Hi Sachi.
I've been talking with Royal Qld Aero Club at Archerfield (I'm in BNE). I was considering going the integrated route but I've been detered alot lately.
The plan was to go full time because I'm 33 I wanted to fastest route to an ATPL, and although I can't say money is no object, I consider myself in a reasonable position to be able to do it.
Plans have changed now though and my pilot career may have crashed before it took off!
I have a concerning problem with my left eye. I've been to see a CASA approved opthamoligst and submitted to CASA but they won't review until a full medical is done. I haven't bothered with that yet because even if I can get a Class 1 medical, I would be the last pick of the airlines because there would be other candidates with better eye sight for them to choose.
That makes it one hell of a big risk! $80K and then no job offers and nothing that I could do to get around it. My wife would kill me!
I have read alot lately about the pilot shortage been of no real benefit to 250hr jet-jockey wannabe's. It's captains that are in short supply. Fresh graduates are been pumped out of the flight schools by the dozen, and due to my less than ideal eyesight, I just couldn't compete for the more desirable jobs.
It's still a dream, but at this stage I can't see it happening (pun intended)
.
I hope I haven't disheartened your aspirations Sachi.
Good luck Mate.
btw, the English teaching gig is something I've been considering for a while. My wife is a Taiwanese national and I've considered teaching there just for a break from routine. It pays well in Taiwan I hear and is in demand. Perhaps you could share some thoughts on the life of an English teacher. PM me if you wish.
cheers,
Adrian (watterman)