Am I being realistic??
Thread Starter
Am I being realistic??
G'day all,
Just looking for some advice and thoughts re: my situation.
To give you the backgound, this is my story:
I've always had the desire to fly for a living. Started flying when I was 19, got my PPL at 20. Worked 2 jobs 6 days a week to fund it, just like many people. However, during my PPL training I was unfortunate to have been subjected to one of those "overbearing" type Instructors. Any mistakes that I made in the cockpit were met with yelling through the headset and occasionally a smack over the head with a rolled up WAC. As the training went on, I felt less and less confident with my flying ability, to the point that I would get really nervous and feel ill prior to and during each sortie. Unfortunately, because of geographic location and money, changing schools was never a realistic option for me. I loved flying itself, but was quickly losing faith in myself that I had what it takes to eventually get into an airline.
However, the desire to fly as a career still burned in me. I did see my PPL through, but as a result I had this continual mental "hurdle" when it came to getting "back in the saddle" for the CPL flying training. I did sit and pass all of the CPL theory though.
Then, when I was 26, I realised that it was basically now or never. Being older, wiser and upwardly mobile, I knew that I was now in control of who was going to teach me. This gave me the mental "push" that I needed to feel comfortable with what I was doing up there, so I eagerly went headlong into the CPL flying training. I'm glad to say that I found it immensly enjoyable, and I restored the faith in myself that I could do it.
Bubbling with enthusiasm, I visited the Tech Crew up front in a QF 737 while flying interstate shortly after. The Skipper was asking about my flying so I went on telling him that I'd just done the CPL, and would be doing a Multi IR when I got home from holidays. He also asked "how old are you?", to which I replied was 26. Said QF Skipper then says "well sorry mate, to have got your CPL at 26, you'll have no hope with QF or AN, or any other jet operator in Australia for that matter". I must admit to feeling gutted at the time. He then goes on to say "actually, my son just finished his Multi IR last week- he's just turned 19". Ouch.
This was back in the late 1990's now.
At this time, there actually was a shortage of CPL/IR pilots in the UK, and I knew for a fact that guys/ girls were getting jobs on 737's etc. with their 250 hour Frozen ATPL's.
Back then my Wife was my girlfriend, but I always knew that I'd marry her. Knowing that she had the Right of Abode for the UK, we had a very honest chat about the fact that maybe this would be the way for me to get my flying career back on track. She agreed that if this was going to give me the best chance of living my dream, then she would fully support me in it. So all the enquiries were made and it very quickly became obvious that this was going to require some serious cash. Apart from my own life's savings, more honest chats with family followed, about helping to get the rest of the funding together.
And so it was, in early 2000 I came to the UK, and commenced the conversion to a Frozen JAR ATPL. I'm happy to say that I passed all of the theory without too many probs, but even more importantly (for me), got good first time passes in the JAR CPL and Instrument Rating flight tests. At long last, thanks to some fantastic Instructors, I felt that I had real confidence in my flying ability and that the monkey was off my back.
Now it was late 2000, and it was off home to get married, and to save up so as to be able to afford to Immigrate to the UK. Another 3 years of working in a ground job that I hated, coupled with some unusual living arrangements (housesharing) so that we could save faster was not a lot of fun, especially for a newly married couple. Even more disturbing was the decimation of the Airline industry post Sept. 11.
But now we are here, and have been settled in the UK for just over four months. The move has not been easy, but I'm happy to say that it's getting better all the time, and the hardships are getting further behind us. Very furtunately for me, I've got a Wife who's fantastically supportive and has the ability to find work anywhere as she's a Health Professional.
I've just turned 30 and have about 300 hours TT. I'm in the process of applying to all of the Airlines and Freight outfits over here. I feel confident that I'll get something this year, as the job market is really starting to pick up over here. To be realistic I'm really setting my sights on the Turboprop operators. This means the first gig is likely to be in a Shorts, F27, SAAB 340, HS748 or maybe even a new Dash 8.
To get to my questions to you all, this is my gameplan:
1. Get a command on the first Turboprop after about 18 months, and get my 500hrs command as required by QF and DJ. This takes me to the age of about 33-34
2. Land myself a job with one of the low cost operators over here, and over 2 years get myself the best part of 2000 hours on the 737/ A320 family.
