Where to after 500..

[kaptaan]

So I got my CPL, NVFR, MECIR, DG etc.. Packed my bag and headed north. Found that ever important first job flying for some guy somewhere. It didn't matter if it was a dead end or I be helping out in construction work when not flying (it still doesn't) but now that I'm nearing 500 hrs I realized that I should be flying somewhere where there's a chance to move in to a twin one day. :hmm:
I could stay in this job for another 500 but even after 1000 hrs I'll still have to find a job which offered progression.
My question to all the experienced guys and gals who have already 'Been there done that' if I should stay in this job till I find another job sending e-mails or should I quit and hit the road again to maximize my chances and all those who think that I should stick around for another 500..
Any info from people who have been through similar situation.
I value your input and any advice (or criticism) would be greatly appreciated, post or pm. Or if you know of any company or job in need of a Pilot with my exp please advise. :ok:

[Mr. Hat]

Never leave a job without a job to go to.

500? In your shoes if i had my time over again I'd apply straight for Qantas.

[kaptaan]

I'd apply straight for Qantas.


I've always valued your advice Mr. H and I will submit my application and it’ll be great to get in, that's probably where I want to end up one day. At the same time a part of me believes that I can still learn allot more from GA and as people previously mentioned, I know that once out of this scene I will miss all things GA..

[tail wheel]

1. Mr Hat: "Never leave a job without a job to go to."

2. Start sending out heaps of resumes and don't forget to update hours.

3. Talk to industry people at every opportunity. Make contacts!

With 500 hours these days you are marketable!

[Mr. Hat]

Nice to get the compliments chaps:).

Kaap, you never know your luck mate. I kept trying to get better and better experience thinking "when i apply I'll have this and that ect". In reality if you fit their criteria you'll get in with 500 hrs. The other thing is you'll give yourself more chances at multiple bites of the cherry. I spent 10 years gathering bells and whistles and then applied and missed out:{. I'd have been better off having repeated attempts.:8

And do you know what? Someone gave me the same advice I'm giving you and i thought i knew better. At least you've got the brains to listen! Chances are you'll get in:ok:

[senshi]

For mine, stay in GA Kap and progress onto a twin.. you'll get a lot more respect for doing your time and have fun along the way.. it will also make for good cockpit stories when you eventually make it to an airline. :ok:

S

[Jamair]

Check yer PMs!:}

[ForkTailedDrKiller]

You can cross Skytrans off ya list!

Dr :8

[Jamair]

Actually, with 500 you'd prob'ly walk straight into a Dash 8 RHS with Trytrans........:yuk:

[chode1984]

he dosn't specify ATPL's. So no airline is an option. Unless of course you have them and just didn't mention it.

[kaptaan]

Chode,
I've only done a few of the subjects mate, planing to wrap up the rest soon but I guess I just have to hang on to those airline application till then.:uhoh:

["Littlebird"]

Slow down guys!
kaptaan, I assume you know QF requires a min of 500 hrs PIC not total time? By all means if you have this, finish those ATPL's and get you app in pronto.

LB :ok:

Hours 500 hours in command of a powered fixed wing aircraft (excluding ICUS), or


250 hours in command of a powered fixed wing aircraft (of which up to 100 hours may be ICUS) and 1000 hours First Officer time on turbine RPT operations, or

150 hours in command of a powered fixed wing aircraft (excluding ICUS) and 1500 hours First Officer time on turbine RPT operations, or

250 hours in command of a powered fixed wing aircraft (of which up to 100 hours may be ICUS) and 500 hours in command of rotary wing aircraft.

[Sue Ridgepipe]

Never leave a job without a job to go to.


I can't agree with that one I'm afraid. Sure, once your career is established and you've got a thousand hours or more I would say that applies, but when you're still trying to find your way in the industry, sometimes it pays to take a punt along the way.

When I was flogging around in singles down south and with no sign of any m/e work on the horizon, and those hundreds of resumes I sent out were getting me nowhere, I bit the bullet and left my job and went north to hunt for a better job. And boy am I glad I did. There's no substitute for actually being in the right place and chatting to your prospective employers face to face and letting them get to know you, rather than just sending resumes that go straight from the fax machine to the huge resume pile or even the rubbish bin.

Kaptaan, you don't say where you are based, but if you are based in a major city like Darwin or Cairns where there are twin operators on the airport, then I would stay where you are and keep knocking on doors while you continue to clock up hours in the logbook and put money in the bank. But if you are living on a cattle station or somewhere else in the midle of nowhere then it might be time to make that hard decision and relocate to a place where you have more chance of getting what you want.

[Mr. Hat]

Each situation is different you have to be able to judge that.

I lived in the remotest of spots and just used long weekends or holidays to meet and greet others. I'd plan massive round trips. Leaving at sun up arriving at sundown sunday night.

Used a combination of letters calls and the drop in. As people could see that i lived in the middle of nowhere they didn't expect me to be living on their door step.

Personally I couldn't afford to just leave.

Either way develp a relationship with the person you are trying to get a job with. Make sure you know their names and that they know yours. Make sure you don't annoy them though. Ask them "when should i touch base again?"

[Mr.Buzzy]

Oh yeah, apply to QANTAS.
The sooner you learn to be a bitter, twisted, aeroplane hating, managment loathing, money grabbing pervert; the sooner you can call yourself a real pilot!

There's much more to flying than QF folks.
Enjoy the ride Kaptaan. You're a long time airline!

bbbbbbbbzzzzzzzzzzzbbbbbbbbzzzzzzzzzzzzbbbbbzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[slow n low]

Why not the ADF option..?

Its not the 'airlines' but the benefits are certainly worth it. Good (and getting better) rates of pay for junior guys and stability. You may need to work on a two way rifle range periodically :bored: but thats well compensated for as well.

GA experience can (not always) help as well. I draw on my previous experience when I can. Those hours you have can not be erased, the airlines will still be there in years to come...

[startingout]

What is the way into the ADF if you already have a CPL, MECIR and ATPL's. Do you have to do the full uni course or is there a fast track for pilots?

[slow n low]

startingout,

Hope you know I meant the Australian Defence Force..

Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts to be had. You start off at GF1 learning to taxi like everyone else..;)

Its hard going till the day you finish and get a posting order to your operational squadron (think 2 years or so), at least it was for this little black duck :ouch:

Or do it hard in the bush...sup to you

Visit defencejobs.gov.au and get the lowdown, all the info is there.

My 2 cents...

[Tempo]

Pull your head in Mr Buzzy...

With 500 hours you should be able to land a job with a company that has plenty of twins to progress to. I have been out of the Darwin scene for a while but I am sure a few resumes and phone calls to the various operators would answer a few questions.

[startingout]

thanks for that slow n low, i knew what you meant, i have just heard stories in the past of a "contracter" position in the ADF flying, but it could have just been false. What it sounded like what the fast track no uni course, and just straight into the turbine conversion and then onto your assigned aircraft with only a debt of 3 years to the nation.

[kaptaan]

Folks, thank you all for your advise :ok:

[Jazzy78910]

When people are saying "apply for Qantas"with 500TT, are you referring to their Cadetship program, or general admission route?

What kind of position would one expect to land with 500TT? Maybe RHS in a Dash8 or something?

Thanks,
Jarrad

[cwc]

why is the Pearl Island van parked in GA mate? Does he leave it there now when he flys back and forth?