@Alex3008 - I think two years for completion is possible, but a lot of it comes down to motivation and being organised.

Generally the mature-age students with some aviation experience do better than schools leavers because they able to focus better.

My suggestion is to try and do at least your BAK and maybe PPL theory exams before you start. You'd get Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) and would save time and fees.

I've known a lot of people who've been through the Swinburne courses and have a favourable impression, although I've heard that a combination of the OAA/CAE ownership changes and too many students means it can be a bit disorganised and requires push to get through.

One problem with all integrated courses is that people run out of funding before completion because the training takes longer than the curriculum. My suggestion is be organised and do as much pre-preparation as possible to get thru in the minimum time.

A lot of the aviation training experience depends on the individual instructors, and this is universal across all schools. If you are not happy with progress with one instructor, try a different one. One thing I like about RMIT is that students generally have one primary and a secondary instructor, which should make the training more cohesive.

I've been encouraging Junior to do his IREX and ATPL theory with Lionel Taylor at Moorabbin to save on fees and broaden his experience.

Why don't you push junior to self study the IREX and ATPLs?

Saves even more cost, teaches him an important life skill and really, they aren't that difficult.

Best flight training company at Jandakot?
 

Hi All,

A friend of mine is looking into undertaking his PPL and maybe a CPL at Jandakot.

There are a number of operators there, such as Royal Aero Club of WA, Air Australia International, ACFT, Thunderbird Aviation Academy, Jandakot Flight Centre, but I'm seeking recommendations on which is the best.

Also, does it matter much if the company uses older-technology aircraft?

I've tried searching the forum regarding this, but the search function seems to be faulty at the moment.

Thanks for your help.

Regards,
David

I trained at Air Australia in 2008-2009. Im now a first officer with air new zealand. I think the key is that you get a good instructor and work really really hard. I can definitely recommend them.
Chuck runs a tight ship and the planes are not the newest but certainly kept at a tidy safe standard!


Cheerio,
Kris

Few people I know, including myself, have been through Minovation.

Instruct very well and teach you about how to find information (ie. can you fly over square on CSU equipped planes).

That's my recommendation anyways :).

ACFT
 

Recommended. PM me for more details.

On the topic of jandakot flight schools, is Phoenix aviation still about or have they become something else? I started my PPL there around 11-12 years ago but never completed it due to work taking me away.
Rod Jarrold was my instructor back then. Nice bloke who was a good instructor. It did get a little cramped with both of us in the aircraft though and could never take a full load of fuel!

Aus & NZ Pilots. What to do?
 

Hey guys, long time reader, first time poster.

Im just wondering what to do from here :rolleyes:. Currently living in Perth, originally from NZ. I was a loader driver in Ag Ops back in NZ, was dead set on becoming an Ag Pilot since the age of 5. Went through my flight training etc, came back to loading and then witnessed a crash off the end of the strip where I lost one of my best mates. Just thought I'd fill you in on that to stop the guys who would normally say "well you should have done some research on the aviation industry before getting into it". Ag is no longer for me, as much as I've tried to get over that :mad:

Anyway. I've got 300TT. Have just done my multi. Tried getting into survery work but the companies I have talked to all have their fleet on the ground as no one is doing any exploration.

Im pretty keen to get into skydiving. Originally from Taupo, so to end up there dropping meatbombs would be ideal, I guess as a stepping stone before getting into a multi somehow and then on to Eagle etc. Pretty sure thats the only option ultimately.

Just looking for some advice as to where to go from here. My non-aviation related job is finishing up in october. Do I move home to NZ to try suss some work or best to stick here? Perth doesn't seem to offer much as Im not an instructor.

Any help is appreciated.

Happy landings.

Crescoboy :ok:

Crescoboy
 

Have you thought of staying and heading up north? Its the wrong time of year but if you make the move you might be able to pick something up next year.

I am from NZ too but want to go back now after a few years here as prospects in Australia are looking dim. One thing for sure is that the opportunities for low pilots in Australia are much better than NZ.

Crescoboy

If entry level work is drying/dried up other there why not come back and try get a gig meatbombing at one of the smaller outfits over here learn the trade then have a go at getting work in Taupo once you got a little more time in the book?