So here are my questions:
1. I really miss Australia, and want to fly there comercially. In terms of past QF and DJ hiring trends, would a 35- 36 year old with 4-5000 hours including stacks of turbine/ jet time, stand a chance of getting in when he comes home? Or do you feel that I could be slapped with an "application not competitive" due to age? To go with the flying, I also have some life experience and valuable skills from other jobs too.
2. Knowing that QF are really hot on the pshych stuff, do you think it will worry them greatly that I didn't fly for a long time after my PPL due to my bad experiences during the training? I'm hoping to show them that I am motivated by virtue of the fact that I moved to the other side of the world to pursue a career. I don't want to portray to them that my heart was never in it.
Now that you know my story, and my future plans, am I being realistic?
I look forward to your advice and replies.
Thanks all,
Gearup.
Just looking for some advice and thoughts re: my situation.
To give you the backgound, this is my story:
I've always had the desire to fly for a living. Started flying when I was 19, got my PPL at 20. Worked 2 jobs 6 days a week to fund it, just like many people. However, during my PPL training I was unfortunate to have been subjected to one of those "overbearing" type Instructors. Any mistakes that I made in the cockpit were met with yelling through the headset and occasionally a smack over the head with a rolled up WAC. As the training went on, I felt less and less confident with my flying ability, to the point that I would get really nervous and feel ill prior to and during each sortie. Unfortunately, because of geographic location and money, changing schools was never a realistic option for me. I loved flying itself, but was quickly losing faith in myself that I had what it takes to eventually get into an airline.
However, the desire to fly as a career still burned in me. I did see my PPL through, but as a result I had this continual mental "hurdle" when it came to getting "back in the saddle" for the CPL flying training. I did sit and pass all of the CPL theory though.
Then, when I was 26, I realised that it was basically now or never. Being older, wiser and upwardly mobile, I knew that I was now in control of who was going to teach me. This gave me the mental "push" that I needed to feel comfortable with what I was doing up there, so I eagerly went headlong into the CPL flying training. I'm glad to say that I found it immensly enjoyable, and I restored the faith in myself that I could do it.
Bubbling with enthusiasm, I visited the Tech Crew up front in a QF 737 while flying interstate shortly after. The Skipper was asking about my flying so I went on telling him that I'd just done the CPL, and would be doing a Multi IR when I got home from holidays. He also asked "how old are you?", to which I replied was 26. Said QF Skipper then says "well sorry mate, to have got your CPL at 26, you'll have no hope with QF or AN, or any other jet operator in Australia for that matter". I must admit to feeling gutted at the time. He then goes on to say "actually, my son just finished his Multi IR last week- he's just turned 19". Ouch.
This was back in the late 1990's now.
At this time, there actually was a shortage of CPL/IR pilots in the UK, and I knew for a fact that guys/ girls were getting jobs on 737's etc. with their 250 hour Frozen ATPL's.
Back then my Wife was my girlfriend, but I always knew that I'd marry her. Knowing that she had the Right of Abode for the UK, we had a very honest chat about the fact that maybe this would be the way for me to get my flying career back on track. She agreed that if this was going to give me the best chance of living my dream, then she would fully support me in it. So all the enquiries were made and it very quickly became obvious that this was going to require some serious cash. Apart from my own life's savings, more honest chats with family followed, about helping to get the rest of the funding together.
And so it was, in early 2000 I came to the UK, and commenced the conversion to a Frozen JAR ATPL. I'm happy to say that I passed all of the theory without too many probs, but even more importantly (for me), got good first time passes in the JAR CPL and Instrument Rating flight tests. At long last, thanks to some fantastic Instructors, I felt that I had real confidence in my flying ability and that the monkey was off my back.
Now it was late 2000, and it was off home to get married, and to save up so as to be able to afford to Immigrate to the UK. Another 3 years of working in a ground job that I hated, coupled with some unusual living arrangements (housesharing) so that we could save faster was not a lot of fun, especially for a newly married couple. Even more disturbing was the decimation of the Airline industry post Sept. 11.
But now we are here, and have been settled in the UK for just over four months. The move has not been easy, but I'm happy to say that it's getting better all the time, and the hardships are getting further behind us. Very furtunately for me, I've got a Wife who's fantastically supportive and has the ability to find work anywhere as she's a Health Professional.
I've just turned 30 and have about 300 hours TT. I'm in the process of applying to all of the Airlines and Freight outfits over here. I feel confident that I'll get something this year, as the job market is really starting to pick up over here. To be realistic I'm really setting my sights on the Turboprop operators. This means the first gig is likely to be in a Shorts, F27, SAAB 340, HS748 or maybe even a new Dash 8.
