Advice for training towards a first job & then airline
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Advice for training towards a first job & then airline
Hi all, just doing some minor re-arranging of plans for the future, turns out that for whatever reason, my psychic abilities aren't up to the standard of those expected at Qantas at the moment, so failed to make it past the 2nd stage for their cadetship.
Just hoping for some wise words of advice on which path is the best to take at the moment with the aim of still getting into an airline in the future. Basucally between instructing or charter up north, unless there's another way I don't know about!?
Wondering what you fellow ppruner's consider to be a better option at this point in time. (Atm only have NVFR and 10 hours shy of CPL, so basically trying to decide whether to get instructor rating, or go the multi eng-instrument rating path)
Thanks in advance, Bush Pilot
Just hoping for some wise words of advice on which path is the best to take at the moment with the aim of still getting into an airline in the future. Basucally between instructing or charter up north, unless there's another way I don't know about!? Wondering what you fellow ppruner's consider to be a better option at this point in time. (Atm only have NVFR and 10 hours shy of CPL, so basically trying to decide whether to get instructor rating, or go the multi eng-instrument rating path)Thanks in advance, Bush Pilot
Depends on whether or not you want to stay living in the same built-up area... if you've got a significant other, and can't really drag them to start a new life in the Kimberley, go for the instructor route. Instructors seem to be flavour of the month with the airlines at the moment.
If not, and you're free and single, I recommend charter. Find a good company with a good mix of twins and singles (not ones that just promise they're getting twins soon), and remember - minimum wage is a minimum, not a standard. There are operators who pay below award - avoid like the plague. There are operators who think the minimum should be enough for you - but there are also operators who pay above the award, and they are the ones who keep pilots.
If not, and you're free and single, I recommend charter. Find a good company with a good mix of twins and singles (not ones that just promise they're getting twins soon), and remember - minimum wage is a minimum, not a standard. There are operators who pay below award - avoid like the plague. There are operators who think the minimum should be enough for you - but there are also operators who pay above the award, and they are the ones who keep pilots.
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I had been instructing for 12 months the first time I missed out on QF (Psych Test stage).....moved up north to get charter and twin time.....got in 3 years later. Definately the best move I made. Had a great time in the NT. I think a bit of instructing is great experience but in the current climate get into the charter scene. Before you know it you will be on a twin then turbine then airline.
Good luck
Good luck
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Thanks, always good to hear of others who get there eventually. At the moment am single and prepared to work anywhere which should hopefully make finding work a little easier. Sounds like charter is probably the way to go, altough I would eventually like to get an instructor rating, but maybe further on down the track. Thanks for the advice and keep the opinions coming, Cheers
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If you like stability and coin, there are a few good Airline Cadet schools around that usually employ full time (Instucting). If you are prepared to go over west, the schools pay well above award for the 'sacrifice' of living in Perth.
Good career progession all the way from Grade 3 to Grade 1 Multi Engine IFR Command, too!
PM me if you would like specific details.
Good career progession all the way from Grade 3 to Grade 1 Multi Engine IFR Command, too!
PM me if you would like specific details.
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My advice is not to go down the instructor route. its the long road to success! I left for darwin a month after training, within a week had a job (at the start of the wet with 220hrs), and am now looking towards the big 500 after only a few months. These hours are hard earned, solid, and often scary flying. the weather produces a real challenge, and your aircraft handling will improve dramatically. I hope to be on twins by august, thats under a year up north. Compare that to the 2 - 3 years it will take instructing.
It becomes a presonal decision, but i belive charter breeds better pilots, and operating a remote base is definatly a rewarding and challenging experience.
It becomes a presonal decision, but i belive charter breeds better pilots, and operating a remote base is definatly a rewarding and challenging experience.
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I think these days you can't go wrong with either route, as long as you are mad keen on flying! As for NTremotepilot post I think he is right it can take a while to get on twins instructing but then again it can also for charter if you dont get into the right companies. As for me 8 months after getting my initial Instructor rating I was flying 80% hours twin IFR Baron flying. (I had almost 1000 hours, 150 twin before I got Instructor rating though, not the bare minimum) It depends on some good luck and enthusiasm. I didnt even have a chance to apply for cadetships because had no hope of paying but if your hearts in it you will make it! Good luck!
