JD,

Kudos to you and your fellow military buddies. Got a lot of praise for you blokes (and ladies) for doing what you do.

I can only imagine the immigration process. If it's anything like getting permanent residency in the states, I feel for all you buggers........

Mate I hope you're right about the conversion from ATP - ATPL. I assumed I was going to have to do the whole commercial route also. Maybe Koru will read this and be able to offer up his infinite wisdom about aviation.

I feel for you having to do your basic ratings over again in NZ. I can't figure the whole Air Transport Ops thing out either. Like you say, you'd think flying a C-130 worldwide would count for something. I hope you're able to find the time and money to pursue your dream of flying down under, if that's what is important to you. I mean, I'm dumber than a box of bricks but I won't be letting that stand in the way of me getting on at AIRNZ (hopefully).........

I'm currently based in Memphis and will no doubt be here until I've built some decent time in the left seat. I take it you're still in the states until summer, is that right?? Will you head south once you retire???

Cheers mate,
Kiwi