To get to my questions to you all, this is my gameplan:
1. Get a command on the first Turboprop after about 18 months, and get my 500hrs command as required by QF and DJ. This takes me to the age of about 33-34
2. Land myself a job with one of the low cost operators over here, and over 2 years get myself the best part of 2000 hours on the 737/ A320 family.
So here are my questions:
1. I really miss Australia, and want to fly there comercially. In terms of past QF and DJ hiring trends, would a 35- 36 year old with 4-5000 hours including stacks of turbine/ jet time, stand a chance of getting in when he comes home? Or do you feel that I could be slapped with an "application not competitive" due to age? To go with the flying, I also have some life experience and valuable skills from other jobs too.
2. Knowing that QF are really hot on the pshych stuff, do you think it will worry them greatly that I didn't fly for a long time after my PPL due to my bad experiences during the training? I'm hoping to show them that I am motivated by virtue of the fact that I moved to the other side of the world to pursue a career. I don't want to portray to them that my heart was never in it.
Now that you know my story, and my future plans, am I being realistic?
I look forward to your advice and replies.
Thanks all,
Gearup.
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I've just turned 30 and have about 300 hours TT. I'm in the process of applying to all of the Airlines and Freight outfits over here. I feel confident that I'll get something this year, as the job market is really starting to pick up over here. To be realistic I'm really setting my sights on the Turboprop operators. This means the first gig is likely to be in a Shorts, F27, SAAB 340, HS748 or maybe even a new Dash 8.
From my limited understanding, Qantas looks at people from 500 command and up and they can't be prejudicial on age openly (due to the age discrimination act) but I'm sure they do. I know of experienced guys getting in, in their late 30s and early 40s but you again are competing with guys who can provide them with 35 to 40 years of service for that same amount of training. When you get 500command apply and take your lottery ticket. An interesting thread on REPORTING points about australian pilots moving to dragon air should be woth a read as it opens your eyes as to other choices that are out there that pay far better than oz. So if you can be lucky enough to get some turbine time at your experience plus having JAA licence and subjetcs, wont be long till you have lots of options everywhere. Good luck
Are options that rosie in the UK & just interested as to how much cash you laid down to transfer everything over to UK etc
Sounds like you got one of those hard to find ladies, lucky bloke
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G'Day Gear up. Mate it's hard to say what the hiring trends will be in 4-5 years time. That's the gamble we all take in aviation.
It's plain to see that your hearts in flying. No one can fault you on that point. Very sad to hear about your experience with a 'yeller and screamer'. I too have experienced such moronic behaviour from idiots who I was paying to teach me to fly and, if it's any consolation, history showed that these people more often than not turned out to be rejected by the airlines. Fortunatly, I have a chip on both shoulders and applied the dictum of getting revenge on those who slight me through being successful.
Current employment trends have seen mid-30s people with 5000hrs and turbines being recruited in Oz. However, the requirement for pilots in Europe has always outstripped that back home. The industry in Australia is largely gutted these days and you may have more opportunities where you are.
Funny how people such as the QF capt in your post come out of the woodwork to to discourage you. I got my CPL at 24 and was told by a variety of people that I was too old. Funny how each of these either had kids who would be competing with me or were competitors themselves. In hindsight, I realize that they knew that I would outperform them in the job market. And I did.
The break in your flying would reqiure some explaination in an interview situation. I will be honest and say that your stated reasons for that will not cut much chop with an interview panel. I would suggest that you see an employement consultant for grooming prior to presenting for an interview. Make sure that you choose one who does grooming for airline candidates. Good luck
It's plain to see that your hearts in flying. No one can fault you on that point. Very sad to hear about your experience with a 'yeller and screamer'. I too have experienced such moronic behaviour from idiots who I was paying to teach me to fly and, if it's any consolation, history showed that these people more often than not turned out to be rejected by the airlines. Fortunatly, I have a chip on both shoulders and applied the dictum of getting revenge on those who slight me through being successful.
Current employment trends have seen mid-30s people with 5000hrs and turbines being recruited in Oz. However, the requirement for pilots in Europe has always outstripped that back home. The industry in Australia is largely gutted these days and you may have more opportunities where you are.
