Float Rating

[D-J]

Hey guys,

Can anyone out there done one of the many 50hr 'professional seaplane' courses on offer around BC?

I love floats & looking to make a career out of it, I would like to hear peoples thoughts on these courses, are they a good way to get a foot in the door with operators?




A few that have caught my eye

Seaplane Training Float Plane training and Charters in Victoria, BC, Canada (http://www.oceanair.ca/floatplane_seaplane_training.htm)

Fort Langley Air Float Training (http://www.fortlangleyair.com/training.htm)

Floatplane Training Canada / Mountain & Bush Pilot Training at Island Coastal Aviation Inc - in Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada - Seaplane Courses (http://www.islandcoastalaviation.com/floattraining.html)

[albertaboy]

Hey D-J
I did the 7 hour float rating out in Kelowna at Air Hart. The owner and his instructor did a great job. I managed to pound it off in two days, which helped save on accomidation costs:) A lot of people said that the 7 hour float rating is pretty much useless, but I managed to get my first ever flying job this summer with a float operator. Working hard, having a good attitude and simply showing up in person can be all you need. Good luck!

[D-J]

Thats pretty cool, you've done well there! can I ask what total time you had when you got offered the position? I'm doing skydive ops at the moment trying to build up a 1000hrs before going floats

Cheers

[Mr. North]

D-J you'll find the largest road block will be getting time on type. The Insurance man always wants to see previous float experience, regardless of TT. Thats how the 50 hour bush program came about... giving you the minimum 50 hours on floats to fly a C180 or the like. While there is added value of having a high time bush driver fly with you for 50 hours, it isn't always the best route to take. A number of people I know started out with just the 7 hour float rating. Within their first season or at the start of the second, most of them were in the air.

Given your TT it would depend how much money vs. time your willing to invest to get started in this area of the industry. If your going to go with a bush course make sure it's an actual float pilot with operational experience rather than some kid-instructor with a fresh seaplane rating! Which ever route you choose, one thing is certain; you'll never regret flying floats!!:ok: