I'm 25 years young and have found myself at the crossroads I'm sure many of you have been before. Since the age of 15 I have had a massive interest in flying helicopters. At 17 I was a signature away from an $85,000 student loan and entry to my CPL course with Helipro in Christchurch, NZ. But with the cloud of a massive student loan at a young age hovering above my head and a back up offer of service to the NZ Army I decided to pursue the Army. But the love of flying still lingered...
I served 3 years with the Army and don't regret it for a second. About a year and a half ago I made the move to WA and have been working as a fly in fly out worker for a marine based company. The pros. I have a 3 week on 3 week off roster, I am earning a great income which has allowed me to finance and rekindle my love of flying! The cons. I am working in unhealthy conditions. It is mind numbing work. All I think about is flying for a living!!
So, basically I am looking for any advice from pers who have just finished their CPL and trying to find work. To the guys who have been in the industry for 20+ years and know the industry like the back of their hand.
I am at the crossroads. I am currently at 10hrs flying time. My flight school is recommending I get my books to start the theory. I will need to complete my medical etc etc. The way I look at it. I need to decide whether I go all in and tackle this thing with everything I have got. Try to step away from my current job and make CPL my primary focus or just leave it for recreational flights here and there.
I am hoping to get insiders knowledge on the industry. Now I understand and am being very realistic on what the future in tails for a freshly qualified CPL pilot trying to get his foot in the door. Working for most likely quadruple less than what I am now. Having to knock on plenty of doors to get the "sorry we aren't hiring at the moment". Having to chase the work wherever in the country that it may be. Having to sweep hangers, load passengers etc etc just to be able to get trickles of hours to help build my hours. But being young, single and wanting to explore I am okay with all that.
I am hoping that you guys can shed some light on the industry...
What are the job prospects like? What is the industry like at the moment? Do you have any dos or don'ts? What are your own personal experiences? Are there any top tips for trying to find your initial job? Is there anything you would have done differently? Do you have any recommendations?
I also see on here guys who are looking for work with anywhere from 1500 to 7000+hrs. Some even with military flying experience. Is it that they are struggling to find work or maybe more looking for different opportunities? My flight school has given me the impression once your on 100hrs+ you should be pretty steady sailing and a lot more doors open. Is this not the case?
I am also wondering if anyone has any idea on the Advanced diploma of aeronautics that the polytechnic west offers?
Lastly, is it everything you imagined it to be when you were at these initial stages? Do you enjoy being a pilot? Is it worth the sacrifice? The money invested? But more importantly is it that bit easier getting up and out of bed in the morning?.... Haha. I love every second of flying and the IDEA of doing it for a living seems like a dream job! But is the reality the same as the dream?...
I apologize for the long winded message but I thought I would try best explain the situation in order to receive the best guidance from you guys!!
Thanks for your time
