Australia: Training, Licence Conversion, Job Prospects
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: In my Hammock or at the Pub!
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Give it a bash Angus. The industry is always looking for good drivers that will hope fully hang around. The money is piss poor when you are starting out (first helo job), however you may be able to combine your crop spraying stuff with a RW and there is the genisis of a business.
Good luck. Pick a good school with potential to place you at the end of your TRG.
Max.
Good luck. Pick a good school with potential to place you at the end of your TRG.
Max.
Engineer shortage spreading to the factory floor?
In the past I have been suggesting that shortages are on the horizon, especially over the next decade, if the expansion continues as data indicates. Maybe sooner than later.
The following news article could show that the shortage goes beyond the flight line and maintance contractors all the way back to the guys trying to build our new toys.
What do you think of the following?
Sikorsky seeking engineers
ROB VARNON [email protected]
Stratford-based Sikorsky Aircraft announced Tue 18 Apr '06, it will hire more than 300 engineers in the next few months to meet expanding research and development needs for its growing military and commercial helicopter business.
Ed Steadham, a Sikorsky spokesman, said the company is redesigning its popular civilian helicopter, the S-76; is moving forward with a $3 billion contract for a new heavy-lift U.S. Marine helicopter; has orders for Army and Navy attack helicopters; and has a new developmental helicopter with two overhead rotors. He couldn't say whether the increase in engineers would lead to more production work in Connecticut.
"We have a lot of exciting programs," Steadham said, adding there is a lot of opportunity for engineers to make their mark on the future of aviation.
The company plans to hold job fairs in several states to fill positions in Connecticut, Florida, Alabama, Maryland and New York. It did not say when or where the job fairs will be.
But Steadham said the company knows it might be difficult to fill all its needs because the helicopter business is booming.
"Everybody in the industry is trying to find engineers," he said.
Sikorsky is looking for system engineers, flight controls design and analysis engineers, structural analysts, air vehicle design engineers, electrical engineers and avionics engineers, according to a company news release.
Ray Jaworowski, an analyst with Newtown-based Forecast International, said the market for engineers "is not something we delve into," but he agreed with Steadham that Sikorsky has a lot of business requiring experts.
The company not only has military orders, but also has made significant strides in capturing civilian contracts, he said.
"They're in fairly good shape," he said.
For job information visit www.sikorskycareers.com.
Rob Varnon, who covers business, can be reached at 330-6216.
The following news article could show that the shortage goes beyond the flight line and maintance contractors all the way back to the guys trying to build our new toys.
What do you think of the following?
Sikorsky seeking engineers
ROB VARNON [email protected]
Stratford-based Sikorsky Aircraft announced Tue 18 Apr '06, it will hire more than 300 engineers in the next few months to meet expanding research and development needs for its growing military and commercial helicopter business.
Ed Steadham, a Sikorsky spokesman, said the company is redesigning its popular civilian helicopter, the S-76; is moving forward with a $3 billion contract for a new heavy-lift U.S. Marine helicopter; has orders for Army and Navy attack helicopters; and has a new developmental helicopter with two overhead rotors. He couldn't say whether the increase in engineers would lead to more production work in Connecticut.
"We have a lot of exciting programs," Steadham said, adding there is a lot of opportunity for engineers to make their mark on the future of aviation.
The company plans to hold job fairs in several states to fill positions in Connecticut, Florida, Alabama, Maryland and New York. It did not say when or where the job fairs will be.
But Steadham said the company knows it might be difficult to fill all its needs because the helicopter business is booming.
"Everybody in the industry is trying to find engineers," he said.
Sikorsky is looking for system engineers, flight controls design and analysis engineers, structural analysts, air vehicle design engineers, electrical engineers and avionics engineers, according to a company news release.
Ray Jaworowski, an analyst with Newtown-based Forecast International, said the market for engineers "is not something we delve into," but he agreed with Steadham that Sikorsky has a lot of business requiring experts.
