Jobs at outback stations.
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Jobs at outback stations.
hi,
I have recenlty received a cpl & mecir and have about 200hrs total time.
I was wondering where a good source of information would be on lists of stations in the outback requiring a low time pilot to chase cows etc...
I would love any job like this even if it involves some other practical work around the station..
Any info in this matter would be great!
Private message me or send me an e-mail to [email protected]
Thanks,
Defiant.
I have recenlty received a cpl & mecir and have about 200hrs total time.
I was wondering where a good source of information would be on lists of stations in the outback requiring a low time pilot to chase cows etc...
I would love any job like this even if it involves some other practical work around the station..
Any info in this matter would be great!
Private message me or send me an e-mail to [email protected]
Thanks,
Defiant.
Props are for boats!
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Defiant,
You should put this on the Dunnunda in G.A. youll get more hits. But to add from what I know, youll need to contact Standbroke Pastoral and also there are a heap of other Station operators out. Be prepared for mard work though, Cow artificial insemination, castration, getting beat up by ringers in pubs etc.
Regards
Sheep
You should put this on the Dunnunda in G.A. youll get more hits. But to add from what I know, youll need to contact Standbroke Pastoral and also there are a heap of other Station operators out. Be prepared for mard work though, Cow artificial insemination, castration, getting beat up by ringers in pubs etc.
Regards
Sheep
Defiant
I recently completed about 12 weeks of relief flying for a pastoral company in far Western QLD.
Involved frequent calls to their chief pilot and was lucky enough to catch him one day when he needed someone to fill in.
The flying is great, ranging from transporting station staff to mustering, bore runs and property inspections. Some stations have low hours, some high. Was lucky to score about 200hrs in my time. Be advised you are required to work when not in the air and you will sleep well at night I can assure you.
They require around the 250 hour mark so keep plugging away, and keep hasselling them, you will get a go at some stage
I recently completed about 12 weeks of relief flying for a pastoral company in far Western QLD.
Involved frequent calls to their chief pilot and was lucky enough to catch him one day when he needed someone to fill in.
The flying is great, ranging from transporting station staff to mustering, bore runs and property inspections. Some stations have low hours, some high. Was lucky to score about 200hrs in my time. Be advised you are required to work when not in the air and you will sleep well at night I can assure you.
They require around the 250 hour mark so keep plugging away, and keep hasselling them, you will get a go at some stage
Bugsmasherdriverandjediknite
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why the hell would ya. works hard, planes are crap, money is crap, conditions are crap, they treat ya like crap....... you must like flying.
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Where to get your hours up is a hard question to answer. Personally, I think going to an outback station is a valuable experience. If you don't want to go down the instructing road nor do you want to fly scenic flying then working on a station is a good start. You'll learn alot about an unrelated inudstry, get paid, save money, build hours and get to be your own boss..sometimes. I spent years persuing the scenic/tourism sector...and it hard. I'm now in charter and must admit that I didn't go into station flying, but I would be in a more finacnially sound position had I worked on a station.
The other thing is that at alot of "first-job" jobs you get paid peanuts as a casual yet work full-time. Atleast on a station you can continue to work and get paid as a station hand.
Give it a go if you have nothing else.
TRy standbroke pastoral and heli-muster. You can advertise in country papers in Queenlsand and Victoria. Also, consider moving to the country it not already. You are more likely to get employed if your already in the country.
My two cents.
U2
The other thing is that at alot of "first-job" jobs you get paid peanuts as a casual yet work full-time. Atleast on a station you can continue to work and get paid as a station hand.
Give it a go if you have nothing else.
TRy standbroke pastoral and heli-muster. You can advertise in country papers in Queenlsand and Victoria. Also, consider moving to the country it not already. You are more likely to get employed if your already in the country.
My two cents.
U2
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Pretty negative post there wiz...
Speaking from experience flying on a cattle station is one hell of a life building experience as well as very valuable aviaition experience. The key point is to know the rules, know your limits and don't kill yourself. DO NOT attempt to muster if not qualified.
I found the pay to be good, well the in hand pay not that good but then put in 3 square meals a day, accom, elec, everything you need. Nothing to spend $ on so you can actually save until you go to town for a campdraft and spend it all on rum.
You will possibly be bastardised by ringers as the average IQ of a ringer would not be terribly high, you will get into fights, drink like a fish and root like a demon.
