Possible low-time work in Canada?

[BBN RADAR]

Hello All,

just did some browsing and searching but didn't really find an answer to some questions...

Living in Australia and I have just got my CPL and I am going to get some work here (probably all single engine) to get another few hundred hours up.

After that, I am really keen on heading overseas (need a change) to get more experience. Canada is one of the places I had under consideration.

1.From what I've been reading, there is a lot of floatplane work, what other sort of flying do the low-time guys do?

2. Would it be possible for me to find work with under 600hrs TT? if not, then what sort of numbers would i need?

3. Would I need a M.E. Rating? what about Instrument Rating?

Thanks in advance. From what I've been reading, my chances don't look good, but I would appreciate any feedback.

Cheers,

BBN RADAR

[Left Coaster]

Good attitiude, seriously. that will help, but unless you have the right to work in Canada, it might not help. From what I hear, you need to be able to convince the govt of Canada that you are needed by an employer in order to recieve a work permit. You might be able to fly a bit on a visit, but collect any $$ and get caught, back to where you left. Hope it helps...:ok:

[MLS-12D]

If you are aged 30 or younger, getting a work permit won't be a problem, as you can likely qualify for a 'working holiday' visa (Canada has reciprocal privileges with Australia). See generally here (http://www.workingholidayguru.com/canada/index.htm) and here (http://www.whpcanada.org.au/introduction.shtm). There are a limited number of places (7,500 per year), so you'll want to get your application in as soon as possible in January, 2005. Contact the Canadian High Commission in Canberra (tel. 9364 3000), or the consulate in Perth (tel. 08-9322-7931), for more information.

As far as actually finding employment goes, you can probably get a (very low-paying) job here as a junior instructor, if you have (or are willing to get) an instructor's rating. If you want to work in the bush, you'll probably need at least 25 hours on floats, with the more the better. ME or instrument experience would be somewhat helpful, but not particularly relevant and certainly not necessary for entry-level jobs. See further here (http://ebushpilot.com/dudley.htm) for helpful advice.

Good luck!

MLS :cool:

P.S. Doubtless plenty of Canadians will tell you not to come, there aren't enough jobs to go around, etc. etc.; but you might get lucky (http://ebushpilot.com/haveyou.htm), and what do you have to lose?

P.P.S. You might enjoy Robert S. Grant's book, Bush Flying: The Romance of the North (see here (http://ebushpilot.com/grant.htm) for extracts).

[R_Davis]

Hopefully i can give you a little insight to the Canadian job market from a Canadian stand point. I am a canadian citizen, and have my float rating, multi-IFR, and commercial. I as well as many of my friends have quite a hard time finding work, and are being forced to move WAY up North in order to get a start in the industry.

Unless you want to be an instructor, and have less than 500 hours, you will be a high time ramp/dock worker, in fact because insurance companies are a$$holes, a lot of float companies are looking for 500-700 hours on floats.

There are a few exceptions to this rule. If a company does not have hull insurance, all you really need is a float rating (7 hours of float time).

Either way, good luck to you, if you have anyother questions about flying in Canada, i would be more than happy to answer some of them.

[MLS-12D]

because insurance companies are a$$holes, a lot of float companies are looking for 500-700 hours on floats.If you honestly believe that insurers' requirements are unreasonable, why not investigate forming your own insurance company? If you're correct, there will be lots of premium income flowing your way, and you could make a forture.

Of course, if you're wrong then you will lose your shirt on claims; but doubtless you have the courage of your convictions ...

[skudrunner]

Just out of curiosity. What do insurance companies like to see for kingair Capt.’s? I remember about 2yrs ago I was told that the insurance company wanted more turbine time. At that time I only had about 250hrs pic on kingairs. Now I’ve came across a similar event for larger a/c

[MLS-12D]

I am neither an underwriter nor a broker, so I have no idea. In any case it would be difficult to provide a reliable number in a vacuum, as minimum requirements often vary according to various factors (fleet size, number of years claims free, etc.).

As an aside: it has been my experience that some flying schools tend to hide behind imaginary "insurance requirements" as a convenient excuse (e.g., "we'd love to rent you the 310 solo, but the insurance company says you have to have 500 hours on type first"). It is possible (I don't say probable) that you are being given a similar line as a way to get rid of you without causing an argument.

[Ozgrade3]

R_davis,

Whats is the scene in Canada like for instructors. I have 1500TT, 300 ME command and just over 1,000 hrs of instructing time. All my flying has been in Oz. Like others I'm looking for a change of scenery.

Are any of the big schools in Canada after some reasonably experianced instructors??

[MLS-12D]

Ozgrade3,

I think that you would likely be able to secure an instructing position without too much difficulty, but you might be disappointed with the remuneration.

I'd suggest that you contact Barrie Aravandino ([email protected]) for general information. He is a fellow Aussie at Seneca College's aviation programme (http://aviation.senecac.on.ca/program/index.html), and should be able to give you some reliable information re your prospects.