Spotting forest fires in WA. Fantastic experience, great mates, brilliant boss(es) (Alex MacDonald. Max and Sue Folks) paid at the then award rate, which they didn't have to do and the right ethos and culture for a real rookie to work in.
Steep learning curve, invaluable experience and an introduction to the most wonderful country I've ever lived in.
Took the job on thinking after my illustrious training course, my RAF flying scholarship (awarded to kids who could do joined-up writing I now realise) and my overall general huge self-belief (arrogance? conceit?) that it was well beneath my status and that well, Qantas would send for me in a week or two and I had nothing better to do whilst I waited.......
Boy did I get a wake-up call.
I fervently hope and even pray that all of you newly-qualified CPLs out there get a break as vsaluable as that one was to me. I owe my former bosses, and colleagues an immense debt of gratitude.
Good luck to you all.
BSD.
p.s. BSD? the rego of the first aeroplane I was ever paid to fly.