Maldives Floats- chances?
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Maldives Floats- chances?
Almost finished my commercial training and was wonding what the chances would be of landing a job in the Maldives on the DHC6 as an FO with the following experience:
UK JAR CPL/MEIR with ATPL theory and MCC
500h TT, 355h PIC, 50h MEP and 25h Floats
Quite serious about moving out there on a long term basis and not one of those looking at it as a holiday for a few months. Have no time on DHC6 and can't afford Type Rating for my JAR licence as it's £12K for the DHC6 course!!!
Any advice or views please? I know there's at least 2 operators out there and have found application form online for TMA but not MAT- do you apply for MAT through Kenn Borek in Calgray?
Thanks in advance
UK JAR CPL/MEIR with ATPL theory and MCC
500h TT, 355h PIC, 50h MEP and 25h Floats
Quite serious about moving out there on a long term basis and not one of those looking at it as a holiday for a few months. Have no time on DHC6 and can't afford Type Rating for my JAR licence as it's £12K for the DHC6 course!!!
Any advice or views please? I know there's at least 2 operators out there and have found application form online for TMA but not MAT- do you apply for MAT through Kenn Borek in Calgray?
Thanks in advance
Last edited by HN1708; 23rd Nov 2007 at 08:10.
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I did almost 7 years in Maldives (had a break in between) and worked for both companies. Some of the best flying I have ever done, water conditions huge at times but awessome scenery. The comeraderie is fantastic and its because of this....
Most days awake at 4, airborne 6am. land about 530-6pm with average of 12-15 landings a day. The most I did was 22. By the end of the day, ya trashed but always manage to have a cleansing refreshings. Hard work, you lose the beauty of the place after about 3 months....its a sweatshop.
To apply for MAT, email CP at Madivian Air Taxi AND CP at Kenn Borek Air
To apply for TMA, email CP at Trans Maldivian Airways
Its hard to get a slot as f/o with either company these days as more and more Maldivians are getting their licences so the 2 companies are nationally obligated to hire them. Even if you had a DHC-6 Command endorsment/PPC, they prob wouldnt look at you as you wouldnt have enough float time.
Give it a try though....if you get in, you would love it....for the first few months anyway!!!
FJ 01
Most days awake at 4, airborne 6am. land about 530-6pm with average of 12-15 landings a day. The most I did was 22. By the end of the day, ya trashed but always manage to have a cleansing refreshings. Hard work, you lose the beauty of the place after about 3 months....its a sweatshop.
To apply for MAT, email CP at Madivian Air Taxi AND CP at Kenn Borek Air
To apply for TMA, email CP at Trans Maldivian Airways
Its hard to get a slot as f/o with either company these days as more and more Maldivians are getting their licences so the 2 companies are nationally obligated to hire them. Even if you had a DHC-6 Command endorsment/PPC, they prob wouldnt look at you as you wouldnt have enough float time.
Give it a try though....if you get in, you would love it....for the first few months anyway!!!
FJ 01
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Nemanja, well dont know f/o salary as I was in the left seat. I think its around $2000USD/mth and thats paid 12 months of the year.Work 8 weeks on 4 weeks off with flight provided home for your 4 weeks off.Accom provided also. As I said earlier, its VERY hard to get a f/o position as they are hiring locals to become skippers down the track. MAT similar position also.
Good luck....any further info let me know
Good luck....any further info let me know
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Hi FJ01,
Thanks for the quick answer.
I have a JAA CPL ME IR ATPL and a TT about 750hrs mostly SE skydiving operations in C182 and C206.
I called transmaldivian a month ago and they said to call on march - april.
As I do not have a float rating, thinking to do it in Maldives.
The nearest float Cessna rating for me is in Italy. (i am from Serbia)
I really want to do that kind of job and try to live there for about 5 - 10 years
I know that is a hard flying but in the same time for me is a big challenge.
Can You tell me if there is a chance for me there?
Thanks and Best regards,
Nemanja
Thanks for the quick answer.
I have a JAA CPL ME IR ATPL and a TT about 750hrs mostly SE skydiving operations in C182 and C206.
I called transmaldivian a month ago and they said to call on march - april.
As I do not have a float rating, thinking to do it in Maldives.
The nearest float Cessna rating for me is in Italy. (i am from Serbia)
I really want to do that kind of job and try to live there for about 5 - 10 years
I know that is a hard flying but in the same time for me is a big challenge.
Can You tell me if there is a chance for me there?
Thanks and Best regards,
Nemanja
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Nemanja,
Firstly it is almost impossible to live there for 10 years.It is very isolated and it drives you crazy....really.I did 7 and was definately one of the longest expats to do this.
You cannot do float ratings in Maldives. Expats have them before they come and locals usually go to USA, Canada or Australia to do it.
