Returning to Australia from the USA

[Elwoodb]

Gday Everyone
In the next few weeks I'll be moving back to Queensland after spending a lot of time over in the states. I have a few questions about the job market is and if there is any extra hoops I need to do with the the fsdo prior to flying back.

First off, is there anything I need to do to transfer my US flight hours into my Aus logbook (I have a casa license, although it issued in 2012) or is that something I can just enter in? Any other gotchas that I may not have accounted for that people might have experienced?

Currently I am a co-pilot flying fires for a fairly large west coast operator. I'm sitting at about 1900 hours rotary, about 700-800 turbine, mostly twin time. All my fire time is with tanks and I dont have long line time. I also have about 500 hours working powerline patrols in an EC-135. What is the possibility of being able to continue working on fires in Australia and if not what is the best route for me to work my way back up to do that kind of work?

I appreciate any advice given!

[bl@ckers]

Welcome back to Aus!

If you don’t already have one, you will need to apply for a Part 61 licence (you can use CASA form 61-TX).

You can also use this to add any additional endorsements or ratings you have acquired while overseas. Will require evidence.

You will need to have a current HFR for the class/type of helicopter you plan to fly (and LL and AA-FF flight reviews).

You will also need to hold a current class 2 medical (as a minimum, some companies require a class 1).

CASA has bought in the requirement to hold an Aerial Application Rating with a Fire Fighting endorsement if you want to operate on the fires. Hopefully given your FF experience they will grant you the endorsement??.

The employment market seems to be fairly buoyant at present for those with experience, certainly more than any time in my previous 15 years in the industry.

Good luck, should be fairly painless.

[Elwoodb]

Gday mate
I greatly appreciate the reply, had no idea about the part 61 license so that will be the first thing I'll have to chase up, along with a medical and asic. Endorsement wise I only have a copilot s64 one, which I don't think even exists on the Australian side of things.

I'm guessing I'm going to need to jump through some hoops to get a gte as well a flight review ect. Any recommendations for where to go in the SE qld/Northern Nsw regions?

[Elwoodb]

Gday mate
Thanks for the reply, I'm back so now have a bunch to chase up!

Anyone have a suggestion for a school to bounce some questions off in the SE qld northern nsw area?