TVSA - Trainee Pilot Course

[Soulman]

Hey Guys,

As an aspiring 17 year old in my final year of school, I've been contemplating the many different ways about becoming a pilot and making a career from it.

Since Avalon in 2001 not a day has gone by where I am thinking about aeroplanes.

In school, I learn as much in physics to do with aviation as I can and in Maths I am constantly doing extra exercises in Trig to work out problems involving aircraft.

After school, I'll come home and play FS for a while or go flying at my local aerodrome (YHSM).

I'm checking airline schedules for YMML and watching them fly over home on the YMML-YPAD run. Mostly DJ and QF 73's, but occasionally we get a SQ 777 and I've even seen the odd jumbo-freighter go over on an early Sunday morning. Living in a relatively open space, I get a good look at them through the binoculars and Mum still wonders why I persist in frantically running around the house in search of the binoculars everytime I catch a contrail in the sky. (On Friday night I was checking out an SQ 773 and I stubbed my big toe on garden edge - despite the pain I was able to watch it and it's contrail disappear into the distance - destination Tulla.)

Whilst flying might seem like the only thing going at the moment, for me school is my main goal at the moment. It's hard juggling something I love (flying lessons) with something I need (an education), especially when the airlines recommend/require that I have Maths Methods, Physics and English. It's not that I don't enjoy the subjects (because I really do), it's just very demanding to keep up withnot only those mentioned but Specialist Maths and History - but then again, History is somewhat of a 'bludge' compared to my other selections!

So, you might be asking yourself, what the hell is this kid on about? Well, it's simple and it's complicated - yep, all in the one sentence.

Simple part - I want to be a pilot.

Complication - how do I go about it?

I've got so many options, but I need advice on what to choose, or more importantly - what NOT to choose.

I'm thinking of going to uni - but do I go to RMIT and get a flying degree or do I go Latrobe and get a degree in engineering?

Do I stay back in Horsham and get my CPL and Night VFR, after which, head elsewhere and get a MECIR and a Instructor rating?

Do I try my hand at an Airline Pilot Traineeship like those offered at Sharp Aviation and TVSA?

Do I apply for the QF cadet scheme? Or even head over to HK and try my luck with a CX or Dragonair cadetship?

Do I head to the RAAF? I tried the advanced pilot test in June last year and failed by a mere 4%. I am eligible to try again this year, so do I give it a shot, even just to see where I stand?

Or do I head to Melbourne and get a job as a ramp worker for a year or two, just to see what else is available in the airline industry and to meet a few people? Even then, I could get a job as something completely different and try and pay for my flying training along the way. Do I get a trade? Everyone needs a tradesman. My old man met a bloke who was a plumber for 6 years before deciding he wanted to fly - now he's an F/O on the 76 for Vietnam - what a legend.


As you can see, I'm stressing out a little over just what I should do come January 05. I need some advice on what I should do. Currently, I have around 10 hours, I went solo on Wednesday last week (awesome, something I'll never forget!) and I'm getting a decent education. I've talked it over with my folks and they are willing to support me on whatever I choose (and no, it's not just financial assistance - I slaved in the 40 degree sun for 6 weeks (and weekends) in the school holidays to earn $4K for my GFPT). My Flight Instructor and I are going through possible avenues, but I'm still anxious as to where I am heading.

I'm open to all advice and responses - from pilots and non pilots across the board. I'm sure you've all been in a similar position before - could you help out a fellow/wannabe pilot? Feel free to post or PM, I need some reassuring and direction!

Thanks in advance and I can't wait to hear from you.

Soulman.

[DirectAnywhere]

Sounds pretty positive at this stage Soulman!!

As you said, at this stage it's important to concentrate on your schooling. Think beyond the next 12 months. An extra hour or two now is not going to be as important as getting good marks in your VCE. Focus on your Maths/ Sciences but not to the detriment of your other subjects. Accept the fact that you won't have much of a life until Nov.

