Newbie & Flying Training Advice (Merged)
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 23
Likes: 4
From: STRAYA
First job in the outback
Hi all,
I've just met a fresh CPL and MEIR who has about 250 hours with all there single engine training done on Cessna 172s. They asked me for some advice about going to the outback in search of a first job. Instructing was my first job but thought I'd post here to get feedback from pilots who have done it so I can pass it onto this new pilot. Should they make the move up to Darwin or go for an instructors rating as its more of safer option. I have been hearing hundreds of fresh CPLs are waiting in the outback for a job.
TIA
I've just met a fresh CPL and MEIR who has about 250 hours with all there single engine training done on Cessna 172s. They asked me for some advice about going to the outback in search of a first job. Instructing was my first job but thought I'd post here to get feedback from pilots who have done it so I can pass it onto this new pilot. Should they make the move up to Darwin or go for an instructors rating as its more of safer option. I have been hearing hundreds of fresh CPLs are waiting in the outback for a job.
TIA
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 1,150
Likes: 889
From: Oz
Hi all,
I've just met a fresh CPL and MEIR who has about 250 hours with all there single engine training done on Cessna 172s. They asked me for some advice about going to the outback in search of a first job. Instructing was my first job but thought I'd post here to get feedback from pilots who have done it so I can pass it onto this new pilot. Should they make the move up to Darwin or go for an instructors rating as its more of safer option. I have been hearing hundreds of fresh CPLs are waiting in the outback for a job.
TIA
I've just met a fresh CPL and MEIR who has about 250 hours with all there single engine training done on Cessna 172s. They asked me for some advice about going to the outback in search of a first job. Instructing was my first job but thought I'd post here to get feedback from pilots who have done it so I can pass it onto this new pilot. Should they make the move up to Darwin or go for an instructors rating as its more of safer option. I have been hearing hundreds of fresh CPLs are waiting in the outback for a job.
TIA
In reference to the quoted post, all time done in a 172 is the first short coming on the competitive CV front. The back half of hour building I cannot stress enough the importance to blow some hours on a 6 cylinder. Even just a dozen hours. If one is financially sound, then sure, blow the last 50 hours on one, not many others would take this initiative.
I would encourage your friend to get a dozen hours in a 182, or even better a 206/210. A retractable endo is generally another item they want up there.
If they can get an Instructing job at the place they learnt, after completing the course, well I think that’s likely a good route. However I am concerned with the $55k figure quoted above to get such a qualification. If that’s the dollar figure for it, then forget it.
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 670
Likes: 466
From: Australia
Hi all,
I've just met a fresh CPL and MEIR who has about 250 hours with all there single engine training done on Cessna 172s. They asked me for some advice about going to the outback in search of a first job. Instructing was my first job but thought I'd post here to get feedback from pilots who have done it so I can pass it onto this new pilot. Should they make the move up to Darwin or go for an instructors rating as its more of safer option. I have been hearing hundreds of fresh CPLs are waiting in the outback for a job.
TIA
I've just met a fresh CPL and MEIR who has about 250 hours with all there single engine training done on Cessna 172s. They asked me for some advice about going to the outback in search of a first job. Instructing was my first job but thought I'd post here to get feedback from pilots who have done it so I can pass it onto this new pilot. Should they make the move up to Darwin or go for an instructors rating as its more of safer option. I have been hearing hundreds of fresh CPLs are waiting in the outback for a job.
TIA
1. Select a town and move there - Broome, Kununurra, Darwin ect. (smaller the town the quicker you’ll get a flying job)
2. Get any job (ideally at a GA company admin ect.) Woolies/Coffee shop are still good.
3. Drop CV to all the GA operators - throw a pair of jeans/boots on and a nice button up shirt (sleeves rolled up). Drop in every 2-3 weeks to remind them you’re still here.
4. Enjoy the town you’re living in while you wait for a spot to open up! People pay a lot of money to go to these towns, enjoy and explore!
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne, vic, australia
Advices: anything will help
Hi everyone!
