WTF? $150 a day for an experienced float pilot
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WTF? $150 a day for an experienced float pilot
I've kept my mouth shut this year, but after reading the Bamaji thread where "people" were defending $150 a day for an experienced float pilot, well, here's my rant for 2008...
WTF? $150 a day is an embarrassment for any commercial pilot, let alone an experienced float pilot in 2008! Am I the only one who's been counting the float ads flooding the job forum this year? If you haven't been counting, there's been over 30 ads posted trying to fill over 40 jobs in January and February alone! IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY ALONE. I didn't see the job posting for Bamaji, so don't know what TT they wanted, but regardless... $150 a day is a joke.
Seriously people...quit shooting us all in the foot by accepting these crap wages.
What should a pilot with 1000+ hours on floats be earning? Well I'm glad you asked; here's one man's opinion:
1. $25/duty hour. (Sure I'll stay late Boss.)
2. Overtime (time and a half) paid on everything over 160 hours a month. (Please make me work 14 hour days Boss.)
3. 5 on, 2 off schedule. (A tired pilot is a dangerous pilot.)
4. Room and board or a bonus paid at the end of the season.
And don't get me started with the old "we're just float pilots" B.S. Just like the float companies that only have 6 months to earn a years worth of wages, the same is true for their pilots.
When a float pilot makes a mistake, people die.
How many other jobs can you think of with similar responsibilities and consequences?
Thought of a few?
Now ask yourself, do they earn less than the night manager at Tim Hortons too?
$150 a day for a commercial pilot is a joke.
My two cents...
WTF? $150 a day is an embarrassment for any commercial pilot, let alone an experienced float pilot in 2008! Am I the only one who's been counting the float ads flooding the job forum this year? If you haven't been counting, there's been over 30 ads posted trying to fill over 40 jobs in January and February alone! IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY ALONE. I didn't see the job posting for Bamaji, so don't know what TT they wanted, but regardless... $150 a day is a joke.
Seriously people...quit shooting us all in the foot by accepting these crap wages.
What should a pilot with 1000+ hours on floats be earning? Well I'm glad you asked; here's one man's opinion:
1. $25/duty hour. (Sure I'll stay late Boss.)
2. Overtime (time and a half) paid on everything over 160 hours a month. (Please make me work 14 hour days Boss.)
3. 5 on, 2 off schedule. (A tired pilot is a dangerous pilot.)
4. Room and board or a bonus paid at the end of the season.
And don't get me started with the old "we're just float pilots" B.S. Just like the float companies that only have 6 months to earn a years worth of wages, the same is true for their pilots.
When a float pilot makes a mistake, people die.
How many other jobs can you think of with similar responsibilities and consequences?
Thought of a few?
Now ask yourself, do they earn less than the night manager at Tim Hortons too?
$150 a day for a commercial pilot is a joke.
My two cents...
Last edited by 180 on Sun Mar 02, 2008 7:27 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: $150 a day for an experienced float pilot
Nevermind the complex schedule. I'll just take $400 per day as a contractor 

