Minimum to get first GA job 2021
 

Hi all,
In Darwin and have the following....
1) CPL
2) ME IR
3) ATPL
4) Dangerous Good Awareness
5) 23 hours ME
6) 3 hour 206
7) Retract and MPPC
8) Total of 380-390 hours
9) Self funded with jobs over years

My resume has photo on it and 1 page. Walked into all places here and waiting around. What else is there I'm missing? Been here 4 months....

Thinking of going to do aerobatics at YSBK as maybe it will help...?

Thanks all!

Number 10. Insert Luck ( right place right time )

Keep at it and I doubt an aerobatic rating would enhance your cv

Certainly help your general flying and confidence though

Best of luck to you

1. Do not give up
2. If you don’t already get a job in aviation, any job at an airport to keep you close to airplanes.

People need to know your face, your personality and your work ethic.

I reckon you'd be better doing an instructors rating than an aero ticket but best advice is have a long term plan B outside of aviation, good luck -)

Most people don't get first job in Darwin. Kununurra, Alice, Broome, Jabiru and Lake Eyre scenic companies were the first stop for most of the people I know. Mustering and Skydiving are also a good start. I only know one person who got their first job in Darwin.
Do not waste money on an instructor rating.

I've dropped in a few times here to some operators but fear blacklisting if I keep showing up. Someone reckons treat it like courting a chick and don't text every 5 mins.
Will stay here until lease runs out then move on, maybe.. see what happens.

I did stop in Broome for about a month then moved on...
No instructor? was on my mind to knock it out to add to the resume if i'm not successful on this job run.

cheers...
think i've got the wrong timing in this adventure
Started training before the covid so wasn't going to stop what i started.

It's a tough industry to get a start in at the moment, but your time will come. You don't need to spend any more money on qualifications to get a gig, your current qualifications are just fine. If you want to spend money, go get a little 210 time and stay current, otherwise, i'd say just keep being patient. There is some movement in the GA around Darwin, so hopefully it won't be too long and you'll get a look in.

To be picky, I'm not a fan of photo's on CV's. Also, if you are offered an interview, know the applicable VFR theory, know about the operator and know about the aircraft you are likely to be hired on. Good luck!

I tend to be a bit sceptical of the immediate value of an aero’s course... however, if you have the cash to splash, I can thoroughly recommend an Emergency Manoeuvres Training (EMT) course -during the course of which, you’ll be exposed to many of the basic aero’s manoeuvres anyway. When I did mine (a couple decades ago now) it was with Phil Unicomb at the RNAC in Maitland in a Pitts S2. I think Phil has moved on from there now, possibly based in Cessnock now. Others here will know. If that geographic location is not suitable for you, other outfits in SYD & MLB were doing similar courses.
I genuinely can’t recommend that course enough. It’s my opinion that training should be a part of CPL syllabus. I guarantee you’ll get more value out of it than the dollar value and it will stand you in good stead throughout your career.

Darwin? Are you also checking out Kakadu and the likes? I know what you mean about being too "in your face". Is there a flying school there? See if you can rent an aircraft for an hour or so to keep your hand in.
Consider getting a First Aid Certificate too.
Good luck.
The "season" usually starts May-June (covid allowing) so you're not too late.

As other have said, you are probably in the wrong town. Darwin and Cairns generally source thier pilots from the peripheral towns.

I agree you have the required qualifications to get a start. Keep current if you can, hire someones 210 occasionally, obviously easier said than done.
Do not waste money on "GA ready" or similar sounding courses. Instructor or other ratings will make little difference in my opinion. Any reputable operator will hire on suitability for the job and make an allowance for your low hours or lack of currency as long as you can demonstrate the ability to learn quickly.

Know your regs, be confidant but not cocky. Agree that is a bit like courting a chick! What works with one may not work with another. Just be neat and tidy and have polished boots.

I would say Lake Eyre and Kununurra will be particularly busy this year as well as any other out the way places you can think of that have tourists plus scenic flights. Even little places with just one or two planes. Think outside the box.

Best of luck

thanks for the tips...
I'll look for a c210 and bounce around for the next 6-12 months or so.
Cheers!!

i'll remove the pic from the resume!! Saw someone else do it so copied the strategy!

Yep, think Darwin was a wrong move from Broome oh well...
I'll get out of the city and look for smaller operators.
thanks for the help everyone!!

1. Ditch the photo

Your third point is ‘ATPL’.
There is a big difference between having completed ATPL theory, and HAVING an ATPL.
I hope for your sake your resume doesn’t state ‘ATPL’... :rolleyes:

no no "ATPL Exam Credit" is exactly what I wrote.
Not trying to confuse anyone... it's a single page resume / no sugar coating.
Some places I've included last 3 pages of logbook with single page resume.