Good info from Mowie, I couldn't recall the ASL web site. A foreign ATPL equivelant likely is the FAA, but I will try and get a hold of a mate on the hiring board and ask. I did have one in hand, and I think the military guys at least had a commercial. All you would require for a right seat at Pac Blue is the written, medical and log book certified. Remember, you'll require that letter from the CAA stateing that your hours meet the requirment for ATPL conversion.

I think it was Air Whanganui who had the Pnavajo that you could do the ATPL flight test in. If it was me, 'cause this is exactly what I did, I'd just get the paperwork out of the way and do the ATPL ride with the friendly person who hires you; they have to do a check ride anyway.

PM me with a time in AKL and I'll let you know if I'll be around. I'm in Shanghai from the 30 April until the morning of the 5th May, then just a quick SFO and back, so I should be around.

Good luck

 

Thanks Koru,

My wifes doctor has backed off on admitting her right away...so not sure exactly when I'll be heading down. I'll keepp you posted. I'll also be calling ASL for my logbook endorsement.

Cheers,
JD

 

JD--you and I were in the same UPT class. I don't think I have enough posts for PMs. Drop me a line when you get a chance. I'd like to get caught up!

Bernie--89-10 at Columbus
[email protected]

 

Cool! I'll drop you a line in a few.

Cheers,
JD

 

Hey Koru,

I spoke with the folks at ASL the other day and they gave me some bad news. Because I have not flown in the commercial enviroment since I received my ATP, my hours cannot be used to convert my ATP to ATPL. I was told that because all of my hours are in the military I would be unfamiliar with the civilian/commercial system. So flying my C-130 all over North America, Europe, South America, SW Asia and the Middle East counts for nothing. Instead I need 500 hours PIC or 1000 SIC on commercial aircraft before I can transfer my ATP over. I must say hearing that was a big dissapointment.

I'll be PM'ing the dates I'll be down there soon.

Cheers,
JD

 

That's bloody ridiculous, but also bloody typical. Because I had most of my CV580 command time on a foreign licence, and was converting from my Canadian ATPL, they used my FO time, which I lickily had. All that command time didn't count. Some thing's down here, and some of the attitudes of the old boy's, are ridiculous.

That said, it really doesn't matter. You should be able to convert your commercial pretty easy, and that is all you'll require with the rest of your experience.

I was just down south visiting a buddy at Pac Blue and it would appear that they are going to require at least 25 drivers in short order. Might be something to look at. I can talk to you further regarding that when you get closer to your arrival time. As a matter of fact, I'll check my roster and PM you.

Ciao

 

Hey KoruPilot. Looking at all the New Zealand immigration stuff, it sure looks like quite the "process" to say the least. I still have a couple years until retirement from the AF, and of course, I'm just more concerned in actually getting into the area, let alone finding an airline job. Just wanted to say hello and that I will probably be dropping you a line in the future.

 

Hey Larian,

I saw your name on another post, it sounds familiar to me... were you ever at CBM? FYI...I spoke with the folks at the NZ Embassy in D.C. the other day...they can process your residency paperwork much quicker then if you do it in NZ. 3-4 months versus a year down there. It does cost quite bit more ($800 vice approx $500)but for me it will worth it, especially if I Fly for Air NZ and watch the All Blacks live!!

Here is a good link to get you started... http://www.immigration.govt.nz/


Cheers,
JD




Cheers,
JD

 

Hey JD,

Nope, never at CBM that I can recall, but I do get around so maybe some other event/operation could have had us run into each other. And aye, been to that website an aweful lot already. And I know my wife wants to do a trip to DC, so that could be an excuse to visit the embassy.

 

Nice to make your acqaintance Larian. Good luck with the immigration stuff.

There are new courses advertised just about monthly now. Not sure how long it will last but I recon we'll see more come the spring (your fall). They are adding another 733 and are supposed to announce another heavy order in Nov.

Something to keep in mind if you are military. Air NZ will take you without an ATPL, it is something they do on a regular basis with the military chaps, as long as you have the requesite experience. Not sure about Pac Blue or Air Pacific (both have NZ bases).

I could use some more people whom I understand (I'm going to get in trouble for that one).