Kununurra - Feb 07 [Archive]

Chadzat

6th Aug 2006, 11:24

I'm planning on heading up that way next year. Probably with a few other guys in seperate cars.

I've currently got a casual weekend flying job so i want to hang onto that for as long as possible into next year. What would be the absolute latest to get up there for the start of the dry and not miss the boat?

kair1234

6th Aug 2006, 12:30

Zendj, Broome over Kunnas:

- Broome has a beach which equals women in bikinis
- In my opinion the operators aren't as dodgy, and
- There is always a great bunch of people in Broome!

disco_air

6th Aug 2006, 12:35

kair1234

one-sided rubbish.

1) Beach, granted. Chicks still come to and work in Kunners
2) say what?
3) Knx has one of the best social crowds around, and less stuck up than Broome!

...disco

drshmoo

6th Aug 2006, 22:12

Disco you forgot full time award employment in KNX not just casual wages for broome av or leos

To newbies I would drive through both. You would be lucky to snag at a job at either.

Less dodgy hahahhahahhahahaha

Keep your own standards

Stay clear of ol ankle grabs

zendj

6th Aug 2006, 23:16

Thanks for the information so far guys,
A few more things to add:
- Do you think it would be compulsory to get some time in a C210 or C206 before headed up? (to Broome or Kununurra)
- Where in Broome is the best place to live, and how much is rent likely to be?
- If you had a choice, would you RPT it to Broome (and buy a motorbike or ****ebox car once there) - or drive up?
- Is it worthwhile contacting operators either via email or phone before the move up, to 'make them aware' of your intentions and to get your name out there? :ok:

maxgrad

6th Aug 2006, 23:45

- It would make you more employable
- Housing is very expensive all over Broome
- Yes to rpting as fuel is expensive, not to sure on availability of ****eboxes though
- YES

disco_air

7th Aug 2006, 01:26

shmoo thanks champ, knew youd back me up on that 1...much love for knx!

Driving up there allows you to see the stops on the way, and transport you then have once you get there. Assuming you have stopped at multiple places, you may need to drive back to one of them for a job.

ALSO ****eboxes in the Kimberley have disgustingly overinflated prices due to supply/demand and what our indigenous friends are prepared to pay for the said ****eboxes. Use this to your advantage and sell your car (purchased on the east coast for a reasonable $) when you're done with the Kimberley instead! :ok: :ok: :ok: I know I did!

...disco

zendj

7th Aug 2006, 04:24

Does anyone know of an operator in Melbourne where I can do an endorsement for a C210?

tinpis

7th Aug 2006, 04:29

Why not fly to Darwhine , hundreds of ****eboxes for sale and drive to Kunnerwuckinnurra?
Maaaaan I fergot yu might not be able to cross the Vic anyways in Feb.

Squawk7700

7th Aug 2006, 04:47

Try some Skydive driving at Tooradin. Was hanging there a few weeks back and they were frantically searching for a pilot for the weekend; believe it or not they apparently have trouble getting bums in the pilots seat, yet everyone says there is no free hours around. (un-paid of course) You'd have to pay for your 10 hours or whatever they require down there.

Wanderin_dave

7th Aug 2006, 06:10

Try some Skydive driving at Tooradin.

Must really struggle for drivers, they were desperately after someone to fly their Tiger Moth on the weekends about a month or so ago, so if you know how to fly a bumdragger maybe give em a call. This was paid work too.

Edited coz me speling are bad.

Squawk7700

7th Aug 2006, 06:56

I don't know about desperate, however they did get a new Tiger driver fairly easily. The Skydiving is completely different and run by the Commando's.

Squawk7700

7th Aug 2006, 06:58

I don't know about desperate, however they did get a new Tiger driver fairly easily so there's no job there I'm afraid. Skydiving is completely different and run by the Commando's.

ContactMeNow

7th Aug 2006, 08:59

Does anyone know of an operator in Melbourne where I can do an endorsement for a C210?

No such thing as a C210 ENDORSEMENT.....

