Hey everyone, new to the forum but I have been lurking here for quite some time and finally decided to join up.

I have one question. Where does a guy with about 300hrs and a MIFR start?

I've been following posts of the "lots of opportunities for pilots..." and the other half of that which seems to say "....yeah, at McDonald's"

Seems like every gig is about spending next to forever on the ramp and hoping for the best, most likely in the remote middle of nowhere, making crap for pay. Or you end up in a tiny operator where things can be a little sketch? Then you got bonds and PPC's, and all the he says/she says about working conditions, Maintenance standards, Safety Etc.

It seems like such a race to the bottom of the barrel.

Don't take this as a complaint. I have a positive attitude, and I want to career fly. Emphasis on the FLYING. I don't have a problem spending a little time on the ramp (3-5, maybe 6 months sound reasonable?).

I just want a safe operation, reasonable pay, and good oppertunity for progression and flight hours. (though aren't we all looking for that). No problem sticking with a good company either.

So where is it at ??? Shed some light if you could, cause we all gotta start somewhere...

I just want a safe operation, reasonable pay, and good oppertunity for progression and flight hours. (though aren't we all looking for that). No problem sticking with a good company either.

10 years, still looking for that myself. I have said that I'd fly a Navajo or a 206 for the rest of my life if I was treated well.

Number one, I applaud you for trying to start with some sort of standard for yourself. That is great. The problem is, we start with these great intentions but soon after we get hungry (literally and figuratively) and broke. So we as aviators start on the grand sliding scale of standards. So we readily accept low pay and slightly-above average maintenance because, well, it's not as bad as that operator down the street. The pay may not quite be to your liking, and you may not have the greatest prospects to demand more at 300 hours (unless you can demonstrate some sort of additional skill, mind you they'll try and take it for free). Definitely hold tight to that standard of safety.

Anyway, 300hours and a MIFR is a good thing at the moment. I'd start with Alberta, that is where the most activity is. Try not to get bogged down on this website as your one stop shop for industry insight. There will be a lot of good information, but just avoid the BS; I think you already have a good idea of what that is.

Go get em'.

Start by applying to companies that you see yourself working for. Every company has its pros and cons. For yourself, choosing a company with a solid track record, and diverse fleet may be a good start.

Alberta is a great place to work for a new pilot (or an old pilot)... There is work out here, and some solid companies to fly for. Plus the money's not too bad in charter either.

Don't take everything on this website as gospal, once you get into the industry you can make up your own opinions on everything - and u will.

Stay positive and go kick some ass!

Nor-alta

Nor-alta

I second that... decent company, if its still the same DOM as 6months ago I know he's a stickler for doing it right.

You definately want to find an operation that has some light singles and twins. This will give you an opportunity to get some valuable PIC time. Some of the guys I went to school with 4 or 5 years ago can't get a left seat job in alberta because they've only got time from the right seat.

Alkin Air, Wabask Air, Nor-alta, Can-west, Swanberg, Simpson Air... all places that a low timer could get on the ramp and make a 'faster' progression to the flight line.

Cheers and good luck

Wabask Air

sorry typo... its Wabusk Air

When I was looking for work I boycotted this site because it was too depressing.

YES! N Alberta has a ton of sh*t happening.

Check out the the list of Entry Level Operators in NWT and YT in the Bush Forum.

Look in the annual WINGS industry list.

Look into Sioux Lookout, Thompson and La Ronge.

Be prepared to have a crappy year or 2.

As you find the names of operators you might be interested in, search here for previous threads on the company in question. Chances are the info you need is already posted.

Watch your ass...

ef