NZ Helicopter Job: What Are My Chances ?

[Nigerian Expat Outlaw]

I'd appreciate some advice from anyone "in the know". I'm thinking of emigrating to NZ (never been there, the wife and I are going to spend a month touring round to see what it's like), as I have heard wonderful things from both Nationals and others about the way/quality of life there.

I am a Brit with a JAR ATPL (H)/IR, 10,000 hours and rated for B206/212/412/AS332L/355/SA341.

What are my chances of getting a job ? I see from the NZ Immigration site they operate a points system and helicopter pilots don't feature on it !!

Any pointers much appreciated.

NEO:ok:

[MOR]

Probably quite good.

Get yourself a NZ Wings guide - http://www.nzwings.co.nz/ - and then maybe check out http://www.kiwiaircraftimages.com/links.html for some good links, then http://www.aviationnews.co.nz/jobs/ and http://www.webwings.co.nz/classifieds/employment.htm

Hope that helps.

Oh, and be prepared to do battle with the NZ CAA. Good luck.

[mattyj]

..there are loads of EMS choppers in NZ..a lot of that sort of work is tied up with Airwork these days..they do all the westpac rescue machines..also the police choppers in NZ..jobs are highly sought after but your qualifications are exceptional..

..I doubt if immigration will see it that way though, there are hundreds of low hour cpl(h) dudes around here who have done a course on massive student loans and are working other industries wondering where to get the experience they need.

..thought of trying the RNZAF?..direct entry instructor, with your backround..surely they would snap you up!

[Nigerian Expat Outlaw]

MOR/mattyj,

Many thanks, that's more or less what I expected. Helicopter pilots never seem to be in sufficiently short supply for immigration purposes anywhere. Too old for the RNZAF I'm afraid.

I think maybe the best thing would be to speak with the companies when I go. If they are interested maybe they would help with the formalities.

Thanks for the advice.

Cheers,

NEO.