My advice if you really want to go there is firstly...get a float rating!! Second, get a float job and get some seaplane hours (a float rating with no seaplane hours will not get you a job there!!!) Call the CP of Kenn Borek Air in Calgary, Canada. They supply the aircraft and crew to Maldivian Air Taxi....you will have a much better chance with them than Trans Maldivian. Beleive me I worked for both companies and know the system. Off course keep trying with TMA. Just remember that both MAT and TMA are obligated to hire local f/o's BEFORE expat f/o's. There are SO MANY locals now getting their licences, it is getting harder and harder to get a f/o position. Off course if you were a captain with seaplane DHC6 time, that is a different story!
Hope this helps fj01
Firstly it is almost impossible to live there for 10 years.It is very isolated and it drives you crazy....really.I did 7 and was definately one of the longest expats to do this.
You cannot do float ratings in Maldives. Expats have them before they come and locals usually go to USA, Canada or Australia to do it.
My advice if you really want to go there is firstly...get a float rating!! Second, get a float job and get some seaplane hours (a float rating with no seaplane hours will not get you a job there!!!) Call the CP of Kenn Borek Air in Calgary, Canada. They supply the aircraft and crew to Maldivian Air Taxi....you will have a much better chance with them than Trans Maldivian. Beleive me I worked for both companies and know the system. Off course keep trying with TMA. Just remember that both MAT and TMA are obligated to hire local f/o's BEFORE expat f/o's. There are SO MANY locals now getting their licences, it is getting harder and harder to get a f/o position. Off course if you were a captain with seaplane DHC6 time, that is a different story!
Hope this helps fj01
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A Maldivian Air Taxi de Havilland DHC6 Twin Otter on floats, performing a flight from Male to Adaaran Club Bathala (North Ari Atoll) (Maldives) with 14 passengers and 2 crew, was approaching the landing platform at winds around 20 knots and rough sea, when the floats cut through a wave, then hit a big swell causing the airplane to get airborne again with a sway to the left. The pilot in command called for a go-around and attempted to correct the left sway. While climbing out in a right turn the airplane struck a speed boat, moored to a buoy, the right hand float collided with the buoy causing the right hand float and right hand engine to separate from the aircraft. The pilot in command managed to land and stop the airplane on the left hand float. High wave drifted the airplane towards a shallow area, where the airplane sank. The passengers and crew could leave the airplane without injuries.
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Maldives
Hi Ventus,
no i didn't manage to go on the maldives, they told me that they can not provide me the float rating. Can you tell me what company did you find and some other detailes, like what aircraft, price, etc.?
Nemanja
no i didn't manage to go on the maldives, they told me that they can not provide me the float rating. Can you tell me what company did you find and some other detailes, like what aircraft, price, etc.?
Nemanja
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Agree with FloatJockey, except that it IS possible to get in without any float time (you need the rating though)... I did ! But you've got to really want it and be really lucky. Good luck. 
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Santos -
Did you get on with MAT? If you did, do you mind sharing your times when you were hired? And were you hired recently, or was this some time ago?
I have a couple places I can get a MES rating here (in the States) and I'm wanting to find out if it's worth it.
Thanks!
Did you get on with MAT? If you did, do you mind sharing your times when you were hired? And were you hired recently, or was this some time ago?
I have a couple places I can get a MES rating here (in the States) and I'm wanting to find out if it's worth it.
Thanks!
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A little update on the maldives operators.
im currently working with one of the twin otter operators down here in the maldives,
things are really slowing down thanks to the finance crisis.so all hiring has stoped for the time being.
heres the current situation for both operators.
MAT all captain upgrades on hold indefinatly, but still putting on low time fo's if your lucky enough to be canadian or maldivian.
TMA no more captain upgrades till next year, the ATR side of the company just folded and the maldivian crew are returning to the twin otter's.
when they were hiring all the fo's that got hied with low time or no float time ALL had personal connections with existing senior staff.
also talk at both companies of lowering pilot numbers thru either termination or extending the unpaid leave between rotations.
what this means is that even if you get on as a fo by the time your will be ready for upgrade (~2000hrs) there will be about 20-30 fo's ahead or you!
good luck
im currently working with one of the twin otter operators down here in the maldives,
things are really slowing down thanks to the finance crisis.so all hiring has stoped for the time being.
heres the current situation for both operators.
MAT all captain upgrades on hold indefinatly, but still putting on low time fo's if your lucky enough to be canadian or maldivian.
TMA no more captain upgrades till next year, the ATR side of the company just folded and the maldivian crew are returning to the twin otter's.
when they were hiring all the fo's that got hied with low time or no float time ALL had personal connections with existing senior staff.
also talk at both companies of lowering pilot numbers thru either termination or extending the unpaid leave between rotations.
what this means is that even if you get on as a fo by the time your will be ready for upgrade (~2000hrs) there will be about 20-30 fo's ahead or you!
good luck
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Hi Calmaashs,
I know one of the Captains for TMA and he put my CV forward last year August (08). Some interest was shown in hiring me as a Junior FO as I am low houred. Went to Scotland and did a SEP SEA Rating. Told TMA that I had done the Sea Plane thing and was ready to join up with big smile and sparkly teeth. This was November. They got back to me and said unfortunatley things had turned for the worst and they would keep my CV until something came up.
In your educated opinion, do you think there is still hope for me, or do you think I should just right the whole sea plane dream off for good.
