Australian career changer

[Sachi]

Hey Guys
Firstly, let me intorduce myself, my name is Sachi and I love this forum! I am 23 years old, I have a bachelor’s degree in IT, I’m an English Teacher in Japan, love planes and cars and I am an Australian / New Zealand and US citizen. Ha, figure that one out!

So I have always wanted to pursue it as a career, but money problems and career-minded parents who want me to get a good desk job have always been a problem. One day hopefully I will fly of a airline, but I know that’s a long time away and I could easily be pushed to follow another type of flying. For now though, after training is done, I would like to go down the CFI to regional path.

I did a BAK (basic aero knowledge) course in Australia when I was 14 years old and at the end of the course got to spend about 1 hour in a mighty Piper Tomohawk! Since then, I havent done anything. I’ll be returning home to Australia in August and planned to get back into it then, with the money I have saved in Japan.

I have enough money to get my private licence in Australia, and plan to so while working fulltime and flying weekends. Once I have saved enough to get all ratings (target US$40,000), I hope to complete my training full time. I should be able to reach my target within 18months, being a loser and living with the parents.

So you still reading? Ok here’s my career changing questions.

As a multi-national citizen, I have the oppurtunity to train and work in the US, New Zealand and Australia. So where do I go to complete my trainig?

As much as I love Australia, there is a much larger market in the US for pilots jobs. Also the US prices are generally a lower than Australia for the training part. It seems for someone in my position, it would be wise to go to the US. Am I right, or sound like an idiot for leaving sunny Australia? My parents think Im a looney for even pursuing flying as a career, let alone leaving the country to do so. The irony is, both of them worked for British Airways back in the day and my dad used to be a pilot, so they are probably the main reason I got obsessed with it.

Are there any Aussies on this forum who have completed training in the US or anyone who has been in a simliar situation?

Thanks for reading and your comments!
Sach

[Tld]

Originally Posted by Sachi

My parents think Im a looney for even pursuing flying as a career

...well then, welcome to the looney bin. Just kidding. In all honesty, I can't exactly answer all of your questions regarding training in the US vs. Australia. But it really seems like you want to do this. You have already pursued a path in IT, and so you will always have that to fall back on. My advice based on your post would be to return to Australia, get your private cert. and make your decision at that point. The the US dollar might rebound by then (hopefully), but fuel prices are bound to increase. Those factors might change things for you regarding training costs. Good luck with whatever you choose, keep us posted!

[Sachi]

Thanks for the kind words. I will make sure to keep everyone posted. Hopefully one day i can write one of thos "successful career changer" stories.
Sach

[Hypersonic_Wings]

It'd be a good idea if you begin flight training back home in Australia. That way you can save money while still living with your parents. Unless you have friends or family you can stay with in America. Anyways whatever options you choose, good luck.