Oh Canada

[Aurukun Dreaming]

G'day all,

This is a long shot, but I'm only posting here in dunnuda to find out if any Aussies or Kiwis have done this before me (I do realise there is a Canadian forum which I will also post to)...

Now I know there have been aussies head over to fly in entry level gigs, but what about something a little further up (turboprops and the like)? I understand that just like here, Canadian jobs are for Canadians, but I'm wondering if anyone has pulled it off and if so how? Just for perspective, I'm currently a turboprop skipper here in oz.

Just to pre-empt the angry mob out there before they step in for the cross examination - everyone has their own flying adventure, this is mine. All I'm after is a bit of advice or a story or 2 on how others have made this work if they indeed have. If there are none then so be it!

Love youse all, AD

[dreamer84]

Great post! Can't help you at all other than to say good luck.....that would be awesome. Canada is a fantastic place and the flying there would be unreal.

Careers | Buffalo Airways (http://www.buffaloairways.com/careers) ;)

All the best.

[lilflyboy262]

Im looking at doing this in the near future. Would love to give floats and skis a crack. Done the bush thing now need a change in scenery.

Most of the companies won't hire without the right to live or work in Canada, and you can't get that right without an offer of work since pilots aren't classed as skilled labour.

Still going to give Ontario a go and see how that works out. Best case scenario is that I get a job, worst is that I have a Canadian holiday.

[mcgrath50]

Canada in many ways is closer to the Australian industry than the American, unless you have a skill they are short in at the time (eg; they may have a shortage of fire bombing pilots and you have a lot of experience), a company is unlikely to give you an offer so you can get a right to work.

The best way? Marry a Canadian girl.

[tinpis]

The Big Chill -Tales of an old aviator -Duke Elegant (http://www.equinedzine.com/Duke_Elegant.htm)

Have a read through here. Anything is more exciting than yer OZ aviation.
The same bastards can be found in the usual places

[Nigel Osborn]

I don't know if Canada has changed its work rules in recent years but in the 70s & 80s it was very difficult to get a work permit. I spent 7 years flying for a Canadian company in Oz, India & Thailand & had a Canadian license but when they wanted me to fly in Canada, I couldn't get a work permit. The answer was always train a local; how ever I believe it is easier now but as suggested marry a Canadian girl!:ok:

[Exaviator]

A.D. I went to Canada in the early seventy's. At the time I had quite a lot of command experience on Turbo Props, F27, HS-748 and DHC-6. The first reaction that I received whilst doing the rounds of company's operating these types was that I was over qualified. In all probability the C.Ps that I was talking to did not want someone on the books more qualified than themselves.

However I persevered in my search and eventually obtained a relief command position on an F.27 and within twelve months was appointed C.P. and a short time later DFO.

I have had many people tell me that I was lucky in aviation, always being in the right place at the right time.

Well I believe that you make your own luck. We are all presented with opportunities throughout our lives, what you make of them is up to you.

The point that I am making here is that if you have a dream, follow it. Otherwise one day you will reach that age when you can only look back, and you do not want it to be filled with regret at all those opportunities missed.:ok:

[Aurukun Dreaming]

What a lovely response, some really useful and inspiring links and stories.

Much appreciated guys, I'm off to find a wife.

Be safe, AD

[aroa]

beautiful Canada... but the cold sure is cruel. Hope you like the sub zeros !