Hey,
like yourself i am a beginner, sure i've flown solo with the air cadets but when you consider the amount of hours you need to break into this business i am the same as you mate.
I am hoping to get a place on a course at the Royal Aero Club of Western Australia. Its everything up to fATPL i believe, spread over about 18 months. I looked at costs here in the UK, and then abroad and especially at this school in WA. The price difference is amazing. Almost shocking, but in a good way. Also the intoduction of a NAS in Aus may mean it gets cheaper (current flight international issue).
I don't know about visa requirements as i have dual nationality, so no help there
.
But if you are not sure then perhaps a PPL in Ireland is a good idea followed by a career decision after that.
Hope this has helped a bit, PPrune always comes up trumps for me evry single time
.
Dozza
