It is quite interesting to compare the insurers in Oz with the US or CA. In Oz, they want a minimum of 500 hours on turbine as mentioned in the above thread, yet overseas, you can progress to a turbine as low as 150 hours TT. In Europe, you start a commercial licence on piston training then finish it on turbine for the test...
Oz insurers need to examine the issue as experienced turbine pilots are getting older and retiring. The so called experience required on turbine is not readily available by employers, as they have to meet draconic fees if they take a low time turbine pilot. As an example, I had to start my own business to build up the magical 500 turbine hours, and wear $42K in insurance with an excess of $80K if I had a mishap????
Employers are not the main culprits here, merely the insurance companies holding them at ransom.
