Life in GA
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Join Date: May 2005
Location: NSW
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Life in GA
Hi,
Just wondering what's life like in GA. Whether you buy a house and a car if you have a job which pays you less then $20K in say Alice Springs. How does it work? Where do you get money to rent or buy a house when you frequently move to different locations for a flying job?
Do you buy a car for transport or use public transport? If you could share some experiences on how your daily GA life was , how you got to the airport, etc. where you lived, how you fund for all of it, it would be GREATLY appreciated!
Thanks,
Condensation
Just wondering what's life like in GA. Whether you buy a house and a car if you have a job which pays you less then $20K in say Alice Springs. How does it work? Where do you get money to rent or buy a house when you frequently move to different locations for a flying job?
Do you buy a car for transport or use public transport? If you could share some experiences on how your daily GA life was , how you got to the airport, etc. where you lived, how you fund for all of it, it would be GREATLY appreciated!
Thanks,
Condensation
Join Date: Jun 2005
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Coming from a well financed family is the go and having a Daddy or Chum with "the right" connections is the way to go! That way you can circumnavigate the "low road"........complete training and straight into Jets with facilitated advancement. Otherwise your on the same sad level as the proleteriat, looking at a life that will scar your liver and resemble a cat fight at the SPCA.
Join Date: Apr 2003
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DEFINITELY get yer own car. And not something too modern! Something that has a CARBY, and SPARK PLUGS. Computers in cars are a big no-no, and get yerself a toolkit with which to fix said car.
Having SA Rego is a bonus, as you can pay your rego by mail and / or phone, no matter where you are at the time.You will need a SA address / Friend / Post box though.
Older cars that also run on Avgas are a bonus as well. Sometimes, one will be "offered" a few litres to top up the tank... and of course no one likes you to throw your fuel sample on the tarmac!
Air conditioning in your "new" car is a luxury you neither need nor can afford. This will eventually give you the flu, and you will most probably lose your job.
A BIG car, that doubles as a bed or home, can save you a bit of money.
One last tip: A bloke I used to work with, used to be Chief Pilot of somewhere (don't know where), but he said that he would OFTEN look at a pilots car as a final part of the interview process (without them knowing of course). He found that pilots who had a CLEAN car (not a FLASH car)were probably more likely to look after the aircraft too... hence they would get the job over someone who's car was filled with cigarette butts, coke cans and mcDonalds wrappers.
Don't know how true this is, but found it interesting at the time of posting!
Having SA Rego is a bonus, as you can pay your rego by mail and / or phone, no matter where you are at the time.You will need a SA address / Friend / Post box though.
Older cars that also run on Avgas are a bonus as well. Sometimes, one will be "offered" a few litres to top up the tank... and of course no one likes you to throw your fuel sample on the tarmac!
Air conditioning in your "new" car is a luxury you neither need nor can afford. This will eventually give you the flu, and you will most probably lose your job.
A BIG car, that doubles as a bed or home, can save you a bit of money.
One last tip: A bloke I used to work with, used to be Chief Pilot of somewhere (don't know where), but he said that he would OFTEN look at a pilots car as a final part of the interview process (without them knowing of course). He found that pilots who had a CLEAN car (not a FLASH car)were probably more likely to look after the aircraft too... hence they would get the job over someone who's car was filled with cigarette butts, coke cans and mcDonalds wrappers.
Don't know how true this is, but found it interesting at the time of posting!
Join Date: Jul 2002
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let me put it in perspective...
I started at the bottom of the Aviation industry and it's all downhill from there...
My car is held together with wire and gaffa tape, I've spent less $$$ on my car in the last 5 years than most people spend on their breakfast.
A bloke I worked with had Tassie licence plates- I believe because they are the the cheapest state to register with in Australia. He didn't even have a Tassie address, every year they just sent him the new sticker right across bass straight and out into the desert. He had no shame. I use to say to him, "...but it's a Tassie licence plate..." but he didn't listen. Then one day a head started growing out of the side the bonnet...
My car is held together with wire and gaffa tape, I've spent less $$$ on my car in the last 5 years than most people spend on their breakfast.
A bloke I worked with had Tassie licence plates- I believe because they are the the cheapest state to register with in Australia. He didn't even have a Tassie address, every year they just sent him the new sticker right across bass straight and out into the desert. He had no shame. I use to say to him, "...but it's a Tassie licence plate..." but he didn't listen. Then one day a head started growing out of the side the bonnet...
