What do I need to know 'bout going to OZ?
 

After I finish college, I'd like to go to New Zeland and fly. Was there a few years back and fell in love with the place. What do I need to know about immigrating, license conversion, getting hired, etc...?
I'm finishing my comm/instrument in a month or so. I don't know too much about flying commercialy, other than the types of flying, despite having a father and a grandfather who are commercial pilots. I'd like to get into heavy international freight, or airlines. My CFII just got an invite to training to fly Baron's single pilot in the middle of the night, which would be my ideal job after being a CFI.
I tried to send Korupilot a PM but didn't hear anything back, and I've read the posts about the Australian Pilot "shortage". Any help would be appreciated.

jsfboat,

Give Koru some time, he may be out on a trip. Do you want to fly in Oz or New Zealand?

For NZ...

You can get started by checking out out this link...

http://www.caa.govt.nz/pilots/Flight...ition_Info.pdf

It is for getting your FAA stuff recognized in New Zealand. You will also need a work visa or residency depending on what you want to do, i.e if you want to eventually fly for Air New Zealand you will need to establish permanent residency. Having been through the process I can tell you that it is not a quick, cheap or easy process. You can start here...

http://www.immigration.govt.nz/

Hope this can get you going.

Cheers,
JD

first thing you should know is oz is not new zealand. don't mix those up over there, you'll end up at the bottom of an all blacks scrum.

Well said Druglord.............

Oops, I was thinking about something different when i wrote the post, that's why I wrote OZ instead of New Zealand. I also misspelled Zealand. I just got out of a Physics and had formulas running through my head.
Tweet, how long before I want to move down there should i get the paperwork going? Just from your personal experience. Thanks for the help.

I was told to expect a year for my permanent residency visa to be approved...because I had my sh%t together, it only took about 4 months...I did delay getting my passport stamped after my approval for the maximum of 6 months, just so that my 12 month window to enter the country would be started later. In effect my window is 18 months from my initial approval. Also plan on setting aside about $1300.00 for the fees.

I'm not sure how long a work visa would take. I would think not as long and not quite as expensive. You can dig the answers out of immigration link above.

Also Druglord and Flying Kiwi bring up good points...DO NOT confuse the Kiwis with the Aussies...very poor form. I've found it is a surefire way to **** off my wife. LOL

FlyingKiwi..what do you fly?

Cheers,
JD

Tweet, how's it going mate?? Presently just flying right seat in the CRJ200 and going to upgrade class in April.

Been reading your posts (and Koru's) for a while now, and thought it was about time I chimed in. I'm from NZ but my wife is from the USA. Have done all my flying in the states, and like a lot of people on here, wish to return home one day and fly for AIRNZ.

Do you know of any good places to get your licenses converted from FAA to CAA???? That's assuming I come to NZ with an FAA ATP. You've probably already mentioned it in one of your posts, I'll have to have another flick through them. Anyway, hope all is going well for you down there.

"Hey jsfboat"............ no hard feelings about confusing NZ with Australia....
I've been called many worse things than an "aussie"
Good luck with your endeavour........

Right back at ya Kiwi...

Good thing you are from NZ, at least you won't have to go through the immigration process. One of the biggest hurdles for any non Kiwi getting on with Air NZ.

As far as the FAA to CAA conversion. I'm not going to be much help there. I think because of your current job flying RJ's (100hrs SIC or 500hours PIC in air transport ops) you should be able to convert straight over to the ATPL with a couple of tests and your sim check at Air NZ. The tests are comprised of Air Law and one or two other ones that escape me at the moment. I am in a bind because my military time does not qualify for that clause. I need to go the Commercial route complete with all tests and a checkride. Can't figure that one out...flying a C-130 world wide delivering troops and cargo to combat zones doesn't count for Air Transport Ops. Now I just need to find the time and money to pull that off. I am commited here at work until I retire this summer. Will just have to wait and see.

BTW where are you based out of?

Cheers,
JD

Hi,

Sorry about that JSF, I just sent you a PM and then saw this thread. I'll PM you.

I have been a bit on the busy side and have spent most of my time on this site railing about 777's that land short of runway's.

