Becoming a Pilot/Escort Driver in the Northern Teritory requires a bit of thought and consideration, here are some helpful tips on getting started;

 

If you are lucky enough to be employed by a Company that uses their own Pilot/Escort Drivers and vehicles, then skip Paras 1 - 5

 

 

Assessment

   1.  Discuss with a reputable Pilot/Escort Contracting Company as to the viability, do a Business Plan.

   2.  Talk to your Accountant about which is the best way to setup and operate;

             a.  Individual or Business or Company (pros and cons),

             b.  Banking, Invoicing, Purchases, Accounting Practices, etc,

             c.  Who's going to do your Bookkeeping (you, wife, partner, bookkeeper, accountant, etc).

   3.  Means of Communications, e.g.,

             a.  mobile phone - for taking job bookings and general communications,

              b.  laptop, notebook - emails, web access for road & route information, electronic record keeping such as Guides, Invoicing, etc.

   4.  If you already own a vehicle, assess;

             a.  will it be suitable for the work you are planning, e.g., working on the bitumen or driving offroad out to the mines, etc,

             b.  is it going to be reliable, free of breakdowns, 50,000kms plus each year is a regular mileage for pilots,

             c.  fuel is going to be a big expense - diesel and petrol/gas are the prefered.

   5.  Otherwise consider a new vehicle.

   6.  If you are going to be away overnight or more, consider setting up living quarters in the vehicle, cheaper than staying in a Motel

        everynight.   There may be occassions that you are not anywhere near accommodation and meals, best to start off with the basics and

        add as you go.   To fully set up an existing vehicle could cost over $5,000, depending on your needs.

   7.  If you are operating as a Business/Company, you may not get paid for jobs completed up to 30 days, sometimes more!   This will mean

        that you will need some financial reserves to pay for operating costs up to 60 - 90 days (this could be up to $5.000).

 

 All Systems are go

   8.  Go to NT Department of Transport Website and download -

        Read the Booklet, the Pilot is equally responsible if the load and route is not complient

        Requirements of Pilot Vehicles - Section 3.

   9.  In the NT there are two types of Pilots;

• Non-Accredited Pilot,

• Accredited Pilot -  to become an Accredited Pilot, you are required to complete an approved course through an Accredited Registered

               Training Organisation (RTO)

• Once you have completed your Training (Accedited Pilot/Escort), head off to NT Department of Transport with;

  • Statement of Attendence,

  • Appropriate Fee,

  • Drivers Lic.

         and register for your Pilots Accreditation, Department of  Transport will carry out the following checks before your Accreditation

         can be issued;

• Criminal History check

• Driving History check

 10.  Register you vehicle as a Commercial Vehicle (if required)

 11.  Advise you vehicle Insurer as to the operational purpose of your vehicle

 12.  Arrange for                                            - $20 million cover is the norm

 

Up and Running

 13.  If you haven't got customer/s, register yourself with a reputable Pilot/Escort Provider, ring around and ask other Pilots who is the best

         to work for.

 14.  Have a look at the National Pilot Vehicle Drivers Association (NPVDA) website,                                   , this association keeps you up to                date with what is going on around the industry and Gov't Notices.   The NPVDA is a good source of Industry information through

         Industry Newslettersand Government Notices.