|
Hi raymodli,
I'm in a similar situation to you, with completing my HSC, but I'm planning on going helicopters rather than aeroplanes In regards to the interview, I'd assume it is to see how motivated and interested in aviation you are. It wouldn't hurt to research as much as you can about UNSW and the aviation industry. If in doubt try and get in touch with some current aviation students. |
C’mon guys cut them some slack. When they said “stressed” they probably mean “nervous”. Everyone one of us was nervous before going into an interview for an aviation position. They’re still young and in school and haven’t had much exposure to the world of Aviation. Mate, they just want to see that you have an aptitude and drive for an aviation career. You’ll probably need to show some examples of good teamwork and critical thinking skills and situations where you’ve put them to use. Along with good communication skills and are well presented and prepared. They probably won’t be quizzing you on Aviation theory so no real need to study up on that. Look at some of the personality based questions on the cadetship threads, the questions you’ll get asked at your interview are probably similar. |
Originally Posted by dr dre
(Post 10231253)
C’mon guys cut them some slack. When they said “stressed” they probably mean “nervous”. Everyone one of us was nervous before going into an interview for an aviation position. They’re still young and in school and haven’t had much exposure to the world of Aviation. +1 yes |
The obtusity of this forum reminds me of my 70 year old mildly aspergic father. As for the OP's question - maybe someone who's actually gone through the UNSW program can answer it. My advice would be to steer clear of any university aviation programs - a lot of individuals, particularly ones straight out of high school do not mould well to integrated training programs. Save your HECS-HELP for a useful degree.
|
@raymondli: Don't pay any attention to all these old school blokes who selectively forgot that they too were once the rookies of yesteryear. Aviation has an overarching tendency to inflate one's ego. When you make it to the top, try not to be the next bastard who needs fresh meat to impress.
Back to your question: as with any interview, do your research, come prepared and ask questions. You'll be no suspect under interrogation (do not act like one!) so see it as much as an opportunity to learn about who's on the opposite side of the table. Doing your research and coming prepared means: general understanding of the aviation industry today and in years to come, having a rough idea of what to expect during your training and why that motivates you, why you chose to apply to this university (and program) over others, why you chose this path over going straight to a flight school. If you can spare them the cliché of having always dreamed of flying since day 1 for something more original, that'll do you justice. Expect questions about how you imagine your career and possibly about the challenges looming in the aviation industry (to name a few: automation, over-regulation, ...). Also, if the program has a broader aviation focus than flying alone, tell them of any interest you may have in adjacent areas such as airline or airport management, aerospace engineering, etc. What you can also do is get in touch with current students and tell them openly that you'll be interviewed and that you're looking for hints and tips. Remember that it'll be a chance for your interviewers to assess you and see how much of a good fit you'll be. Relax, breathe in and show them that you're a cool kid. At the end of the day it is expected that you'll be making mistakes in life. The path forward will be what you decide, not quite what you follow. HTH |
Originally Posted by raymondli
(Post 10231098)
Essentially, being a pilot was a dream job for me, im just confused if I dont past the interview what would be another option to get back in or join flight school elsewhere.
|
Here is a thread with some questions from the interview process;
https://www.pprune.org/pacific-gener...l#post10171783 They're just going to be piquing your interest in aviation to check to see how much you know and how passionate you are. Good luck! |
If you go for a job interview you will be asked why you want the job, and "What will you bring?" (see current defence ads). An employer wants to know if you are motivated, and doing some reading to find out more about what that job entails indicates that you are genuinely interested. Ultimately you may be interested in flying for an airline, so in preparing for such a job interview you would be wise to find out what aircraft types they fly in their fleet and where.
Motivation that drives applicants to be well informed usually also drives performance, so your motivation to be informed is a mirror into your motivation to succeed. General knowledge about Australian airline fleets and the UNSW training fleet is easily found on their websites, so get informed prior to any interview! The UNSW program is delivered by UNSW itself not by a commercial contractor, and is of high standard. A notable graduate is Squadron Leader David Bell, F35A pilot and future Instructor of Instructors for the RAAF. Seabreeze |
Bach. or [email protected]
Hey all, I know it's been asked several times before... and I'm sure opinion hasn't changed a great deal since it was asked a few years ago... but thought I would ask all the same since it seems the program has changed a bit (sorry! Feel free to delete if you think it is redundant).