Drinking lots of coffee lately, at a nice safe jungle desk, wishing I were flying......
Re: $150 a day for an experienced float pilot
At a nominal 8 hours, that's only $50/hr, which is kindaI'll just take $400 per day as a contractor
low-balling it IMHO for a contract rate, which is
all-in.
$500 per day is a better number for a contract pilot,
plus expenses on top of that.
If someone wants to pay McWages for a pilot, well,
he shouldn't be too surprised if he gets what he
pays for, which is a wrecked airplane.
FWIW when I do contract engineering - which I do
as infrequently as I can arrange - my time is charged
at $1200 per day.
Why work for McWages?
Re: WTF? $150 a day for an experienced float pilot
The main problem with this job is the fact that the Plane in owned by the Band AKA (Achigo Air). The OC is held by Bamaji who is only in it to get business for their Caravan, And the main player is a Fuel Baron from Dryden who has in conjuntion with the band, building an outpost lodge at Echoing lk. You think $150.00 is a good wage, Ya sure if you are sleeping in and doing a few trips a day and then some afternoon fishing, great its a retirement gig, But thats not what the expectation is of the Pilot/Labourer or should I say Labourer/Pilot, they don't mention anything about how the Pilot is expected to be order around by this Fuel baron, who thinks he is the OP's/CP or something, they don't tell you that your expected to work 10hrs a day as a Labourer, when as often for days there are no flights. So before you people go defending this wage find out what the Job duties really are.The kicker is that they hire local Band members to be Enviromental observers hahaha!!! "Don't through that Pop can on the ground Mr.Miner this is sacride land Hahaha!!, cooks and Dishwashers and they pay them all more than $150.00 a day! So now the Pilot /Labourer is making less than the Dishwasher! Cool!
Anyway I think 180 is right on, lets take a closer look at these jobs and ask for fair compensation before we sell each other out. When Pilots have refused to take a low paying job in the past,the employer usually was forced to raise the the Pay! The same goes for the guys who have retired and just want to fly. Thats great but don't fly for nothing just because you can afford to, it just brings the whole industry down.
My two cents
Anyway I think 180 is right on, lets take a closer look at these jobs and ask for fair compensation before we sell each other out. When Pilots have refused to take a low paying job in the past,the employer usually was forced to raise the the Pay! The same goes for the guys who have retired and just want to fly. Thats great but don't fly for nothing just because you can afford to, it just brings the whole industry down.
My two cents
Re: WTF? $150 a day for an experienced float pilot
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Last edited by B-rad on Sun Nov 30, 2014 12:04 pm, edited 1 time in total.
My ambition is to live forever - so far, so good!
Re: WTF? $150 a day for an experienced float pilot
Two or Three years ago you guys woulda been climbing over each other for this job...
I'm guessing it's on a beaver.. and honestly.. if room and board is provided and you get paid even the days you don't fly.. Thats not as horrible as you make it out to be.
4500 a month.. come on!! I bet most of the turbine FO's out there don't even make half that!! and THAT is something we should be bitching about..
I'm guessing it's on a beaver.. and honestly.. if room and board is provided and you get paid even the days you don't fly.. Thats not as horrible as you make it out to be.
4500 a month.. come on!! I bet most of the turbine FO's out there don't even make half that!! and THAT is something we should be bitching about..
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Re: WTF? $150 a day for an experienced float pilot
Rowdy wrote:Two or Three years ago you guys woulda been climbing over each other for this job...
I'm guessing it's on a beaver.. and honestly.. if room and board is provided and you get paid even the days you don't fly.. Thats not as horrible as you make it out to be.
4500 a month.. come on!! I bet most of the turbine FO's out there don't even make half that!! and THAT is something we should be bitching about..
My first job was $10/flt hour. All in. Really.
Of course I threatened to leave the plane parked somewhere a couple months after I started, held them ransom for $15/hr.....
So, we're coming in the right direction.... however slowly. Unfortunately inflation is still winning the race!
stl
Re: WTF? $150 a day for an experienced float pilot
Ouch!!
I think a day rate is a better idea.. If the weather sucks.... SIT and wait.. you're still gettin paid!! Dont like the load? Don't go! You're still gettin paid
I know for the risks and associated work in the bush that we should be making at least closer to 6k/month for a beaver driver..
Proffesional organization anyone?
I think a day rate is a better idea.. If the weather sucks.... SIT and wait.. you're still gettin paid!! Dont like the load? Don't go! You're still gettin paid

