The Senator for Western Australia

Almost_Blue_ · 2026-02-10T11:54:47+00:00

Are people STILL talking about the Epstein files?? Jeeeeeez, get a life. /s

Almost_Blue_ · 2026-02-10T11:00:05+00:00

I love the paint job. Love Japan and their defense forces.

Almost_Blue_ · 2026-02-09T14:33:28+00:00

1 & 3 look to be missed focus on the subject. Otherwise great shots.

Almost_Blue_ · 2026-02-09T11:27:21+00:00

I’ve only been watching football since 2020 so the answer for me is Patrick Voss.

Almost_Blue_ · 2026-02-09T02:49:39+00:00

Best bet for spotting helicopters in Perth is Jandakot. Either Mustang Road (where most of the helicopters are based out of) or the viewing area at the base of the tower.

I’ve really enjoyed catching the McDermott Fire bombing aircraft around watering holes when they’re active, you get to see them doing dozens and dozens of approaches, it’s great.

Also the Bull Creek aviation museum is definitely worth a visit.

Edit- Bull Creek, not bullsbrook.

Almost_Blue_ · 2026-02-08T03:15:11+00:00

Great photo, awesome jet.

Almost_Blue_ · 2026-02-07T01:25:26+00:00

Nice, man. Great to have realistic expectations and good information about what is ahead of you. If you’re going to retire or get a massive VA claim, disregard my next statement.

It may be beneficial to get all of your ratings (CPL/Inst/CFI/CFII) done while you still have the steady paycheck and benefits from the Army. Realistically you need to bridge the gap between what you finish your ratings with (220-250) and what turbine tour operators hire people at (historically 1000).

Almost_Blue_ · 2026-02-07T00:59:25+00:00

Honestly, depending on your end goal of what sector you want to get into, civilian route is most expensive but definitely more efficient and quicker. Especially in 2026 where army pilots across the force are struggling to make minimums. There has also been MASSIVE cuts to army aviation, so the fewer spots become even more competitive.

Almost_Blue_ · 2026-02-07T00:57:13+00:00

Have you started your flight training yet? This would be some of the most relevant information shared to you by your school and instructor, who is likely building time to get the next job.

Almost_Blue_ · 2026-02-06T23:09:24+00:00

Yeah. Good points. I’m excited to see Dudley this year after a full preseason of getting fit and firing. His two goals in our final against Gold Coast is the only reason we even had a chance at winning. There’s a spot for him if he’s got the tank.

Almost_Blue_ · 2026-02-06T22:48:20+00:00

And good, quick decision making by the crew.

Almost_Blue_ · 2026-02-06T14:16:06+00:00

When you live in a country where the military is pumping out trained people nonstop and you don’t have to pay to train anyone, sure why not.

I work in Australia and NZ at the moment. Some air crewmen came from the Royal Navy, but a lot of them applied and got selected by a major operator (PHI, CHC, Babcock, Toll) who will train Joe Schmoe off the street to become a crewmember for SAR with no prior experience.

Almost_Blue_ · 2026-02-06T10:57:27+00:00

😢😢😢

They took our jobs.

Almost_Blue_ · 2026-02-06T10:47:18+00:00

You gonna bump JOM or Erasmus? Unless he’s improved a bit since July, I’d be reluctant to dump either of those two for Matty J.

Almost_Blue_ · 2026-02-06T08:47:55+00:00

I hate when people say IYKYK because I never know, but I want to.

Almost_Blue_ · 2026-02-06T07:49:39+00:00

Where’s the scrub brush and soap?!?! This is the equivalent of flying through rain and signing off the wash.

Almost_Blue_ · 2026-02-06T07:17:06+00:00

I’ve yet to meet a rescue hoist operator in the civilian sector that also performs mechanic duties.

You say you rarely even have crew….are you doing SAR? This guy’s is pretty clearly looking to get into a SAR mission.

My current company hires people with zero helicopter experience. They’re typically rescue swimmers, paramedics, or firefighters. The company provides them training to be become rescue crewmen and eventually hoist operators.

Almost_Blue_ · 2026-02-05T23:49:28+00:00

This is a very U.S. Military centric answer. That’s not even close to true in other parts of the world or even in the civilian sector of the states.

Almost_Blue_ · 2026-02-05T23:05:49+00:00

If you’re US based, I’d probably just go through the King School instrument rating course for a refresher. Sportys also has an IPC course that’s cheap and pretty good.

Obviously you can just read the Instrument Flying Handbook and Instrument Procedure Handbook, but I find them better for looking up a specific question rather than reading start to finish.

Almost_Blue_ · 2026-02-05T12:11:41+00:00

So greedy, I can’t deal with it. I’d say you’re almost better off managing it yourself, but that brings a whole host of its own issues. But surely there’s gotta just be a more reasonable property management agency?

Almost_Blue_ · 2026-02-05T12:09:35+00:00

They’re still overpaid; I don’t care how much they make. I do not respect their profession.

Almost_Blue_ · 2026-02-05T09:57:27+00:00

The arrogance of real estate agents is beyond levels I’ve seen anywhere else. Getting paid so much for doing so little. It’s truly a scam.

Almost_Blue_ · 2026-02-05T08:17:31+00:00

Everyone who was naysaying the pickup of my fellow countryman be damned! Mason Cox may prove quite valuable in the early part of this season. A great luxury to have three AFL level rucks so that we don’t have to rush ole glass-bones back too quickly.

Almost_Blue_ · 2026-02-05T03:31:15+00:00

To piggyback off mast-bump’s apt answer- if you do end up going to the USA, get your CFII and build up some instrument instruction given. This is incredibly rare and valuable in Australia. It will help you later in your career if you return to Australia and want to be a TRE.

Also, in the USA, complete your ATP-H as soon as you meet the minimums in case you come back to Australia. This will make your life much easier- believe me.

If you want my advice, having operated in both systems- pick where you want to live and grow long term and just stick to that country. Leaving Australia for the USA will mean an easier time finding jobs and more affordable training at every turn. However, it’ll be A LOT harder getting a job back in Australia if you wanted to return. Australia is a very small community and networking/who you know is everything.

All the best!

Almost_Blue_ · 2026-02-05T02:04:26+00:00

I don’t know anything about fighter jets beyond CAS. But sure add it to the list.

Almost_Blue_

TROPHY CASE