starting out
 

hi, i am a commercial pilot who is at present completing their instrument rating. I have not yet had my first job and was curious to know what sort of flying activity there is in Canberra for a beginner. I have also got planns to travel, and know there is work in Afrrica, but was also thinking about places like europe or the middle east.
It would be appreciated to hear some of your advice, cheers
jim,

Africa is a great place to start, and it's not as bad as they say. Check out the African forum and do a search on Maun. Your CPL is your ticket to an adventure!!

Hello Jim,
I think most of Europe requires working rights/ residency + JAA licence or validation. If you can get these; go for it!

Other than that, Aussie is not an easy place to get a start. I kicked my career off in the Pacific and Papua New Guinea.

Good luck with it, What Report Ready said is quite true, your CPL can be a ticket to adventure.( More ways than one!)


Cheers
RC

Australia these days is only hard if you dont look hard enough.....im sure if you are a good enough bloke with descent skills a job in Australia will be waiting somewhere.......good luck

jetbrett has it spot on. If you are prepared to drive out of your suburb, there are many jobs out there for the taking. By the same token don't expect the 'job' to be flying a gold plated King Air earning 100K a year. You have to work hard.

I am proof of this as I just got my first Charter gig the last week in my home state. Its only casual but the conditions are still good and it is with a reputable country operator who pays a wage.

get your name out there and network, network, network.

hey thanks for all your replies,
i am sure once i start looking hard enough i will find something.
Africa would be a great excuse to go on an adventure. Just have one question for R.Cruizo, i have a friend working in Fiji in non aviation, and i wouldn't mind trying to get a job there, is this the area you started out or are you talking somewhere else?
cheers.
jim,

G'day Jim,
Check your PM's

from someone who did it 18months ago, get out on the road and do the great drive north!
no use sending out resumes and calling people unless you are willing to get out there and see them face to face.
I sat in the office at my place of employment and took phone calls from approx 80 people during january/feb looking for work but so far have only seen about 15 of them come thru the front door.
aviation is not a career where necessarily the guy who knows his stuff gets the job, it is survival of the most tenacious.

Good luck!:ok: