“The thing I was trying to stress was that everyone thinks it's easier in another country!”
Exactly! There will always be exceptions to the rule, but a fresh Australian CPL has far better chance obtaining their first job flying in Australia than elsewhere. If you want to be a pilot don't forget that, If you want to troop off, travel, and look for adventure – then go for that! Just be CLEAR in WHY you are going overseas to look your first flying Job. Is it really because you think you have a better chance at work elsewhere, or is it because you have itchy feet?
To suggest that ‘I am sure that you will find something’ in North America is just being way over optimistic. I am all for encouraging people, but keep it real…Like I said, I could not get anything there last year with 3,000 hours and an FAA ATP - and I looked for 3 months. I was not unlucky. I had a fun time and learnt that I am far better off to put my efforts elsewhere.
I would advise any new CPL to stay in thier country, and drive around the country knocking on doors. Most likely you will only have to do that in another county anyhow, but at least in Australia you can work another job while looking work flying, and you can hang around for months if need be, before you get to fly – you cannot necessarily do that in another country.
As for Europe - I am sure you will find that the low time pilots scoring jet jobs there have EU passports. Or else they are buying their jobs - most likely both.
“easyJet have a Cadet scheme”
Sure they do – but again, aren’t we here talking about opportunities for fresh AUSTRALIAN CPLs overseas?
To apply for the Cadet scheme easyjet says “You must be able to prove your unrestricted legal right to live and work in the EU” In other words, your Australian passport will not suffice!
Besides “you will be required to deposit a cash bond for £60,000”
Then at the completion of the scheme you are “not guaranteed a job”
Sounds like a thick smear fertilizer on that green grass!
Does anyone here read the overseas forums on Pprune? There are heaps of stories of people buying type ratings in Europe and failing to find work. Of course some will be lucky (as you can also read) but the reality is that most will not.
All this is not to say do not try – hell knows I am! Just be careful not to fool yourself and each other…