Hello:

I am looking to go back to university and I am looking to see if I could manage to somehow do float flying in the summer while going to university during regular months.

University normally is around September 7th to April 3rd.

If they cross over maybe I could talk to the float company or the university to make some arrangements.

I would be looking to fly in Ontario or Manitoba and I have 300ish float time and 1300 total time.

Does anyone know of someone pulling this off?

You know you gotta have thick skin to post on here'

Lets see, you maybe want the University to postpone your class till you finish the flying floats for the season, or maybe your new employer will pick you from the 300 C.V.s they have because you will quit in Sept to go back to school when the season finishes when the ice is on the lakes. You think the ice forms in Sept?

Get a job first then manage about the rest of your plans

I could skip the fall season at university or maybe go part time. all and all just seeing if I can juggle both down the road.

Or you could study online, lots of universities offer distance learning programs.

I have a friend who works at Inland Air and I think their season actually matches up with a university summer break quite well but I think they would want somebody with some significant float time. Generally speaking though you would have a hard time finding a match. It's too bad because if the float/uni seasons were exactly opposite there would probably be fewer uneducated ignorant pilots.

Chipper

I did exactly this many many years ago, and despite all the claims of global warming, I dont think the season has really changed all that much. It is a great way to spend your summers, though the pay generally is not what it used to be in most cases.

there are some great companies out there. And some really bad ones, so be careful who you apply to.

I have seen quite a few people do this. Most of them were based out at lodges, who have a early to mid-september season end due to no moose hunt offered. Go for it, it's a great way to get going.

Thanks for the replies and advice.

I found Athabasca University for an online program. I contacted the graduate school I was interested in and they would accept the degree from them.

Great thing about the school is it gives lots of flexibility of course load and starting time. You have to find a university or school nearby to supervise the exams.

I flew floats every summer except for one throughout university. All were for smaller operators/ camps, and it was a great time. Graduated school debt free as a result. It's a good plan- go for it.

Good idea, got my degree while flying floats as well. At some (most?) places the season slows down at the end of August and they can afford to lose a pilot. As well it's not a big deal if you miss the first 1-2 weeks of university if need be. Go for it.