Float plane rating. Canada?

[catswhisker]

Does anyone have any suggestions/recommendations for the best way to get a float plane rating? I'm assuming Canada has to be the place, but that's an assumption based on almost no knowledge.
BTW, Yes, I have run a search. And No, I couldn't make the sniffer dog dig up the right thing. But I'm sure this has come up before. So, apologies.

[thebeast]

Hi there,

i'm also looking into doing a float plane rating (mainly for fun but also to fuel dreams of island hopping in some tropical paradise) after i have wrapped up my CPL. I ve been looking at Jacks Browns Seaplane Base in Winter Haven Florida. Its $1,000 for the FAA rating including skills test which seems like a bargain.

As far as i can tell from the CAA LASORS, is that as long as i can provide proof of the hours flown and checkride passed it can be added to my JAA licence.

hope that helps

beast

[catswhisker]

That does indeed look like a darn good deal. I'll certainly look into it.. Thanks mate. Maybe see ya over there??
I too have an eye on the island paradise...

[cavortingcheetah]

Last time I looked at that was with the idea of starting my own operation in The Indian Ocean.

The problem with the float flying is that while the licence is cheap and easy, getting the experience is not.

Back to carts and horses.

Need experiencein order not to go Whoopsie.
Need job to gain experience.
No job without 500hrs minimum float time.

Alernative: Be very rich and buy into existing float plane operation to fy as P2 until experienced.


Canada was the best place to look a couple of years ago and much easier to work in than the USofA.

Good luck,

[flying log]

I would base my decision on where I fancy going on holiday that happens to have float planes.

If it's Canada I can recommend www.air-hart.com

They are in Kelowna, British Colombia on Lake Okanagen, which also happens to be in the heart of the wine-route, if you like that kind of thing. Rating will cost around £800. Happy flying.

[pgelinas]

In Canada, floatplanes are an endorsement on your licence and not a separate rating - there is no exam or flight test involved. The requirements are 7 hours of floatplane time of which two are solo.

Dorval Aviation in Montreal does float training on a C172. The school is based at Dorval (CYUL) but the floatplane base is on the river on the north shore of Montreal island. It's accessible by public transit.

The cost is 280 CAD$/hour all taxes included, so a little under 2000 CAD$ for the endorsement. It's probably not as cheap as the other suggestions above, but Montreal is a pleasant and inexpensive city, and there are hundreds of lakes within 30 minutes flying time. It's a nice contrast to go from the city to the woods in such a short time. The fall season (October) is fantastic because of great colors of the foliage, and morning mist on the lakes...

British Columbia, as suggested above, is just as pleasant and more spectacular but perhaps more expensive to get to from Europe.

[geezajob]

I went to Montreal for a few days in 2002 and I've no idea about the flying etc but the fench canadian women were absolutely amazing!!!If its only a wee bit more expensive than the other options then I'd recommend if you're young free and single!!!

Sorry thats not a very serious contribution but these things have to be considered!