The First Step into Aviation

[flyer_18-737]

Currently undertaking my Final year of school(:DThank god), anyway I am wanting to one day be a "Captain" for either JQ or DJ as a Captain. As applying stages are coming up in the next few months for Universities etc, I see that the Uni Course is $80,000(:\), and takes 3 years. Is there a cheaper option(not rex cadet scheme) to get to my Dream job working for DJ,JQ as whatever?. Is there a faster way??


I just wanna fly planes!, considering the Pilot shortage and all these Airline orders (esp JQ) I take it its more easy to get a job fo JQ,DJ if you have the correct requirements

Appreciate answers guys!
(based in MEL)

[greenslopes]

Yes there is a quicker way, one which many of us used to get where we are. It's not very pleasant but certainly keeps you focused.
It's a business loan from a bank to pay for your flying training. My dad went gaurantor as there was no way I met the requirements.
Yes it costs a lot of money and howling at the moon won't change anything so knuckle down and get going.
Aviation is a growth industry at present. When I started my trng approx 1-2 percent got a job in an airline whereas now 80-90 percent will be succesful.
Also by paying for it yourself you can pick and chose your training org and eventual employeer, but most importantly "Buyer Beware" there are a lot of unscrupulous operatrs out there.
Good Luck

[flyer_18-737]

Yeah, I am going to avoid loans, I have seen people in bad situations before. If I have a gap year mabye, get like 3 part-time jobs, so basically never home, always working.

Ah well, CMON RUDD GIVE THE FLYING PART TO HECS:ok:

[jetbrett]

I would suggest getting a loan, if you can make the repayments for 5 years or so by then you should have a half descent job where you can start chipping away at it, a few years later it will be gone! Sounds like a long time to be just making repayments and not paying off the loan but its not too bad.

Like someone said go a business loan or home loan, not a personal loan otherwise that 7 years may double :ooh:

Otherwise if that is too hard for you, put your neck out for 12 months, get a job with a mine. They generally pay accomm and meals and a not too bad wage for even juniors (can be easily making toward $60K)

If you havent gone insane from living on a mine site you will be then able to pay for your flying from all the money you have saved. You will also be prepared for remote living if you have to move bush to pursue your flying. You may think that you are wasting time by working full time for a year but in the grand scheme of things its not that long.

Also getting off topic a bit I think you might find that there are plenty of quality flying jobs out there, flying for JQ or VB out of ML may seem like the beez neez to you now but I reckon it may change. The flying I have done in GA for the last 18 months has been very enjoyable and rewarding and the lifestyle that came with that has been just as good.

All the best, as long as you are happy the money should not matter!!

Cheers, Brett

[Mr. Hat]

flyer, having done the expensive type of training with degree ect i can say that it gave me no real competetive advantage in gaining actual flying jobs. No sour grapes i've got the jet job. Just telling you what i learned in 13 years.

If i were in your shoes i'd try for the qantas cadetship first. Yes i know its expensive BUT trust me going into ga and years of mucking around ain't cheap either. So long term i'd say that its the best value for money if you can get it. And if you can't at least you'll have a heads up on their tests for when you get the call later on.

If the cadetship does not work then go to a small aeroclub with you older type of instructors that have been there and done that and not some up and commers that just see you as another hour toward their qf second chance.

Obviously if you can do this whilst living at home then great if not then dont restrict your search to just nearby. You need to do what you've done on this forum and ask questions of people that have been there and done that. You learn from their mistakes. Build your contacts and get word of mouth information about quality training from people that are experienced. Don't listen to people that are selling you something and don't bother too much with the students at the place because chances are they are still trying to convince themseleves that they made the right decision.

Sure i have said differently on previous occasions but I've learned over time that all you need is a spot on on the qf cadetship OR a quick and cheap CPL to get you up and running.

Good luck (and don't forget you are in the best moment of your life enjoy it - the flying will come - dont be in too much of a rush - drink beer have fun ect)

[Keg]

Qantas cadetships are about the same price as the uni courses but you have the option of doing the flying stream which puts you online and flying within about 12 months. You'd be insane not to have your hat in the ring for this. It's all on the Qantas website- if it's working today! :ugh:

[Bill Lear]

I am wanting to one day be a "Captain" for either JQ or DJ as a Captain.

As in "this is your "Captain" speaking. Or just your captain?:}

Thank you come again.

[sms777]

You know what?
I used to fly planes when i was a carpenter.:confused:

Today i rather fly an "AIRCRAFT":E

[flyer_18-737]

Great Feedback guys, Whats the Qantas Cadet thingy

[Keg]

Whats the Qantas Cadet thingy

It's all on the Qantas website- it actually is working today!

http://www.qantas.com.au/info/about/employment/pilotsCadetInfo

:rolleyes: :ugh:

[flyer_18-737]

I am still aiming in doing "Advanced Diploma in Aviation" at swinburne as its a TAFE course, 2years, and is associated with QF. I can also apply for this couse generally through VTAC during Year12 Application week which is in August

No matter what I want to do to become a Pilot, Unfortuantly there is huge amounts of dollars involved, but hey there is NO way in this world that I am going to Let money stop me from achieving my goals!