FlyingKiwi, I flew with a guy two weeks ago to CYVR, another dozer on the 777 and he did just what you are doing, except his mother was the Yank. He flew the RJ's for independance and it's predecessor until they went belly up, both in the right and left seat. The company is very serious about bringing Kiwis with experience back to the home land so you'd have no problems getting in I think. I shall find and post the latest company material relevant ti hiring that was sent to me by the man in charge of the selection program as it will shed some light on what Air NZ is looking at lately.

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

FlyingKiwi, PM me.

OK, I looked at this thing from Chris and it is four pages, so perhaps I will not post it here. Also, I haven't asked him if he minded, but I think it would be fine considering.

If anyone wants a copy of the "Air New Zealand Jet Fleet Recruitment Process" hand out from Chris Kriechbaum, Manager Operational Development (the guy you should be nice to) then please send me a PM with your email and I will send it to you.

Cheers Koru,

Any info is greatly appreciated.

How's the weather back there?? I was home over Xmas and New Years and it was magic. Great for standing around the BBQ having a few brews. I don't think too much of your Canadian weather at the moment mate. I was up in CYWG and CYYZ last week and to say it was cold is an understatement. Thought my ears were going to fall off doing my pre and postflights.................. Very pretty though I must admit....

Koru,

Pretty sure I'm unable to PM yet. Any other ideas how I might go about receiving that info..........

[email protected]

The WX. . . well, I'm heading to the west coast (five minute drive) with the board in about 20 minutes. My parents are here from YEG for the real cold part of the winter, and after seeing the forecast for Edmonton of a high of -33 they are quite chuffed to be having morning tea overlooking the Manakau harbor in shorts.

JD,

I checked and your address went south with the treo; just send it to my vodafone mail and I'll send the info back.

Rnzaf
 

RNZAF is hiring. Struggling to fill pilot slots. Upgrades to C-130, P-3, and 757 avionics and mission systems ongoing. NH-90 and AB-109 on the near horizon. Awesome training (great instructors). 10 year obligation after winging.

Hey Prop,

How's life treating you? Do you think the RNZAF would be interested in a crusty old retired herk driver with tons of primary flight training experience?

BTW I loved the pics you sent...did my e-mails ever make it back to you?

Koru...e-mail sent

Crusty Old
 

Absolutely bro. In fact, we have a student fresh out of officer training (with no prior military experience) who is begining primary flight training at 40!

Two Flight Instructor Course QFI's are in their 60's. One in his 50's.

With your background, you'd get snatched up in a second.

If you're willing to fly the worlds ugliest military trainer (it might be ugly but at least it's slow) in the Oklahoma of NZ (Vance has nothing on this place) than come on down to PTS. If you'd rather live in Auckland and fly the Herk, they'd take you as well.

Leave the regulated USAF mentality behind. This organization is cruisy compared to USN standards, let alone what you're used to.

Awesome people, so so equipment (being upgraded), mediocre budget. Leave behind any expectation of community support also, because most kiwis don't think they have an Air Force.

All in all, a good move if you're not looking to get rich.

All was good until I mentioned to my wife about the pay cut that I would be looking at. LOL

That trainer of your looks like it would be pretty fun to fly...300hp in that thing??

If I send an email to somebody I don't have much of a problem if they pass it on via the same means, but I'd really appreciate it if I don't see my stuff on pprune in the future.

I'm not really ticked, but just making something clear that obviously wasn't.

Thanks

Koru,

Let me publicly thank you for all you have done to help those of us who have a desire to move south. Hopefully someone learned something about etiquette.
BTW...next e-mail sent as you suggested.

Cheers,
JD

I need to toss in my two cents of appreciation for Koru too. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Someday soon, I'll be down there!

Ophir, E-mail sent...hope it helps.

Cheers,
JD

Thanks a ton!

Much shuffleing about at the moment. The latest vacancy note from flight ops is as follows; all of these are internal moves as far as I know, but you get the idea.

2 X B744 CA
3 X 744 FO
8 X B777 SO
4 X A320 CA
4 X A320 FO
4 X B733 CA

To clarify, thesae are psoitions up for bid and yet to be filled.

Just curious Koru, what is driving these internal moves?

Yeah, is this just the standard attrition rate? I would imagine not.

I think that this is mainly driven by the seat changes with the Freedom Air/Air NZ mainline merger as these are all internal positions. The B744 seats however are not (A320 driven that is).