Funny how people such as the QF capt in your post come out of the woodwork to to discourage you. I got my CPL at 24 and was told by a variety of people that I was too old. Funny how each of these either had kids who would be competing with me or were competitors themselves. In hindsight, I realize that they knew that I would outperform them in the job market. And I did.
The break in your flying would reqiure some explaination in an interview situation. I will be honest and say that your stated reasons for that will not cut much chop with an interview panel. I would suggest that you see an employement consultant for grooming prior to presenting for an interview. Make sure that you choose one who does grooming for airline candidates. Good luck
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G,U&O
Humbug to all the doubters!
There are opportunities everywhere. One of the things I become more aware of with each day is that there are so many different things going on in this industry, things that I had never considered as possibilities.
Two very important things with your case.
One: You are busting your balls to fly for a living. That counts for a lot with most prospective employers.
Two: You have a supportive wife.
Get your hat into as many rings as possible, as quickly as possible. This game is not about what you know but who you know, so get out there ASAP.
There are more opportunities in Europe than Aus to get a start so it's a great place to be.
You did say you missed Aus. Most people in your position will experience that but there are compensations, it's a matter of looking for the positives in every situation.
Keep talking with the missus, keep looking for opportunities (they may be in places and doing things you never imagined!!) and you will go far.
Most of all, have fun!!!
Cheers, Bendy
Humbug to all the doubters!
There are opportunities everywhere. One of the things I become more aware of with each day is that there are so many different things going on in this industry, things that I had never considered as possibilities.
Two very important things with your case.
One: You are busting your balls to fly for a living. That counts for a lot with most prospective employers.
Two: You have a supportive wife.
Get your hat into as many rings as possible, as quickly as possible. This game is not about what you know but who you know, so get out there ASAP.
There are more opportunities in Europe than Aus to get a start so it's a great place to be.
You did say you missed Aus. Most people in your position will experience that but there are compensations, it's a matter of looking for the positives in every situation.
Keep talking with the missus, keep looking for opportunities (they may be in places and doing things you never imagined!!) and you will go far.
Most of all, have fun!!!
Cheers, Bendy
Thread Starter
Cheers guys!
Thanks guys for your opions and advice thus far-
drshmoo: Yes mate, that is pretty much the reality of the job market here in the UK. Don't get me wrong, there is definitely no shortage of qualified low hours people (like myself) over here, but there is not much of a "GA scene" over here to speak of. Because of this, most people like myself are looking at first Commercial jobs in the Regionals or Freight outfits. For example, a good mate of mine that I met at home (Melbourne), did the UK thing about 2 years before me. When he came over, he had 350 hours TT and found some unpaid weekend meatbombing work. At 400 hours, he got a job flying nightfreight in F27's and is racking up stacks of hours now. I think he'll pass the magic 1000 hour mark this week (Good one mate ). However, some of the fortunate ones are getting first jobs in 73's and A320/21's.
I was introduced to my mates' boss (F27 fleet Mgr) at a do just before Christmas and had the informal "interview" over a few beers, to see if I was a "good bloke" or not. Evidently he thought so as he gave me his personal home phone/email, and I'm at the top of the list should anything come up. Incidentally, he's also an Aussie and came over here in that year just before 1990.
In terms of the number of guys looking for work, basically anyone with a decent amount of experience (1000-2000HRS) has either being hired, or will be hired soon. Things have been stagnant for the last few years, but basically almost everyone over here is starting to hire in small numbers. This is going to ramp up soon. For Instance, EasyJet have 150 A319's on order, and are currently taking delivery at the rate of 1 per week! . The forecast is that they need 300-400 additional pilots this year alone. Apparently, there have been some "emergency" meetings at Easyland as there are not enough crews available to fulfill the summer program, and the pool of B737 type rated crews looking for work has basically dried up. Lots of head scratching to figure out where the next batch of people are going to come from, so I'd anticipate that there wil be a big drain of pilots from the regionals .
Added to this, Virgin Atlantic are looking for about 70, Brittania and Monarch are looking for a few, but the best news is that apparantly, BA are about to start hiring DEP (non cadets) for the first time in about 4 years. They are rumoured to be looking at about 200 people. Whichever way you look at it, this puts a hell of a dent in the number of people like me looking for work.
For me to get my license converted to a JAR frozen ATPL, I've invested the approx. grand sum of $90,000 AUD for training/ accom/ airfares/ licensing fees/ flight test fees/ incidentals, then if you add on a years' worth of lost income the total has come to about $125,000 AUD.
