SASless,
To answer your questions:
Advertising for such vacancies is normally done through Friday's edition of The Australian newspaper. Of course some positions are filled through personal recommendations and word of mouth but I believe there is a legal requirement to advertise for all such vacancies. In all cases, you are still required to go through the formal induction process.
The skills shortage has and will continue to cause salaries and conditions to rise. Of course, like any commercial operation, these incremental increases are not just handed out on a platter. They are hard fought for by the company Pilot Committees over a 3 year EBA negotiation period on behalf of the respective pilot bodies. Both CHC's and Bristow's EBAs are in the public domain which is how the pilot bodies (and committees) keep abreast of what the competition is up to.
The guys who head overseas on secondment do it for a number of reasons but predominately for the tax free salaries. Some don't last for the duration of the agreed secondment, most do and some remain overseas indefinitely. It depends on the individual and their circumstances. Having talked extensively to some of the guys who have been overseas, the general concensus is mixed. Some of them loved it and some would never do it again.
Hope this helps,
Papa68
