are going to get on a twin. If you want 1000 single and 1000 twin, this might take a few years at least in Australia!!!!
"Should I take my girlfriend with me as she is in a job that can pick up work anywhere in Australia with her qualification?"
This again is totally up to you. Alot of places wont cater for anyone. We just put up with the **** cause we have too. If you want to earn money I suggest get your Forklift licence, as they earn around $30 an hour based in the comfort of their own home, and it doesnt break relationships. They also have stability,super and a future and are not chronic alocholics. What Im trying to say is, dont think for one minute that this will be an easy path. Flying schools treat you like mushrooms. They keep in you in the dark and feed you ****. Becoming a commercial pilot is probably one of the most overrated occupations in Australia, mainly due to pilots in the industry already who think their **** dont stink. Anywhere else in the world, and its so much more easier. We still think we are gods gift to aviation and as a result, companies have high requirements cause they can and soon will be put in there place when they realise when the market picks up that pilots will be leaving left right and centre because noone should have to lose their self respect and be treated like **** just to get ahead. Perservere ****ty sub standard conditions, live in isolated communities and risk your life doing it. Correct me if im wrong but I cant think of any other occupation in the rest of the world (including pilots) that put up with the **** we do and dont have the choice!!! This is what the flying schools dont tell you when you sign up and spend $50000 cause they blow so much wind up your ass that you feel the giddy from the power. Not trying to deter you my friend, just be aware of what this dodgy GA 'game' is all about. Also, now that the price of flying training has increased dramatically, GST, airline wages lowered, landing fees increased, and now ASA charges are an arm an a leg...I doubt there will be many flying schools and GA operators left around at all in this country.
"the last question I guess can be answered differently by all sorts of people, but I will be read to leave in a fortnight. where do you suggest I visit first in search of the infamous first job. then where would you suggest next. I am thinking Broome or Darwin, But wuold love to stay on the east coast,but It doesnt really matter"
This again is up to you. There are so many options out there, and pretty much everybody wants you to go there to put a face to your Resume with your experience. So another sixteen grand is needed unless your skilled in another job (which you might not find in the smaller communities), to go around to all the places, show your face and 'hang out' until they give you a call, and then pay for your endorsement if they so desire.
So it might sound all abit negative, but I dont lie one bit. Thats the saddest part about it. If you were born in another country or have a passport to another, youd have it made.
All I can say is try your hardest like everyone else that tried, eventually something will come if you persist. But dont expect to live in society and, dont expect to get paid more that you would if worked at a video store. Thats all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reality Bites!!!!!