I m a 34 italian and I ve just been moving to Australia. As soon as possible I d like to take the CPL helicopter path, and I d like to collect as many info as possible.
gonna stick few questions:
•The main thing is about moneys; as every person moving to Australia of course I m not rich, and in general it looks really expensive to become a pilot: is there any tip to save a bit? (I noticed here in Australia it takes around 60k $, that is almost a half of the price in Europe, anyway)
• is it possible to drive , for example, an helicopter in europe with an australian driving license?
•does anyone have tips on courses and training?
•since I m ready to move somewhere else, for the right pilot school, where s a good place to find one?
•is it gonna be somehow easy to find a job, having the cplh or…?
thank you really much for the answers, wish everyone a happy new year!
Michelangelo
I m a 34 italian and I ve just been moving to Australia. As soon as possible I d like to take the CPL helicopter path, and I d like to collect as many info as possible.
gonna stick few questions:
•The main thing is about moneys; as every person moving to Australia of course I m not rich, and in general it looks really expensive to become a pilot: is there any tip to save a bit? (I noticed here in Australia it takes around 60k $, that is almost a half of the price in Europe, anyway)
• is it possible to drive , for example, an helicopter in europe with an australian driving license?
•does anyone have tips on courses and training?
•since I m ready to move somewhere else, for the right pilot school, where s a good place to find one?
•is it gonna be somehow easy to find a job, having the cplh or…?
thank you really much for the answers, wish everyone a happy new year!
Michelangelo
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 74
Likes: 7
From: Perth
NVFR Rating
I am thinking of doing a NVFR rating as a next step after my PPL, and as a pre-cursor to my PIFR.
Would it be better to do this in a capital city or in the country? Was thinking the latter was better due to more black holes?
Any schools to recommend around VIC? Was thinking of Yarra Valley Flight School, Interair or LTF Moorabin but would be curious to know if I have left any off the list.
Would it be better to do this in a capital city or in the country? Was thinking the latter was better due to more black holes?
Any schools to recommend around VIC? Was thinking of Yarra Valley Flight School, Interair or LTF Moorabin but would be curious to know if I have left any off the list.
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 1,087
Likes: 274
From: Melbourne, Victoria
I am thinking of doing a NVFR rating as a next step after my PPL, and as a pre-cursor to my PIFR.
Would it be better to do this in a capital city or in the country? Was thinking the latter was better due to more black holes?
Any schools to recommend around VIC? Was thinking of Yarra Valley Flight School, Interair or LTF Moorabin but would be curious to know if I have left any off the list.
Would it be better to do this in a capital city or in the country? Was thinking the latter was better due to more black holes?
Any schools to recommend around VIC? Was thinking of Yarra Valley Flight School, Interair or LTF Moorabin but would be curious to know if I have left any off the list.
Essendon would be unnecessarily expensive I'd think. With so many black holes and rising terrain I'd think Lilydale FS would be a challenging place to start NVFR training, but I know they do it so maybe it isn't that bad. It's certainly a great school for everything else.
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 74
Likes: 7
From: Perth
Good choice. Did mine last year at YMMB with Tristar, but I guess LTF would be okay also. Being so close to the city lights (real purdy!) and with large well-lit runways and tower control, Moorabbin Airport is a really great/fun training ground for night circuits and the follow-on navs.
Essendon would be unnecessarily expensive I'd think. With so many black holes and rising terrain I'd think Lilydale FS would be a challenging place to start NVFR training, but I know they do it so maybe it isn't that bad. It's certainly a great school for everything else.
Essendon would be unnecessarily expensive I'd think. With so many black holes and rising terrain I'd think Lilydale FS would be a challenging place to start NVFR training, but I know they do it so maybe it isn't that bad. It's certainly a great school for everything else.
Now someone tells me to do PIFR before NVFR as it saves money and there is overlap. All confused now.
