Weighing chances up north.

[206greaser]

Brace yourselves here comes my: Had to much to drink rant!

Seems to me people often say to guys/gals with anything over the bare license "head to Darwin." However, does anyone know any operators in Darwin who are currently taking anyone with low hours?? I don't! It's not 07 anymore! Darwin might be behind, but not that behind!

There does seem to be movement happening, but most Darwin noobs have the hours to back themselves.

Just an opinion.

I would love to hear from anyone who has got a job in Darwin in the last 6 months with low time (sub 500).

Cheers,
Greaser

[Ixixly]

I know a few of them myself 206greaser, it does happen and i'm in contact with a fair few of them. There are 3 main operators up there who will take on low hour pilots that have the right attitude!

[206greaser]

Hey Ixixly!

So to be clear you know personally of more than one pilot, who in the last 6 months got employed to operate aircraft in Darwin? Not YELD, YMGB, or YPGV, but YPDN? With less than 500 hours? Seriously?

These operators would be: Air Frontier. I'm surprised as they generally would send guys to the sticks before getting a chance in town!

Barrier. Hmmm maybe. Scenics don't normally need heaps of hours.

The third could be Chartair, or Av8, but i'd be shocked on both counts.

Anyway more power to 'em i say! Not meaning to be pr!ck, rather actually surprised!

Cheers,
Greaser

[The Green Goblin]

I agree, the only company you would have a crack at is Directair if you buy the ICUS package as part of your MECIR.

[Aerohooligan]

206, I won't say where, and Ix won't either if he knows what's good for him, but I was employed in Darwin with less than 500tt, as was my old housemate. I also know of another couple who got jobs in D-town with low time. Definitely we are the exception to the rule, but it does happen. Don't like Ix's chances much in this day and age though I'm afraid - it definitely is not like 07 anymore, as you say.

[bogdantheturnipboy]

There's really not enough transvestites in aviation. Most pilots are so boring

[Ixixly]

yeah yeah aero, don't worry, I wasn't going to say boo!! remember I am the smarter of the two of us!!

And really, it pretty much sucks no matter where you go...but at least theres a chance in Darwin and its a pretty fun town anywho!

[Roxy_Chick_1989]

Too all those who 'went north' this year, how did you go? Did you all succeed in getting the job?

[Hot High Heavy]

yeah i picked up something and i went up with less than 270tt and a few hours last minute 200 series time. I arrived early Apr and was expecting to be hunting around for months but got into the first place i tried. Was lucky though that that day, the CP was pulling his hair out as he was so busy.

Very very lucky and very very greatful... hopefully the work holds out now!

[tarmac12]

No luck for me

Went up to Darwin and Kununurra. Left Kununurra and still there were at least 20 guys there waiting and all had been there longer than me. The general word I got from CP's was that most of the guys who worked the dry last year have come back for another season so no need to put on new people. I went to Jabiru and Katherine also but they didn't want anyone with less than 300Hrs and no time on type.

I hope it improves next year as more and more people are getting CPL's and no one is hiring. The numbers up north will be even worse if we don't get some movement soon!

[Unusual-Attitude]

I seriously wouldn't bother with cairns with anything less than 1000tt.

I was trying to help a friend out recently up here who had a Gr 1 and 1800tt and still couldn't get in anywhere!

And what with GAM shutting it's Cairns base, and not all the guys wanting to head off south to stay in the company, they'll be picked up first by local operators I'm sure.

[BlackbirdSR71]

Hello fellow aviation enthusiasts,

I appologise for bringing up this thread again but I have a few questions for those who have made the trip up 'north', past and present. When would it be the 'prime' time to move to Kunnus, Jabiru, Broome etc? I good friend of mine, who had worked in Kunnus advised me that you shouldn't get up there any later than Easter to be in a good chance of getting employed.

The reason why I ask is because I have heard that there are STILL 'fresh' CPL holders making the pilgrimage in May, and the hiring month. Is it too late for me to head up? Like I said, my friend said no later than Easter but there was a loss of a family member so I decided to delay my trip up to be with my family.

My friend also advised me that what the operators tend to do at entry level is hire those who have been in town the longest, assuming the have enough hours, do well in the interview etc. They don't like to see applicant move up from the big city when it's time but like to see those who have 'toughed' it out. I'm not exactly sure if this is the case but it's what I have heard, so don't grill me.

I'm just sussing out if I'm still in for a chance for this season or would I have to wait for the next. Either way, I'm in no rush.

Thanks in advance.

SR71.

[Blueskymine]

who had worked in Kunnus advised me that you shouldn't get up there any later than Easter to be in a good chance of getting employed

If you went to the same flying school as the CP and are one of the chosen few then rock up the day before the calls go out and you'll get a job

The reason why I ask is because I have heard that there are STILL 'fresh' CPL holders making the pilgrimage in May, and the hiring month. Is it too late for me to head up? Like I said, my friend said no later than Easter

There are, but they have plenty of cold beer chilled in their chilly bins ready to dish out at the opportunistic chief pilots who enjoy the free ride at the back packers as often as they can. Usually these guys will get a check ride first and if they fail at one company it automatically gives them the right to a check ride at the opposition. This is especially the case if they have a furry logbook.

My friend also advised me that what the operators tend to do at entry level is hire those who have been in town the longest

This used to be the case. Now it's who can stand the sight of the CPs for the longest and dig their hand the deepest in his back pocket. This will entitle you to free lifts in the bus at least.

[onezeroonethree]

...they have plenty of cold beer chilled in their chilly bins...

IT'S AN ESKY!

[Blueskymine]

Quote:
...they have plenty of cold beer chilled in their chilly bins...
IT'S AN ESKY!

Do you call a shoe a shoe or a Nike?

An Esky is a brand, a chilly bin describes an object. While the Kiwis are not the smartest bunch on the planet they certainly are practical. And practically speaking an Esky is a type of chilly bin

Now a chully bun is another story

[D-J]

This is especially the case if they have a furry logbook.

Does this mean written on the back of a sheep?

[mattyj]

When you're in a new culture, use the terminology of the locals, in Australia its an ESKY! but when you're in Darwin its a CHILLY BIN...jeez guys, welcome to New Zealand already!!

[BlackbirdSR71]

Thanks for the reply guys. Might have to give it a miss till next year then.

Are there any CPs from entry-level operators that want to shed some light on how hiring works?

Thanks again.

SR71.