Darwin Job opportunities?
 

Just after some advice if it is worthwhile searching around Darwin this time of year with a fresh CPL? Any advice on this subject will be much appreciated.

Same old same old......
 

Wouldn't mind a dollar for every time this question has been asked!! :
A fresh CPL.......can I have a go at answering, go up there and join the far queue. Seriously, check on all the previous posts or take a lovely holiday up there and do some snooping around.
Great time of the year now.

It will be more worthwhile than staying on the Gold Coast.

The "hiring season" is largely confined to history, operators take pilots as they need them, whenever they need them. Darwin does not get quiet over the wet season, though perhaps the scenic operators out in Kakadu aren't doing quite as many scenics.

You're not going to get hired unless you are in Darwin, so that it of itself makes it worthwhile going up.

Coffs Harbour and Newcastle
 

Hey guys,

I've been thinking about flying for quite some time and I've decided that I'm going to commit next year to it. I was just wondering about where to do my training. I have 2 options that would really suit me. The first is in Coffs Harbour, as I will be living with parents I would be able to fly more regularly but I feel Newcastle would be a better place to learn, but because I'll be living out of home I would be flying a little less frequent. Just wondering on your thought of each place and what would be a better option.

Thanks

I'd recommend Redcliffe Aero Club. Just finished my training there, nice place to live, plenty of work around (non flying of course lol) plus great blokes and machines.
As a regular visitor to Coffs, there's nothing there...

CASA ATPL flight test
 

Hi guys.

Need some advice on the new CASA part 61 ATPL flight test.

How does 1 go about getting an ATPL with the new part 61 ATPL flight test? If im not flying a high-performance multi-crew aircraft but has just met the hours for the ATPL.

Does anyone know which training organisation in Aus can conduct the new CASA ATPL flight test? Can you do it in say a Boeing 737 flight simulator during type rating conversion? other than doing it in a real high performance turbine aircraft?

Appreciate any help.

Cheers :)

Purpose of the ATPL FLT TEST
 

Best advice I've heard from someone:

Only get the ATPL when you physically need it. Most airlines and major operations with T&C will conduct their own flight test (in approved facility and of course examiner) So theres no rush to get it until your in a company and have worked the time to upgrade to a command position anyway...

I've heard that two people have thus far taken the test both were successful prospective command upgrades with two operators (one was a charter company) both supervised by CASA (both in the operators sims) and it was no different than a standard instrument renewal with a few questions tagged on the front (both were very lenient on KDR's) as the box on test form says "tester must be satisfied knowledge is adequate for issue of licence" etc etc which means you'll be asked relevant operational questions (none of where is the best FL for a B727 BS....

Hey Mick
You seem like the person I would want to work for!
I'm busy door knocking around QLD at the moment, will head up North if nothing happens here.

If you need a hard working, eager to learn pilot, I would appreciate a pm :)

Otherwise back on the hunt tomorrow!

That's a great resource, evilducky! Good work!:ok:

Evil Duckie.

Nice map.

Some changes / additions.

Chartair - will take green pilots
Savannah - has been known to take newbies, but generally only newbies that have passed through Bob Harris

Kakadu Air Tours / Sky Air Safari (Jabiru, Darwin) - ~ 400TT plus

Broome Aviation - Will take newbies, also looking for experienced van drivers last time I heard

GSL Aviation (Airlie Beach, Cairns) - will take green / lower hour pilots

Skydive the Beach - bit of the right attitude and a caravan endo might land you a job at any one of their numerous bases

Shoal Air - has been know to take newbies

Bunbury Aeroclub - always advertising for instructors

Agree with above, except for the van drivers for BAV. Reckon they are sorted for drivers.

Working out where/who you are going target is half the battle. Good work!

Much appreciated.
 

That is a terrific resource and one you could have kept to yourself so thank you for making it available. As a parent of a low hour CPL with MECIR and ILS we feel for everyone in the same position. It's heart breaking to see the work and commitment (and money)that goes into getting these qualifications only to be spat out the other end. Keep at it.

http://media2.giphy.com/media/dOJt6XZlQw8qQ/giphy.gif

That troll account has legs.