I know for the risks and associated work in the bush that we should be making at least closer to 6k/month for a beaver driver..
Proffesional organization anyone?
Re: WTF? $150 a day for an experienced float pilot
Rowdy wrote:Ouch!!
I think a day rate is a better idea.. If the weather sucks.... SIT and wait.. you're still gettin paid!! Dont like the load? Don't go! You're still gettin paid![]()
I would say duty time/hourly is the way to go for pay with an 40 hour week then over time.......
Re: WTF? $150 a day for an experienced float pilot
Hmmm...I was thinking about this a little bit. And I guess if do the math:
For this summer, subtract the 4 days off I'll get from an average 30 days/month and divide by my monthly wage. Im making:
-about 168$/day on a beaver. (Fair)
-room and board is free (Great)
-tips are high enough (maybe 30$/day). (Good)
-seasonal (with all the fishing I can handle) (Good)
From a certain company on the west coast where I assume the wages are high I was offered:
-20$/hr at 160hr/month plus overtime
-This works out to a minumum of 123$/day with 4 days off or 145$/day with 8 days off (hmmm)
-No room and board in "a populated area" of BC (Bad)
-However, chance for advancement to "good-pay" (Great)
-Year round (Great)
-Benefits (Good)
Nonetheless, some other places offered better wages than I am taking this summer but I gave my word a month ago (jumped the gun...woops) for the job I have, and thats that for the summer. Tips are basically guaranteed as well so I'm not complaining this year. Personally I think monthly pay's the best for myself with various guarantees in that month. Like days off and whatever.
From what I've gathered for this year of 2008 generally speaking:
-150$/day for a beaver
Is on par with the country average (which I have limited data for and am sort of guessing off the top of my head) if:
--you get 4-8 days off a month
--you get paid on days off
--you get room and board.
--But most importantly, if you have no beaver time on type
OR AM I OUT TOO LUNCH!!! I'd like to know....hell, it concerns me and my pocket.
For this summer, subtract the 4 days off I'll get from an average 30 days/month and divide by my monthly wage. Im making:
-about 168$/day on a beaver. (Fair)
-room and board is free (Great)
-tips are high enough (maybe 30$/day). (Good)
-seasonal (with all the fishing I can handle) (Good)
From a certain company on the west coast where I assume the wages are high I was offered:
-20$/hr at 160hr/month plus overtime
-This works out to a minumum of 123$/day with 4 days off or 145$/day with 8 days off (hmmm)
-No room and board in "a populated area" of BC (Bad)
-However, chance for advancement to "good-pay" (Great)
-Year round (Great)
-Benefits (Good)
Nonetheless, some other places offered better wages than I am taking this summer but I gave my word a month ago (jumped the gun...woops) for the job I have, and thats that for the summer. Tips are basically guaranteed as well so I'm not complaining this year. Personally I think monthly pay's the best for myself with various guarantees in that month. Like days off and whatever.
From what I've gathered for this year of 2008 generally speaking:
-150$/day for a beaver
Is on par with the country average (which I have limited data for and am sort of guessing off the top of my head) if:
--you get 4-8 days off a month
--you get paid on days off
--you get room and board.
--But most importantly, if you have no beaver time on type
OR AM I OUT TOO LUNCH!!! I'd like to know....hell, it concerns me and my pocket.
Re: WTF? $150 a day for an experienced float pilot
Rowdy wrote:Two or Three years ago you guys woulda been climbing over each other for this job...
I'm guessing it's on a beaver.. and honestly.. if room and board is provided and you get paid even the days you don't fly.. Thats not as horrible as you make it out to be.
4500 a month.. come on!! I bet most of the turbine FO's out there don't even make half that!! and THAT is something we should be bitching about..
Rowdysky's the limit wrote:Rowdy wrote:Two or Three years ago you guys woulda been climbing over each other for this job...
I'm guessing it's on a beaver.. and honestly.. if room and board is provided and you get paid even the days you don't fly.. Thats not as horrible as you make it out to be.
4500 a month.. come on!! I bet most of the turbine FO's out there don't even make half that!! and THAT is something we should be bitching about..
You are always defending every operator who's name comes up in this form. I know you had a bad accident and maybe you feel that if you say nice things about all the operators in Canada, they will forget all about this accident and they will think you are a great guy. I don't hold it against you and I'm sure no one else does either. So please only defend people when you have all the facts.
The days off are not payed, You will never know if you can have a day off, and when there is no flights, you won't have days to just get payed you will be a labour. The problem is this operator has had a lot of people willing to fly for nothing because they don't need the money so they don't really know what a Beaver pilot in isolation is worth.
I too have worked for some very low wages but the main thing is this is not a entry level job,the Pilot will have to operate on his/her own with no maintenance help. So before you say this is a great wage,find out the facts.
If they payed $5000.00 a month straight,with at least 1 day off a week and no labouring, don't get me wrong I still think a guy should help out/not be a slave, then this would be a great job for a guy looking for some Beaver time.
My three cents
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Re: WTF? $150 a day for an experienced float pilot
you do realize that thread is from 2006, right? Maybe they're paying more now.180 wrote:I've kept my mouth shut this year, but after reading the Bamaji thread where "people" were defending $150 a day for an experienced float pilot, well, here's my rant for 2008...
Re: WTF? $150 a day for an experienced float pilot
myairway.. I could care less what anyone thinks about my accident. I'm just nautrally an optimist.
I'm also in a spot that I'm not gonna be leaving for a while. So it really makes no difference to me. I'm just trying to stir the pot and get a few people to voice their opinions and maybe share some of the facts they have hiding!!
If you guys read any of my posts you'd see me slagging on a couple of companies that are seriously paying SHIT. 4500/month is almost 3 times what a certain YVR metro operator is paying... and you're not up hours before the sun is..
Don't get me wrong.. its probably not even close to being a good job.. but at least it's paying something more than Timmys wages. Sure we should be paid more..
Don't like it? don't take it! Encourage others and the new guys not to take it. Then maybe we'll see a change!