The company not only has military orders, but also has made significant strides in capturing civilian contracts, he said.
"They're in fairly good shape," he said.
For job information visit www.sikorskycareers.com.
Rob Varnon, who covers business, can be reached at 330-6216.
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Roaming
Age: 44
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Australia - How long from CPL to job?
I have never been under the illusion that making a career for myself flying choppers was ever going to be easy for any number of reasons.
Now I have a sense of humor and have taken a good few hits in the past two years and have been lucky enough to scrounge an R44 rating and a small amount of hours since gaining my CPL.
What I would really like to know is how long it took those guys/gals out there to land that job that keeps you in the air on a regular basis?
Thanks
Now I have a sense of humor and have taken a good few hits in the past two years and have been lucky enough to scrounge an R44 rating and a small amount of hours since gaining my CPL.
What I would really like to know is how long it took those guys/gals out there to land that job that keeps you in the air on a regular basis?
Thanks
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Melbourne
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I'm not sure of your situation or where you are based at the moment. However, in the bush areas most of the new pilots are getting jobs if they wait it out for a while. I honestly dont think there is a better time for being up north hanging around than the start of this year. I know at least 3 pilots being taken on in the past few months one had some hours the others just out of training.
If you are in a major centre my advice is move to a smaller place. Say Katherine/Alice/broome/ etc. Non flying jobs are very easy to get in these places, go and see the operators, let them know your in town and are STAYING not just passing through. You will find doors opening for you if they need a pilot and you are the chick on the doorstep.
Dont think that when you call and they say the are full that wont change, almost every pilot I know is always looking for something better to come along and there is alot of movement at the moment.
Endorsement to have are still R44/Bell 47 and R22.
Obviously no guarantees but head north and give it a go, you wont regret it.
Took me a while to get a job but that is because I didnt go north!
Bloke
If you are in a major centre my advice is move to a smaller place. Say Katherine/Alice/broome/ etc. Non flying jobs are very easy to get in these places, go and see the operators, let them know your in town and are STAYING not just passing through. You will find doors opening for you if they need a pilot and you are the chick on the doorstep.
Dont think that when you call and they say the are full that wont change, almost every pilot I know is always looking for something better to come along and there is alot of movement at the moment.
Endorsement to have are still R44/Bell 47 and R22.
Obviously no guarantees but head north and give it a go, you wont regret it.
Took me a while to get a job but that is because I didnt go north!
Bloke
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Roaming
Age: 44
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Thanks guys 
....
The only thing to do is keep on, keepin on with a chippawa attitude.
Heliguy - I have just in recent weeks made the trip up north, although its east coast, so fingers crossed, I'll stick around and if all else fails will just have to save up again and head into the big red west.
Humm maybe a leather jacket purchase would help the proceedings?
....The only thing to do is keep on, keepin on with a chippawa attitude.
Heliguy - I have just in recent weeks made the trip up north, although its east coast, so fingers crossed, I'll stick around and if all else fails will just have to save up again and head into the big red west.
Humm maybe a leather jacket purchase would help the proceedings?
Maybe we ought to talk about landing that job that keeps you in food...and beer on a regular basis.
Join Date: Apr 2006
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I have a very wise friend who once told me "Don't be lazy & always cover yourself" I have always made sure that I had that job that paid for my dinner, beer & flying.
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: TOWNSVILLE
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Go Green.
Thought about the Army rotorchick ??
Great bucks, best flying, good mates ? If you can jump through the hoops to get in it's a great start to any RW career.
Recruiting now !
Great bucks, best flying, good mates ? If you can jump through the hoops to get in it's a great start to any RW career.
Recruiting now !
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: 1 deg south, avoiding Malaria P Falciparium
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I started chasing jobs before I was finished training. I had one a the day my cfi was done. The only time I have been unemployed since then is when I want to be. That said, the first couple of years were rough, living in the Toyota truck, ramen for dinner, drinking the cheapest beer you could find and picking up and moving a the drop of a hat for the next step up the ladder.