If you hold a licence that says you can fly any S/E A/C below 5700kg with CSU and R/U then you "legally" dont need anyone to sit in the RHS with you. Best advised you do spend some time with a person that has flown a C210 as it can be a tad on the slippery side :}

Enjoy

Wanderin_dave

8th Aug 2006, 00:57

I don't know about desperate, however they did get a new Tiger driver fairly easily so there's no job there I'm afraid. Skydiving is completely different and run by the Commando's.

Cheers for the info Squawk, i went for that one, but got another gig and from talking to them was under the impression they were really struggling.

carro

8th Aug 2006, 10:05

It appears there will be boat loads of people heading to kunners and broome next year. I already know of about 20 people who are keen to get up there, so should be interesting.

Can't wait to hit the tinnies up there with everyone.... oh and maybe get in a bit of flying:ok:

Carro

morno

8th Aug 2006, 11:14

It appears there will be boat loads of people heading to kunners and broome next year. I already know of about 20 people who are keen to get up there, so should be interesting.

Yeah, :bored:, say no more. Why oh why do all pilots aspire to head to Kununurra?? Sure there's a few jobs that get given out there, but what's wrong with places like Kakadu, Coober Pedy, Ayers Rock, and countless other places where your competition is very much reduced and a better chance at getting a job exists?? Wouldn't live in half those places without jobs first, but certainly nothing wrong with trying there just as much as Kununurra. That place isn't the be all and end all. 1/2 the people who I know who have lived there, have pissed off to find their first jobs elsewhere because they get sick of working everywhere but the airport.

If you want somewhere to live where you can work in the local servo or pub or Maccy D's, try Broome or Darwin, or somewhere similar. Because let's face it, unless you're loaded or fluke a job straight up, you're gonna be pumping petrol, pouring beers, or flipping burgers until you do, :}.

I've done the bottom end of GA before, and certainly didn't find my first job in Kununurra. In fact I drove through the place only because it was on the highway between Perth and Darwin, :ok:.

Just a tip, not taking shots, but just trying to inform you of all options and idea's.

Cheers

morno

disco_air

8th Aug 2006, 12:01

I think Carro is well aware that only a fool would put all their eggs in the Kununurra basket.

Bring me my new baron! Im done with my one now. :p

...disco

zendj

8th Aug 2006, 12:20

Keep it coming guys, all good information - great to hear lots of different views. :ok:
Throwing a few more questions out there...
*Whether it be Kunnunurra, Broome, (or anywhere else) do you recommend ringing or emailing operators with your intentions (of moving up their way in the new year and looking for work) - or just wait until in town and 'cold' visit them.
*Im trying to find a C210 or C206 in Melb that I can get some hours on before I head up - If anyone knows of any available for hire, PM me :O

disco_air

8th Aug 2006, 12:44

Zendj

Just a couple of things i noticed from both sides of the situation (jobseeker/employer)

1st: Post/Fax/Email operators (in that order of preference) your brief (youd be surprised how long some ones are that people send) resume with a covering letter. Avoid generic letters (like ones with To Whom It May Concern) and make sure its written to the right person!

eg: once saw a letter (arrived at alligator, knx) addressed to Broome Air Services, with the objective to "gain employment with Broome Aviation" :D

2nd: Call up each operator after they should have received your correspondences, make sure theyve received it and explain your intentions

3rd: Go see them when you're in town

Just observations from seeing basically what goes on, I'm far from someone who makes decisions on hiring pilots, so perhaps someone in such a position can correct/confirm my inferences.

:ok: disco

Edit:

P.S before 1st step, research company and find out name of C/P

Dry_Twotter

8th Aug 2006, 13:00

Broome over Kunnas:
- Broome has a beach which equals women in bikinis

what? Kalumbaru has a beach with women in bikinis, ay disco

drshmoo

8th Aug 2006, 14:03

what about temptation island at Oombie

morno

9th Aug 2006, 00:38

Bring me my new baron! Im done with my one now.

