I don't think the barrier reef is in the range of an Islander from the UK so that is out of the question.
Even the mainline airlines in Australia are taking 40 somethings as they are so short of pilots if that is your bag.
Different situation here in the UK,
unfortunately no airlines are desperate for wanabees 
Good point about the money issue though. Sitting at a desk 9-5 is hell for me and if I was getting paid £100k pa it would just enable me to fund my training quicker ... and it would make for a good back up plan.
If I had a rota like yours asw28 then I'd never want time off! Each day is a mini adventure and I think the hardest day for me to swallow there would be either 'Day at home' or 'Day off at the beach'