After a couple of years the income started to go up drasticly, but that is still with working more than I would like.
Hang in there, dont be afraid to move on for a better gig, create your own oppertunity, take a little risk ( with the unknown not your flying), network like a SOB, live the dream.
Buena Suerte,
RB
Oh Flying interferes replationships
Utility Pilot: Long Term Relationship with member of opposite sex= 2 dates
After a couple of years the income started to go up drasticly, but that is still with working more than I would like.
Hang in there, dont be afraid to move on for a better gig, create your own oppertunity, take a little risk ( with the unknown not your flying), network like a SOB, live the dream.
Buena Suerte,
RB
Oh Flying interferes replationships
Utility Pilot: Long Term Relationship with member of opposite sex= 2 dates
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: all over
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A few other suggestions:
Join www.whirlygirls.org ; Australian Womens Pilot Association and Women in Aviation International, these all have good annual scholarship programs which will help build ratings & time. Also, sit as many exams eg IREX and ATPL . Helis are addictive, nothing much else beats this type of flying!
Join www.whirlygirls.org ; Australian Womens Pilot Association and Women in Aviation International, these all have good annual scholarship programs which will help build ratings & time. Also, sit as many exams eg IREX and ATPL . Helis are addictive, nothing much else beats this type of flying!
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Australia
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Sightglass - I feel I'd be too old to go into the army, even though I am hardly passed it I'm not sure they would want me.. It is awesome training and flying but I think I'll stay a civie. 
Cyclical - Cheers for that! I like how one of the aims is to "foster friendship", Credit to them and websites like pprune.
ReDude - Alot of the flying I've done in NZ is low level, but it is not an endorsement there, what do I have to do to get that and a mustering rating?
Cyclical - Cheers for that! I like how one of the aims is to "foster friendship", Credit to them and websites like pprune.
ReDude - Alot of the flying I've done in NZ is low level, but it is not an endorsement there, what do I have to do to get that and a mustering rating?
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Australia
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Getting Ahead.
It's been a few years since I posted advice to all the new comers entering the Industry.
I feel its worthwhile repeating my views:
Whilst it’s a competitive industry, all potential pilots should look at what attributes an employer looks for in any prospective pilot.
What do you think are the important things?
Hours?
Endorsements?
Ratings?
Yes they are nice to have, but certainly not a guarantee to obtain that first start.
Employers are far more impressed with:
Commitment
Well written applications, letters, e-mails and even postings of P’prune. [And check for spelling and punctuation].
Initiative
Motivation [self motivation]
Willingness to move ahead [enthusiasm]
Employers don’t necessarily expect new pilots to have the hours in the book, and don’t ever feel that you should withhold your application because you don’t quite address the criteria or specified requirements.
What shows employers that you want to get ahead?
If you have just completed your Commercial Theory then don’t stop. Move straight into your Air Transport Pilot Licence theory. When your on a roll it’s not a huge challenge, just keep going.
The same with the dreaded IREX Theory, do it!
Finish off that Higher Education Course that you started. [particularly if it’s aviation related]
Do a First Aid Course.
If you are looking at flying to ships or oil platforms, then think about the HUET course
Highlight your other strong relevant attributes. Someone who can do other duties when not flying will be towards the top of the list.
Just remember, you are your best advocate. Take positive steps to put yourself in front of the rest!
And above all, don’t listen to peers that are content to sit on their tails.
Finally, look at which company you are interested in, research them, find out the correct name of their Chief Pilot or Operations Manager, and call them.
Most of them, if not all will give you the time of day.
Be positive and work towards your aim.
I feel its worthwhile repeating my views:
Whilst it’s a competitive industry, all potential pilots should look at what attributes an employer looks for in any prospective pilot.
What do you think are the important things?
Hours?
Endorsements?
Ratings?
Yes they are nice to have, but certainly not a guarantee to obtain that first start.
