The Darwin Project

Heading north has its ups and downs

Introducing Aero Circus, a group of Brisbane-based GA pilots dedicated to promoting safer flying through education and entertainment. In this, the first of a series of opinion articles for Australian Aviation, Aero Circus looks at why many newly qualified pilots go north – and what it takes to crack a job. aerocircus.com.au

Many pilots looking for their first job in aviation make the journey north to the Top End of Australia in search of fame, fortune and a dream career. Why? Because that is where most of the work exists for new CPLs with little or no flying experience outside their training.

Until now it has been difficult or pilots looking to break into the industry to find reliable information. Most of the aviation training industry does not recognise where the fundamental training problems lie. There can be an abyss between what a pilot learns on the way to the commercial pilot licence, and what the industry needs a pilot to be able to do from day one.