Where to now?

[mince]

Hello all,
I have just received my shiny new CPL, have 200 odd hours and am looking for advice on where to go "up North" to find first job.
I know about Kunnunurra but this is a bloody big country and there must be other places worth checking out.
Any suggestions would be muchly appreciated!

[grrowler]

A pretty good time (maybe another month or so) to start getting your face known around the tourist places.

A few places I can think of:

Karumba, QLD: Only one operator there now I believe, I have no idea if they need anyone, but they have singles and twins. I got a start up there with CPL, but some weeks I was struggling to put bread on the table.

Broome: Definately a great place to start off if you can. The main scenic companies are Broome Av and King Leopold Air (singles only). BRM is a fantastic place, ****s all over KU. I'd definately give them a go.

Kununurra: The obvious one. I've heard that pilots aren't hanging around as long as they used to, so quicker progression onto the Caravan. Could be wrong. I've also heard they are getting rid of most of the twins, only a rumour though.

Shark Bay/ Kalbarri: Don't know anything about these operators but I believe they put on low hour guys.

Stanbroke/ Other Pastoral Companies: know a few guys who got a start there, Neil Bates was the man to talk to at Stanbroke.

Skydiving: Again others will know more but a few places are Wollongong, Sydney, Great Keppel Island (used to?), Airlie Beach (I think), Cairns, plus many more.

When I was trying to find work, I got a listing of companies off the aviation trader web site, annd just started dialling numbers. I remember the listing was quite old, and a lot of the details were wrong, so don't take it as gospel.

For most of the jobs you need to be there to get tem, so be prepared to work in supermarkets, bars, on street corners :D, etc to survive while yo wait.

Hope this helps some.

[Transition Layer]

As Grrowler says, Broome is a bl*ody great place to be - hardly counts as a first GA job because I thought one of the prerequisites of that was living in a crappy place!

Rumour out of Broome is that one of the operators may be a little reluctant to hire anyone with less than 500hrs due a couple of incidents this year with inexperienced pilots. Just a rumour though.

There has been plenty on this forum about Kununurra and is still one of the most likely places to give you a start. Check out The Adventures of Robbo the Yobbo (http://www.users.bigpond.com/jeremyrobertson/north/index.html) for a great idea of the awesome things you can experience up here.

Drop me a pvt message if you have any more queries.

Cheers,
TL

[Islander Jock]

G'day TL,

The rumour about inexperienced pilots wouldn't by chance be the one we discussed over a few VB stubbs when I was in the Crack a couple of months back would it? ;)

[Sheep Guts]

Mince,
Interesting user name. I agree with what Growller and TL , have to say. Also give Darwin ago, you may not have the intitial requirements, but some companies will atleast give you the time of day. If you show your face, establish contacts, you never know. Ofcourse now the wet season is starting, it may be tuff ,but you are a head of the crowd for the Dry Tourist Season. Now when you get to Darwin town, and nothing happens in the first week, dont be put off, stick with it and something will come up.
You must be prepared to work maybe in a hanger to start, and show good work ethics to start, this is usually a test from your employer, to see if you have what it takes.

Requirements before you head on your quest:

1. Dangerous Goods Certificate

2. Do you have a MECIR? if not with your hrs could get one later.

3. Make sure you know how to navigate. That is without a GPS and using DR.

4. Start using a HF, and be familiar on its use..

5. You will probabaly need a car.

6. You may need to get on the JAM ROLE, dole unless you pick up some work, depends on the individual.

Darwin is generally the Centre, for picking up work in the Top End, alot of the Companies have bush bases in Arhnemland etc.
The" Tute "used to be the watering hole. but I think its changed, more people frequent "Rourkes", and "Lizards "etc now.

Hope this gives some ideas anyway. HA may add more to it unless he's gone Christmas Shopping!!!!:D :D :D

Merry Xmas to all

SHEEP:cool: :cool:

[Raingauge]

A certain operator in Broome will probably be checking that all pilots do and know the following. Take all the WACs you need for the flight so you don't get lost, understand that radar dosen't work in the middle of no-where, know how to get the gear down in an emergency, and know how to do basic fuel calculations. Sounds pretty logical I know, but you'd be suprised!

If your check ride is a bit of a joke, or if you don't have one at all, make sure you at least keep up some sort of standard, if you do you'll be all the better off for it.

[radar o'reilly]

the very best of luck to you my friend.

I have 202 TT and I have been looking for my first job for 3 years solid.

and I have been to ALOT of places.

I sincerely hope it happens quicker for you.

Search on my handle and you will find lots of info for your journey.

Don't go to Darwin yet. It's too damn hot. :D

[Transition Layer]

G'day IJ,

Might be the same mate... ;)

I think we were knocking back Carlton Draught stubbs at the time, but I might be mistaken. Those nights all become a bit of a blur.

Cheers,
TL