Apollo 100
Probably just preaching to the converted sir. Some like high powered race boats and some like racing yachts.
Emergency service aviation is one of those animals that some choose and enjoy where others don't.

On a different note...does the collins proline gear go U/S due to temp or humidity, (Is it just a case of an aircon in the machine while it's on the ground?)

Haven't had any problems with temperature as it has its own environmental controller (ie bloody big fan). Have had a few unexplained start up problems which may have been moisture related. No real proof of this however and the problems soon rectified themselves without any maintenance action. Overall it seems to be a fairly robust bit of equipment.

cheers

Redflags

Couldn't agree with you more.
QLD section are lot more focused on their human resoures and retaining
staff where as SE section have a not negotiable attitude.(If you don't
like what we hand out then leave.)
This attitude I believe leads to a higher staff turn over which in the end
cost them more money in retraining new staff .

Regards The Dog

Its been on the cards for a while but the decision is getting closer. That is a small jet for neo natal retrievals to be based in brisvegas. I heard they were trialling one the other day. Sorry but don't know what type.

I suppose you mean the Cessna Encore + flogging around Brisbane last week on demo's to all showing an interest.

So how are things in sunny QLD these days? Anyone know whats the deal with getting a job with QLD section? More to the point do you have to start in the bush or is a coastal slot possible?

The EBA looks OK and is almost as generous as Western ops I see.
SN

Rumour has it that a couple of slots may be available very soon - one on the coast

I remember when I cracked 5000hrs not long after joining the RFDS Qld about 13 yrs ago. We got together for a couple of drinks. We did a hrs count and worked out there was over 60,000hrs experience in GA/RFDS style ops in the room - 5 pilots!
The best job in the world.

Any current RFDS pilots from QLD or WA could point me in the right direction as to who the best person to speak with in regards to employment in those places? You can PM if you'd prefer. Thanks in advance.

Thanks TKFS, however I wasn't looking for the generic email that every person with a license around the world bombards with CV's. I was looking for a person who might give me someone to talk to, which someone else gave me without the attitude. :ok:

Not so, as with all RFDS sections, knowing who to talk to can make a huge difference...;)

hurlingham
Which coastal base? I heard all jobd are offered internally before being advertised externally. Surely someone from Charlieville or Mount Isa would want the coast?
SN

Why would they?

Well, its the coast Vs the desert! Maybe its just me. Anyway I believe the EBA says all jobs are first offered internally.
SN

Soup Nazi, gotta remember most of the guys with the RFDS aren't city guys doing their time in the bush before getting back to the coast, they are country guys and don't see an Isa or a Charleville base as doing their 'time'. They are more than happy to be out there. Some of them prefer the flying out in the western bases too, they tend to get more of medivacs, where a lot of the coastal bases do a lot more patient transfer work hospital to hospital.

Very few seem to consider the RFDS in QLD a job for a year until the airlines, it's more of a career that people aspire to do.

Quite correct and well said Puff. If more GA organisations had experienced, long term pilots like the RFDS have, then the industry would be much better, and much safer.
The apprenticeship really does last about 5000 hours.
The opeople of the utback need, and depend on good light aircraft services far more than those living within the j curve. A high level of local and environmental knowledge is essential, and newbies from the city do not have that. Many are good people and can learn, but it takes time.
The RFDS have proven that it is possible to run a respected, safe operation with light aircraft in outback Australia. They have had the moral and financial support of the whole nation, and that is as it should be. Most other GA organisations do not have that.
We have to figure out why much of the GA industry is generally not up to this standard. One of the major factors is the short term thinking and lack of committment of many of those who are using it as a "stepping stone" to something else, and want to get there quickly. These people should go to an airline cadetship instead of GA.

Puff
Most of the pilot's in QLD are on the coast and not the inland. In any case there are a number of reasons why some pilots may wish to move to the coastal centres even though they may persanally prefer the country areas. Education for children etc.
SN

That's because there's only 2 bases inland (without there needing to be more).

The inland bases have quite a stable complement of pilots, who enjoy the work and the lifestyle of living in those places. Good variety of work as well, with the clinics, evacs, transfers.

morno

OK, so take out the inland bases (cause i am already inland and have been for many years), which coastal is most likely to turn over pilots?
SN

Soup

YBRK