As a seasoned job hunter, I always tend to be very optermistic.
Happy flying.
FO JJ
I know one of the Captains for TMA and he put my CV forward last year August (08). Some interest was shown in hiring me as a Junior FO as I am low houred. Went to Scotland and did a SEP SEA Rating. Told TMA that I had done the Sea Plane thing and was ready to join up with big smile and sparkly teeth. This was November. They got back to me and said unfortunatley things had turned for the worst and they would keep my CV until something came up.
In your educated opinion, do you think there is still hope for me, or do you think I should just right the whole sea plane dream off for good.
As a seasoned job hunter, I always tend to be very optermistic.
Happy flying.
FO JJ
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Hi JJ
unfortunatly they are telling the truth at the moment, november was when it becme apparant that the high season was going to be lean this year. to put is in prospective, last high season we were all flying 120 hrs a mth, this season has been more like 65 hrs a mth!
The last low time guy did the exact same training path as you and has proven to be good, so thats in you favor. also we will be getting new 400 series twin otters at the end of the year with more crew needed for them. so keep plugging away at it. dont worry about the degradation of your newly aquired float skills as the twin otter flies nothing like a piston single and in the training configuration (empty) cant be kept on the water even if u wanted to once powers applied!
unfortunatly they are telling the truth at the moment, november was when it becme apparant that the high season was going to be lean this year. to put is in prospective, last high season we were all flying 120 hrs a mth, this season has been more like 65 hrs a mth!
The last low time guy did the exact same training path as you and has proven to be good, so thats in you favor. also we will be getting new 400 series twin otters at the end of the year with more crew needed for them. so keep plugging away at it. dont worry about the degradation of your newly aquired float skills as the twin otter flies nothing like a piston single and in the training configuration (empty) cant be kept on the water even if u wanted to once powers applied!
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Hi Calmaashs,
Do you have to do a twin engine float rating before you can fly the DHC6 and is there a private and commercial float rating? I am finding it hard to get information on this, or I am just looking in the wrong places!
Thanks
Craig
Do you have to do a twin engine float rating before you can fly the DHC6 and is there a private and commercial float rating? I am finding it hard to get information on this, or I am just looking in the wrong places!
Thanks
Craig
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The absolute min you need to apply is a cpl, mecir, and a single engine float endo. coz none of that can be done here.the dhc6 rating is done inhouse. but unless you have significant time on floats or know someone here or are canadian or maldivian your chances are veeeeeeeeeeery slim. this is not an hour building job, this is a lifestyle!!
good luck all
good luck all
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Im still going to try (in about three years time when im finished training 
), I want to fly floats for a career. I have found a few operators in Europe, one of which says they will supply a float rating for "suitable candidates", who ever that may be!
), I want to fly floats for a career. I have found a few operators in Europe, one of which says they will supply a float rating for "suitable candidates", who ever that may be!
Why...
Hi guys
Why dont you try some bush flying in Africa whilst you wait for that elusive 'dream job'? Would be great logbook time and if your lucky you could end up with 'Twotter time on land as a bonus. It would also prove that you are willing AND able to work outside of your home country.
Go look for that first job, it wont come to you!
BTW for you European based guys, Air Sea Lines (Greek island hoppers) have two 'Twotters in LSZR for conversion to Canadian registry as we speak... Not a good sign. Another one bites the dust?
Good luck.
Why dont you try some bush flying in Africa whilst you wait for that elusive 'dream job'? Would be great logbook time and if your lucky you could end up with 'Twotter time on land as a bonus. It would also prove that you are willing AND able to work outside of your home country.
Go look for that first job, it wont come to you!
BTW for you European based guys, Air Sea Lines (Greek island hoppers) have two 'Twotters in LSZR for conversion to Canadian registry as we speak... Not a good sign. Another one bites the dust?
Good luck.
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VAviator,
I went ot the Maldives (TMA) 6 years ago but even back then everyone said it was impossible. I persisted and probably got lucky in the end. Found out the only way in is through a recommendation. I had 1000 TT, 7 floats. I think only TT and the ratings counted as at the time they wanted senior FO's. Don't do a MES, SES is all they need. Right now things are bad bad bad. Possibly after the crisis and when all those new resorts down South open up you might have a chance. Good luck.
500 above,
AirSea Lines stopped operations since December. Apparetnly the last few months were worthy of a soap opera script. Plans to restart for the summer but unlikely according to me. Right now only one airplane still in Greece.
SD
I went ot the Maldives (TMA) 6 years ago but even back then everyone said it was impossible. I persisted and probably got lucky in the end. Found out the only way in is through a recommendation. I had 1000 TT, 7 floats. I think only TT and the ratings counted as at the time they wanted senior FO's. Don't do a MES, SES is all they need. Right now things are bad bad bad. Possibly after the crisis and when all those new resorts down South open up you might have a chance. Good luck.
500 above,
AirSea Lines stopped operations since December. Apparetnly the last few months were worthy of a soap opera script. Plans to restart for the summer but unlikely according to me. Right now only one airplane still in Greece.
SD