Just a general message really, I'm a fixed wing pilot from Sussex (UK) and now working for one of the largest aerial fire fighting and ag flying operations in Australia. My point is if you really really want to get into this work it is possible but you got to move around. To get experience I have been a pilot in NZ, Africa (piston bush flying) and on floats in Australia ( piston and turbine). And now I am the new kid in ag and I'm mid thirties.
There is still work in various places throughout the world, lots in Africa certainly for fixed wing, I guess also helicopter.
So my point is I grew up in Sussex used to watch the planes flying into Gatwick had my first lessons at Redhill and gained my ppl there. And now I am starting my career in ag in Australia. It is still possible but its going to take allot of effort.
Have really enjoyed the thread, used to work for London helicopters on the spanners by the way.
Dream big and dare to fail.