I am contemplating doing a bachelor of aviation at Griffith Uni, which is now an accelerated two year course (three trimesters/year) with the Grad Dip to follow for a year and a half. Like any degree, there are inherent risks of not being successful in securing employment after graduating. Obviously both have their pro's and con's, such as networking at Griffith being a pro... but is the general consensus still that the degree is beneficial in learning theory that you may not get by simply doing your CPL through a flying school? What would be realistic career opportunities be if I were to do the bachelor's degree compared to a flying school. Does anyone have any insight into the course? I would like to pick some brains if anyone is willing to let me! |
There is no substitute for hours in the logbook or industry experience, unless you’re tied up in some cadet scheme. Find a good school, with experienced and dedicated instructors, and you’ll learn all the theory and gain all the knowledge you need to make a start. Unless you think you will go straight from flying school into an airline - an employer in GA will not care much if you have a degree or not. Better those three or so years be spent chasing on the job experience, perhaps. Last I looked, the airlines run their own testing and your competitiveness for getting in is a function of how you acquit yourself at those tests. The opportunity to do those tests comes once the minimum experience requirements are met (but these are less distinct now, it would seem). |
Originally Posted by cxausflyer
(Post 10204655)
Hello everyone,
I'm currently a Year 11 student studying in the Sydney region, and taking high level mathematics and physics at school. I was wondering if there is any up to date information on the best flight schools around Sydney, as I do not currently have any flying experience whatsoever. A majority of the recommendations were provided many years ago, and I'm not sure if the instructors are still working or have maintained the same quality of service. I do not mind travelling to rural areas of NSW, as long as the drive isn't unreasonably long (5 Hours +). I plan to complete a University degree after graduating from high school, whilst beginning to take up self-funded flying to obtain my PPL and CPL. My end goal is to become a Commercial Airline Pilot. However, unlike many people here I do not plan on remaining in Australia and pursuing a career with Virgin Australia / Qantas / Jetstar, unless I successfully gain entry into the airline through Virgin Australia's Cadetship (Highly Competitive) or the new Qantas Flight School that's opening their doors the year I graduate High School. I'm not sure if the Qantas Flight School guarantees employment after high level performance as they plan to train 500+ pilots a year once operating at full capacity, and I'm not particularly keen on having an unnecessary $150,000 debt if it does not guarantee me employment in the end and can be done for much cheaper. I plan to head over to Asia, preferably Hong Kong (I'm from Hong Kong) and fly for an airline based there instead such as Cathay Pacific. The living costs associated with being based in Hong Kong do not matter to me too much, as I saw that it was a major deciding factor in some pilots rejections for SO Direct Entry, as I have family I can live with in Hong Kong. I'm also aware of the horror stories regarding CX employment, but I'm hoping that will change in the few years it will take for me to even be considered being their pilot. I am aware that pilots will have to fly up in Northern Australia for a few years to build up hours flying Cessna 404's and other aircraft, but I was wondering if I would need to take alternate action if I plan to work overseas, or would I still need to work through the stepping stone of rural australia -> Virgin ATR? Thank you so much for reading this far if you have. Thanks! Kind Regards, Alex TLDR: What are the best flying schools in Sydney in 2018/2019 that are still operational? If I plan on pursuing my aviation career overseas, what different steps do I have to take after obtaining my CPL? It's better just to concentrate on your HSC studies and forget about aviation for now. It doesn't matter where you do your pilot training, you will still accumulate a $150K debt (CPL/ME IR/Flight Instructor Rating), after all your pilot training and nearly 200K, if you do a university degree. You have to pay your debt off, if you're planning to leave the country. |
Looking for a good flying school in/around Melbourne.
