sandman
you need 100 hours pilot in command before you can be issued with a mustering endorsement, it is an endorsement.
you need a minimum of ten hours low flying training in helicopters to be issued with a low flying approval. this approval allows you to fly below five hundred feet (the legal limit) while you are working only and is not a blanket approval to go anywhere at this height.
h300 types come and go, unfortunatley.
there are a few 300's about but nowhere in the numbers of the past.there are 300's in the kimberly region and the territory.
the 47 has had a bit of a come back in central australia but as the grazier supplies the fuel he dictates the type. if the operator supplied the fuel the grazier would use any thing that flies.
there are some companies that will employ you and give you extensive training and there are others that will exploit you, just like anywhere.
you only need a private pilots licence to be eligible for a mustering approval but you are only able to muster on the private property of your employer. this rule is broken constantly and makes life difficult for the commercial operator.
that's another story
have fun
again, good luck
[This message has been edited by imabell (edited 12 June 2001).]