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 1,087
Likes: 274
From: Melbourne, Victoria
Depends what your goals are. Due to the need to use instruments at times for flight at night (eg. those dreaded black holes) the main differences between NVFR and a PIFR are the lack of instrument approach training and the IREX.. so, yes, if you're wanting to do a PIFR, don't bother with NVFR - but if you've got an NVFR rating it's good to know you're more than half way to a PIFR already. Once you get an Instrument Rating (PIFR or otherwise) you no longer need to fly VFR at night.
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 34
Likes: 9
From: Victoria
NVFR: 10hrs aircraft time.
PIFR: 10hrs sim + 10hrs aircraft (Extra is required if you get a night rating at same time, but I don't know the specifics)
IFR: 20hrs sim + 20hrs aircraft (plus a few hours night circuits)
From where I was sitting, choosing to do the IREX and get a SEIR appears the cheapest thing Ive decided to do in a plane in terms of bang for buck. Of course, disadvantage is you need to pass an exam, where nvfr has no exam from my memory.
Best of luck.
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 1,087
Likes: 274
From: Melbourne, Victoria
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 74
Likes: 7
From: Perth
The guys down at Barwon Heads can allegedly do NVFR and IR also (I was originally going to do NVFR there, but it didn't work out, and I instead changed to do IFR at Interair - regarding excess costs at essendon, I understand there are no night circuits allowed at essendon, so they do their training away from Essendon). When you look at the minimum numbers (your efforts may vary):
NVFR: 10hrs aircraft time.
PIFR: 10hrs sim + 10hrs aircraft (Extra is required if you get a night rating at same time, but I don't know the specifics)
IFR: 20hrs sim + 20hrs aircraft (plus a few hours night circuits)
From where I was sitting, choosing to do the IREX and get a SEIR appears the cheapest thing Ive decided to do in a plane in terms of bang for buck. Of course, disadvantage is you need to pass an exam, where nvfr has no exam from my memory.
Best of luck.
NVFR: 10hrs aircraft time.
PIFR: 10hrs sim + 10hrs aircraft (Extra is required if you get a night rating at same time, but I don't know the specifics)
IFR: 20hrs sim + 20hrs aircraft (plus a few hours night circuits)
From where I was sitting, choosing to do the IREX and get a SEIR appears the cheapest thing Ive decided to do in a plane in terms of bang for buck. Of course, disadvantage is you need to pass an exam, where nvfr has no exam from my memory.
Best of luck.
I would maybe just take a stab at the IR on first go, but the thing is I don't have 50 hours PIC X-country yet - will need to hour build that which will take some time and $
I thought maybe having a NVFR/PIFR will help in that regard towards X-country hour buildling.
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 34
Likes: 9
From: Victoria
Yeah its all a bit confusing which ways to go.
I would maybe just take a stab at the IR on first go, but the thing is I don't have 50 hours PIC X-country yet - will need to hour build that which will take some time and $
I thought maybe having a NVFR/PIFR will help in that regard towards X-country hour buildling.
I would maybe just take a stab at the IR on first go, but the thing is I don't have 50 hours PIC X-country yet - will need to hour build that which will take some time and $
I thought maybe having a NVFR/PIFR will help in that regard towards X-country hour buildling.
