Flying in Alaska

[beebo]

Morning everyone,
I see Temsco's started hiring for their 2012 summer Ak. season. For about 6 years now I've had a dream to work up there for them. I'm Aussie with around 1000hrs TT with 300 PIC on AS350 series.
I'd be interested to hear from anyone who has worked for them before. Do they hire many expat pilots? I've tried contacting them a few times but no replies.
Cheers!

[Gordy]

They along with every other reputable company in the U.S. will ONLY hire you if you are legal to work in the United States. Do you have legal authorization? If so try call them again.

[Savoia]

Temsco are a wonderful organisation with a long history of professional service operating in an area of astounding natural beauty.

If you can serve a season with them I am certain you would find it a positive experience.

I wish you every success.

[beebo]

Hi Gordy,
Thanks for your reply. I was researching this a year back, and I thought I'd read somewhere about a visa for one year (allowing a license conversion & then to work for the remainder of the time). But silly me has no link or recollection of what visa that might be... Based on research done now, perhaps I was dreaming...? Haha
And Savoia, yes, I agree. There was a great book I read about the operation, "Bush Pilots" or something of the like. Pretty good read.
Cheers!

[inmate]

Your biggest hurdle will be getting a visa to allow such work. Students that train here can work for a period equal to their time spent training, however it may well be only for the area the training was completed in. Try calling somewhere like Bristow Academy for a better picture on that.
Alaska usually starts hiring pilots in Jan and Feb to start training in April/May. we are well into the training and work season now.
Your Aussie CPL(H) or ATPL will only allow you to fly as a private pilot here and not for hire.
The exception to the norm is if a company can show the Dept of Labour (added the "u" just for you) that they have advertised both in State and Federally for a pilot and cannot find one with the skills needed. I have seen that happen up here only once. Unfortuneately your skill and hourly levels are held by many here all looking for the same opening. (Just a plain old fact I'm afraid)
Why not try to build your hours closer to home, PNG maybe? ( I mean what can beat the site and smells of Goroka or Mt Hagen on a sunny day)
One thing is for sure once your have flown and worked here it is hard to equal or better the experience.
I wish you the best of luck in your endevours.

[beebo]

Thanks inmate. Yeah, I worked 4 seasons on cruise ships and we sold a lot of tours to Temsco/Era. We were in and out each week, but the thought of doing a season or more has been dogging me since I started flying. :ok:

[HeliStudent]

Ice-coated helicopter stranded on Alaska volcano - World - CBC News (http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2013/09/07/north-alaska-helicopter-ice.html)

Two researchers and their pilot remained stranded on a remote Alaska volcano Friday, two days after freezing rain left thick ice on their helicopter.

Alaska State Troopers said bad weather was preventing rescuers from reaching the helicopter on Mount Mageik, about 280 miles southwest of Anchorage at Katmai National Park and Preserve. Unsuccessful attempts have been made by the helicopter company and the Rescue Coordination Center, which was called in Thursday and has sent out a Blackhawk helicopter and a C-130 plane.

Everyone on board the Egli Air Haul helicopter was reported in good condition. They are well-equipped with survival gear and food, said Katmai chief ranger Neal Labrie, who has been in radio communication with them.