odd request

[AirMail]

We are looking for a qualified seaplane pilot to fly a DHC II and a Cessna 206.
The candidate must be available immediately and have a valid passport. You will have a minimum of 1500 hours total and 1000 hours PIC on seaplanes with experience on both aircraft. The company is based in Nadi, Fiji Island. The flight schedule is flexible, 3 to 5 days on per week (10 hours flight/week). Ticket in and out of Fiji provided. Please include a full body picture and references.

Noticed this job ad and requirements, is clothing optional in the pic? and what about props in the background?

[KK7]

Initially, this does seem odd. But these days there are some seriously overweight N. American pilots out there. I'm not claiming to win the award for most in shape, but I've flown with a couple of guys in the past who were, frankly, morbidly obese. Luckily we were not in a weight critical type of operation as this float operation likely is, but one guy had a hard time making it up the cockpit door ladder in a C208, and I was legitimately concerned for his heart after he made it into the airplane. On top of this, the seat belt did not fit properly, nor was the life jacket able to close at the front.

[Barkaie]

you would think your medical would have a mention of this? unable to complete all work duties??

[North Shore]

IIRC, it's got to do with the 206, and weight and D.Alt issues. 2 lardass pax, bags, gas and a 220lb pilot, and she'll probably go, but the floats are going to take a pounding. Drop the pilot to 160lb, and things look a little better..

[polar one]

this requirement has absolutely nothing to do with weight and the plane. Search the forums for Turtle airways..The ads run quite frequently.
I could post the exact reason for the requirement but it would get the thread locked up. suffice it to say anyone interested would be well advised to do the above referenced search, and read the posts carefullly

BTW. unless things have changed, they expect a pilot to carry four...yes four pax and luggage in a 206....6 pax and luggage and supplies in a Beaver... it is just one of the reasons they have trouble keeping pilots,but there is always one or two, who having been told we have been doing it this way for years will do it... and yes the a/c take a beating. Broken spreader bars on the 206 is just one example.

But hey, someone will think that they can be the one who is different. The same way dozens, literally dozens have thought the same way before.

Good luck to anyone who takes this job.. It would be nice to hear from a few others who have worked there....and there are many.