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no, you don't need to buy a new car because you will need to drive it to wherever you go.
You have 2 options:
1. Buy a little car as it will be cheap to run on gas, or;
2. Buy an earlier models falcon or commodore wagon as you will need the space to cart your crap all around the country. They are also relatively easy to get repaired anywhere.
You have 2 options:
1. Buy a little car as it will be cheap to run on gas, or;
2. Buy an earlier models falcon or commodore wagon as you will need the space to cart your crap all around the country. They are also relatively easy to get repaired anywhere.
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: AUSTRALIA
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Just remember....
Dicarded pizza boxes are an inexpensive source of cheese.
The local indigenous bretheren are a good source of hot beer.
Company cars will do 100 k/hr in first gear.
Dicarded pizza boxes are an inexpensive source of cheese.
The local indigenous bretheren are a good source of hot beer.
Company cars will do 100 k/hr in first gear.
Join Date: Apr 2004
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I got my 91' excel two years ago for $2000. The way I see it, that equates to $1000 a year. You dont see people driving 50 grand cars for 50 years and thats the only hope I have of feeling like I got a bargain.
Even though,
Radio's stuffed, air cons stuffed, two windows won't wind down, one window is held up with a piece of wood, only 3 of those demister lines on the back window work, she's an auto but stalls when you stop at lights, she drinks about a litre of oil a week, some sort of toxic fume is venting through the dash and just last week I got my first letter from the EPA warning me that a fine is on the way if I dont do something about the "excessive smoke coming from my vehicles exhaust"
Now I know what Adam Sandler was on about!
http://www.seeklyrics.com/lyrics/Ada...To-My-Car.html
Saying that however, she's got me to Melbourne twice and a return trip to Maroochy. Hardly in style or comfort but I still love the old girl. We're a team....it'll be sad to see her go....
Even though,
Radio's stuffed, air cons stuffed, two windows won't wind down, one window is held up with a piece of wood, only 3 of those demister lines on the back window work, she's an auto but stalls when you stop at lights, she drinks about a litre of oil a week, some sort of toxic fume is venting through the dash and just last week I got my first letter from the EPA warning me that a fine is on the way if I dont do something about the "excessive smoke coming from my vehicles exhaust"
Now I know what Adam Sandler was on about!
http://www.seeklyrics.com/lyrics/Ada...To-My-Car.html
Saying that however, she's got me to Melbourne twice and a return trip to Maroochy. Hardly in style or comfort but I still love the old girl. We're a team....it'll be sad to see her go....
Join Date: May 2003
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Hahahaha...
You're eluding to my identity, Ms. 4 bars! 
I'm glad you're of the few that appreciate it though. If only every lass with 4 bars did....
Certainly a topic of much debate at work these days, for some reason...
520.
I'm glad you're of the few that appreciate it though. If only every lass with 4 bars did....
Certainly a topic of much debate at work these days, for some reason...
520.
I live in a caravan on the side of my runway, I am 20k from town, my only company are backpackers (yea I know, hard life hey)
Its not that bad if you have no baggage or expectations.
Its not that bad if you have no baggage or expectations.
Join Date: Jun 2002
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Hang on, you are saying that you are 20 klicks for the closest bottlo?
Thats harsh man, you need to speak to your boss!
Go where the work is, work that your experience will give you a viable chance for. If that means to some middle of nowhere Community, just do it.
Thats harsh man, you need to speak to your boss!
Go where the work is, work that your experience will give you a viable chance for. If that means to some middle of nowhere Community, just do it.
Join Date: Feb 2005
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I think this is a complete wind-up...
but for those on-lookers who maybe in the same position, my advice is to take the opportunity to knock up 100hrs or so soing meatbombing, and then split the scene.
Many of us have done the same, and ended up in reputable jobs, without doing 'damage' to the industry.
Like I said, it's good to get a few hours up, a bit of experience, scare yourself a few times, and learn.
huh, and then go pay $5000 for some multi ICUS......
(C'mon guys. I had to put that in.......:-)
but for those on-lookers who maybe in the same position, my advice is to take the opportunity to knock up 100hrs or so soing meatbombing, and then split the scene.
Many of us have done the same, and ended up in reputable jobs, without doing 'damage' to the industry.