But be prepared to work you will be a jackeroo more than a pilot and this means work hard hard hard. 45 deg c in the shade and you will be in the yards ballen calves..... Then a ringer will sit on you whilst another force feeds you a freshly cooked calf testicle...
The big negatives ALOT of station people are ex QLD so expect to find on XXXX at the bar & BUNDY rum. On a serious note if it is an unsupervised position be disciplined.
Enjoy the time I know I did.
Speaking from experience flying on a cattle station is one hell of a life building experience as well as very valuable aviaition experience. The key point is to know the rules, know your limits and don't kill yourself. DO NOT attempt to muster if not qualified.
I found the pay to be good, well the in hand pay not that good but then put in 3 square meals a day, accom, elec, everything you need. Nothing to spend $ on so you can actually save until you go to town for a campdraft and spend it all on rum.
You will possibly be bastardised by ringers as the average IQ of a ringer would not be terribly high, you will get into fights, drink like a fish and root like a demon.
But be prepared to work you will be a jackeroo more than a pilot and this means work hard hard hard. 45 deg c in the shade and you will be in the yards ballen calves..... Then a ringer will sit on you whilst another force feeds you a freshly cooked calf testicle...
The big negatives ALOT of station people are ex QLD so expect to find on XXXX at the bar & BUNDY rum. On a serious note if it is an unsupervised position be disciplined.
Enjoy the time I know I did.
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Thanks for all the fantastic information and some over descriptive mental images involving cows testicles!
I will be giving a few companies a ring and see what comes of it!
& Any other info out there still to be added the discussion, throw it in! The more information I can get to get a better picture of whats involved the better,
Thanks,
Defiant
I will be giving a few companies a ring and see what comes of it!
& Any other info out there still to be added the discussion, throw it in! The more information I can get to get a better picture of whats involved the better,
Thanks,
Defiant
High Altitude
"The big negatives ALOT of station people are ex QLD so expect to find on XXXX at the bar & BUNDY rum."
You got a problem with God's chosen country, XXXX and Bundy?
Been in the far flung Territories too long?
"The big negatives ALOT of station people are ex QLD so expect to find on XXXX at the bar & BUNDY rum."
You got a problem with God's chosen country, XXXX and Bundy?
Been in the far flung Territories too long?
Bugsmasherdriverandjediknite
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HA, just telling it like it is mate. I note that you see the things that I enjoyed as being a negative. Rum is good, fighting is a passtime, and young cattle nuts (inland oysters) are not to bad if cooked correctly. the pay still sux, Free electricity indeed.... I never saw a light bulb on cattle camp for near seven months, tuckers alright, if ya like stewed bull beef and damper ( this really does depend on the cook, I have had the pleasure of seeing and tasting, what could only be described as magic in some very trying conditions for the cook) and on special occasions one might even get to try the onearmed meat balls. after being in the bush for a few months a night on the pi55 is a cheap affair (1 bottle of rum will straighten ya, coz ya aint been drinkin for a bit) so its lucky you stay in the bush for a bit, so ya can save up for a bottle of rum.
I also note that you reckon ringers aint none to clever......... true.... but this ex ringer managed to get through all that flying stuff with fixed and whirlymagigs, so pilots cant be all that clever either, Aye?. still, if he wants to go bush, who am I to tell him any differant? I was just trying to prepare him for it.
I also note that you reckon ringers aint none to clever......... true.... but this ex ringer managed to get through all that flying stuff with fixed and whirlymagigs, so pilots cant be all that clever either, Aye?. still, if he wants to go bush, who am I to tell him any differant? I was just trying to prepare him for it.
SC the Pommy Jackeroo..
Well.....I did some of this, not flying but jackerooing, and I hope I can offer some advice. Not that you'll take it of course!
1. Be prepared for absolutely anything and everything - one day emptying a 20 yard long cattle dip of liquid sh*t, the next manoeuvring a giant Yank fridge through the boss's wife's window, then jumping around a round yard like a prick drafting really angry beasts, then loading a fridge truck with dead kangaroos from a game cooler, then arguing with the landlord about your paycheque that bounced. Bring yer thickest skin and a sense of humour, if you can't find one of those consider a divert.
2. Don't get into the thing of drinking all your pay very quickly once you get off a station, it's not good, but very hard to avoid. And for Christ's sake don't lend a ringer money. More important, don't borrow it from him either.
