Jobs flying piston twins in the Caribbean?

[RunwayBehindYou]

Hello,

Been searching the forum for some information about flying pistons in the Caribbean but most threads seems outdated...

Right now Im flying as captain on the Navajo and Chieftain in Northern Scandinavia with about 1500h total time and 1200h on type with about 400h as PIC.

Just wondering if anyone has any info regarding where to look and whom to speak to and what they are looking for?

If anyone who has done it has any advice of what to expect in terms of salary(if any...) and schedule it would be much appreciated as I would love to change the subzero temp and darkness for some sunshine!:)

Best rgds RBY

[BlueSkyLife]

You could try St. barts, SVG air, air mistique, Fly Montserrat, Anguilla Air to fly islanders (BN2), and Island Birds, Fly BVI, VI airline (All in the BVI; Note: FAA license and medical required for Island Birds and Fly BVI) and Cape Air for C402 (US license and or Green card required).

Scheduled and charter Carriers, expect from $2500-4000 a month. most are subjected to regulated days off and will take advantage as much, 10-14 hour duty per day for 6 days a week during high season (October-May)

[RunwayBehindYou]

Hi BluSkyLife and thanks for the info!

I have roughly the same amazing schedule here in Scandinavia so should not be a problem adapting...;)

A couple of more questions as well if you have any info on it.

General lifestyle and what to expect?
- Best place for a beer and other important stuff like that...;)
What is the cost of living in the Caribbean?
-Basically if the salary is enough to be able to the pay rent etc...
Any company one should stay away from?
How is the maintenance of the aircrafts?( In terms of air taxi operations...)

Feel free to PM instead if that works better:)¨

Safe flying!

[BlueSkyLife]

Lifestyle depends on where you live (Island). Living on a Rock isn't easy, you are home most nights, but its the same bars, same clubs, same people. One can stand, while some cant.
Your in the Caribbean, so Rum and Alcohol is cheap 2-3 USD for a beer. Alcohol and coke 5-7 USD. Food, depends on how you eat. Eating out is about 40 USD a day. If you cook, then spends about 150 USD a week in groceries. Rent is from 600>.
As I said, it all depends on what Island you get hired to work on, they pay, the diet you choose, etc.

Get an interview first then ask questions pertaining to the job and Island.
All your other questions, as I said depends on where you work.

[Flying Mechanic]

My advice to you, is to head down there and knock on doors. Most operators will give you a free ride, island to island. I was flying twins down in 02/03. Was saving about 2000 usd per month. It's quite cheap to live, you work so hard it's hard to spend the salary. Americans are good tippers to. Did some great flying and enjoyed my time there.

[multycpl]

The big problem is as already mentioned, the legal right to work there. Not always an easy thing for Europeans.

[Chadflies]

Hey guys, same questions for myself.. I'm currently an instructor in Canada looking to take that next step. I know what you will say: "Just stay in Canada"

For me it's the adventure I am seeking.. To live somewhere different, to experience a different part of the world and culture before I settle into an airline job permanently.

I was wondering where would be best to look? What hurdles I can expect being a Canadian in terms of licensing and and Visa's etc.

Any advice, tips and tricks appreciated!

**Blues skies and tailwinds**

[Ebbie 2003]

Work permits are likely to be the biggest problem.

I will take the word of others on salary - the cost of living in the Caribbean is very hight for even what one would describe as a modest stsndard of living.

There are commercial pilots hrre in Barbados waiting for chances to fly and are pumping gas to feed themselves.

Mustique Air, SVG and others fly Senecas, Aero Commanders, Islandrs and the like - also small twin turbines - I also suggest the RSS (Regional Security System) and a newcomer in Barbados called Caricom Airways.

Overall though I would think there is very little chance without a family tie to the Caribbean or a very influential personal contact; in any case just writing letters/emails are unlikley to produce results.

Good luck though.

[Bajanmike]

Hey guys I'm going to ask the same question however I'm a dual citizen off both Barbados and Canada. Don't feel like being an instructor in canada especially after our last winter. But it does seem difficult to break in to the Caribbean as a low timer, as a lot of airlines fly single pilot ifr so it's tough for low time guys. Any suggestions for a low time Caribbean pilot. Or should I pack my parka and head north for a ramp job?

Thanks BajanMike

[Wolfdog]

Bajanmike.....avoid working the ramp at all cost. Especially in the north. I'd rather live on a beach in Barbados, than load a Beech in Yellowknife!
WD