I did the exact same thing to get my first float gig. Float operations usually start beginning of May or earlier or later depending on ice out. Some operators wont even be at location until maybe April some time. One thing you could do is look up upcoming outdoor sportshows and research what compani...

Some places may be willing to take you on without a float rating to work the dock/swamp and give you a float rating through out the summer and get you checked out by late summer fall to do some flying and by the next season you have a little experience under your belt. I've seen this happen. Some pl...

This is probably a long shot but maybe someone here remembers. Back in around 2002 Viking had advertised on their website a possible new version of the otter that had tricycle gear and a tail much like a twin otter. Basically looked like if dehavilland built a caravan or kodiak. Havent been able to ...

Flown at several different operations. At all of them we just entered one line for the day in the journey log for the same pilot and same in the personal log. Never had an issue. If any issue the daily totals will be backed up by the ofp's for the day.

I see no issue. Sounds like a good time. Go enjoy relax and have fun!

Floats down and rudders up.
DPB

Get a float rating and try and apply to a company that has a small floatplane or two like a cub, 172, 180. They are often registered privately and I would assume you could build time on that and move up to the commercial craft once you have the time and experience and have an awesome summer or two o...

Just about any float operation these days would probably look over any resume that comes through the door. Look up operators with a super cub , 172, 180/185, and beavers. West Coast operators want some experience so check out companies in Sask, Manitoba, Ontario. A few companies also have mixed flee...

Go up north and fly floats. Learn a pile of decision making skills, get great story telling material, and be done by sunset every day. Pay is starting to come up and its in high demand. Don't race for the finish line. Take the scenic route.

Couldn't agree more. I did a group 1 test a few years back and had a real engine failure. Kept bringing up all. The warning signs to the examiner (left engine is low on oil, left engine is showing a lower pressure than the left, throughout the flight same indications.) Examiners response was, they a...

I usually start pulling power back in stages a few miles back. From 29/19 to 25 on the MP. Let the speed bleed off a bit and put in maybe climb flap. Do your inspection for ligs rocks debris obstacles etc and carb heat check ( try and do these over or very close to water) then circle back to land an...

Does anyone have intel on when this event occured? Was it recently with the "polar vortex" conditions? I had trouble with a -34 last winter in -30 where it was doing some funny things. In my case it was a little different with the prop gov "sticking", wasn't allowing the prop to reach full rpm. Mayb...

I have flown 10 different beavers with a vast array of different mods, 4580, 4930, 6000 floats, 2 vs 3 blade, straight wing vs stol kits and vgs, cabin extension vs none. In my opinion a 2 blade prop with the -12 blades is best performance paired with 4930s. They are the best floats for the machine....

2013: under 20k working the dock.
2023: over 100k still on floats.

Took 10 years. Like one of the previous posters said, that barely covers cost of living on 1 income these days, for a new family.

But there's single pilot ops with atpls no? Ex. MNR twin. Otter.

Zulu 3s. Have zero complaints. Just make sure you have extra batteries! Great customer service. Sent in for repair after 3 years got them back in a short span. Basically got a whole new headset back.

I bummed around in a turbo otter for 5 years and never once had a situation like that. In experience???

Reviving an old thread topic under this section. Anyone have any current info on the state of flying external loads? Specifically for the beaver? I've been doing all kinds of reading and haven't found anything current.

Cheers
Dpb

Depends what quality you're looking for. Do you NEED to stay in a major center with ALL the amenities at your finger tips? Airline flying is NOT the be all end all. Loads of other types to consider with different challenges and perks. Bush, fire, survey, government, coastal float, agricultural, carg...

I've encountered this on a beaver before. Low fuel pressure light coming on when hot. I've been told it could be. Sign the fuel pump is starting to go

The float industry is already crying for pilots. Lots of options if you get the commercial and a bit of float time.

I've tested both zulu3 and a20 and honestly didn't notice a difference other than the price tag. Fit would be a good one to consider to. Been using the zulu3 for 4 years no regrets. Customer service was great when I had an audio problem. Fairly quick turn around.

Had a question for the Ontario region office. Left voicemails, emails, and sent snailmail. That was in May 2020, haven't had a reply since. Called the Prairie region with my question and got an answer after the third ring on the first try. Problem solved.

I did the dunk course and would highly recommend. Knowing how to orient yourself, likely inverted, and the steps to take there after are invaluable. The thing to take away from the pool course setting is that when this training is likely to come in to play is when water still has ice around the shor...

I’d say at least half or possibly more of the otters east of the Rockies that are on floats during the summer get switched over to wheels/skis in the winter. When I got checked out on the otter on wheel/skis I had never flown tailwheel before just a whack of otter float time. I think the experience ...

I highly recommend the road trip method. It meets you face to face and builds a rapport with the operator and other employees. If you show up at the right time and are eager and prepared you can show how enthusiastic you are and that goes a long way. I got my first gig dock/180 that way. Next season...