If you guys read any of my posts you'd see me slagging on a couple of companies that are seriously paying SHIT. 4500/month is almost 3 times what a certain YVR metro operator is paying... and you're not up hours before the sun is..
Don't get me wrong.. its probably not even close to being a good job.. but at least it's paying something more than Timmys wages. Sure we should be paid more..
Don't like it? don't take it! Encourage others and the new guys not to take it. Then maybe we'll see a change!
Re: WTF? $150 a day for an experienced float pilot
180,
I said I would take $150/day to fly their 185, and then I listed my time. I'm sorry, I can't agree with you... But I don't consider myself (300tt, 24 float) an experienced pilot by anyone’s standard. I have applied to over twenty five jobs now with no luck. I’m graduating from confed this April with a shit load of debt to pay off and I can’t find someone who will pay me to fly.
So if you could please help me out 180, I’m looking for a high paying entry level job that values my CPL and pampers me with lots of love.
Anyone else, I’m looking for a flying job that pays the bills ($150/day will work).
I said I would take $150/day to fly their 185, and then I listed my time. I'm sorry, I can't agree with you... But I don't consider myself (300tt, 24 float) an experienced pilot by anyone’s standard. I have applied to over twenty five jobs now with no luck. I’m graduating from confed this April with a shit load of debt to pay off and I can’t find someone who will pay me to fly.
So if you could please help me out 180, I’m looking for a high paying entry level job that values my CPL and pampers me with lots of love.
Anyone else, I’m looking for a flying job that pays the bills ($150/day will work).
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Re: WTF? $150 a day for an experienced float pilot
Rowdy posted in another topic:

So apparently when we are talking about shitty pay Rowdy thinks it's ok for Borek to pay F/O's $1700/ month in the Maldives. But not okay for a certain YVR operater."1k Can base and 700/month US is what i was told for new FO's.. but remember.. if yer down there for six months.. NO TAX!! plus your accomodations are provided and food is cheap cheap.
Not sure what the capts. or guys with a whack of otter time are getting."

Re: WTF? $150 a day for an experienced float pilot
QNN-I’m looking for a high paying entry level job that values my CPL and pampers me with lots of love.
hahaha Good Luck. I dont mean to be rude but you can't expect the big bucks with no experiance. It takes a few years of trust and experiance for an operator to let you fly is plane and pay you well for it.
I'm not saying that you can't get on a 180/185 right away. You just won't get paid much. Untill you get some quality experiance then you have something to argue about with your boss for a raise.
Good luck with your job hunt. Don't give up
Re: WTF? $150 a day for an experienced float pilot
I swear this is pick on Rowdy week.
1700 tax free with room and board as an ENTRY level wage on the otter down in the dives... all ya need is a multi IFR and a float rating.. THATS IT! I know anyone with some float time and/or otter time is making more.
Do the math... 19k/yr is 1583/month.. you still have to pay Tax, EI and CPP on top of that.. plus live in one of the most expensive cities in Canada versus, what was already described. Hmm...
Comparing apples to oranges here anyways!!
1700 tax free with room and board as an ENTRY level wage on the otter down in the dives... all ya need is a multi IFR and a float rating.. THATS IT! I know anyone with some float time and/or otter time is making more.
Do the math... 19k/yr is 1583/month.. you still have to pay Tax, EI and CPP on top of that.. plus live in one of the most expensive cities in Canada versus, what was already described. Hmm...
Comparing apples to oranges here anyways!!
Re: WTF? $150 a day for an experienced float pilot
Boss Hawg. Nope, I didn't realize that bamaji thread was from 2006. Still, that was too low in 2006 and my 2008 rant stands.
GQNN. I feel your pain coming out of school with big debts and needing to earn some money. Unfortunately in the float world, starting gigs are seasonal and you usually only fly a few hundred hours a season. My rant was for guys with 1000+ PIC on floats. I paid my dues in the bush...took me a year of dock and office before I got into a machine, then another three seasons before I had the time to choose where I wanted to live and fly. If there was any way around that, I'd tell you. Truth is, there isn't. With 300TT and 24 on floats, you'd be lucky to find any flying job. My advice is don't be too high and mighty for a dock, ground, office, ramp job. Show them you have a work ethic and a head on your shoulders and you'll be on your way. Good luck.
Rowdy, you seem to have a good sense of humour, good on ya', keep your chin up bro'.
C'mon ice...melt!
GQNN. I feel your pain coming out of school with big debts and needing to earn some money. Unfortunately in the float world, starting gigs are seasonal and you usually only fly a few hundred hours a season. My rant was for guys with 1000+ PIC on floats. I paid my dues in the bush...took me a year of dock and office before I got into a machine, then another three seasons before I had the time to choose where I wanted to live and fly. If there was any way around that, I'd tell you. Truth is, there isn't. With 300TT and 24 on floats, you'd be lucky to find any flying job. My advice is don't be too high and mighty for a dock, ground, office, ramp job. Show them you have a work ethic and a head on your shoulders and you'll be on your way. Good luck.
Rowdy, you seem to have a good sense of humour, good on ya', keep your chin up bro'.
C'mon ice...melt!
Re: WTF? $150 a day for an experienced float pilot
I've heard rumours that Rowdy is a waste of good skin!!! He is overly opinionated and speaks way too loudly..
Oh yeah, that's after a night in the Beaver!!
How are those PT6's treating you buddy?
Is it still snowing up there? Sunny and warm here!!! LOL..
Have fun..
Oh yeah, that's after a night in the Beaver!!

