Australian CVD career opportunities?
Hey everyone, I've been on this site for a while but this is my first post.
I have a few questions that I'd really appreciate to have answered.
Firstly, I'm an Australian currently in my last year of high school (Yr 12). My dream goal is to fly in an airline (might be a little too optimistic).
By mid-high school I began to see that colourblindness would prevent me from flying in an airline (can't get Class 1 Medical, can't fly at night, can't obtain ATPL). I formed an idea of all this sometime last year. I almost gave up on flying and chose engineering instead.
However, I just found out about the whole thing with Arthur Pape through a friend of mine today, and I'm really surprised that I had not seen it earlier. My view before that was Australia was one of the strictest countries in regards to CVD, with the US being easiest (with SODAs and similar) but now my view is completely flipped around, and I feel like I have hope again.
I'm sorry if this is too long but if there are any other CVD pilots flying professionally it would be great to have some advice.
1. I looked at the CASA website again, it appears that I can obtain a Class 1 Medical but with restrictions, but I can obtain a PPL and a CPL, but not an ATPL. It appears that I can still pass an alternate test to obtain an ATPL. What I'm wondering is how many attemps can I make at it? For example the farnsworth or the light gun test. If I fail them as well without retry, would that mean the end of everything?
1.1 Are there any other tests besides Ishihara, Farnsworth Lantern and Light gun that I can do?
2. I don't understand this one much. Would a charter airline require ATPL (small aircraft) as it is RPT.
3. What career opportunities can I look at with just a CPL? (Besides FI) For example, are there any cargo operators I can try to look at, that only require CPL? (Melbourne/Victoria area)
4. If I obtain a PPL and CPL licence, would they be almost identical (in terms of what I can do) to unrestricted licences? For example, flying at night.
5. Would it be suitable to enter the industry through a university (or TAFE) such as RMIT? They have a course that gives a PPL, CPL and a frozen ATPL (however useful that will be). I may be able to work as an Instructor with them for a few months/years to build up hours, but will I be able to get another job with a cargo/charter airline with just a CPL or would I require additional training (like IFR, night rating) that is not possible for a CVD person?
6. Can I go for a medical (or just vision) test before I have an ARN? I would like to know before I apply for the university courses. But seeing that I can get a CPL anyway, should I be very concerned about it?
I apologise for having many questions, but I am apprehensive at this stage as flying as all I've ever wanted to do. As with the last year of high school, the pressure is on and I don't want to be working towards something only to be told at the end that I can't do it.
I'm looking toward aviation for a serious career, and not for leisure.
I will appreciate every answer.