How Many Is Too Many?
 

Hi Mick,

Forgive me for digging up an old post, but I have to ask. You mentioned in your post the idea of "too much dual time".

How much dual time would you deem as TOO much dual time?

Thanks

Alexander

Alexander,
As a general rule of thumb any thing more than 50% goes into resume pile two. Eg 150 hour TT 70 - 75 command. We go through logbook and look for how much time training has taken. The sort of training that has been done. We are looking for signs of struggle during training. Lots of dual time compared to command is an indicator we have found in the past to either lack of natural flying ability or lack of listening or understand skills.

We don't want to take the easy way of culling that a lot other operators use and just put a 300 - 400 hour minim on new pilots. We have always felt a sence of responsibility to give back to the industry that has been good to us. Someone has to get pilots to the 300-400 hour mark. However we only have a certain amount of time, money and patience in a small organisation to be able to get newbies to line. We cannot go broke trying to get newbies to line that lack enthusiasm or ability.

We look for pilots that have the ability to think outside the box and are ahead of not just the plane but operations. We have seen a link between those newbies that need to be told everything and high dual time. Lower Dual time pilots tend to be big picture pilots. Eg have always studied a step ahead of physical abilitys, understand aircraft systems before flying that aircraft. Have constantly asked questions of instructor/ CFI during training. Live, breath flying and don't really look at flying as a job. Will arrive at work/training with weather/notams and flight plan in hand.

Have the ability to have a picture in their head of what the day will hold and changes that could happen before they start the day. I find that then helps them cope with the forever changing day that is charter operations.

Newbies tend to think that flying is the only skill they need. Organisation is just as important and that tends to start in training and will also show in Dual time.

Hope this helps

Mick

Well said that man.

Thanks Mick, that's great! :)

Mick I think that would work in most cases, not all cases. A lot of different reasons why people could have more dual. People who have completed the training in the 150hour bracket would have more dual then solo. Especially if they have got initial multi and nvfr on the piece of paper

On recollection, pistnbroke_again is right. Once I complete my RA-Aus Certificate and Nav endorsement, I'll have around 40 hours dual and 8 or 9 solo.

Because I plan on going to PPL and CPL afterwards, I'm going to have a *lot* more dual time than solo time when I emerge with a CPL and an MECIR. How would I go about explaining this to a CP such as yourself, Mick?

You don't get it. Re read my post. It isn't a deal breaker it's a rule of thumb. I said we review logbooks for signs of struggle. Don't insult me with a reason or excuse that it took you twice as long to get your CPL because your instructor didn't understand you needs. This excuse has been given before. After 30 odd years and thousands of CV,s we have indicators to look for. We know how long each section of training should take to achieve. We take into account different types of training. These are all indicators. 150 and 75 single time was a good example we have found in the past as an indicator. It however isn't the only thing we look at. However if you come in with 250 to 75 single, I say pile 2. Remember we are only looking for basic day single VFR pilots. I don't care if you have MECIR. I am looking for an intelligent common sense pilot that can think for themselves, that are keen and willing to improve, willing to jump in and do something as basic as cleaning their plane and don't wait to be told. We also look for all those things that help handle stress in a changing environment. After looking through lots of logbooks they will tell a story.

As I said; most cases, not all!

I apologise if my post came off as insulting, Mick. I just saw the 150/75 and thought, "If I don't have that, I'll be stuffed in finding a job."


Thanks for clearing that up.

Looking for work in Aus
 

Hi all!

I'm new to this so please excuse any breach in protocol. Basically I have moved to Aus from NZ to look for flying work, I have a CPL (260hrs), Multi-engine Instrument Rating and ratings in a C172 and DA42. I'm looking for work doing any type of flying anywhere, Im planning to head up north to the Darwin area driving from Brisbane and going to stop at all the airports and aerodromes on the way. Any suggestions of where to stop, who to speak to, or any advice at all? Any advice is hugely appreciated!

Cheers

Dan

It's always an important aspect to leave a good reputation to your employers.. Some are picked of qualifications..

