I’ve been doing some similar research for my son who is looking at becoming a Pilot. I found www.oziflyer.com an interesting option. I hope that helps👍

Just be mindful that the piloting journey is not "a one size fits all" and that for many and varied reasons it is not at all uncommon for a student pilot to pass through both multiple instructors and multiple schools along the way. That's true here and even more so in the USA where there are so many more places to choose from and even more to avoid!

Think of this as a good start.. he'll need to work it out from there himself. Good luck. :)

Look into it, but my understanding is that so long as you do the training with them (or FAA conversion of an existing license + instructor ratings), they will sponsor your employment you as an instructor up to at least the ATPL hours. Some of the visas for training also include a couple of years working rights post completion of your training.

This is pretty much what happens in Aus with uni degrees, international students come here, do their degree and are given a couple of years working rights on completion. That's usually enough for them to find either a longer term sponsor or start the permanent resident process.

The issue then is, what happens if you don't complete your training with them? For any reason: eg. you find out the school is dodgy/overcharging you, the CFII is a maniac/drill sergeant, they have no aircraft available or you just plain feel unsafe. It would be really easy to get over there and find all the promises simply evaporate and you get kicked out of the country as an "illegal alien" (the same happens to international students coming here, BTW).

No, it's far safer/better in the long run to find your own way there on a tourist visa, go meet up with the folks from AOPA.org (or similar) and see what the go is for yourself.

One should absolutely go check out an operation before signing up... One should also seek contracts rather than promises, which are on offer in the US.

Hi Guys,

I'm looking for a change in career, i'm 37, married to a wife who support all my decisions and hobbies, father of one, i work in a large corporate company that pays very well but to be honest i am well and truly over it, i'm thinking of obtaining my CPL (A) or (H) and trying to make a go of it, i understand i will have to start from the bottom and be paid accordingly but the money is not an issue at this stage in my life. At 37 realistically if i give it all i have and obtain my license i will be 38, what are the real chances of getting a job at that age?

Also can someone recommend some good Schools in Melbourne to look at?

Thanks!

With a good work ethic and a bit more life experience than some of the others going through, I'd say you have a very real chance of making a go of it (outside of the usual airline conveyor that is) so long as you're willing to leave the big smoke also. Corporate charter, survey, running a flight school someplace.. Australia is your oyster. Go for it. :ok:

Do you have a PPL or are you starting from scratch? Presuming you already have a PPL, check out Bini's or Base Aviation at Moorabbin or Lilydale Flying School if you're out that way.

it would be from scratch , I did some flying a long while ago but I fear to much time as passed.

Hi Clare Prop ,

Thanks for your thoughts. I have great respect for brilliant teachers and the difference they can make in the lives of their students. Unfortunately instructing is really not where I see myself in aviation.

All the best for your uni course. Yes, I find many people frustrating. Hopefully there a a few there that are also inspiring or at least interesting.

Hi nomess ,

Thanks for your reply and positivity. That being said, I get the distinct impression that I would have to extraordinarily lucky to get anywhere near where I would like to end up. Or, to put it another way, I am most likely to end up exactly where I don't want to be. If it was just a matter of having a go, that would be one thing. But the potential life-changing effects (financial and personal) seem a great risk for an endeavor relying on luck rather than perseverance.

Hopefully I'm not being pessimistic here. Rather, going on the experience of others as far as what Australian aviation currently is and is not. Another time, another place maybe. It is a shame, but I can live without being a pilot.

All the best.

Hi Climb150 ,

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. Will put you firmly as a +1 in the Concerns Confirmed camp.

In that case I'd recommend (disclaimer: no personal links to the following, just the personal experience of learning as an older pilot!), in no particular order, either:
* Tristar (Moorabbin) - for that larger flight-school feeling whilst still being treated as an individual
* Oasis Flight Training (Moorabbin) - for one-on-one with a highly experienced instructor
* Lilydale Flight School - grass strip country
There are others of course, but that's 3 to start.

If it's been a while, book a TIF with each and see how you feel. Enjoy the journey - you won't regret it! :)

MECIR Moorabbin or elsewhere
 

G’day everyone,
I’m have a CPL with around 300 hours or so with the normal stuff like NVFR,Multi engine rating and CSU/Retractable. After having a big break from flying of a few years, I have recently got back on board. Unfortunately for me I’m not in a position to give up my trade and try to pursue flying as a full time career at this current time. However I have been toying with the idea of doing my CIR as I’ve just completed the IREX and then potentially doing some kind of part time flying,whether that be trying to get some hours on weekends doing skydive ops or another path if the opportunity where to arise. My thoughts are that when I’m ready to step away from the tools I would have some kind of experience and would have built some hours that would make me more employable for whatever path I take then.

I am wondering where to do my CIR training? I’ve done all my training at a small school in Melbourne that has changed significantly in the last few years and I’m looking to do what’s best for me. I’ve been wondering about Moorabbin as it’s full of operators and flight training schools which could be a great opportunity for the Networking side of things as I’ve never really done much of this. Also I’ve read a lot about what aircraft to do it in. Would I be best looking for a school that has something like a Baron as a pose to a Seminole to get experience and hours on?

can anyone suggest places to do the CIR and what type of aircraft would be a wise choice for someone like myself. Cheers

I heard from a captain at Qantas that it’s more like the single top boy and girl from each intake score a job (if they’re able to get through the hiring process). QGPA is as close to a scam as they get

That's a little bit harsh. You got delivered the service you paid for, that being CPL/IR? Aviation jobs will always be competitive, whether it's your first grass-roots job or an airline job, and no-one can guarantee you a job. People will make the most of the opportunities they're given.