Started lessons ten years ago but career got in the way...keen to give it another go. Would like to find a school that will let me learn at my own pace rather than push me through 'sausage factory' style. Any guidance/suggestions based on your knowledge and experience will be received with much gratitude. |
Cessna 172 hire Perth with instructor
Hi All
Getting back into the flying game and need to get current in a 172 and do a BFR. Does anyone know who has the cheapest rates going for hire out of Jandakot please? Curtin Flying Club is $250 an hour once current. An instructor would be additional. Thanks in advance! |
Hi,
I'm Kevin from Perth and looking at starting my CPL training at Jandakot. Which flight school would you all recommend? I've spoken to both Air Australia and Royal Aero Club. Both have been very helpful with my enquiries. Are there any others that are better than the two I have already mentioned? |
Originally Posted by Kevinlee999
(Post 10282708)
Hi,
I'm Kevin from Perth and looking at starting my CPL training at Jandakot. Which flight school would you all recommend? I've spoken to both Air Australia and Royal Aero Club. Both have been very helpful with my enquiries. Are there any others that are better than the two I have already mentioned? I did all my training at JT so I thought I'll give you my take based on my experience. RACWA are a big school but overpriced. I did a TIF with them but that was all - it just didn't make sense in my mind to pay $1000's more for the same license. I have been back to do a theory course but it was overpriced and poor IMO. Air Australia look good on the surface but you are just a number there (bit like RACWA) and will be treated as such. They are the cheapest on the strip but equipment wise their planes are pretty tired. Personally I started my abinitio training there and was pretty disappointed, ended up moving onto another school to complete my CPL, went back to AA to do my instructor rating and again it was a mistake. The big plus for these guys is their part 142 approval - GST free training and a 150 hour course. In fairness though I personally don't know anyone who has got through a CPL in exactly 150 hours and unless you can train full time you have no chance. Havent had much to do with Minnovation - they look like a bit of a boutique outfit. JFC is where I felt I got the best value. They are primarily a charter company with operations in JT and Darwin so don't rely on their flight school for income. This is good in that they don't try and upsell you courses and also there is a definite progression pathway into charter - most people I know of who trained there did. Planes are newer and tidy as they have in house maintenance and their 172 fleet is comparably cheap to AA. Only downside right now is that they don't have Part 142 - meaning you need to pay GST and do a 200 hour course. I would recommend talking to these guys, especially if you want/need to train part time. Hope that helps! Cheers |
ATPL HUF TEM
Hey guys, recently attempted AHUF and although I thought I was ready I got 68% with the majority of my questions being TEM about 40%.
All my KDR's were TEM and the questions were like nothing that I had studied (the Bob Tait and AFT book, along with AFT Cyber exams). Feeling a little stuck as I actually really enjoyed this subject. Not too sure where to start now but I would like to resit it ASAP. Any help as to where to look etc will be appreciated :) |
Transitioning to a Career in Aviation - Things to consider?
Hi all,
Apologies if this is in the wrong forum, I'm new to PPRuNe and am hoping to reach Australian pilots, established and/or currently training towards their careers for advice, as a person who has no ties or real exposure to the commercial sides of aviation. I've long wanted to become a commercial pilot or a doctor since I was young. I didn't go down the aviation path, as I didn't really have any funds to get me started in flight training, maintain ongoing training and build up my hours. I went the medical pathway, and now I am seriously considering turning tables and going back towards aviation, given that I now earn a salary and can realistically support ongoing training and hour building. I am in my early - mid twenties and could potentially work as a locum to fit around training. My only flight experience is with an RA-Aus license at current, though I am looking to swap to GA and progress towards PPL +/- CPL. I'd likely have to progress with private training to maintain flexibility. I absolutely love flying, and at my current age and early stage in my medical career, I feel this is prime time to lock in a direction to head towards, as both fields place emphasis on seniority and ongoing training. My main questions are: - Are there any sacrifices that I should seriously consider before changing careers? - Is there anything you wish you knew before you started about the career? (ie x gets stale after y years, or jetlag/family time/other lifestyle sacrifices that should be considered?) - How long and arduous is the path before you can relax and comfortably work with relative stability in terms of hours and job prospects? - Does it ever get boring after flying commercial for many years? - Did you ever regret going into an aviation career? - Am I better off working on a medical career and flying for recreation? Or incorporating aviation into a medical career, such as working for the RFDS? Any other tips, advice or things I should think about would be extremely appreciated. Thank you all for your help and guidance. |
Originally Posted by Alisakg11
(Post 10287701)
Hey guys, recently attempted AHUF and although I thought I was ready I got 68% with the majority of my questions being TEM about 40%.
All my KDR's were TEM and the questions were like nothing that I had studied (the Bob Tait and AFT book, along with AFT Cyber exams). Feeling a little stuck as I actually really enjoyed this subject. Not too sure where to start now but I would like to resit it ASAP. Any help as to where to look etc will be appreciated :) Most people think this exam is easy, but there's not much room for error. It's not a difficult exam, just need to take a step back and review the questions and answers, a person isn't sure of, prior to completing exam. I haven't done this exam for a long while,I don't think much has changed with this exam. The book i was given to study and which was part of the course, was, "Air Craft Human Performance and Limitations", by Tony Wilson. Back cover of book, shows a photo of the author, as an Australian B727 airline pilot, also runs the Human Factors consultancy, Crew Dynamics. I googled the book, and it's available for purchase online and at various places. The book is about half an A4 page size and consists of 145 pages, it's easy reading. All the best |
Rex, Virgin, Jetstar and Qantas cadetship assessment.
