Ahhhh...
 

Hello?

Yes, there are other Canadians out here.

Doesn't seem to be to many on this forum, though...

A very quiet forum. All eyes are on the AC/AA, I mean CP merger.

Finally..proud Canadian aviators in this forum!

So what's the lastest in the Onex deal?

It's a very quiet forum because typically as Canadians we don't have anything to say, or can't voice our opinions loudly enough.

We bend over and take anything dished out to us!

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Life's Short...Fly Fast!

I guess I can't fly too fast right now with those floats attached!

So where do you fly out of, Bush Driver?

I am going to be graduating from Selkirk College this year. Anyone know of any small operators looking for low time pilots with commercial and group 1 instrument rating?

best bet is to do the road trip and talk to people..don't expect a job to be given to you..you have to earn it! All of us have gone thru it..so who knows..you might fly immediately, others have to work on the ramp/dock before they fly. Perhaps get a float rating also

Good Luck

Armstrong ON

Low and Slow with those floats on. and all the externals!

What about you Positive?

This summer was 20NM of Little Grand MB for a fishing camp..first flying job..pretty fun!
I only got ladders as externals..I wonder what's next?
Maybe you've heard on the radio, was flying a 185 "YXY"

You must work for Huron then.

Sorry haven't heard you on radio. I know Huron but do not work for them.

As for externals-if you can think of it, it might be an external;lumber, plywood, boats, fridges, 4 wheelers, water tanks, fuel tanks etc.

Have fun it's certainly a learning experience.

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Life's Short...Fly Fast!

A *fridge*? How exactly do you secure a refrigerator? And once you have it lashed on, how do you do the W&B? Or do you just look at the way the floats sit in the water?

Did any of you have to work on the ramp/dock before getting in the air? If so for how long?

Well Rookie,

My first flying job stems from doing the road trip like everyone told me. I did the road trip in April which is somewhat early in NWOntario and thru MB. There will be operators who will talk to you and others will tell you to get lost. Don't get discouraged, be positive about the experience.

If you got offered to work on the dock, do it..don't complain, don't bitch..just work hard and try your best and you will gear up to fly the next season.

I am very lucky to have a job this summer and indeed a lot of fun. I suggest go to places where the only means of transportation is by air. Try the different Native reserves if you can handle it.

The market in BC and AB is swamped for pilots. All my buddies are in Calgary looking for work. I think out east is where it's at right now. Or maybe even up north. But it's not easy from what I've heard.Out of last years graduating class of 12, only 2 have jobs, but both are on the King Air 200 and 1900. The rest are either in Calgary or doing the instructor rating.

Rookie, I'm back in BC now and it is an extremely tough market to get into. AB is tough too unless you have high hours.

Instructing is fine but other companies detest that since they don't consider it to be "hands on" experience. But I think it's ok..however I still prefer float flying to build PIC time..it's certainly better way.

Don't feel you need to "fly" a turboprop right away. Guys getting on with CMA with 200 hours will babysit there for the next 4 or 5 years before they have command. You need your PIC time for insurance.

If I were you, suggest a float rating and get geared up for next spring. You will have fun and at the same time, like BushDriver said, learn! Build up those valuable PIC hours and then look for a twin PIC job.

Your road trip will be one of the hardest things to do but it's sure is worth it!!

Does anyone know how those float hours are viewed a few years down the road when you're trying to get a job on something bigger, with wheels? Are they treated at a discount or do they count as much as if you had done the same bush flying on wheels?

I have always wanted to get my float rating and get into the bush, but it is all single engine day. But I guess with 250 hours you really can't expect a lot of multi-IFR time. It would be nice to get all the PIC time though. But getting my float endorsment is an expense I am not sure I will be able to afford!

Talking to other older bush pilots, they do count as something very valuable. Those who are in the industry will respect the bush time you have since they know the nature of flying we do. So when you have all the PIC time, it would be attractive indeed and upgrading to a twin captain would certainly be faster.

hey Rookie, there's not the time for you to pick what you want to fly. So what if it is all SINGLE engine day flying? Remember..you gotta have fun with your flying job too, right? You would be lucky if you were given a job flying a Piper Cub!! The point is, take what is given to you for now and worry about flying the big planes later! Like 1 guy told me, if you love flying that much, you would go anywhere and fly anything! If you have the attitude of "I want my multi time....boy..you are in for a rude awakening bud!" Come up to the bush and try it for yourself...you won't regret it. I wasn't sure about flying floats either but I gave it a try and I love it. The friends I know who are flying turboprops now miss the scudruns!