Need Info on Australian Pilot Career.

[Timothy Endicott]

I haven't seen any Australians on this site yet but hopefully some of you might be able to help. I'm heavily considering going down the road of becoming a pilot. I've read alot of stuff on lack of work out there for pilots. Is this the case in Australia? Is that only if you want to fly jets as well? Really I'm happy flying anything, doing any flying job. All I really want is to work in Australia, preferably Brisbane. But I imagine I can't be too picky. Anyway I haven't started the training yet. I've only just been offered the place at uni. It will take three years to finish my university course. Does any one feel like the industry is improving? As in there are more jobs coming along for pilots? Once again I would be very happy to teach, drop sky divers, take aerial shots, whatever. Just as long as I'm flying for a living. I'm probably going to get another qualification on the side to get me by if times get tough. Also can anyone tell me what sort of a wage a pilot gets? As in for the beginners pilots job all the way up to the expert pilots job.

If anyone can give me a link to where I can find this info that would be great too. I kind of feel wierd about going up to a pilot and asking them in person "hey mate how much do you earn?"

Any info on how to suceed or what to expect would be great.

[ab33t]

Flying carreers are really like a roller coaster one minute its up the next its down . Flying and living are not synonomous , some jobs will let you fly and not live . Its not all negative but you need to be aware that this is the way the industry is.

[redsnail]

G'day Tim,
There's loads of Aussies on this site. You need to post in the Dununda, Godzone and Pacific Island section of this site.

There has been recruitment at Virgin Blue lately for FOs which is really good news for the pilots in Oz.
I don't blame you for wanting to stay around Brisvegas but the truth will probably be heading "out west" or "north west" or even "north" for your first couple of jobs.

Pilot wages are available on a government site that deals with award wages. I can't remember what it's called now.

The AFAP will be a source of pilot wage info.

Note, when you start out, unfortunately, what the award is and what you'll get might be different. Especially in the instructing world.

Back in the 1990-2000 this is what I was earning.
Scenic/Charter single engine VFR $20K
As above but in twins, $25K
Twin IFR (piston) $33K
FO on twin turbine $33K (Captains were earning $50K)
FO on a bigger twin turbine. $45K (Captains were earning $80K)

Headed to the UK now flying faster stuff.