Pilot Sea/Tree Change
Hi,
I was wondering if anyone has found the perfect pilots sea/tree changedestination?
As some background I currently have a command on a turbo prop in alarge capital city, however, the wife and I are both from the country and havehad about enough of the rat race. The oldest of two kids is also about to startschool next year so it’s a good time for a big move.
What we are after is a nice regional centre with a strong communityatmosphere, decent school and a cost of living that doesn’t require the both ofus to work crazy hours. And hopefully a decent flying job for me, turbo propwith a wage in the 80-90k range would be great. I have more than enough GAflying and would prefer not to go back flying PA31’s, etc. We would love tosettle down in the one spot for 10-15yrs and stop the constant moving thatcomes with an aviation career.
Some of our options so far are:
1. Cairns – Lots of flying (career progression),outdoor life style, probably bit bigger city then we would like.
2. Melbourne(living in Wattle Glen or Woodend area) – longer drive to work, seniority basedairlines so no guarantee of basing and probably have to enter as an FO so paycut involved initially.
3. RFDS– Good country town bases, no progression to other types/companies once there.
4. Broome– Been there, in the middle of nowhere!
5. Hobart– Only 2 operators, one has gone broke, the other only flys bongos.
6. Canberra– can live a little out of town (Bungendore, etc), still a big place.
What are your thoughts on these towns and any other ideas on how tolive in the country but still stay in the aviation game. Yes, I am picky andasking a lot, but when my wife and children’s future and life is involved Ifigure I need to be.
Cheers,
RTG.
P.S. AG Flying is out of the question.
Last edited by Riding the Goat; 18th Jun 2012 at 02:25.