3. Keep really clean, cos you're likely to be in very hot places. It's incredible how quickly you get crotch rot, a Japanese flag sore arse, and really vile feet otherwise. Also watch any cuts, bruises (and you'll have plenty) - I didn't and ended up with a hugely swollen dark red leg, seeing spots, in pain, running a fever - I've still got the scar. Bring all the mozzie repellent and sun blocker you can lift. The mozzies will still get you, but at least there may be skin left between bites if you swathe yourself in DMP or DEET until you have funny dreams. Be prepared for unusual living conditions, like the back of a cattle truck complete with dried sh*t. (but at least that lets you string a mozzie net from the rails.) Buy a swag.
4. Be wary of anywhere where the boss's son is in charge.
5. Never talk about politics or, God help us, race, if you don't want injuries. You will meet many fascinating characters. You will also meet fascists, madmen, alkies, thieves (You've still got my sunglasses Jeff, you cnut!), gun nuts, petrol sniffers, mean drunks and some who combine these features and more. Cultivate a friendly and accepting attitude, it's easier. And bring yer sense of humour and thickest skin..did I say that before?
6. Be ready to volunteer, it brings respect, or it would do if you're not already disqualified by being a pom. At least it reduces the negative.
7. Vitamins.
8. And finally....don't work for Danny Webb Smith.
1. Be prepared for absolutely anything and everything - one day emptying a 20 yard long cattle dip of liquid sh*t, the next manoeuvring a giant Yank fridge through the boss's wife's window, then jumping around a round yard like a prick drafting really angry beasts, then loading a fridge truck with dead kangaroos from a game cooler, then arguing with the landlord about your paycheque that bounced. Bring yer thickest skin and a sense of humour, if you can't find one of those consider a divert.
2. Don't get into the thing of drinking all your pay very quickly once you get off a station, it's not good, but very hard to avoid. And for Christ's sake don't lend a ringer money. More important, don't borrow it from him either.
3. Keep really clean, cos you're likely to be in very hot places. It's incredible how quickly you get crotch rot, a Japanese flag sore arse, and really vile feet otherwise. Also watch any cuts, bruises (and you'll have plenty) - I didn't and ended up with a hugely swollen dark red leg, seeing spots, in pain, running a fever - I've still got the scar. Bring all the mozzie repellent and sun blocker you can lift. The mozzies will still get you, but at least there may be skin left between bites if you swathe yourself in DMP or DEET until you have funny dreams. Be prepared for unusual living conditions, like the back of a cattle truck complete with dried sh*t. (but at least that lets you string a mozzie net from the rails.) Buy a swag.
4. Be wary of anywhere where the boss's son is in charge.
5. Never talk about politics or, God help us, race, if you don't want injuries. You will meet many fascinating characters. You will also meet fascists, madmen, alkies, thieves (You've still got my sunglasses Jeff, you cnut!), gun nuts, petrol sniffers, mean drunks and some who combine these features and more. Cultivate a friendly and accepting attitude, it's easier. And bring yer sense of humour and thickest skin..did I say that before?
6. Be ready to volunteer, it brings respect, or it would do if you're not already disqualified by being a pom. At least it reduces the negative.
7. Vitamins.
8. And finally....don't work for Danny Webb Smith.
Sheep gutz sez:
"Be prepared for mard work though, Cow artificial insemination, castration, getting beat up by ringers in pubs etc. "
Haven't you got this in the wrong order? They castrate him first, or else he wouldn't have to artificially inseminate the cows. But why then would they beat him up? No b@lls?
"Be prepared for mard work though, Cow artificial insemination, castration, getting beat up by ringers in pubs etc. "
Haven't you got this in the wrong order? They castrate him first, or else he wouldn't have to artificially inseminate the cows. But why then would they beat him up? No b@lls?
Ascend, you've probably heard the story..... Can't buck, can't f..., just sit there and........! Most ringers aren't stupid, they just have the odd 'slow' day........ hmmm, most days! 
As for what you'll be doing in your spare time..... Here is a cut'n'paste of something I wrote about last year.....
To quote myself.....
There is more, but some may not keep dinner down.....
Life is an adventure, go for it!
As for what you'll be doing in your spare time..... Here is a cut'n'paste of something I wrote about last year.....
To quote myself.....
Hmmmm, spare time pursuits when not flying on the cattle station..... Now let me see.....
