alexbrown2005

Kaz, that's great advice. I have to admit, I am slightly frightened at the prospect of not finding a job as a pilot, considering all the stories I've been reading on PPRuNe. But I don't care how many no's I get, each "no" is one step closer to a "yes". And I'm sure Chief Pilots will find something valuable in that dedication. I'll still hold some form of education so if things REALLY go downhill, I can always go back and get a Master of Teaching and teach. It's what my father did because he didn't get into Law. He now practices as a solicitor at a small firm on the Gold Coast. And, if I end up having to do a Master's, the "flying teacher" thing could always work!

Kaz - life isn't fair, let alone aviation! I mean, my instructors have told me stories about 18-year-olds, with no education beyond Year 12, getting their first job up the Fraser Coast in Queensland. I guess, my logic is that if an 18-year-old can get a first job, why can't a 22-year-old, with (soon to be) a degree as well as a CPL, get a job? If they can, why can't I? I have every opportunity to do so, and I don't intend on letting a few no's stop me. I don't know if you can tell, but I'm prepared to travel to the four corners of the earth if I have to, in order to get into the cockpit and be paid for it. Ah, a lawyer! I dabbled in Law before I discovered the existence of Recreational Aviation Australia: that's how I'm affording to learn to fly. I mean, I liked the law, but it wasn't my dream. I know some people saying it's worthless trying to live your dream, but that's exactly what I intend to do. I don't care how long it takes, I'll eventually get a "you're hired" from a Chief Pilot. If I have to move heaven and earth, so be it. The school I'm going to go to says they train us in C206s, so all going well I should have 51 command hours in the C206 by the time I hold my CPL, which is what most of the charter operators in the Outback use anyway, so shouldn't that give me some advantage, in theory? I do appreciate your input, Kaz, so I thank you. The older definitely are the wiser :)

Kaz - thanks for the advice. I have considered an Instructor rating before and the school I'm going to go to for my CPL rolls the MECIR into the CPL training so it's not simply a bare CPL. Curious, why wouldn't CPs accept RAA flying as genuine time? It's still flying! I don't see how that's fair. Rankamateur - (Chuckles) Politics is a VERY dirty game and I don't want to become a politician. I'm studying Political Science out of interest. But thank you for the contribution! It has been done (Cormann and Let come to mind as pollies who hold PPL and CPLs, respectively). Sue - I am thinking of getting my DipEd after my BA and becoming a "flying teacher" of sorts. I am currently working in a factory in Brisbane to help pay for the lessons so that may help later down the track, as well as the university education in general. But I do have - and have had for the past 13 years - my heart set on flying as a career path. With this in mind, seeing as you've worked in the industry, do you have any other advice as to how to gain that coveted first job?

Eamon - you wouldn't be flying with Pathfinder, by any chance, would you? :)

Hi! My name's Alexander. I'm 20 years old and currently studying a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at The University of Queensland, as well as learning to fly. I have 20 hours logged and I'm up to the "Forced Landings" part of my training - non-continuous training doesn't really help. I have ambitions on gaining my Commercial Pilot's Licence and then jumping in the car and door knocking until I can impress a Chief Pilot enough to let me fly for them. As for where? Well, I have a car so anywhere. Location isn't anything I'm picky about. Cheers :)