Given a combination of my age, my desire to fly for a living and the nature of the job market in the UK- I feel that it has been a worthwhile investment in myself.
And yes, I am a lucky bloke ( re: the Wife)!
Ralph the Bong: I'm very interested to hear about your experiences with Instructors as well. Can I ask you; how did you deal with this? Did it put you off flying for a while? If so, how long did you take out from flying? Congratulations on getting the career as far as you have, what are you flying now?
Your'e very right about some of these characters being rejected by the Airlines. In my case, my Instructor was a B727 Captain, and had to retire from Airline flying due to loss of Medical. I guess he saw the glimmer of hope in my eye and decided to kill it? (ie: if I can't, why should he)?
I appreciate your honest opinion re: my reason for being out of flying for so long after the PPL. There are a few individuals here in the UK who do this kind of thing, and I'm booking time with one soon. I realise that, in general, older applicants such as myself, need to prove to a QF/DJ interview board that we are truly motivated to follow an Airline career through to retirement. What I'm hoping to sell them on is the fact that I've invested a small fortune (or a big one for me), moved to the other side of the planet and left all that I've known behind- just to be able to have a chance of staying in this game when I eventually come home.
I couldn't stand the idea that I'll never be able to fly a jet in my homeland, just because I didn't fly for a few years after the PPL but busted my balls to make up for it in more recent times. Surely a B737NG or A320 family Type Rating (with a couple of thousand hours of use) would hold some sway- even if I'm in my mid 30's?
Bendo: Your'e right re: the oportunities elsewhere. The more I researched into the UK market, the more I knew that it was the route for me.
Since we've arrived, I've certainly been throwing my hat around. At the moment, we're based in north Cheshire, between Liverpool and Manchester Airports, and Birmingham is only an hours' drive down the M6. Every person that I get to know, I ask if they know anyone who works for an Airline. You'd be surprised at the number of people who do, and I get in touch. This has led to me meeting a few people who matter. I'm starting to get quite good at cultivating friendships. In addition to this, I'm looking for work in the Ops departments with a few Airlines, as some low hours guys have been taken on this way. Another great way of getting to know the people who have the say.
As I said, I miss Australia and as you say, many others in my position will think the same way. My long term aim is to line in a place I love (Melbourne), doing what I love. However, all things are subject to change. My mate (whom I referred to at the start of this reply), has been here for longer and has a completely different attitude. He feels that QF and DJ are narrow minded in regards to recruitment policies, and can't see himself having a decent chance of flying for an Australian Airline. I just see it as a result of a completely different job market.
Your'e right mate! Wer'e trying to have fun, and as time goes on we feel better about being here. Now that the stress of the initial upheaval and trying to get established has largely passed, we plan on getting out there and sampling as much of Europe as we possibly can. It's a small place, but a big place as well.
If anyone else has some thoughts, I'd love to hear them!
Cheers all,
Gearup.
drshmoo: Yes mate, that is pretty much the reality of the job market here in the UK. Don't get me wrong, there is definitely no shortage of qualified low hours people (like myself) over here, but there is not much of a "GA scene" over here to speak of. Because of this, most people like myself are looking at first Commercial jobs in the Regionals or Freight outfits. For example, a good mate of mine that I met at home (Melbourne), did the UK thing about 2 years before me. When he came over, he had 350 hours TT and found some unpaid weekend meatbombing work. At 400 hours, he got a job flying nightfreight in F27's and is racking up stacks of hours now. I think he'll pass the magic 1000 hour mark this week (Good one mate
). However, some of the fortunate ones are getting first jobs in 73's and A320/21's.I was introduced to my mates' boss (F27 fleet Mgr) at a do just before Christmas and had the informal "interview" over a few beers, to see if I was a "good bloke" or not. Evidently he thought so as he gave me his personal home phone/email, and I'm at the top of the list should anything come up. Incidentally, he's also an Aussie and came over here in that year just before 1990.