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Cowra
Jandakot Flight Training
Just chasing a little advice in regards to flight schools in Jandakot. I’m an older pilot (late 40’s) who lives and works in Kununurra looking to complete my CPL. I haven’t flown since March last year, so very rusty. I need some time to get back up to speed and complete the CPL flight test. Was hoping to get it done in Darwin with Trent Robinson, but he’s fully booked for a couple of months. Jandakot is the next option. Looking to avoid sausage factories and glass cockpits if possible. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 602
From: Australia
Just chasing a little advice in regards to flight schools in Jandakot. I’m an older pilot (late 40’s) who lives and works in Kununurra looking to complete my CPL. I haven’t flown since March last year, so very rusty. I need some time to get back up to speed and complete the CPL flight test. Was hoping to get it done in Darwin with Trent Robinson, but he’s fully booked for a couple of months. Jandakot is the next option. Looking to avoid sausage factories and glass cockpits if possible. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne
I’m sure you are aware by now but the Jetstar program has Been merged with the qantas now which I personally feel was a bad move as the Jetstar program was one of the best programs for becoming a pilot. I’m 18 and have started to apply for cadet programs and have done some thorough research on which ones are best. I’ve just applied for the Rex cadet program which I think is the best and fastest way to become a commercial pilot. I would definitely recommend the cadet program route and leave the GA route till last, as it is quite long and expensive. Rex are also doing three intake per year, and if you are knocked back you can apply again in 6 months. They need pilots so there is definitely a lot of opportunity to become one through them. It may sound strange but I would avoid the qantas academy, as it is just as beneficial as doing a university degree, you could end up owing nearly two hundred thousand dollars and not be guaranteed a job. So overall if you’re looking to become a pilot quickly once you’re 18, do the Rex program or even try out the airforce if you’d like. The Rex program values loyalty, commitment, and passion, there is a twenty five thousand dollar fee upon your acceptance of the course, and the rest of the money will be paid via a bond, so a small amount of your wage will pay it off as you have a guaranteed job in completion of the course. The course is also approx 9-10 months, so although it would be quite intensive, I imagine the reward would be more than worth it.
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 693
Likes: 208
From: Sydney
I’m sure you are aware by now but the Jetstar program has Been merged with the qantas now which I personally feel was a bad move as the Jetstar program was one of the best programs for becoming a pilot. I’m 18 and have started to apply for cadet programs and have done some thorough research on which ones are best. I’ve just applied for the Rex cadet program which I think is the best and fastest way to become a commercial pilot. I would definitely recommend the cadet program route and leave the GA route till last, as it is quite long and expensive. Rex are also doing three intake per year, and if you are knocked back you can apply again in 6 months. They need pilots so there is definitely a lot of opportunity to become one through them. It may sound strange but I would avoid the qantas academy, as it is just as beneficial as doing a university degree, you could end up owing nearly two hundred thousand dollars and not be guaranteed a job. So overall if you’re looking to become a pilot quickly once you’re 18, do the Rex program or even try out the airforce if you’d like. The Rex program values loyalty, commitment, and passion, there is a twenty five thousand dollar fee upon your acceptance of the course, and the rest of the money will be paid via a bond, so a small amount of your wage will pay it off as you have a guaranteed job in completion of the course. The course is also approx 9-10 months, so although it would be quite intensive, I imagine the reward would be more than worth it.
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: UK
UK Private Pilot - conversion to Australian CASA PPL and then CPL
Hello! I am a UK private pilot and Australian citizen who wants to move to Oz in order to get my CPL. I have sent off all the necessary forms to convert my UK PPL and searching for flying schools. I would preferably like an integrated course somewhere in the southwest near Melbourne. I am in the early stages of my searching and want to be fully informed. I have a bunch of questions. I want to become a bush pilot
Is it true I get to keep my UK rating as well as gaining an Oz one?
Do my hours flown in GB registered aircraft count towards my CPL once I have converted my PPL to Australian?
Do any of you have advice to someone in my position, with regards to good schools/pricing/options for achieving my CPL?
What hidden pitfalls could I expect whilst undertaking this plan?
What are the prospects of being able to fly internationally and work in different countries having gained a CASA CPL (such as the states). Does it just involve a lot of paperwork and faffing?
I don't expect all my questions to be answered in one go and would appreciate any feedback or tips!!
Cheers
Is it true I get to keep my UK rating as well as gaining an Oz one?
Do my hours flown in GB registered aircraft count towards my CPL once I have converted my PPL to Australian?
Do any of you have advice to someone in my position, with regards to good schools/pricing/options for achieving my CPL?
What hidden pitfalls could I expect whilst undertaking this plan?
What are the prospects of being able to fly internationally and work in different countries having gained a CASA CPL (such as the states). Does it just involve a lot of paperwork and faffing?
I don't expect all my questions to be answered in one go and would appreciate any feedback or tips!!
Cheers