@ Mick


I had a question if you don't mind me asking. I am a B-cat here in NZ holding a current OCA with around 20 hours under part 135. Those 135 hours are mostly scenic with some aerial photography as well. My total time is 800+


I was interested to know if you think that is enough to have an edge if I was to come to Aus, buy a car and go job hunting or if it would be better to wait for the 1000hour mark.


Thanks for any help!

Become a Pilot in Australia
 

Hi all, I've read these forums for years and finally joined.

I'm posting this because I need honest/professional advice from anyone in the industry. I'm 31, I have a PPL and would love to make a life long career as a pilot. I have a very supportive wife and 2 young kids. Here's a few questions I hope I can get some answers/advice on.

1) I'm thinking about flying with a college at Bankstown which offers Vet Fee Help. Has anyone done this and is it a good path to go down?

2) Is getting a MECIR something I should do whilst getting CPL or go straight to a NVFR and instructor rating? (I love teaching people new things so instructing is something I will prob end up doing).

3) Being 31 and not having a great education. Can I get 'good' job in a few years? ME charter / RFDS / Regional RPT

4) Is there work around? do Fresh CPL's struggle to find work and if so will this get better?

Sorry for the long question. Some big decisions to make soon.

Having an OCA means nothing in Australia. With 500+ hours of instructing, you'd look good for a basic instructing job. For charter, you're at the bottom of the pile with every other fresh CPL graduate in Australia. 800 nor 1000 hours of instructing will give you an edge for top-end charter companies, in my opinion.

Radio dude, I think I'm qualified to at least give an opinion.

We are about the same age, in the same family circumstances. I however have all the qualifications that you desire. CPL, MECIR, Instructor rating, NVFR, tail wheel, and over 100 hours aerobatic competition flying. The only thing I don't have, aside from a floating hull endorsement, is a job.

To answer your points:

1) Didn't do it myself, so despite no job, I also have no debt too repay. You know your financial situation, it's between you and your wife.

2) Without having a great education as you say, CPL will be a lot of work and you will struggle with some of the concepts. I was/am exactly the same. Do not under estimate the amount of time you will need for study. It is enormous. I did mine before I had my daughter, don't know how I would manage now.
Don't add to your woes by trying for an instrument rating at the same time. You won't get an IFR job straight away anyhow, so it is a waste of money at this stage.

3) Unlikely but not impossible, if you and your family are willing and able to live in a top end sh1thole for a couple of years on very little money. That is, if you can score the job over all the rich kids that got bankrolled by Daddy. Not trying to be negative, that's just how it is.

4) There is work around, just not where you and I are. Absolutely you will struggle to get work, everyone does. Will it get better? I don't know. I hope so, but the industry has stagnated. Major airlines haven't recruited en masse for about 5 years, regionals are shutting down at an alarming rate, and schools like the Bankstown flying college that offers VET FEE-HELP are pumping out as many new CPL's as they can.

That's the situation we are all in. Hope this helps you decide.

Thank you
 

50_50 that's the sort of honest advice I was after. It's great to hear two sides to every story. Sadly the picture you paint is completely different to the ones the college (and flying schools) paint. Some of the things they've promised is so far fetched, even a guy like me with just a plain PPL and no experience in the industry wouldn't believe!!

Can you not find any work at Bankstown or Camden as an instructor?

I do agree with you how the colleges are pumping out so many CPL pilots. That cannot have a positive place in the industry and also makes it harder to find work.

Please don't get me wrong... I want this career so bad but the mature father of 2 steps in and surveys the idea of spending $80k for the possibility of nil work.

Once again mate, I do truly appreciate the advice given.

Ab Initio Training.
 

Hi Guys,
as well as learning how to use this confusing forum, (so much information), I am currently looking for a start into the industry.
I have almost no flying experience, (10 hours 2 years ago), and am currently considering starting my RPL/PPL/CPL training through Melbourne Flight Training.
However, I also have offers through Moorabbin flying services and RMIT for commercial licences (all based in Melbourne at YMMB).
Any thoughts or previous experience?
Cheers.