Employers are far more impressed with:
Commitment
Well written applications, letters, e-mails and even postings of P’prune. [And check for spelling and punctuation].
Initiative
Motivation [self motivation]
Willingness to move ahead [enthusiasm]
Employers don’t necessarily expect new pilots to have the hours in the book, and don’t ever feel that you should withhold your application because you don’t quite address the criteria or specified requirements.
What shows employers that you want to get ahead?
If you have just completed your Commercial Theory then don’t stop. Move straight into your Air Transport Pilot Licence theory. When your on a roll it’s not a huge challenge, just keep going.
The same with the dreaded IREX Theory, do it!
Finish off that Higher Education Course that you started. [particularly if it’s aviation related]
Do a First Aid Course.
If you are looking at flying to ships or oil platforms, then think about the HUET course
Highlight your other strong relevant attributes. Someone who can do other duties when not flying will be towards the top of the list.
Just remember, you are your best advocate. Take positive steps to put yourself in front of the rest!
And above all, don’t listen to peers that are content to sit on their tails.
Finally, look at which company you are interested in, research them, find out the correct name of their Chief Pilot or Operations Manager, and call them.
Most of them, if not all will give you the time of day.
Be positive and work towards your aim.
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Australia
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Low Flying "endorsement"
rotaryman - technically you are very correct.
There are provisions in the CAO's, namely 29.10 appendix 1 sub-section 3. This is a syllabus of training required for the mustering rating. This is what the ‘industry’ refers to a low level endorsement.
Whilst there has never been a specific low level endorsement, this training is a log book entry and is often required by some operators for particular types of work.
Its always a good idea to incorporate this 5 hour requirement as specified in the body of same CAO, sub-section 7, 7.1(b), in your licence training as the elements such as quick stops and dusting turns are covered and you have the time in a 100 plus hour course to do it anyway. It’s a bit like doing a turbine rating during your training; yes it’s a bit more costly than the piston machine, but you would have had to do the 5 hours anyway for your cpl in something so why not use it to get a turbine on the ticket. The total cost of that 5 hours will be turbine 5 hours – piston 5 hours = a turbine rating cheaper than doing it after you have your licence.
If you have done all the parts as specified in the syllabus, make sure your CFI has made the necessary log book entry, it just might help one day towards something else.
As for a job, hang in there and don’t give up….it IS worth it in the end.
Geoff
There are provisions in the CAO's, namely 29.10 appendix 1 sub-section 3. This is a syllabus of training required for the mustering rating. This is what the ‘industry’ refers to a low level endorsement.
Whilst there has never been a specific low level endorsement, this training is a log book entry and is often required by some operators for particular types of work.
Its always a good idea to incorporate this 5 hour requirement as specified in the body of same CAO, sub-section 7, 7.1(b), in your licence training as the elements such as quick stops and dusting turns are covered and you have the time in a 100 plus hour course to do it anyway. It’s a bit like doing a turbine rating during your training; yes it’s a bit more costly than the piston machine, but you would have had to do the 5 hours anyway for your cpl in something so why not use it to get a turbine on the ticket. The total cost of that 5 hours will be turbine 5 hours – piston 5 hours = a turbine rating cheaper than doing it after you have your licence.
If you have done all the parts as specified in the syllabus, make sure your CFI has made the necessary log book entry, it just might help one day towards something else.
As for a job, hang in there and don’t give up….it IS worth it in the end.
Geoff
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: australia
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rotorchick - low level endorsement
I did my training in NZ aswell and with regards to the low level endorsement (yes there is one, if its not an actual endorsement it might aswell be) you must show 5 hours of low level training (quick stops count and a few other things like that) in your logbook (i dont think it maters if dual or solo) and find an australian instructor that you have flown with who will sign you off as low level proficient. They then write in your logbook and send a form off to the lovely people at CASA who send you out a new licence that has "low level training completed" listed under endorsements. I tried every possible way to get around it including showing them a check list from my flight test that had low level ticked off but it wasnt enough.