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Old 3rd Sep 2007, 11:23
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pile-it
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
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Grrr Roger

Don't be tempted to "do something unusual like contact the Chief Pilot" aka The Director of Aviation. You would be much better advised to submit a carefully considered letter of application along with your resume.
As to requirements; what is posted on the web site and which was only until a very short time ago considered absolute bare minimum, may now be somewhat more flexible due to a lack of suitable applicants. However I believe a significant amount of twin time would still be required.
A number of new pilots may be required in near future due to expansion of aircraft numbers to service the Qld Health contract. RFDS Qld Section will be operating up to six Pro Line 21 aircraft in the near future. Positions not necessarily at the western bases to start. You probably will be surprised to start at one of the bases on the coast from and including Brisbane to the north.
Although the maximum per annum flight hours is 600 and on the face of it seems relatively easy. Be prepared for long duty days and nights - a short duty these days is considered to only be 10hours with 11 to 12 average.
Also as the previous poster has said: be prepared to feel as if you are merely a part of the Qld Health Department patient transfer system. There is times when you participate with a Med 1 but most of the time you are merely providing a bed in the air for Qld Health.
To sum up the job does have its good points, great aircraft which are well equipped (the patient loading system being a notable exception) and well maintained. The drawbacks are lots of nights and weekends and I see from another post that Skippers for instance are now offering to pay more for Metro 23 Captains than RFDS Qld and without the nights and weekends.
If it is your calling - go for it and good luck.
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