Currently in year 12, decent scores in high level mathematics and physics. Soon time to apply for the airline cadetships. Psychometric tests are part of the application process for all of these programs. Any suggestions on how to prepare for these tests / what type of tests they use would be very much appreciated (I can't do abstract/spatial reasoning for the life of me).
Thanks a lot. |
Flight Training School or go to University
Hi All,
I am fairly new to this forum so if there is a post that is under a similar case that I have or someone have asked the same thing that I am about to, please feel free to post the link. Just wondering if you could give some advice/opinion for a female pilot-wannabe who is on her early 20s and still undecided if it is worth it to get a degree on Bachelor of Aviation or just try and get in a reputable flight school. I do have some experience in Aviation where I have worked as a Cabin Crew for more than 2 rewarding years and from there, I fell more in love and dreamt to become a pilot. I understand that there would be hardships and a long process but I am ready, mentally and physically, for any challenges in the road to get my wings. If you guys think that going through a university or straight in a flight school is much more rewarding and efficient than the other, what schools would you recommend? Financially, I am not that flexible and I also understand that university and flight school costs an arm and a leg but I do have a bit of savings from my cabin crew years and I would so much rely on HECS help as well. I guess that is another thing that I have to consider when choosing schools. Thank you for your wise advice/s! Regards, kbtrina |
Hi kbtrina, Definitely choose flight school over university. You don’t require a degree to hold a professional pilot’s licence. The only degree I’d consider doing is one that has an entrance path with an airline after graduation. Apply for a cadetship. A lot of them have funding assistance via FEE HELP and you’ll be looked at favourably with your prior airline background. |
Originally Posted by jmg1403
(Post 10126370)
Hi All
Can anyone recommend flying schools in Australia, preferably Sydney/Gold Coast. I have seen a few posts with people having bad experiences but no recommendations. A bit about me, without trying to sound like i'm writing my profile on a dating website:= Im originally from Bonnie Scotland:D currently residing in Sydney. Im 33, work in Construction, and have wanted to be a pilot since my early teens. Realistically i would like to do the training full time- PPL-CPL as far as i am aware is the route, and aim to gain a cpl and look for a job in the RHS around the 36 mark. Giving me around 30 years of a flying career after that. I have read the posts about struggles of the job and training, costs etc but i think f*c* it you only live once and im in the position that my only commitment at the moment is myself and i have a job i can fall back on worst case scenario. Anyway enough negativity. Any help on the route i should take from here with regards to course structure and ratings to put me in the best position possible for employment would be great :ok: Peace out:D Delete some your inbox messages so I can reply back? |
Nzicpa query
I am also thinking to join nzicpa this year. Please can you gogi some revisions about the school?
Originally Posted by Insanity1995
(Post 10009776)
Ive been searching a lot for flight schools in New Zealand and have chosen to go with NZICPA (New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy) earlier called as FTM . Does anyone have any views on this school or any other opinions as to which might be better? Any help is appreciated :)
|
Hi all,
I've been looking into the best/fastest way to becoming an airline pilot and wanted to ask a few questions about cadetships vs traditional flight school. I know they are both covered but the cadetships look to be around $50 000~ more than flight schools. How long would it be before i get my first airline job after flight school. I'm open to moving overseas for an airline job. Is it worth the extra money for the guaranteed job. Just want to know the best way really. Also how hard is it to get into a cadetship. Are there any numbers on the acceptance rates. ATAR / mark requirements? Thanks in advance |
Originally Posted by nathd54
(Post 10318316)
Hi all,
I've been looking into the best/fastest way to becoming an airline pilot How long would it be before i get my first airline job after flight school. I'm open to moving overseas for an airline job. Is it worth the extra money for the guaranteed job. Just want to know the best way really. Also how hard is it to get into a cadetship. Are there any numbers on the acceptance rates. ATAR / mark requirements?