After that, decisions, decisions!! There are arguments aplenty over which way to go. Essentially, try and work out what's right for you. QF has plenty of pilots who used to be in the RAAF, did an aviation degree, were cadets or flew in GA. Each path has its pros and cons. Coming form a country town - no insult to Horsham intended - you probably have a head start down the GA path as you've already lived away from a large city. Of course, outback Australia is a long way away from country Vic but you see my point.

Remember as well that QF and Virgin are not the be all and end all. There are plenty of flying jobs that are equally fulfilling - Regionals, Coastwatch, RFDS and so on.

I would say once you've cracked that first flying job. it's important to strive for some sort of balance in your life. At some stage you're probably going to want to get married, have kids and have some life outside aviation. As happy as you may be flying 182s out of a bush strip for food and board, no partner - as willing as they may be - can put up with that for long. For mine, the main thing that the airlines are looking for is a well adjusted human being and that includes having a life outside flying.

Perhaps the most important thing is to treat EVERYONE you come across well. It's amazing how small the industry is in Australia and you never know when the annoying schmuck who keeps annoying you with questons during your PPL theory course, is going to turn up as Chief Pilot or CFI at that company at which you desperately want that next job!!

Finally, you're going to have to go through the s&*t - whichever path you choose. Stay focussed, remind yourself why you're doing what you're doing and, if you start to question it too much, get out!! You'll save yourself, and those close to you, a lot of long term heartache - and ultimately money. The rewards are there but be prepared to work for them. You WILL have days, weeks or even months when you'll ask yourself what the hell you're doing.

It will all fall into place the first time you're sitting at FL350, 400 people behind you, watching the sun come up and you suddenly stop and think, "Yeah, it was worth it!!!"

Good luck!!

[slamer]

Soulman, From what you have written it sounds like you are right on track to make it in Aviation! Take note of "Directs Anywheres" remarks, S/hes hit it right on the head, in particular the 2nd & 3rd to last para's.
Try not to get to involved in serious relationships/marriage to early ( Yeh... right!) I have seen many of my contemporarie's "throw it in" once Married when financial and other commitments take priority.
Keep out of trouble with the Law, the last thing you need is a Drink Drive conviction or an association with Illegal Drugs, this will have an effect on issuing Visa's and interviews latter on.
Stay focused and dont let small/large setbacks put you off. As for Military or GA , both have their Pro's & Con's, either way there is a price to pay.

this probably isnt the sort of advice you are looking for....but I think you already have the answers.

Rgds & Goodluck

PS; Direct Anywhere, Sitting at 350, 400 People behind me, watching the Sun come up, I usually stop and think "What the Hell Am I doing here!"..... but thats about the only time.

[Arbey8]

i was in the exact same position that you were in 4 years ago.
saved up everything to do my first solo on my 16th birthday etc...
i was 17 and at the start of year 12 asking all the same questions you are but to tell you the truth there is so much more to worry about than JUST your career. after looking at the date of your post soulman i consulted my log book from year 12. tuesday the 1st of march 2000: cricket training, homework etc... it reminded me of how much i miss my friends and all the group activities (team sports) that you did, not to mention the copius amounts of p#ss we sunk after a good win! the point i am trying to make is; just enjoy your final year at school with your friends, the most you can do at the moment is concentrate on your ENTER and the amount of extra-curricular activities you do, the more the better (both the raaf and airlines look positively on them). but don't just participate, become the captain or go for leadership roles.

my actions in following a career in aviation started when i applied for the air force in the summer holidays you've just passed. i went to the 2 day testing thing in melbourne during easter and got my flight screening date, if you choose to do this say GOODBYE to schoolies! but then you realise somethings while you are there, 'is this really what i want to do?', 'can i see myself becoming that guy over there?' i had always modelled myself on the qf captain who lived next door to us and did everything i could to be just like him. so then i realised that i didn't really want to go through the raaf to achieve my dream of being a qantas pilot (not to mention that i wouldn't have gotten out till i was 37!)