We're gonna send you the crap one, :}

morno

OpsNormal

9th Aug 2006, 06:26

....and make sure its written to the right person!
eg: once saw a letter (arrived at alligator, knx) addressed to Broome Air Services, with the objective to "gain employment with Broome Aviation" ....

Hey Disco, you should ask the shmooman about somebody who once did something very similar.... :oh: :oh:

But he got in anyway.... :D :D :D

kair1234

9th Aug 2006, 07:09

Hey disco

That same letter was posted to Leo's in broome aswell hahaha but I think i heard he still managed to get a job in broome

Dave Incognito

9th Aug 2006, 07:13

Don’t be too put off by people saying that Knx will be flooded with UGALs. I saw four hiring seasons come and go during my time there. There are exceptions, but generally if you are of good character and can pass a check flight, you WILL get a job. Most people blow their chances either down at the Tav or when they first front up at the reception.

So many people have shot themselves in the foot simply by carrying on like a tool when on the turps. It is a small town so little goes unnoticed. If the blokes with jobs decide they don’t want to work with you because you are carrying on about how good you are, or how crap you think Kunners is, expect your CV to go straight to the circular filing cabinet. Most chief pilots will go through a list of names and/or CVs with some of the senior pilots and if they think you are a goose, you won’t get a job.

Another easy one is turning up in reasonable clothes and being a bit cheerful. Expect your CV to go straight to the bin if you turn up in shorts and sandals. You’d be surprised how many people fall short on that point (suits and flying uniforms are other bad looks). Long pants and open neck (ironed) shirt is generally your best bet.

Finally, the reception staff are your potential work colleagues. If you are rude to them, another cross against your name, and the chief pilot will be “out flying” even if they are 5 meters away sitting in their office.

Most of all, have fun, get involved with as many community events as you can, meet people and take lots of photos! You will have a ball…. :ok:

disco_air

9th Aug 2006, 10:36

We're gonna send you the crap one

Finally someone else is breaking aeroplanes! :ok: You messed up my system though! :hmm:

Dry_Twotter absolutely correct, awesome nightlife too :}

drshmoo we should ask Transition Layer about that one ;)

Dave Incognito yep agreed there for sure.

...disco

zendj

10th Aug 2006, 08:59

Sounds like the guys working in Kununurra and Broome (or elsewhere) are having a ball! - I am looking forward to getting up there.
Another two questions....
The flight check that the CFI / CP takes you on before offering you a job - what sort of things should I 'brush up' on before I get to that stage? - Is it basically the same as a CPL flight test? Will they make me pay for the check flight?
I do realise that the pay received is going to be considerably less than a normal non-flying 'desk job' but how much are we talking (per week) - Enough for rent and booze........and maybe food? :E

Capt. Crocodile

10th Aug 2006, 11:46

*Im trying to find a C210 or C206 in Melb that I can get some hours on before I head up :O

I went up to Broom Broom & KNX earlier this year. Broome Aviation like 20 hours on C210 but 200 series time means nothing in KNX. Pretty much all the boys n girls that got jobs in KNX had never seen a C206 or C210 before so don't blow all your money. As for the check flight, Alligator gave 2 check fights to some candidates. 1st one is general handling + prec search and landing on a dirt strip with potholes (you probably won't actually land on this dirt strip if it's been raining in last few days) -takes around 1/2 hour and then if they like you they may ask you to come back another day just for circuits. Checkflight is usually in C207 or Airvan. They haven't so far asked people to pay for the check flight! Also suggest you take a tent to KNX. Accommodation is very expensive. Kununurra Hotel has cheapest bed $75 per night or try the backpackers or just put an ad up at Coles to rent a room in someones house. -Good Luck! :)

drshmoo

11th Aug 2006, 01:24

OpsNormal

11th Aug 2006, 12:28

Accomodation in Kununurra can be sort out by asking neil on vegemite strip or in front of coles. He will sort you out.
Yes OpsNormal, I got a job at AA after sending resumes by mail off to both sling and AA. Standard cut and paste job for both. I changed the company names and adress at the top but forgot to change the CP name. So ol PW got adressed as PMc.:ugh: :ugh:
Still got a job at AA and had an awesome 2 years in and out of aeroplanes.
Good memory Ops. Send Disco a C207 - I think RAS is still on the market. The bugger is lucky to be standing next to a baron let alone flying one:}
Just kidding:ok:

Hehehehehe. Hey shmoo I wasn't gonna let the cat out of the bag but hey....!!:oh:

At least we can all look back and have a laugh without twitching nervously and changing the subject.;)

The loads are too big, even for a 207 (big call I know). I'll have to source a 900T for him instead, whadderya reckon?:} :} :}

How's that cold clime down there (Ops likes his ice in his bundy only.....)? Still at the same mob you were when we last conversed?

OpsN.;)

disco_air

12th Aug 2006, 05:55

Send Disco a C207

As fond as I am of hours in the slug, it'd be a long couple of days if I had to do it in ol' RAS-dog! :{ :p

Its a beautiful sunny warm day in the gutter, lovely conditions to nurse a hangover :yuk:

...disco :cool:

Lickmine

14th Aug 2006, 02:03

Kair 1234,

What are you on? You say Broome is better than Kununurra due to several reasons. Yes it has a beach, but that is all it has (other than sandflies / midgies / mosquitos). Kunnunurra has a great surrounding - interesting landscapes, the lake, and the flying is much more varies than what you would get in Broome.

BTW, your profile says you are from Newman! If Broome is so good then why on earth would you have moved to Newman and then even admit that you are from there via your profile?????:confused: :confused:

drshmoo

14th Aug 2006, 02:38

Kair1234, he prob started at broome and now flys twins for polar or something like it.:ugh:

Broome is good for singles but you will need to head elsewhere for the twins, most do at kunnas too.

Captain Fun

14th Aug 2006, 05:44

and the flying is much more varies than what you would get in Broome.

No disrespect guys but 200 laps round the bungles doesnt sound like variety to me...

ding duck

14th Aug 2006, 11:51

from someone who did it last year and also sat in the office accepting resumes over the hiring season this year, get to eith knx or broome as early as possible. the longer you are there, the more the guys get to know you. Completely agree with disco, send resume by email, fax, mail, then call to back it up. The mistake that most people make is that they call from melbourne or sydney looking for a job but arent willing to get up here. You may as well give up b4 you start because a CP will only talk to you if you are sitting in the office in front of him/her. YOou have to be willing to sit in one place and wait (be seen everywhere by those who matter) As for flying in knx, you are salaried, all the benefits to go with it and the social life is fantastic.
Hope you are enjoying the gutta disco, knx isn't the same without you.
(hope to come thru and see you on the way home for the wet, will catch up for a drink or 4):ok:

centurionII

15th Aug 2006, 02:33

Zendj.....

He who hesitates, masturbates.

Get up there sunshine!

Chadzat

15th Aug 2006, 05:23

obviously the earlier the better it seems from previous posts but...

if one were to have a casual flying job which keeps the logbook ticking over at a fairly constant rate until one were to leave for knx or broome etc....when would the latest time be to get up there? With the intention of minimising no-flying weeks up wherever one was to base oneself. one one :}

4SPOOLED

15th Aug 2006, 08:55

most pilots who head up there have to hang around for at least a season before getting a job!

Good Luck and learn how to pour a beer in the local pub, unless you have wealth to steam roll you for a while!

disco_air

15th Aug 2006, 09:09

have to hang around for at least a season before getting a job

actually, i wouldnt say that is the case anymore. the ones that i know that had to hang around for an entire season to get a job the next i could count on one hand.

...disco

Buy Carumba

15th Aug 2006, 12:51

Its probably been covered before but what is average age of drivers in KNX these days and are there any older low time drivers getting around??

Tiger 77

16th Aug 2006, 04:14

Things have changed big time in the last couple of years in knx. Although quite a few pilots head up this way each year, the numbers are significantly less than the old days. Almost everyone who waits in town will at least get a checkflight.

I've been discussing a "Pilot shortage" with many local pilots here and very few took me seriously. But now maybe they're starting to think that maybe ol' tiger is right.