In terms of the number of guys looking for work, basically anyone with a decent amount of experience (1000-2000HRS) has either being hired, or will be hired soon. Things have been stagnant for the last few years, but basically almost everyone over here is starting to hire in small numbers. This is going to ramp up soon. For Instance, EasyJet have 150 A319's on order, and are currently taking delivery at the rate of 1 per week! . The forecast is that they need 300-400 additional pilots this year alone. Apparently, there have been some "emergency" meetings at Easyland as there are not enough crews available to fulfill the summer program, and the pool of B737 type rated crews looking for work has basically dried up. Lots of head scratching to figure out where the next batch of people are going to come from, so I'd anticipate that there wil be a big drain of pilots from the regionals
.Added to this, Virgin Atlantic are looking for about 70, Brittania and Monarch are looking for a few, but the best news is that apparantly, BA are about to start hiring DEP (non cadets) for the first time in about 4 years. They are rumoured to be looking at about 200 people. Whichever way you look at it, this puts a hell of a dent in the number of people like me looking for work.
For me to get my license converted to a JAR frozen ATPL, I've invested the approx. grand sum of $90,000 AUD for training/ accom/ airfares/ licensing fees/ flight test fees/ incidentals, then if you add on a years' worth of lost income the total has come to about $125,000 AUD.
Given a combination of my age, my desire to fly for a living and the nature of the job market in the UK- I feel that it has been a worthwhile investment in myself.
And yes, I am a lucky bloke ( re: the Wife)!
Ralph the Bong: I'm very interested to hear about your experiences with Instructors as well. Can I ask you; how did you deal with this? Did it put you off flying for a while? If so, how long did you take out from flying? Congratulations on getting the career as far as you have, what are you flying now?
Your'e very right about some of these characters being rejected by the Airlines. In my case, my Instructor was a B727 Captain, and had to retire from Airline flying due to loss of Medical. I guess he saw the glimmer of hope in my eye and decided to kill it? (ie: if I can't, why should he)?
I appreciate your honest opinion re: my reason for being out of flying for so long after the PPL. There are a few individuals here in the UK who do this kind of thing, and I'm booking time with one soon. I realise that, in general, older applicants such as myself, need to prove to a QF/DJ interview board that we are truly motivated to follow an Airline career through to retirement. What I'm hoping to sell them on is the fact that I've invested a small fortune (or a big one for me), moved to the other side of the planet and left all that I've known behind- just to be able to have a chance of staying in this game when I eventually come home.
I couldn't stand the idea that I'll never be able to fly a jet in my homeland, just because I didn't fly for a few years after the PPL but busted my balls to make up for it in more recent times. Surely a B737NG or A320 family Type Rating (with a couple of thousand hours of use) would hold some sway- even if I'm in my mid 30's?
Bendo: Your'e right re: the oportunities elsewhere. The more I researched into the UK market, the more I knew that it was the route for me.
Since we've arrived, I've certainly been throwing my hat around. At the moment, we're based in north Cheshire, between Liverpool and Manchester Airports, and Birmingham is only an hours' drive down the M6. Every person that I get to know, I ask if they know anyone who works for an Airline. You'd be surprised at the number of people who do, and I get in touch. This has led to me meeting a few people who matter. I'm starting to get quite good at cultivating friendships. In addition to this, I'm looking for work in the Ops departments with a few Airlines, as some low hours guys have been taken on this way. Another great way of getting to know the people who have the say.
As I said, I miss Australia and as you say, many others in my position will think the same way. My long term aim is to line in a place I love (Melbourne), doing what I love. However, all things are subject to change. My mate (whom I referred to at the start of this reply), has been here for longer and has a completely different attitude. He feels that QF and DJ are narrow minded in regards to recruitment policies, and can't see himself having a decent chance of flying for an Australian Airline. I just see it as a result of a completely different job market.
Your'e right mate! Wer'e trying to have fun, and as time goes on we feel better about being here. Now that the stress of the initial upheaval and trying to get established has largely passed, we plan on getting out there and sampling as much of Europe as we possibly can. It's a small place, but a big place as well.
If anyone else has some thoughts, I'd love to hear them!
Cheers all,
Gearup.
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Mate,
well done for sticking with it, and sorting a JAR Licence, lots of hard work, wish I had one !
Don't listen to this age thing, have heard it over and over, but Iv found it never really has much effect.
Keep plugging and you WILL get that jet job !
well done for sticking with it, and sorting a JAR Licence, lots of hard work, wish I had one !
Don't listen to this age thing, have heard it over and over, but Iv found it never really has much effect.
Keep plugging and you WILL get that jet job !
