Your post is correct,
Jamie320200, when you indicate that it is not easy for F/O`s to obtain a command, once they leave the nest of an airline with some sort of career structure which allows F/O`s to progress through to command. It is EXTREMELY difficult - but not altogether impossible - in the contract world, to find a company willing to train and upgrade an F/O. In 99.9% of the contract work you are employed, paid, and remain in the position for which you applied.. .On the other hand, captains are able to be employed in either seat (whereas F/O`s are restricted SOLELY to the rhs).
Perhaps, for those F/O`s who are WILLING to leave Australia (and it WILL be for a loooong time!), NOW is the time to start looking towards airlines that offer career paths, eg. Emirates. Many `89`ers (including some Captains went to Cathay, however they are in dispute at this time and have a "recruitment ban" in place).
As you alluded,
Jamie320200, F/O time is not really worth a pinch of doggy doo until AFTER you achieve a command, when `Total Time` then becomes relevant.. .Likewise just "having a command" is of no real value in itself - employers/contractors also look at (command) time on type, as well as total command time. Your P1U/S is recognised to some degree, in some countries.
Take it from me, an "experienced" F/O in 1989, it`s a hard slog! But there are `89`ers out there who do empathise with you, and who will no doubt help, rather than hinder, you.
Certainly the Ansett captains who have taken F/O`s slots would have found it FAR easier to pick up work, than those F/O`s whose slots they`ve stolen, and have once again shown complete disregard for their co-workers and their younger dependent families.. .
Old habits die hard, don`t they,
toecutter!! <img src="mad.gif" border="0">