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Float Flying for low time Pilot
Posted: Thu May 09, 2024 10:46 pm
by aholenstein
Cautious if there are any employment opportunities to fly floats with minimal hours. I have my Group 1 Multi-IFR . TOTAL 950TT 700PIC, but only 8hr TT on floats. Aside from the obvious Dock Hand to Float journey, are there any other options for someone like me who'd love to find a gig flying a Floatplane?
Re: Float Flying for low time Pilot
Posted: Sat May 11, 2024 8:14 am
by Bede
Maybe look for a company that has both wheels and floats. Start on the wheels and move to floats when able.
Re: Float Flying for low time Pilot
Posted: Sat May 11, 2024 4:46 pm
by futurebushpilot
Many of the operators are looking, especially right around now when So-and-So didn't show up. Get on Pilot Career Center, find the listing of the float operators in Canada, and start sending out resumes. Carpet bomb them and wait for a bite.
Re: Float Flying for low time Pilot
Posted: Sat May 11, 2024 7:19 pm
by C-FDPB
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 fleets of airport aNd float ops. North wright, tindi, superior, wings, etc. To name a few.
Re: Float Flying for low time Pilot
Posted: Sun May 12, 2024 2:45 pm
by PilotDAR
Aside from the obvious Dock Hand to Float journey
Don't knock the dock hand job too much, it has merit. Sure, with your licenses, you should be above "the dock", but, I would rather be working the dock at an operation which did exactly the type of flying (and types) which interested me, than flying for the sake of flying, and not enjoying it. Working on the dock, or apron, or wherever the planes are operating, keeps you close to the action. It won't be long before you're called upon to also fly, and in the mean time, people are getting to know you, your work ethic, and the care you take with tasks, and you're learning by osmosis. I worked the ramp, the dock, and the dolly but not long, as they needed me to fly!
Re: Float Flying for low time Pilot
Posted: Sun May 12, 2024 8:58 pm
by aholenstein
Thanks for all the info guys. I got a gig flying a twin or the season. But I'll keep all your suggestions in mind for next spring.
Re: Float Flying for low time Pilot
Posted: Tue May 14, 2024 9:46 am
by goldeneagle
TahuluLimia wrote: ↑Mon May 13, 2024 4:06 am
Seasonal opportunities: Look for summer ops in floatplane-heavy regions (Alaska, Canada).
Obviously another bot that isn't actually aware of what the forum is, where the participants come from, and what the requirements to get these jobs are. Hint, anybody suggesting a low timer in Canada looks for a job in Alaska is obviously not aware of reality
Re: Float Flying for low time Pilot
Posted: Wed May 22, 2024 4:10 am
by seventhwonder
Bede wrote: ↑Sat May 11, 2024 8:14 am
Maybe look for a company that has both wheels and floats. Start on the wheels and move to floats when able.
This is probably your best bet. You need to be aware though that float flying is different beast from wheels, and most operators that have guys waiting to get onto the small single won't jump you in line. If it's really what you want to do, don't be afraid of learning on the dock for a while.