RFDS QLD status?
 

G'day all, first question for a long time observer.

As the hours tick over, it's time to look to the horizon for something bigger and better(sic).

Can anyone help with advice on rfdsqld. This has been a long term goal so I am aware of the minimums, likelihood of a start in cv or isa. Basically interested in:
- how flexible are the minimums
- how long in cv/isa before a move coastward
- $cash etc, housing arangements

any info would be appreciated, thanks

RS

Have you thought of doing something unusual - like calling their Chief Pilot and asking? He really is a good guy and nothing beats advice from the 'orse's mouth! :ok:

Thanks, but I would rather make a first impression armed with a little more than what's available on the website. Any current info would be great.

RFDS Qld now appears to be nothing more than an arm of Queensland Health with a different name. ie an expensive inter-hospital ambulance that operates mostly at midnight.

Why are have a number of the local pilots faces changed in the past year or so when it is apparently such a good place to work?

I have heard that there is much disquiet in the medical staff too!:cool:

Roger
 

Don't be tempted to "do something unusual like contact the Chief Pilot" aka The Director of Aviation. You would be much better advised to submit a carefully considered letter of application along with your resume.
As to requirements; what is posted on the web site and which was only until a very short time ago considered absolute bare minimum, may now be somewhat more flexible due to a lack of suitable applicants. However I believe a significant amount of twin time would still be required.
A number of new pilots may be required in near future due to expansion of aircraft numbers to service the Qld Health contract. RFDS Qld Section will be operating up to six Pro Line 21 aircraft in the near future. Positions not necessarily at the western bases to start. You probably will be surprised to start at one of the bases on the coast from and including Brisbane to the north.
Although the maximum per annum flight hours is 600 and on the face of it seems relatively easy. Be prepared for long duty days and nights - a short duty these days is considered to only be 10hours with 11 to 12 average.
Also as the previous poster has said: be prepared to feel as if you are merely a part of the Qld Health Department patient transfer system. There is times when you participate with a Med 1 but most of the time you are merely providing a bed in the air for Qld Health.
To sum up the job does have its good points, great aircraft which are well equipped (the patient loading system being a notable exception) and well maintained. The drawbacks are lots of nights and weekends and I see from another post that Skippers for instance are now offering to pay more for Metro 23 Captains than RFDS Qld and without the nights and weekends.
If it is your calling - go for it and good luck.
pile-it
trying to keep it in one pile

pile-it
 

Thanks for your post. It's good to be taken seriously and there is a lot of usefull stuff there.
Just checked out the ProLine21 on the rockwell site - nice.
Yeah but would you really want to, REALLY? It's not always about the money....