I started learning to fly in '00 with a Ba Avn
Worked as a bouncer to pay my way though that
CPL in '03
CIR early '04
Grade 3 rating mid '04
Worked casually at a flying school fighting for 15 hrs a month x 9 months earned roughly $20k pa
Mid '05 Got a job instructing full time in WA with 360 hrs. Did 11 months there and 600hrs on award plus 5% ~$31,000pa
Mid '06 got a charter job flying a chieftain with 1000hrs, did 80 hrs and two months @$38k, owner was a knob so I left that
Late '06 Got married @ -$50k p.a
Early '07 went back to S.E instructing with 1100TT on $45k. Made grade one late '07, started M.E instructing on $63k (then had enough of instructing)
Mid '08 moved to Tassie for a charter gig in a chieftain on $40k with 1800TT
Late '08 got a Metro 3 Gig (FO) with 2100TT on $38k, 6 months later GFC.. made redundant
Next day (mid '09) got a job as a C&T/line pilot with 2200TT on baron award, slogged it out on the pistons... now flying a B200 on $60k with 2500TT (capt) over morning glory roll clouds...WooHoo!
Compared to others I have met along the way I have had a long journey in GA. Some parts have been crappy others fantastic, met some great mates along the way... took some awesome photos (TAKE YOUR CAMERA EVERYWHERE!). I wish I could have been on an airline salary earlier but I wouldn't trade the experiences I've had. Good luck
