Flying Doc's.

[LUCKY-1]

G'day, just seeking some advice from anyone involved, past or present in the RFDS.

I'm at the point where i have the hours for the airlines, but i really only want the Doc's, and as the requirements for the doc's are a fair bit higher than the regionals, I was wondering if anyone had an opinion on what/where my next move should be to accelerate my way to RFDS.

Do I go spend a few years with Q-link/VB to increase my overall experience...or do I stay within GA?

What would be seen as more relevant?

Any helpful advice appreciated.:ok:

[Yusef Danet]

RFDS will always be there.

Airlines will not necessarily always be hiring and while it is possible to miss the boat with airlines because you were in the RFDS the converse is probably not true.

[neville_nobody]

Try and find a GA charter operator with turbine equipment and try to get a job there. Copilot in a regional isn't going to help you too much in flying a PC12 single pilot.

[Maxweight]

There seems to be a bit of movement in the Doc of late,but they have taken steps to improve the pay, so this may stem some of the flow.

My advice would be to have a chat with them informing them of your willingness to stay and build hours in GA accordingly.

They seem to like night hours and remote experience,also night landings away from extensive ground lighting.

You will be flying single pilot IFR so hours of same would also help!

I do not fly for them, but know a few blokes that have and they seemed to have enjoyed it.

All the Best

Maxweight:ok:

[rcoight]

Stay in GA, get as much single pilot IFR time as you possibly can, and as much night as you possibly can.

Send in a resume, even if you don't quite meet the minimums yet, and update it from time to time - shows you're enthusiastic.
Although, not every week. That's just annoying!

Attitude is as important as hours in the logbook.
They don't want people who think they know it all as soon as they walk in the door, and they'd prefer it if you weren't there just as a stop on the way to the airlines.
Show a willingness to learn and be able to work as part of a small team.

Best flying job you'll ever have, although it could and should pay more.
Things are slowly starting to move in the right direction on that front, though.

Good Luck!

:)

[compressor stall]

Single pilot IFR command with night time in the bush. The night bush time (into black hole strips, perferably with flares) is probably the most important.

[B58]

G'Day Lucky, I currently work the Docs and I have to say it is the best job I have ever had. Like you, never too keen on the airline type work and always had my heart set on RFDS.

The company does look at people with less than minimums required and quite a few of them get in. Like Mr Coight says the right attitude is a must and definately having some good single pilot if time behind you will help. Turbine time time will also help but is not a must have. We have plenty of guys flying for us at the moment who have never been in a turbine till they came and started training with us many in the Kingairs not PC12's.

Anyway I guess what I'm trying to say is if your not the airline type and the RFDS is true goal then go for it. The experience will definately be worth it. Mate 92 grand a year for 4 on, 6 off is not bad when you get to play with brand new proline king airs and do some of the best flying youll ever do day or night. Its not for everyone but sounds like you have the right attitude.

[lgsto]

Quick question, hopefully not a dumb one! What timeframe is 4 on 6 off?

Days/weeks?

Any idea on how instructing hours would be viewed by RFDS ?

[Track Direct]

Lgsto,

Timeframe is 4 standby shifts, followed by 6 days off.:ok:
Multi Command time with plenty of Night is preferable.

Lucky1,

Airline experience will not necessarily enhance your chances with RFDS.
Your GA time will be viewed highly if your attitude is right.
You may get waiver on some of the hour requirements if they are short of drivers.:E

[Desert Duck]

lgsto

lots of hours in the circuit area are not well viewed - remote area hours and night hours are highly desirable

[Towering Q]

Lucky...with your location being 'deep north', I'm assuming you are looking at Qld Section?

Western Ops, Central Section, SE Section and Qld are all different outfits so it would pay to do your homework first.

Qld Section have a good funding arrangement via a state tax which means they don't experience the money problems that other sections do. The result is better pay and equipment.

[lgsto]

Cheers lads, good advice.:ok:

[LUCKY-1]

Cheers guys..i'm 'on' it! :ok: Lucky-1

[Broads]

Thanks guys, was the exact info that I also was chasing.

Very much appreciated.

Side note: I am currently reading Bill 'Swampy' Marsh's More Great Australian Flying Doctor Stories - not a bad read.