Civilian QFI - Tamworth

[Guru8904]

Having applied for a fixed wing QFI position at Tamworth, I was wondering about life as an expat, package, monthly flying hours etc. Any info would be welcome.
Thanks.

[Guru8904]

Around 500 views and not a single post? Come on guys and gals, please speak up if y've been there or know something. PM me if you like.

[jas24zzk]

You are relying on an answer from someone who has worked for the company.

The silence might be your answer. But i'll have a go on what I can for you.

Life as an expat? Australia is the greatest country on earth(ok i am a patriot) Most of our regulations suck eggs, but we do know how to have a good bbq.

Renumeration. That should be in the advertisement, or at least easily researchable.

Career Progression? You are either kidding us, or living in a fantasy land

Thinking about it not too heavily....oppurtunity here, Vs oppurtunity in Pakistan...get your 457 Visa and roll on in.

Good Luck

[Guru8904]

jas24zzk,

Thanks. I am an ex military guy who has recently begun his airline career, albeit a bit more than a bit late, considering my age. Fact is, I am thoroughly enjoying the flying part and would certainly love to continue.
Given the current situation in my country, every Pakistani in his/her right mind would jump at the first opportunity to work overseas, more so if it is somewhere other than and better than the Middle East.
In my case, if I get an offer and move to Tamworth, it would in all probability be the end of my short airline career. What I am keen to know is that is this QFI job good enough for me to send my airline flying to the altar? It is not just money I am looking at, I have to take into account factors like job satisfaction, work environment, the lure of subsequent immigration etc.
I know it's a tough decision but I need to know as much as possible to be able to take a balanced one. I am cognizant, at the end of the day, I am going to have to decide myself but as they say, forewarned is forearmed. I don't want someone to decide for me, all I need is honest and sincere opinions, guidance, advice, anything that would equip me better. Feel free to share your experience and wisdom.

[Shagpile]

Read up on the 5428 replacement trainer. You may find your new career short lived depending on what the government decides.

[Captain Sand Dune]

Whichever option is selected I doubt very much if ADF will continue with civilian flying instructors a la the Tamworth example.

[Guru8904]

Read up on the 5428 replacement trainer. You may find your new career short lived depending on what the government decides.

Whichever option is selected I doubt very much if ADF will continue with civilian flying instructors a la the Tamworth example.

BAE Systems is looking for people on the CT4 at present. Expats/civilians are being considered for the job apparently as they can't find enough Aussies/ADF QFIs.
Even if the CT4 is replaced with PC21 tomorrow, I assume the instructor shortage is going to stay and expats/civilians may still be needed, may not be by the ADF but probably by BAE to continue training students from PNG, Singapore, Malaysia etc.
Between UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, there are over a hundred PC21s on order. Tomorrow if ADF finalizes a deal with Pilatus, they would be standing at the tail end of a long queue; it would be at least a few years before they get their first aircraft delivered. Just my thoughts.

[Fieldmouse]

Bae won't be leaving Tamworth. They will just continue to chase military contracts from all over world.They aren't mothballing a $70 million base even if they win the on-base option at East-Sale with the T-6

[Guru8904]

Bae won't be leaving Tamworth. They will just continue to chase military contracts from all over world.They aren't mothballing a $70 million base even if they win the on-base option at East-Sale with the T-6

Yes, that's exactly my point. BAE is a giant that can't be moved; if required, it can move others.

[Guru8904]

When I started this thread five days ago, I wanted to get information needed by a person who had never been to Australia; I was keen to know beyond what is there on google/wiki. I wanted people to share their real life experiences, how they felt, how were they treated etc. Today, I got a brilliant reply to all my questions:

I’ll start off by describing Australia as Paradise on earth. There is no religious hypocrisy, people are naturally trusting and trustworthy, honesty and justice are pillars of this country’s society. Each person gets what is his right, there is no bribery or corruption, no special privileges for the people in high social positions, politicians are held to account, every system designed to fulfil a societal need, functions like a well-oiled machine. There is absolutely no racism against decent folk, or any folk, there is no discrimination whatsoever. There is the odd exception but accountability processes keep a sharp eye on deviants. However, a migrant is naturally expected to blend in with the Australian way of life. While I project openly my western ways, I also proudly display my Pakistani-ness. I have never faced any problems settling in.

A PAF officer like yourself should not have any trouble. I must say though, that many Muslims do not wish to change their old ways and they soon make unrealistic demands from the societies they have adopted. These people endeavour to change the host society to suit their own alien styles of living and thinking and can be seen as obnoxious.
In a word, Australia is everything our beloved country Pakistan used to be. Sadly, today though, we have an international reputation of being a nation of thieving bigots.

About your application for a QFI position at BAE Tamworth, being from the air force could be an asset for you. Whether they accept you is something I cannot comment on, however there is an undercurrent of distrust of Pakistanis for several reasons, as you well may expect. If you are indeed called up, be prepared for an extremely tough time with the testing you will be exposed to, both in flying as well as in theory. The standard is even above the FIS instructor level. I can only guess at the package offered…a living wage would be around 45 to 65 thousand dollars, with some benefits in addition.

Once you are in, you will receive the warmest welcome anyone could give a stranger. People will take extremely good care of you. You will be given every chance to prove yourself and Ozzie generosity will blow you away. It is a life totally free of stress or strife…unless you generate it yourself. You will never feel more secure and well-looked after. Your kids will blossom right before your eyes into happy, upright, contributing members of their new world.

Unlike Pakistan where you need to hunt around to find even a hint of godliness, here God is everywhere…minus the useless public ritualistic displays we are now so used to indulging in, in our beloved Pakistan.

I have been totally frank in filling out the canvass for you. Contact Tamworth yourself and clarify remaining doubts. Best of luck, mate.

Cheers,


The person who wrote this is obviously a Pakistani now settled in Australia. I've never met him or spoken to him before. I just got his email id from someone and wrote to him and he took all the time to explain everything so beautifully.
Yesterday, I received an email from BAE informing me that I had not been selected for the job and trust me, I didn't feel I had lost something big. After reading the quoted email, I really feel I have lost something valuable coming my way. I believe now, more than ever before, Australia is a great country, full of great people.

Stay Blessed.

[Arm out the window]

That is a beautiful sentiment, and I only hope if you do have the opportunity to come to Australia you have similar experiences.

I wouldn't say we are quite as tolerant or welcoming as the email's author suggests, and you may run across people who are quick with a put-down, but I like to think that underneath it all, Aussies are really not too far from that ideal of the welcoming, friendly people who are willing to give anyone who comes with a positive attitude the proverbial 'fair go'.

Good luck!

[gerry111]

May I second 'Arm out the window's comments?


Good luck too!