Koru,

I think Jet* hire DEC's if you have Airbus time but not VB, although to be completely honest and I mean this sincerely, I wouldn't want to be a DEC for a domestic Australian airline. Certainly not without having flown here before; there are simply too many ways to f*ck up and end up having a stale biscuits and burnt coffee chat.

The nuances of flying in Australia, compared to the US, are many and it's been a surprising culture shock. Very much a big "C" and little "T" culture. While I've been reminded every day I've gone flying, up to this point, that I still have a lot to learn, I felt coming here after having been an RJ captain, flying on the East Coast of the US for 3 years, would give me a solid start. They have there own way of doing things here and sometimes it seems a bit like trying to reinvent the wheel. However, it's their train set and every month so far, I get 2 paychecks. So I do what I'm told and fly the plane the way they want it to be flown.

I agree with your sentiment on the V Snooze FO's. You get what you pay for. It's going to be interesting though; a few are now coming to VB as 73 and Jungle Jet FO's.

We are our own worst enemies unfortunately but there are certainly going to be some "interesting" times ahead in the aviation game, if you're a pilot.

Not sure if you're ever in SYD but I'd be more than happy to grab a beer some time.