Like I said, it's good to get a few hours up, a bit of experience, scare yourself a few times, and learn.
huh, and then go pay $5000 for some multi ICUS......
(C'mon guys. I had to put that in.......:-)
Join Date: Dec 2004
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how about the meatbomb whose 'chute fails to open? in duetch of course
trienen gebakkonne fliegenwagonr befur" unt schtriken unt graund mittaut der parachuten canopy ein dumkoff schwienhunt
trienen gebakkonne fliegenwagonr befur" unt schtriken unt graund mittaut der parachuten canopy ein dumkoff schwienhunt
Join Date: Apr 2003
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Condensation -
From the sounds of things, it would seem that GA may be way too hard for you. So here's what I suggest :
Ring Paul Stoddart, and tell him that you want a job... BUT... make it worthwhile. After all, you don't want to leave home do you ?... and make sure he doesn't get you to fly one of those 146's... I mean... that is JUST NOT RIGHT!
Ask him for a company car, and a new ringtone for your phone every month. Along with the company car, you will need personalised plates. Some I can recommend to you are :
TOP GUN
JET ACE
737 ACE
JET GOD
737 GOD
I AM GOD
DR 737
MAV RIK
Hopefully these will not have been taken at the time of your interview.
When you accept the job, make sure that Mr Stoddart knows that you cannot work sat or sun, public holidays, or be away from mummy and daddy too much. If at all possible, friday nights off would be appreciated as well.
The company car:
ensure that the company car is not "Australian!"... I mean, what REAL pilot drives a commodore, or falcon ? Mercedes, and BMW are the go; and not more than two years old either... Jaguars ARE acceptable, but you need to have two of them.
Ensure that the insurance company knows that you are a pilot, and you will get your insurance at 1/2 price.
When you get issued your uniform, ensure that you get 2 hats: One to wear, and one to keep on the back seat / hatrack, so that girls can see it and meet you because of it.
Ensure that the stereo is LOUD, cos you will need to play the TOP GUN theme all the time, especially at lights, and at drive thru McDonalds.
Go and get a Tattoo . : Wings are the best, cos they fit right onto your chest, and can be hidden when you wear your shirt, AND... when you are at the beach, people will see it, and still know that you are a pilot!
Ensure that you wear your uniform when YOU take mummy and Daddy out to dinner in a few years time, as a 21st birthday reverse present.
Hope that this helps you. If not, then maybe you will need to do some RESEARCH and find out what GA is all about! Stop asking STUPID questions and get some real world experience!!!
From the sounds of things, it would seem that GA may be way too hard for you. So here's what I suggest :
Ring Paul Stoddart, and tell him that you want a job... BUT... make it worthwhile. After all, you don't want to leave home do you ?... and make sure he doesn't get you to fly one of those 146's... I mean... that is JUST NOT RIGHT!
Ask him for a company car, and a new ringtone for your phone every month. Along with the company car, you will need personalised plates. Some I can recommend to you are :
TOP GUN
JET ACE
737 ACE
JET GOD
737 GOD
I AM GOD
DR 737
MAV RIK
Hopefully these will not have been taken at the time of your interview.
When you accept the job, make sure that Mr Stoddart knows that you cannot work sat or sun, public holidays, or be away from mummy and daddy too much. If at all possible, friday nights off would be appreciated as well.
The company car:
ensure that the company car is not "Australian!"... I mean, what REAL pilot drives a commodore, or falcon ? Mercedes, and BMW are the go; and not more than two years old either... Jaguars ARE acceptable, but you need to have two of them.
Ensure that the insurance company knows that you are a pilot, and you will get your insurance at 1/2 price.
When you get issued your uniform, ensure that you get 2 hats: One to wear, and one to keep on the back seat / hatrack, so that girls can see it and meet you because of it.
Ensure that the stereo is LOUD, cos you will need to play the TOP GUN theme all the time, especially at lights, and at drive thru McDonalds.
Go and get a Tattoo . : Wings are the best, cos they fit right onto your chest, and can be hidden when you wear your shirt, AND... when you are at the beach, people will see it, and still know that you are a pilot!
Ensure that you wear your uniform when YOU take mummy and Daddy out to dinner in a few years time, as a 21st birthday reverse present.
Hope that this helps you. If not, then maybe you will need to do some RESEARCH and find out what GA is all about! Stop asking STUPID questions and get some real world experience!!!