Anyway, my point is that the operators up here are getting more and more desperate for good pilots.

Cheers,
Tiger.

bushy

16th Aug 2006, 06:41

And the moon is made of green cheese. Income tax will only be 10% next year, and new cars will sell for $5000-00

Bay Carumba
I can put you in touch with an older, low time pilot with seven renewals.

computer says no

16th Aug 2006, 08:01

And for all of us who will be giving Kununurra/WA a shot next season, we'd be more than happy if the comments were left where they are. Whether the positive outlook for a shot at employment is as good as it sounds I don't know, however i'm more than happy to roll up in complete ignorance and have this either confirmed or denied upon arrival. I ask for nothing more for my fellow job hunters and I than a warm false sense of security to accompany us in our journey to the unforgiving land.

Dave Incognito

16th Aug 2006, 08:38

A sense of adventure is all you really need....

cdf

17th Aug 2006, 04:53

Personally I think that there is to many pilots in KNX. So all you snotty rich kids stay away.

tinpis

17th Aug 2006, 05:07

Tin is planning a voyage to Kunnerwuckers by motor soon before the wet.

I will be hoisting a few at Gullivers for old time sake and trying to fool a barra or two

Where to stay for an old impoverished bugger?

disco_air

17th Aug 2006, 14:15

Where to stay for an old impoverished bugger?

Kimberley Kroc Backpackers :}

drshmoo

18th Aug 2006, 01:12

Rubbish, someone up there put him up for the night. Im sure Tin will pay in Kimberley currency.
Tin I believe there is a bloke who lives in the loft of the Alligator freight hanger who can be more than accomodating.:yuk: :ugh:

Spelunker

18th Aug 2006, 02:34

check your PM's drshmoo

zendj

18th Aug 2006, 03:10

Has anyone contemplated the idea of flying up there (be it Kununurra or Broome) and buy a 50cc scooter :ok: to get around?
Also, Guys that have 'been there done that' - During the wet season, did you come home....or stay up there?
I am toying with the idea of finishing off the ATPL's during the wet season (because im sure there are not to many other things to do during the wet)
:\

OpsNormal

18th Aug 2006, 05:25

Has anyone contemplated the idea of flying up there (be it Kununurra or Broome) and buy a 50cc scooter :ok: to get around?
:\

Hehehe, just had a flashback to Wozz a few years ago now....:eek:

morno

18th Aug 2006, 07:54

Has anyone contemplated the idea of flying up there (be it Kununurra or Broome) and buy a 50cc scooter :ok: to get around?

I can just see it, a pilot on his way to work in the wet, and by the time he get's there, he'd be wetter than a woman's clacker on a Saturday night in Kings Cross, :D

morno

Tempo

18th Aug 2006, 08:07

Although I did not spend time in Kununurra (I ended up in Darwin) I remember looking at this website for a bit of an idea of what to expect.

Worth a look for all those who are contemplating the drive up north.

Cheers

http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/jr568/north/

Dave Incognito

19th Aug 2006, 01:51

Lets get a few things straight.

Scooters are for girls.

A good raincoat is all you need if you want to ride. Plenty of guys have used two wheeled transport in Knx during the wet without any real dramas. You just need to make sure you take it a bit easier during the daily 4:30am race through the Laine Jones Drive chicane. The really heavy showers rarely last longer than 10-15min.

p.s. The only time a scooter is acceptable is when it is being ridden on the airport tarmac by someone that is buck naked. ;)

drshmoo

19th Aug 2006, 03:15

Incognito I remember the day well. It was a warm sunday arvo and I think we may have cracked the first beer. So I did the only correct thing to do. Steal Wazs scooter from mont and did some nude ops up and down the AA flight strip. There are photos at AA still.

Also Remember when mont was house sitting at PWs place and would ride Wazs scooter to and from the airport and there would be a VL commosaurus park with lights off in side street waiting to put it sideways ride behind ol ankle grabs on the scooter. :} :}

Should have seen his face