We are still short on the B777 and I understand also on the A320, so when this all comes out in the wash we should see a fair bit of outside hiring again. That said, the hiring from outside has not really subsided until now anyway, so it all looks pretty good. I don't think we have seen any attrition as of late, and it will stay that way until these guy's start deciding that there is a life after Air NZ, at which time there will likely be a huge amount of turn-over (I think that something around 40-50% of the pilots are at least pushing 55, if not older).

There it is then.

Thanks for the added insight! I'm working on my stuff now. -C

Thanks for the update Koru. I spoke to Margie again yesterday to let her know that a copy of my PR was on the way. Wow is she sharp...I have not spoken to her in months and she remembered me straight away and even asked after Karen. The she asked about my license conversion...arghhhh. Damn CAA. She suggested that I send my stuff to them anyway to force their hand. I don't believe they will have a clue what to do with my military records. We'll just have to wait and see.

Cheers,
JD

Anyone have any single female relatives between 28-40 I could propose to? I'm a pretty decent guy from the States :)

Or, I'm 38 with over 7,000tt mostly in the left seat of the crj, but am rapidly building 74-200 right seat time - can I do the Air Force route to achieve NZ residency? I would love to immigrate and spend my free time on the Keplar or Able/Tazman Tracks.

Thanks for the straight and honest info.!

Yeah, some of my brother's wife's family/friends. She's also part Maori. But like A LOT of NZ women, then tend to run a little "husky", or larger rather.

I am familiar with your description - "husky" is a rather accurate adjective. No offense to anyone - the wood carving is awesome and I am grateful that part of their unique culture is thriving in the modern world.

rj, ok about dojetdriver's comment "But like A LOT of NZ women, then tend to run a little "husky", or larger rather".
That is a subjective statement; and it really it depends on what you consider "A LOT" to be... is that 1000 or 1,000,000?

Speaking in general, dojetdriver's description would not apply to most NZ'ers.

Here's some facts:

Population:
4,115,771 (July 2007 est.)
Age structure:
0-14 years: 20.8% (male 437,547/female 417,698)
15-64 years: 67.3% (male 1,393,057/female 1,378,358)
65 years and over: 11.9% (male 214,189/female 274,922) (2007 est.)
Median age:
total: 34.2 years
male: 33.5 years
female: 35 years (2007 est.)
Ethnic groups:
European 69.8%, Maori 7.9%, Asian 5.7%, Pacific islander 4.4%, other 0.5%, mixed 7.8%, unspecified 3.8% (2001 census)

https://www.cia.gov/library/publicat...k/geos/nz.html

http://www.stats.govt.nz/people/default.htm

Husky chicks and all, it's still a great country. You should make a to trip New Zealand someday and see for yourself.

Here's one for ya...

http://gowild.net.nz/female.html

Knock yourself out.

Well, when I wrote it, I didn't mean to imply that Maori people are ALL fat. What I meant was, it doesn't matter if they are Anglo, Maori, Tongon, Samoan, Fijian, whatever. The amount of females that were a little "husky" surprised me. Especially compared to Europe, Canada, and South America. And yep, I know that there are plenty of "large" women in the US as well. Like I said, I was surprised when I went there, relative to other parts of the world I have been.

And yep, it is a great county. As far as the other guy's comment about the carving. I'm sure it's seen as a very "touristy" thing to do. But the cultural center at Rotorua is a must see.

Well, there's no denying that there's been a progressive brain drain from NZ in the last decade. "A lot" (somewhere around 500,000) of NZ'ers have moved overseas to live (mainly in Australia) due better work opportunities and income. I'm not sure when you last visited, as you didn't say, but I've been out of the country for about 7 years now; so things might have changed a bit from how it used to be when I lived there.

15 months ago, will be going back this fall to visit my brother and his wife. But yep, he told me all about the "brain drain", and how it's starting to affect the country. As far as skilled/educated labor goes, or the lack thereof for the reasons you just gave. Many of my sister in law's friends have fled across the Tasman Sea.

Yes, the mass exodus of skilled/educated workers permanently leaving the country is a real concern for NZ; but, that’s market forces for you. Until there's a change of government and a significant review and overhaul of its laws and polices, the trend will probably continue for the foreseeable future.