Yeah.... another Roadtrip topic

[Propwash77]

My situation, I have 700 hours TT, almost all single engine, a current MIFR and a Float rating. I'm looking for a job that offers some multi and some float time, so an operator that flies a variety of aircraft. I don't mind working the ramp for a while either but would like to get flying as soon as possible.

First of all, I'd like to know if a Roadtrip is even worthwhile during the winter time (I was planning on doing it in January), seeing as how most of the hiring is done in the Spring.

I figure I'll head north to Northern BC from the Lower Mainland then across to Northern Alberta and possibly into the NWT.

Any suggestions as to specific operators to hit up on the way or any other feedback would be great.

[Youngback]

Only a couple of operators I can think of in the areas you mentioned that fly both multi and float and those are Air Tindi and Arctic Sunwest Charters. There are very few float operators in Northern BC and Alberta. For float ops, you'd be better off heading to Northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Tons of multi ops though throughout the North. No shortage of supply there. With your time, I don't know if you'd be starting on the ramp at those places (Tingi and Arctic Sunwest). The wait is about 1.5 to 2 years before getting on a flying position.

[tiny]

Both Wolverine and Simpson Air have twins and floats.

[app flap]

why not try venture air?

i've heard nothing but great things about them.

[Rudder Bug]

(Tingi and Arctic Sunwest). The wait is about 1.5 to 2 years before getting on a flying position.

True but this is for the 200 hour wonders. With 700 hours you should be put on the line much faster.

[Hoov]

Avoid Tindi with 700 hours, you wont be put online any faster, upgrades from ramp to flight line are through seniority. You would have to expect awhile on the Ramp.

[Youngback]

Yup I forgot about Wolverine and the BN2. What twin does Simpson Air have? Oh and then theres Jaques with the Twin Otter. He's both in one but you won't be put left seat in it.

[young grasshopper]

Wolverine in Simpson or Summit in Yellowknife...you'd probably be flying ASAP at Wolverine, and Summit seems to have good movement and be a good company to work for...Good luck!!

[Startender]

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[altiplano]

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['effin hippie]

In the bush and float forum there is a fairly exhaustive list of entry-level operators in NWT and YT.

I'm sure a quick search will find recent, similar lists for any region that interests you, such as NW Ont., N Ab, N Sk, N Mn etc.....

ef

[phillyfan]

I have not seen the reported pilot shortage extend to right seat jobs yet. There is a shortage when it comes to experienced float pilots and muti engine captains. Where I am anyways, we have more co-pilots without PIC time then we know what to do with. I know this same problem also exists at many other operations in the area who hire from the ramp. I would advise anybody starting out to get a job flying single engine wheels. Even if it's just for a year. That PIC time will be very valuable to you in the future. It could be the difference between getting stuck in the right seat making $2200 a month or moving to the left seat and getting $6000 a month. Nothing gets a 2000 hr co-pilot with 2 years at the company more worked up then watching a 1500 hr captain hired from the outside because he did 500 hrs on a Cessna 206 on wheels. Long story short get on the phone with the Cessna wheel operators.

[Propwash77]

Wow, thanks everyone for the great feedback, lots of good responses. However I'm still not sure if it's worthwhile to roadtrip in Jan or Feb or just wait until March or April, or does it really matter?