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Dont have much to add there gear......
but whatever you do dont let people tell you 'you cant do it'. By the sound of it youve learned a lot from your instructor situation. I am where you want to be in a few years....several thousand hours of turbine time in operations os.....and now back in oz pushing ****e up hill looking for a decent job. (read 'any job')Im sure its just a matter of time but at 33 i too am questioning how much older i can get before they wont look at me. I dont have any proof however that it is still, in this day and age a hige factor against you....
good luck
but whatever you do dont let people tell you 'you cant do it'. By the sound of it youve learned a lot from your instructor situation. I am where you want to be in a few years....several thousand hours of turbine time in operations os.....and now back in oz pushing ****e up hill looking for a decent job. (read 'any job')Im sure its just a matter of time but at 33 i too am questioning how much older i can get before they wont look at me. I dont have any proof however that it is still, in this day and age a hige factor against you....
good luck
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You have to be optimistic, that was what a QF Jumbo pilot told me, many times. More piltos than you think are probably in your situation, and the the QF pilto told you, getting a CPL with IR at 19 is an advantage, but dosent garuntee anything. I suggest, getting your hours up in any way possible, and come back home, but Apply for the airlines first. no point moving back and finding that you wont get accepted!
GA jobs that might get your hours up are also a good thing to get into. Maybe even look at instructing, Scenic and other GA flying in Australia might get you home earlier, but once again if you dont have the Euro Low Cost Turbine aircraft Hours, theres a greater chance you wont get into a job! You need to thouroughly research your options, and be critical of yourself, and think of the worst situation possible that you might be able to get yourself into. Be Prepared. If you play your cards right, you'll be home in no time
Like the others said, You can do it, no one else can tell you otherwise!
Daniel
GA jobs that might get your hours up are also a good thing to get into. Maybe even look at instructing, Scenic and other GA flying in Australia might get you home earlier, but once again if you dont have the Euro Low Cost Turbine aircraft Hours, theres a greater chance you wont get into a job! You need to thouroughly research your options, and be critical of yourself, and think of the worst situation possible that you might be able to get yourself into. Be Prepared. If you play your cards right, you'll be home in no time
Like the others said, You can do it, no one else can tell you otherwise!
Daniel
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Gearup,
First off, I admire your persistance, in light of the "broken" instructor incident. Keep at it.
For Hours building, Have you considered the US, specifically the FBO's that offer blocks in USD, better weather there for long X-C's and you can do a split, 2 weeks on your own, and 2 weeks with your wife (I assume no kids yet)
The US is really close to UK, and airfares are a song compared to what we pay down here.
I am Southern Irish, and I too am considering going back up to 51' North. 0' west to earn a bit more and do the JAA stuff.
then again you'll have to pass through US immigation, which is about as pleasurable as having a large ......shoved......... I'll stop now.
7g
First off, I admire your persistance, in light of the "broken" instructor incident. Keep at it.
For Hours building, Have you considered the US, specifically the FBO's that offer blocks in USD, better weather there for long X-C's and you can do a split, 2 weeks on your own, and 2 weeks with your wife (I assume no kids yet)
The US is really close to UK, and airfares are a song compared to what we pay down here.
I am Southern Irish, and I too am considering going back up to 51' North. 0' west to earn a bit more and do the JAA stuff.
then again you'll have to pass through US immigation, which is about as pleasurable as having a large ......shoved......... I'll stop now.
7g
Join Date: Oct 1999
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Do you need 500hrs multi P1 to get into quantas and VB?
Does an A320 rating with 750hrs on type count for anything?
That brings me up to 5000hrs with 2600 on jets and 950 on the Dash 8?
WOuld I get a job?
Does an A320 rating with 750hrs on type count for anything?
That brings me up to 5000hrs with 2600 on jets and 950 on the Dash 8?
WOuld I get a job?
Forget flying in Australia - there are pilots living in trees with tongue hanging out for the most miserable of ill paid charter work on ill maintained aircraft. Stick to the UK/European scene until you pick up 1500 hours command on good size jets. The flying in Europe is far more challenging and interesting - it doesn't matter whether you fly turbo-props or jets. Even if you returned to OZ and get into a regional, or Virgin Blue, Jetstar whatever, do you really want to spend the rest of your life flogging into Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Broome and Darwin when the destinations overseas are far more exotic and interesting.
Once you have good command hours on jets then more interesting posts await you such as Dragonair. Compared to what you can experience in Europe, Australia as a flying country is as dry and boring as the desert.
Once you have good command hours on jets then more interesting posts await you such as Dragonair. Compared to what you can experience in Europe, Australia as a flying country is as dry and boring as the desert.