Most, if not all, of the selection processes for the various cadetships will then involve interviews, sim ride and other aptitude tests to try to assess an applicants suitability. The results of these assessments is generally more of a deciding factor than your academic performance at school. As long as you meet the minimum requirements to apply, they'll probably give you a shot at the assessment. I've even heard that some of them make you pay for the assessment:
Originally Posted by http://www.cae.com/civil-aviation/aviation-professionals/become-a-pilot/our-pilot-training-programmes/jetstar-cadet-pilot-program/
Please note: An assessment fee of approximately $150 will apply.
At the end of the day, if you sole goal is "Airlines"... then applying for cadetships probably won't hurt (except for the assessment fees) and at the very least you'll get some interview experience. The extra upfront costs will probably be recouped assuming you get that "guaranteed" job. Additionally, if you aren't successful with getting a cadetship spot, you can then try the "old-fashioned" way and complete your flight training at the flight school of your choice and work your way up to an airline gig through GA. |
Advice for aspiring pilot of Melbourne
Afternoon all.
Being completely new to the aviation scene, I was just looking for some advice, and also the thoughts of current professional pilots in regards to going into the field of commercial aviation. With piloting being a dream of mine since I was young, I recently applied, and received an offer for the Bachelor of Aviation at Swinburne University of Technology. However, all in all, it will be north of $100k to complete the course, although it offers a chance at Qantas Future Pilot Program. This degree is attractive, as I am able to put most of it under HECS Fee-help instead of paying for flight training upfront. A $100k degree is no joke, hence I am trying to get some more information when making a decision like this. How useful is a degree (Bachelor of Applied Science - Piloting) if you are looking for a job after graduation at one of the major airlines? What advice can you give me as a professional pilot? What other pathways are available that give a more "employable" resume at the end of the day? Is the amount of flight hours always more attractive? Any help would be appreciated. |
GU allows students to access HECS to cover undergraduate course tuition (most courses have this option). As GU run their flight training component through a postgrauduate course, students use FEE-HELP to cover most of the cost associated with that (CPL+MEIR+ATPL subjects). Thus, VET Student Loans, and their 20% loading, is avoided.
|
Am I too old/big for a pilot career?
Hi all,
I am 34 years old, married with three kids. Recently I applied for a position with Airservices Australia as an ATC trainee and was unsuccessful, it seems that my 49% spatial vision did not get me across the line. Anyway, moral of the story is that I was devastated. Always wanted to be a pilot but never pursued it as quite frankly I did not have the money. Recently I found out that there is now the possibility of getting student loans to fund a decent portion of the training, I would love to do it but it is obviously a big leap and I was hoping some of you guys/gals can help me out. My questions are: 1. Is 34 too old to consider flight training? I would love to one day be a long haul pilot, is it realistic? I have heard that due to this pilot shortage that new pilots have been recruited in their 40’s, is this actually true? 2. In the last 10 years I have fluctuated between 105kg - 130kg, desk jobs have not been kind. Currently I am sitting on 120kg. I know Soar Aviation state their planes have a 110kg weight limit for their introductory flights, what is the deal with other flight schools? I am about 6’2 so generally I carry weight well and don’t look huge but obviously it could be an issue. I would really appreciate your your thoughts on this, please be honest, if it is something that can only be a dream than I would rather know that now. Looking forward to your responses. |
First things first - go and get your 1st class medical. If you fail it then your problems are all solved.
So called "pilot shortage" is not about 200h FOs. It is all about experienced capitans. There is no shortage of fATPL pilots. Expect fierce competition. While not necessarily a show-stopper your weight may affect available selection of training equipment and instructors. If you decide to go Dutch and learn to fly in c152, then with full tanks you have about 50kgs left for an instructor. |
If successful, you'll have at least 2 decades of flying ahead of you. Prospective professional pilots generally move to where the flying jobs are, so family considerations could be problematic. Learn to fly in a Piper Warrior.
|
As terrible as this sounds, depending on the line of work you move into, you may be considered too big.