[Mr. Hat]

flyer, the good thing for you is that through the cadetship that Keg has posted you have as much chance as any pilot in the industry. That includes people that have done degrees ect and that are very experienced. (some would argue a better chance)

So give it a go first and you might save yourself a lot of money and time. Don't get confused about bells and whistles that might appeal to Airlines just take the steps that you NEED to take.

1. Apply for Cadetship
2. Study for the test
3. Sit Test
4. Wait for answer.

If the answer is "NO" then continue networking and putting money together. Do not rush.

[peugeotboi]

stright out, i don't even know why you would want to go uni just to study flying, as a pilot you dont need uni, i live in sydney and to become an airline pilot you dont need to do aviation at unsw(uni new south wales)

But i don't understand why they offer suh degree that your going to spend nearly $70,000 and it wont even get you a job...preety pointless dont you think???:ugh:

[Mr.Buzzy]

The first "step" for you flyer, given some of your posts, is to learn when to shut your mouth. Nobody likes a smartarse, especially a sprog one.

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[Trojan1981]

The first "step" for you flyer, given some of your posts, is to learn when to shut your mouth. Nobody likes a smartarse, especially a sprog one.

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You have to wonder if some of these types of posts are troll:hmm:

[Capt Wally]

ahhh 'flyer' don't take too much notice of the neg posts in here, some are just bitter because someone shows a keen interest even if like a little boy.:)
Apart from what's being suggested here what about the RAAF? if you have the grades then that's not a bad way to go about becoming that 'capt' you dream of.
Not for everyone of course but worth a look at.
You can be the smartest kid in the class, have the richest parents but if you don't have that level of enthusiasm then you might as well be poor! You can buy almost anything with cash accept true happyness:)

good luck & like others have said, beware, flying schools can be a very warey place for the uninitiated.

CW

[eFIFO]

beware, flying schools can be a very warey place for the uninitiated

So are we in the practise of suggesting reputable flying schools in this forum please?
NSW, VIC or WA

[rammel]

The very first thing you should do is to go get a Class 1 medical done. If you can't get the medical, you will save yourself a lot of cash and heartache.

[eFIFO]

Thx rammel, have already done so and am now ready to train.
Flexible about location, but where to go?
Recommendations appreciated.

[MCKES]

The first "step" for you flyer, given some of your posts, is to learn when to shut your mouth. Nobody likes a smartarse, especially a sprog one.

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Mr. Busy you seem to post some useless s*#$ in these forums some times. Why don't you help someone out. Your obviously at the top of this game. What else is someone suppose to say. I personally don't think that flyers posts are smart arse in anyway, he is just trying to source information at an important part of his life where he needs to make decisions which he will most likely base on what people on here say, who are suppose to be professional. If he says he wants to be a captain for VB then that is an excellent goal and hopefully he will get there. What is someone suppose to aim for? I hope to sweep the office for JQ?

Flyer if you have any questions just send me a PM and I will help you out. No problem don't listen to negative people there are heaps of really good pilots on these forums use their knowledge for the best.:ok:

[Keg]

I don't always agree with Buzzy but he's pretty close to the mark on this one. If that offends 'students' who list their current aircraft type as C152 and C172 and have an email address that lists their email as flyer boi 69 then you really need to consider whether or not you're adequately prepared for the vagaries that this industry will deal out!

Given that you're so easily offended MCKES, perhaps this advice would be more suited:

The first "step" for anyone in aviation is to learn when to shut your mouth. Nobody likes a smartarse, especially a sprog one.

It was actually one of the first bits of advice I was ever given in professional aviation. I wish I could still practise it more often then I currently do. :eek:

[MCKES]

Keg, I wasn't offended. I was just saying that useless comments like this aren't helping anyone and that the comment in its self was a smart arse comment. Unless you know who I am I wouldn't comment on what I have as my information on a public forum.:ok:

[CasperA320]

An Airline that you have alot of knowledge of [ TT ] are watching your every post-- suggest you learn to crawl first before you walk--The people you have a go at may be the ones employing--- The aviation industry is very small

An old saying--" DONT Remove the rungs as you climb the ladder of life"

[MCKES]

Casper. I am not trying to have a go at anyone here. I was just trying to help someone new to flying get the best information possible and the people on this forum have the information to provide. I just cant see sense in not wanting to help someone. That is my opinion and I do not want to be smart about it. There were alot of people when I started who were generous enough to help me out and I believe in returning the favour. Why not?:ok: Sorry If I have offended anyone in the process.:)

[Mr.Buzzy]

MCKES,
sorry if I offended you. Not my intention.

On day one, as one of a group of "invincible late teen" first year Engine / Airframe apprentices; one of the first bits of advice given to us was.

"learn when to speak-up and learn when to shut-up"

A non-technical skill mentioned to me on day one that I've found valuable and have since mentioned to many others as well.

Keg, with his experience and wisdom was also given the same advice early on, didn't seem to do him any harm either. (Wish I could practice it more as well at times too Keg)

Maybe it's a generational thing, a generation of "success deferred" results and "no fail" culture. Maybe it's time to listen to Chopper and

"Harden the f%&k up!"

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