G'day G'day
I'm an Aussie hoping to head over to Canada next year looking to land a float job.
I've researched all the information required for the license conversion, visa etc, and have the process underway hoping to be in Canada for the 2012 season. While this info was relatively easy to find I'm looking for some current information regarding requirements, good operators and the general Canadian float scene.
Im planning to do the meet and greet road trip visiting as many operators as i can. From what I've read I gather that there is a large supply of pilots, and the best chance is to be there in person. Would an Aussie have any chance of landing a job over a local pilot? I realize that hiring a foreigner that only has a 1 or 2 year visa over a local pilot would not be appealing, but I'm willing to find out first hand!! In any case it would be a great holiday if no jobs turn up! Any information would be greatly appreciated!!
Some background on myself, 2800TT, 1600 caravan, 900 float all caravan.
Once again thanks in advance for any information that could help steer me in the right direction once landing in Canada!
Canadian float scene
Moderators: sky's the limit, sepia, Sulako, North Shore
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angry inch
- Rank 7
- Posts: 520
- Joined: Fri Jan 07, 2005 10:18 pm
- Location: the wet coast
Re: Canadian float scene
If you show up with the proper licences in hand and a visa that does not restrict you, you'll probably have a very good chance at landing a job. Even if it is one that requires a PPC, if you can put in 2 years, that's all anyone would expect....
Good luck
Good luck
Re: Canadian float scene
Great.
Another Aussie/Kiwi infiltrating the promise land.
Another Aussie/Kiwi infiltrating the promise land.
Re: Canadian float scene
Well you got the time to land a job here, check out the west coast, that way you can hit up Whistler and be amongst other Aussies 
Else where your best chances are northern Ontario or northern Manitoba, but it's not everyones' cup of tea in the northern part of those provinces. As for your chances of being foreign, all things being equal, I think it all comes down to experience, good luck!
Else where your best chances are northern Ontario or northern Manitoba, but it's not everyones' cup of tea in the northern part of those provinces. As for your chances of being foreign, all things being equal, I think it all comes down to experience, good luck!-
FriendlyBear
- Rank 1
- Posts: 39
- Joined: Mon Apr 18, 2011 11:41 pm
- Location: Central Europe
Hello Hendry
Hello Hendry,
Why don't you try to contact Mick Egan at Harbour Air (HA) in Vancouver. He is originally from Australia and a great guy from what I hear. I am sure he would try to help you, and his wife might even know a single Canadian Sheila who likes blokes from Down Under
Here is a profile of him: http://www.go2hr.ca/CareersbrinTourism/ ... fault.aspx
Best of luck to you! Personally, I would go work the dock at HA first... if you haven't been around float planes before it is worth learning the ropes first while working the dock... float flying is not something you should just step into without some exposure first!
I wish you all the best in following your dreams... float flying can be very challenging and rewarding!
Regards,
FB
Why don't you try to contact Mick Egan at Harbour Air (HA) in Vancouver. He is originally from Australia and a great guy from what I hear. I am sure he would try to help you, and his wife might even know a single Canadian Sheila who likes blokes from Down Under
Here is a profile of him: http://www.go2hr.ca/CareersbrinTourism/ ... fault.aspx
Best of luck to you! Personally, I would go work the dock at HA first... if you haven't been around float planes before it is worth learning the ropes first while working the dock... float flying is not something you should just step into without some exposure first!
I wish you all the best in following your dreams... float flying can be very challenging and rewarding!
Regards,
FB
Re: Canadian float scene
Awesome thanks for the info so far, great help. I guess meeting a Canadian sheila might help sort out the visa!!!
Sorry for my ignorance but what is a PPC? Also is the ability to speak French a must in Quebec or the French speaking provinces?
Cheers
Sorry for my ignorance but what is a PPC? Also is the ability to speak French a must in Quebec or the French speaking provinces?
Cheers
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cloudrunner
- Rank 5
- Posts: 309
- Joined: Tue Jan 04, 2005 6:51 am
- Location: Parallel to the Swell
Re: Canadian float scene
Just curious, how much of that is left seat time?Hendry wrote: 900 float all caravan.
Re: Canadian float scene
Actually all of it, right place right time with an operator that needed an amphibious van pilot. I had my float rating and some land caravan time beforehand so I did not need to learn how to fly the plane, just some ICUS for the water handling parts and I was set free. Very lucky.cloudrunner wrote:Just curious, how much of that is left seat time?Hendry wrote: 900 float all caravan.
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cloudrunner
- Rank 5
- Posts: 309
- Joined: Tue Jan 04, 2005 6:51 am
- Location: Parallel to the Swell
Re: Canadian float scene
Good for you Hendry, that is definitely a story of right place and right time. With that sort of experience, you have a good chance at landing a job in Canada next season. Being in the right place at the right time, with the right attitude and most importantly the right paperwork in hand should see you on your way to flying in Canada. Northern Ontario and Quebec are probably your best bets. If you have the ability to pick up some french language, that will go a long way to getting you in the door in Quebec. Good luck.Hendry wrote:Actually all of it, right place right time with an operator that needed an amphibious van pilot. I had my float rating and some land caravan time beforehand so I did not need to learn how to fly the plane, just some ICUS for the water handling parts and I was set free. Very lucky.cloudrunner wrote:Just curious, how much of that is left seat time?Hendry wrote: 900 float all caravan.