130kg Pilot in a small plane leaves a lot less payload available than a 60-70kg 18 year old competing for the same jobs. Thats potentially 1 more passenger on a scenic/charter flight that you won't be able to carry. Unfortunately, this does happen in GA. |
There would be a lot of guys out there who would love to be a pilot at a more advanced age, the desire to be so needs to be high due to the tough road to get there. Your weight doesn't have to be an issue if you don't want it to be, do yourself and yr family a fav, get fitter that way everybody wins -:) as mentioned go and do the Class 1 Medical, everything revolves around that and being overweight means you run a higher risk of not obtaining it or losing it in the future, that's something you do have control over. Cost is everything (other than health), big dollars these days so make sure that can be managed. Location is another stumbling block if you have young family, it's the one thing that has held back many potential pilots futures, be prepared to move, can you move, perhaps the whole family? At the end of the day in today's current climate it's doable BUT always have a backup plan, the smartest thing you can do for your family is have an out, another way to remain financial, remember we live in a forever changing world and Aviation is one industry that is very venerable to world events especially as there are years of timeframe involved here. Good luck, hope you find where you belong in aviation -:) |
As terrible as this sounds, depending on the line of work you move into, you may be considered too big. |
The problems with loans is, at some stage you will have to pay them back. Your family will resent you for basically keeping them poor for the next 10 years whilst you get to jolly around wearing a pair of Ray Ban Aviators.
The path you look to choose is littered with broken dreams and families. Maybe set yourself a task of getting your weight down to 95kgs. Learn to paraglide, this might also get you thinking of some of the dangers involved in aviation. If you can achieve the weight loss (its a goal thing, got nothing to do with retaining a pilots medical with your current BMI) then look to use your own money to at least go solo (private licence would be better), then revisit the loan idea. You will have a little insight into the industry and how the wife and kids feel about the financial drain. Today I'll be taking a wide body Airbus to Seoul with a guy beside me who's kind of obligated to find my jokes funny (they are not). I hope you get to do the same some day, but the odds are against you. |
You are not too old, nor too large but some of the above points are very good. Let’s not sugar coat this it’s not an easy path. Firstly how much research have you done into a career in flying, hopefully a lot, if not here are some points to consider. Taking a loan to learn means you will pay a lot more to learn to fly. A debt that you will then need to pay back. Initially you will need to gain experience in GA (unless doing an airline Cadetship) which at entry level will pay between $20000-$40000. Can you and your young family live on that whilst possibly relocating. “My wife works” I hear people say, great but how flexible is that job around your constantly rotating hours and children’s schooling? Most airlines need minimum of 500 hours but realistically need 1500-2000 hours in a competitive market (which it still is), how do you plan to get these? What will the industry look like when you do? What is plan B if you’ve spent this money and don’t get an airline job? Are you you and your family prepared for what it will do to your family life? Will your family resent all the time you may be away, birthdays missed, Christmas missed. If you go the long haul route wil they be happy whilst your away for 7-10 days having drinks and exploring the world whilst they are at home? Getting a class 1 Medical is the first step. CASA will need all the usual tests, but if you’re a bigger person with a high BMI you may also need to do a sleep study to look for sleep apnea (CASA is very fond of this at the moment). It is worth looking at all the angles and outcomes, go speak to many flying schools big and small, don’t just accept the shiny brochures with pictures of jets that some schools show you. Ask questions, lots of them! It can be a great a rewarding career, but many stumble along the way, go in with your eyes wide open. |
First post / question
Hi Guys, Firstly thank you for the amazing information on here I have found it very informative! I like many on here are looking at becoming a pilot with the end goal Of mainline. I am 30 yrs old with a partner and no kids, I have the ability to self fund my CPL over 18-24 month. As I understand this is the first step, can I get some members to please share what they have done from this stage to 1. Start getting paid for flying - what other qualifications do you need? 2. Any background work I can do (other than getting my CPL) considering learning Cantonese to help have a wider range of prospects... or anything that can make you more attractive to future employers Please note myself and my partner are happy to move and adapt to this lifestyle/career change. Our only concern is income in 3-4 years time if we decided to have kids. Any help with this large amount of rambling would be amazing! |
Originally Posted by Chopz
(Post 10383046)
Hi all,