Apart from the blantantly obvious ones such as drinking etc, I've been far too busy in the past six months in my spare time........ Hazard reduction on the airstrip (roo's), fencing, bore-runs, mustering, roping, drafting, tail-tagging, turning micky bulls into bullocks, branding, driving cattle road trains, scrubbing troughs, fixing bores and windmills that wont run, rebuilding engines for the station vehicles, shooting feral cats - wild dogs - camels etc, barman, accomodation booking clerk, bowser attendant, cleaner, cook, forklift driver, laundry helper, fighting bushfires, dozer driver, grader driver, backhoe operator, drilling rig offsider, post hole digger, wire strainer, riding wild emus, bull catching, plumber, drainer, building new cattleyards, front-end and suspension mechanic, raking leaves, feeding birds, dragging dead kangaroos and cattle off the highway, building sheds, welding - both oxy- mig and arc, dropping doughnuts in the utes, motor bike riding, skiing on salt lakes, quad bike mechanic, signwriter, painter, bullbar fabricator, and overhauling carburettors.
Apart from the blantantly obvious ones such as drinking etc, I've been far too busy in the past six months in my spare time........ Hazard reduction on the airstrip (roo's), fencing, bore-runs, mustering, roping, drafting, tail-tagging, turning micky bulls into bullocks, branding, driving cattle road trains, scrubbing troughs, fixing bores and windmills that wont run, rebuilding engines for the station vehicles, shooting feral cats - wild dogs - camels etc, barman, accomodation booking clerk, bowser attendant, cleaner, cook, forklift driver, laundry helper, fighting bushfires, dozer driver, grader driver, backhoe operator, drilling rig offsider, post hole digger, wire strainer, riding wild emus, bull catching, plumber, drainer, building new cattleyards, front-end and suspension mechanic, raking leaves, feeding birds, dragging dead kangaroos and cattle off the highway, building sheds, welding - both oxy- mig and arc, dropping doughnuts in the utes, motor bike riding, skiing on salt lakes, quad bike mechanic, signwriter, painter, bullbar fabricator, and overhauling carburettors.
Life is an adventure, go for it!
Bugsmasherdriverandjediknite
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Ops normal, mate I can tell you from experiance that you cannot ride a bloody emu. I was only young and was listening to all the old fullas yarns about this amazing feat, and tried it on a emu at about twenty knots from the back of a ute. after the histerical laughter from all the old fullas stopped and I had finished picking gravel and prickles from my battered self they told me they couldnt believe I had actually done that. and now they know for sure it cant be done, they are going to modify the yarns they tell to the new chums. 
BEWARE: dont believe the old fullas on any station. I have seen old timers tell the new ringers to use the berries on the tree out the back of the kitchen, mixed with mutton fat, to cure cracked lips (new chums always get these for the first two weeks for some reason). the blisters that those birds eye chillies can raise will amaze you.
BEWARE: dont believe the old fullas on any station. I have seen old timers tell the new ringers to use the berries on the tree out the back of the kitchen, mixed with mutton fat, to cure cracked lips (new chums always get these for the first two weeks for some reason). the blisters that those birds eye chillies can raise will amaze you.
wiz, I wouldn't have believed it myself had I not seen it happen with my very own (OK, very Bundy effected) eyes! Yeah, I'll admit to saying "It can't be that hard", and having a go myself, but the results were much along the same lines as yours..... 
We found that first you had to reach-out from the back of the ute, grab it's neck just under it's head, slow it down to just above a walking pace and then jump on its back......
Just as well I'd dosed-up on bush anesthetic......
Them oldtimers can be ba$tards, but then again if you are a similar age/s temperaments, you'll get on famously. I did.
We found that first you had to reach-out from the back of the ute, grab it's neck just under it's head, slow it down to just above a walking pace and then jump on its back......
Just as well I'd dosed-up on bush anesthetic......
Them oldtimers can be ba$tards, but then again if you are a similar age/s temperaments, you'll get on famously. I did.
Bugsmasherdriverandjediknite
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MMMMMM, well.... come to think of it, I got on well with em all too. I think it was the shared taste we had in, as you so elequently and acurately put it, bush anasthetic.
Its a great life, although it does seem to age you quickly (Im 37 but look 65 apparently) and its a shame the $$$$ suck.
Its a great life, although it does seem to age you quickly (Im 37 but look 65 apparently) and its a shame the $$$$ suck.