How are those PT6's treating you buddy?
Is it still snowing up there? Sunny and warm here!!! LOL..

Have fun..
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Re: WTF? $150 a day for an experienced float pilot
Hey Rowdy,
I'm in your corner man... Not much of a Cut Man, but I'm here.
stl
PS Posted a couple pix for ya.
I'm in your corner man... Not much of a Cut Man, but I'm here.
stl
PS Posted a couple pix for ya.
Re: WTF? $150 a day for an experienced float pilot
It's okay.. the skin might be useless.. but at least she's thick
Twotter.. the PT6's are nice.. but I miss the 985. Not much snow in calg today.. but am headed north again tommorow. I'll be back west at the end of the month. I'm damn sure I still owe ya a beer!! I'll give you a call when I know what day I'll be back in town. Maybe we'll have a gathering on the 27th
stl - you gonna be around? Or are ya off galavanting around in those fancy whirly birds?

Twotter.. the PT6's are nice.. but I miss the 985. Not much snow in calg today.. but am headed north again tommorow. I'll be back west at the end of the month. I'm damn sure I still owe ya a beer!! I'll give you a call when I know what day I'll be back in town. Maybe we'll have a gathering on the 27th

stl - you gonna be around? Or are ya off galavanting around in those fancy whirly birds?
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Re: WTF? $150 a day for an experienced float pilot
Ice?
What are you talking about.
There isn't no Ice!
What are you talking about.
There isn't no Ice!
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Re: WTF? $150 a day for an experienced float pilot
Rowdy wrote:
stl - you gonna be around? Or are ya off galavanting around in those fancy whirly birds?
I'm going to be on the Island this coming week, then I HAVE to go to Italy (I'm really broken up about it.......) But will be in the Vangroovey area around the 28th or so, then who knows???
stl
Re: WTF? $150 a day for an experienced float pilot
Has nobody heard of sarcasm? I’m saying there is nothing wrong with guys like me (with no experience) taking low paying jobs to build some experience. I’d be bouncing off the walls with joy to hear that someone was willing to pay me $50/day to fly their plane. I’d be just as happy getting a dock job that let me build some dual time every once and a while…
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Re: WTF? $150 a day for an experienced float pilot
C-GQNN wrote:Has nobody heard of sarcasm? I’m saying there is nothing wrong with guys like me (with no experience) taking low paying jobs to build some experience. I’d be bouncing off the walls with joy to hear that someone was willing to pay me $50/day to fly their plane. I’d be just as happy getting a dock job that let me build some dual time every once and a while…
And that, is exactly what is so wrong about our industry. Nothing personal GQNN, it's just this prevailing attitude leaves us all short.
stl