I am 34 years old, married with three kids. Recently I applied for a position with Airservices Australia as an ATC trainee and was unsuccessful, it seems that my 49% spatial vision did not get me across the line. Anyway, moral of the story is that I was devastated. Always wanted to be a pilot but never pursued it as quite frankly I did not have the money. Recently I found out that there is now the possibility of getting student loans to fund a decent portion of the training, I would love to do it but it is obviously a big leap and I was hoping some of you guys/gals can help me out. My questions are: 1. Is 34 too old to consider flight training? I would love to one day be a long haul pilot, is it realistic? I have heard that due to this pilot shortage that new pilots have been recruited in their 40’s, is this actually true? 2. In the last 10 years I have fluctuated between 105kg - 130kg, desk jobs have not been kind. Currently I am sitting on 120kg. I know Soar Aviation state their planes have a 110kg weight limit for their introductory flights, what is the deal with other flight schools? I am about 6’2 so generally I carry weight well and don’t look huge but obviously it could be an issue. I would really appreciate your your thoughts on this, please be honest, if it is something that can only be a dream than I would rather know that now. Looking forward to your responses. However, whilst I don't necessarily agree with it, I know a few operators who will not hire any one over 100 kegs for thier single engine piston fleet. If you happen to walk in the door and are sub 70 and have a licence you may get hired on the spot! All this is purely down to payload available. Think a C210 with 260l is ~400kg 's available with an average pilot, a lighter person makes a big difference. Is it right? Is it ethical? Who knows. But this can be the reality. |
Originally Posted by Happy89
(Post 10386796)
I am 30 yrs old with a partner and no kids, I have the ability to self fund my CPL over 18-24 month. As I understand this is the first step, can I get some members to please share what they have done from this stage to 1. Start getting paid for flying - what other qualifications do you need? 2. Any background work I can do (other than getting my CPL) considering learning Cantonese to help have a wider range of prospects... or anything that can make you more attractive to future employers After getting my CPL I was fortunate enough to be "right place, right time" to get a gig doing aerial photography which got me another 600hrs on top of the CPL... then after finishing the MEIR and trying unsuccessfully to break into the air transport side of the GA sector, I went to Indonesia and spent 2 years at Susi Air... much to the dismay of my partner. That ended up as basically a (very costly) self-funded "Fly In - Fly Out" exercise. In the end, that added another 1000 hours to the log book... Spent another couple of years trying to find flying work back in NZ (while working outside of Aviation, but in a job that paid well enough to pay for private flying)... Then, snared a Regional Twin Turboprop gig in mid-2018 during the present recruitment surge. I won't lie. It was a long and hard road to get from bare CPL to Airline... It involved a mix of luck and hard work/sacrifice... and due to financial and relationship pressures, I seriously considered giving up the commercial aviation dream on several occasions... but stuck with it because I was too stubborn (too stupid? :} too selfish?) to quit. So, at great expense I kept the license and ratings current "just in case"... and eventually got the interview. I'm also incredibly lucky that I have a VERY understanding and supportive partner... without a doubt, she has made a number of personal sacrifices for me to able to get to where I am. I'm honestly not sure I'll ever be able to make it up to her "properly"... but apparently business class upgrades that won't bankrupt us will help! :E To answer your specific questions: 1. Technically, the only "quals" you need to get paid are a CPL. That is the easy part, finding the "first job" is the hard part. It will more than likely involve a lot of phone calls and door knocking etc. 2. One thing you can try is to browse through the jobs on AFAP and see what sort of "Desirable Qualifications" are being listed. Also, I'd advise to stay "responsibility free" (ie. No kids) as long as you can... from what I've been told by others, trying to cover the costs of raising a family on GA pay, while trying to stay flexible with location/living arrangements is very difficult. |
Just on the RPL vs PPL, key differences i saw are:
- RPL you can fly an aircraft up to 1500kg vs PPL you can fly up to 5000kg - RPL is Australia only vs PPL is International recognised licence - RPL 'theory' knowledge requirement is not as intense as PPL 'theory' (more a direct stepping stone to CPL) - RPL at $7K, i would be cautious with that figure, my RPL (no Nav) took 40 hours and costs ala $12K. |
Originally Posted by ChaeBaee
(Post 10388901)
My understanding is that with an RPL you're allowed to carry "more than one passenger if you have a casa class 1 or 2 cert" as quoted however with a PPl you're capped at a max of 5? How does that work?
Originally Posted by ChaeBaee
(Post 10388901)
With RPL there is an endorsement for operating a flight radio however to my understanding isn't using a flight radio part of training; talking to the tower requesting take off etc.
Originally Posted by ChaeBaee
(Post 10388901)
With the 25nm restriction for RPL, it includes rottness island which has an airport. Certain forums have said that if I get a PPl im allowed to land at airports other than the one i depart from, is this not the same for RPL? (Wanting to fly to rottness island and come back)
Just to clarify: even if an airport is within 25NM of you departure or within a defined training area - you can't land there unless you have a Nav endorsement on your RPL. |
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