Way to float jobs / aerial firefighting?
 

Hello!

I have been wondering what is the current path to Twin Otter float jobs for a northern european pilot since the Maldives route seems to have been closed? Earlier I was interested in a position at ECA but they required quite a bit of Twin Otter float time even for first officers. I think the requirement was around 500h. Any companies around the world where one could start flying float Twin Otter and get the rating and experience.

I am also interested in the european aerial firefighting scene. Is it possible to get a job there flying the Canadair CL-415, Air Tractor or something similar? I really do not know much about the whole aerial firefighting scene in Europe. Is it a suitable career path for a pilot who's a bit bored of the airline stuff? Canada is interesting too but I think they have plenty of their own wannabes.

I am a 4000h TT regional turboprop captain from Scandinavia. Also I have some SEP SEA-time (50h) in my pocket.

I'm certainly no expert on this subject, but as far as Spain and Italy is concerned I think most of the aerial firefighting is covered by the those countries respective air forces.

In Italy that is covered by the Protezione Civile(Civil Protection) department, and if I remember correctly the requirements are 1000 (or 1500? Don't really remember) hours. Type is around 29k euro and that is detracted from the salary. After three seasons usually a permanent contract is offered. Most of them are civilian pilots.
This is all I know about Italy.

European Coastal Airlines. They fly the Otter on floats. And the scenery is fantastic. They require 1500 hrs on type for a Captain. But perhaps a "quick" command could be an option. Start as an F/O first.
But you mentioned this.

Loganair/flybe operate twin Otters. (Not on floats)
Fire fighting in Greece. In Thessaloniki?

But to be honest. Stay where you are and go to a local airfield and try to get into flying skydivers on a Cessna Grand Caravan. This is used as well on floats in the world. That can give you a bit of flying joy.

Falck

Hey sydost !
I have about 40 hours on floats and I would be really interested to fly seaplanes for a few years just a different experience. The companies you have checked i 've check them also already several times about their requirements. You may well land a job somewhere soon as a firefighter or seaplane pilot since you have already a fair amount of hours under your belt. Just keep trying and please let me know if you find a float company taking low hour pilots willing to pay for a type rating as well.
Cheers !

Float job in Croatia

http://www.aviationjobs.me/2016/08/dhc6-captains-european-coastal-airlines.html?m=1

Maria seems to rather enjoy flying with European Costal Airlines.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFovfubQJC8

http://www.index.hr/images2/2016-08/...index5e182.jpg

source: http://www.index.hr/vijesti/clanak/i...le/914183.aspx

Scandal goes on...

When considering ECA please take this in consideration too:
http://azi.hr/docs/AIN04_IS_04-LA-4,...06.2015.V1.pdf

Blue skies aviation. Cessna Caravan on floats are looking for pilots. It says on pilotcareercentre.