the next phase was the hardest decision to make, where to do my degree and what degree to do. my first preference was law at melb., my second was aviation. so i took the gamble, spending a lot of cash to get qualified for one of the hardest industries to get work in. the 1st year was nothing like i expected, you rock up not knowing all these people who want to be pilots too and you look at them and ask yourself 'if i was a passenger on an international airline and saw this guy come through the door, would i feel safe?' for many the answer was no. but you find that those people start to bail out after a while, and a more commited group stick together. this is where the competition heats up. everyone is trying to out do one another in terms of licences, theory etc.. you'lll find that the people who know their capabilities are the best suited. my recomendation to anyone starting out is to focus hard on your theory and get your atpl's and irex finished asap. flying is so much easier when you don't have to stress about theory. (i recommend not having a selfish primadona of a girlfriend during this 12 month period either!)

there will be alot of highs and even more lows but if it is truly meant to be you will push though the hard times. now i'm 21 with everything done (theory) and looking to build on my hours. i've got 700 at the moment (CIR and FI ratings) and am staring at my qantas application praying for something good to come out of it. some would say i have done well for my age some would say i haven't, but i think that time on your side is the biggest advantage in aviation.

good luck to you mate. sorry about this crap literature but it's been all multi choice exams since my chem exam on the 8th of nov 2000!

PM me if you want to knoww the low down on the companies around melb, i might be of an assistance.

Arbey8 (AMD Jepp/DAP Arbey 1)

P.S i got to schoolies in 2001, took a couple of mates up in a light twin with my ppl. to this day it is the most satisfying experiece of my life.

[Ace on Base]

Soulman,

PM the Tea Lady, she is a good source of info on TVSA (but also bias!)

Cheers and good luck in your decision!

[Chieftain]

WOW!!

You have had some brilliant replies to your letter!!

What's worrying me is that you are still thinking about an engineering degree. What do you want to do? Fly the planes or build them? What I'm getting at is don't feel pressured to make a decision now. You don't HAVE to start anything next year. I think that the worst thing I did was get into the industry too young. If you are unsure, take a year off, work, travel, have fun and work out exactly what it is that you want to do. The only person that you have to please is yourself. I more than anyone know what it is like to have teachers, parents, relatives etc expecting you to go to university, get a degree...blah blah blah you know where I am coming from. No one in this industry can say that you have to have a degree to get a job. There are plenty of pilots sitting in QANTAS, RFDS etc without one.

Also, no offense to anyone...airlines aren't the only great jobs around! What about Agricultural flying, Instructing and charter? Have you thought about rotary flying?

As to who to go to for training. Do your homework. Don't get sucked in by fancy degree names. Go and look at a variety of places. I know that both Sharp and TVSA offer second to none training, have a fantastic safety record and have many of their past students working in every facet of the industry. I also know that your local aero club can also do a great job. So really, it's up to you.

I hope that all these replies have been of some help to you and I would be more than happy to help you with any questions related to the defence force or civilian flying as I know a fair bit about both.

Best of luck with your studies :p

[tealady]

Ace on Base, thanks for the recommendation - have already pm'd soulman. What are you up to? Haven't seen much of you on pprune of late. Hope all is going well for you.

[Soulman]

What else can I say?

Thanks guys for all your inspiring advice/comments/thoughts - it's great to be able to hear from so many different people from different places.

At the moment, I'm reading through the replies and trying to take it all in.

Thanks again and keep em' comin!

Cheers,

Soulman.

P.S > Arbey8, you'll be pleased to know that we won our cricket s/f yesterday and we're heading to the g/f next week. Will let you know the result - after the celebrating dies down! :P

[Seco]

good to read the above replies.

I find myself in a similar situation. Currently I am studying Business at LaTrobe university with the intention of starting my flight training as soon as I finish uni.

As soulman said, you guys are a huge help, keep the advice coming.