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Old 20th May 2006 | 05:55
  #14 (permalink)  
youngmic
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 178
Likes: 7
From: Perth
G'day Beaver Boy,

I did a stint up there back in 03 flying a lovely old beaver on floats. The tour was basically a full day 5 star food and wine gourmet tour of the best bits of the Buccaneer Archipellago, had an absolute ball. The chap I worked for was a lovely bloke as well. The operation was based out of Derby.

However the money was atrocious and after 6 months I went back to Ag flying otherwise I would've starved to death. Not sure that I would necessarily blame the operator, just that margins are tight when operating vintage A/C.

About a year ago I introduced an experienced Canadian float pilot who was working in Mozambique at the time to the operator.

The guy was a good pilot and well regarded.

I was impressed with the persrverence he displayed in obtaining the necessary permits etc to work in OZ, it also cost him a fortune to relocate and jump all the hurdles. He went back to Canada within 6 months very disgruntled at the fall through of the promised income he expected.

Obseverving other seaplane operations while I was there in 03 left me thinking I was with the best operator.

So bottom line is you will have a great time if you pick the right operator, but in any case you will not make money.

Happy to answer any specific questions if you need.
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