FIFO and then flying on the side??
 

Hi Guys,

I'm contemplating getting my CPL and then going FIFO to my current job which would mean a 2 week on 2 week off roster or a 2 on 6 off roster. Looking at doing this in 12-18 months when I have a few things sorted.

What I would like to do is work my 2 weeks in Karratha then fly for someone anywhere in Aus for my 1.5 or so weeks (depending which roster I go to) .....keep it going for a couple of years until I have enough hours to move on and decide whether to stay driving trains or flying planes.

I have pretty substantial reasoning for it, can't pay a mortgage on 30k a year slogging your guts out up North and lets face it got quite a few other debts and getting a CPL is a big enough debt and by having my job up North it allows me to live and pay the bills and have a job to fall back on if something goes astray.

I know some people are going to flame me etc for this I expect it but potentially it's a great idea for guys who don't want to loose the money to go flying, I know of a few guys around the place who do FIFO but just can't afford to leave their current jobs and drop 100k+ a year in pay to go after their passion, so flying gets lost for many of these guys as it becomes out of reach.

Is this even a realistic idea? I guess some operators do employ Part Time pilots and assume that's what I could be what I'm looking at?

Sure I could just sit here and keep earning the $$ and never look back, but in 10-15 years I don't want to regret not chasing my passion. I've looked at Cadet schemes etc but even doing 2 weeks on 6 weeks off I can earn 3x what a Jetstar cadet earns. So I may as well give it a shot and at least see if it's possible before I start looking at other options.

Cheers :O

It sounds realistic. if your FIFO from Perth you might be able to get an instructing gig part time. Not sure if you'll be able to find something charter. If you could secure a 4 week off roster I'd think it's well within reach.

Being a casual instructor would be your best bet. Or working for someone like Paul Lyons at Jandakot.

Be careful, sharks circle those waters;)

does you passion to fly mean it has to be your full time job?
have you thought about maybe instructing part time on your 'off' weeks while keeping fully employed driving trains and paying off your mortgage, kids educations etc. join the CFA and you have the dream life, trains planes and fire trucks with a fat pay packet.
this post is not meant to upset anybody, just a different way of looking at it all.