Originally Posted by topendchiefpilot
First time posted on PPRuNe and i have made an account especially to post this message.
As a on and off CP in the Top end (KNX) do not arrive on my doorstep with a CV with out 300hrs of which 20 must be in a 200 series Cessna. (Recent incidents have pushed up hour requirements - we are unable to BEND this. It’s easier to pay more in wages to attract guys when needed then it is changing insurance premiums (to an extent).
Fair enough I suppose. Having said that the guys I all started with had in the 200-300 hour bracket and an assortment of single time. Some had a couple of hours dual in a 210 from check rides and the odd one with a tad more. That was about the extent of it. Twenty hours used to be the magic number, however now chances are you will start on the Airvan and there is not much chance of getting some hours on one privately.
I will ask where you did your training and if you tell me Oxford you’re in for a check ride from hell. Consisting of DR exercise of at least 120nm and ETA's of 30 sec VFR Nav req as a CPL holder this should be achieved. (Different world in remote areas but for those who have command built effectively and not flown in straight lines will be fine)
http://www.casa.gov.au/fcl/download/vfras02.pdf
The CASA day VFR syllabus is here. Located on page 28 you will find the requirements for enroute navigation. The standard is +/- 2 minutes.
Accommodation is usually 500+ per week
If you are staying at the Ritz!!
Expect about $260 a week for a caravan or less if you can find a room.
and prove of accommodation is required prior employment the backpackers have raised prices due to recent upgrades and out of reach on your 10hrs a week for $35 casual rate( you got to pay tax remember )
All the companies pay full time award. I don't know of any who paid casual rates in Kunus.
in the first few months. You cannot have a good sleep in your 1930's station wagon then expect to fly punters or even drive my mini bus to collect them.
There are only two companies with mini buses in Kunus. I know 2 of the CP's well.
There will be little to know movement this year and a very long wet forecasted.
Yeah right.........
Will be a late cyclone season and more than likely a late Monsoon.
Don't rock up on my doorstep in Jan /Feb. you will be sitting around unpaid for 3-4 mths waiting for a job. IGA does not like hiring pilots anymore.
Someone has got to work at IGA. There is not enough people for the demand in the dry so you will find plenty of non aviation work.
If you are not there in Jan or Feb you will miss the season unless you are very lucky.
I repeat: The good ‘old days of 2min noodles sleeping round the fire ant the Kununurra showground in your station wagon or tent are GONE (Good times) diff owners and bigger wets with higher Temps mean this is no longer suitable. The mines have started recruiting locals only so partners of miners take up the IGA and Coles jobs.
Utter crap........
The attitudes of the couple from Oxford is bull**** and C, S, N from the Three companies will be paying particular attention to those who come through our doors. PPRuNe has always been a rumour mill but blokes who read your CVs actually read it.
No one cares where you did your training as long as you have the required minimus and can pass the checkride (and are a good fella/sheila)
The folk who have offered you advice are blokes who have done the hard yards and many whom still are. Hell I don't even have the experience to leave and you think you’re a running start for a major … hard work!! Get used to it.
I think you will fall down on the Qantas entry requirements for English (or fall down on the phsychometric testing)
As bugger all jobs are going to be offered this coming season my suggestion is to get your MECIR and ATPLS cause time off to sit exams are rare .Send us your CVs. (1 page) and if you add a Picture of yourself I stable it to your forehead and post the pic on PPRuNe! I don’t care if you’re a blonde bombshell a( him or her) im probably not going to employ you anyhow. There are a lot of folk whom reside in town now and have no desire to move on. Which is great for us. Jobs in the Top end are great and the best flying you will ever do. Times are tough and bugger all jobs going but im sure things by end 2010 will pick up. Good luck to those seeking your first job.
Some truth there. We liked the blonde bombshell pictures but the chief pilot was gay so we never had a chance of female colleagues
Nkar.... Get an Instructor rating this is my advice for you .
Don't listen to this clown.
Get a CPL as cheap as you can with the most experienced instructor and head north!