Jobs in the NW of WA

[Howard Hughes]

I've already said this once on this thread, but I'll say it again.

GET UP THERE!

You won't get a job applying from your comfortable home in the city, unless you live in Darwin!

[pilotboy84]

Thanks Howard.

I know that and trust me I want to, but due to current circumstances I can't leave just yet.

[BAE146]

When your "current circumstances" improve, get on your bike and get up north IN PERSON.

Sorry to tell you this but, with your experience, that's the only way you'll get a flying job.

[Launchpad McQuack]

Ditto. Concentrate on what you're doing now and when your circumstances change, go north. It's as simple as that. There's a reason everybody is telling you this....

LP

[Andy05]

good day guys
I'm about to head north west looking for that first CPL job
and was wondering what you guys have done inregards to accomodation.
Rent looks really expensive over there and I dont expect to earn a great deal on my first job. I'm happy to get a second job if I need to but just interested to know what where the experinces that some of the guys that have been there and done it. Your help is greatly appreciated.

[capt_akun]

tent.... =)

[Howard Hughes]

I know that and trust me I want to, but due to current circumstances I can't leave just yet.

Just don't wait too long! I waited ten years with the usual excuses: wife, house, cars... But once I finally made the move I had a job within a fortnight, I have never looked back since!

[B747ERNG]

the majority of guys go up with around 200TT - those with less than 200 are very lucky to get something (insurance is usually 200 hours, it can be fixed with ICUS but its much easier when someone already has 200)

Could anyone confirm that pilots with less than 200TT will be disadvantaged from getting the 1st job due to insurance? I'm doing the 150 hr course and by the time I get my CPL I'll only have around 170TT.

[FRQ Charlie Bravo]

Under 200 hours it is somewhat likely that you will find it a bit harder to find work but having said that if you can sell yourself another way then it shouldn't make much difference. Also, if it's going to take you a few months to save up some cash to get another 30 hours (you mentioned 170 hours) then you'd be better off spending that time on the road looking for work (where you could easily get paid to fly 30 hours in one week).

I had 175 hours when I got my first job after only three or four weeks of looking so it didn't seem to harm me.

If you wish to dwell on the worst-case scenario consider that many companies will have a 200 hour minimum due to insurance but they can either get a dispensation (and pay a slightly higher rate for that month) or just send you on ICUS runs for a week or two (PIC will meet insurers requirements). An example would be Gippsland Aeronautics' policy for all leased GA8 Airvan pilots to have 300 TT or 20 hours on type (correct me if I'm wrong). If the employer needs a GA8 driver next week and Joe Bloggs has the time then he gets the job.

747ERNG Briefly, as you are on an approved 150 hr course I highly recommend getting all of your bells and whistles (definately NVFR and then Tailwheel, Aeros or whatever you desire) before the CPL just to save on taxes.

Good luck to all for this upcoming job hunting season. Remember it's usually FIRST IN BEST DRESSED so get current, mail out a hundred or so CVs, kiss Mummy goodbye, pack your grocery store shelf stocking gloves (for your new job at Coles or Woolies) and get up there before your mates.

FRQ CB

[Green gorilla]

Did my GA time with Polar in Hedland they have a mixed fleet from singles to twins and turbine one of the few places that will take you on with low hours. The town is not the best but put that to your advantage as pilots are always on the move you would be in a twin before you know it.

[The Green Goblin]

Green Gorilla, you would not have recently got a command on a Metro with a certain operator with blue tails would you?

[Green gorilla]

Na an ex Poler pilot is in Skippers command on a metro.

[The Green Goblin]

Thought it might have been you as you said you were an Ex Polar Pilot

[B747ERNG]

Thanks FRQ Charlie Bravo, Green gorilla!

I have 170TT & NVFR and did most of my training in aircrafts equipped with CSU. I want to go to the north for my 1st job after I receive my CPL. What endorsement should I have to make myself more employable to the operators in the north? Someone from my flight school suggested that I should do the initial twin endorsement but I doubt it will help to get my 1st job. please comment!

cheers

[The Green Goblin]

Initial twin endorsement will not help you get your first job, but will make things a lot easier for you when you step up to some multi engine flying, especially if the said company has twins and need someone to slot in. Can be difficult to find someone to give the endorsements in the northern parts on short notice, so I would head there with at least an initial multi in something like a P68/Baron/C310 (just shoot yourself if you're flying the P68 damn dreadful aeroplane)

Happy Hunting!

[solowflyer]

I would not waste any more money on flight training. Currency is the biggest thing and being Johnny on the spot as soon as the printer spits out your licence you should be hitting the road. Get a DG if not done already.

[Green gorilla]

Think the best time you can get would be C210 time.

[The Green Goblin]

I only ever got an initial check ride in a 210 before I went North and got a Job at the first town I stopped at. That was back in the days when you could shake a tree and a dozen Kiwi pilots would fall out in their Jandels saying 'my turn bro'

There are lots of Airvans around now and chances are you will be flying one of them first off in the usual scenic jaunts up North, so the ole 210 time aint that much of a requirement compared to yester year.

I'd still go with an initial multi! After all you are only doing the bare minimum in a single to get on a twin doing the bare minimum to get on a multi crew turbine type operation.

[FRQ Charlie Bravo]

True; initial multi will not get you a job but it will enable you to step up to the company twin with minimal fuss. Many operators don't like their charter aircraft (think Baron or C310) doing asymetrics for risk of engine damage or for insurance reasons so having an initial twin will mean two things:

1. less time getting endorsed (more likely to be given the time off work than others)
2. possibly being able to use the boss's aeroplane when an ATO is in town

Of course, if you haven't got the money then don't worry as you really just need to get some bulk hours and that means getting there soon to smash out some single time.

FRQ CB

[ditchin]

I'm planning on driving up to Kununurra in 2 weeks time, but I heard today that the place is literally an island at the moment, due to floods in the area.

Can anyone confirm this? if it is true is it meant to be clearing anytime soon?