Harbour Air

[FishermanIvan]

I’ve always said that Dock/ramp spots are great while you’re a PPL or working on your CPL; then you’re learning for when you’re employable as a pilot. Once you have that CPL though, especially now, there’s no reason not to go be a pilot somewhere.

[ayseven]

Generally, the dock rats are not respected by the pilots, so use the knowledge and fly away somewhere else. I did and was better in the long run.

[C.W.E.]

Generally, the dock rats are not respected by the pilots,

That is disgusting, just plain disgusting if I caught any pilot that was working for me doing that the pilot would be an unemployed pilot.

[7ECA]

Rumour has it the pilots call the dock and counter staff "assassins". Probably a few real colourful stories there.

[FishermanIvan]

Generally, the dock rats are not respected by the pilots, so use the knowledge and fly away somewhere else. I did and was better in the long run.

My brother is a dockhand at HA and has a great rapport with the pilots. Dunno where you hear this.

[ayseven]

It is what i lived, not heard. But long ago, during the last century. This experience was not harbour air btw.

[North Shore]

It is what i lived, not heard. But long ago, during the last century.

OK, Boomer!

[ayseven]

Sorry not getting the reference... Straight outta Dunderave though is good.

[Turbo82]

Harbour Air is the best place I’ve ever worked when it comes to staff. Fantastic people on the dock, in the airplane and behind the front counter. Everyone is a big family. Of course there’s always one or two in every village, but If you left harbour air feeling like you weren’t respected, it’s more likely that you didn’t deserve it.

[I_Heart_Seaplanes]

Rumour has it the pilots call the dock and counter staff "assassins". Probably a few real colourful stories there.

Rumour is completely false. The fresh FOs are jokingly called assassins. Seeing as all FOs are former dock or counter crew, the Captains have a great rapport with them, and its all very light-hearted. But let's be honest, who hasn't had a 200hr FO try and a kill them at some point?

[AirDoan]

Here is a question for the group on HA. I’m at 800 TT, 650 PIC, float (10) and multi rated (working on IFR) and living in Victoria. I would really like to get on board with them as a FO as I have more than their minimums for FO even without the IFR. Though not listed my IATRA will be written shortly. Any chance they might consider me? I’m dying to find work that will help me finish paying for the group 1. I flew jumpers this year and can do so again. But I’m not liking sitting on EI and getting antsy to find some flying work sooner.

[I_Heart_Seaplanes]

@AirDoan - Honestly, the Twin Otter FO position at HA probably is not the right path in your case.

First of all, candidates are chosen from within, so you'd have to start on the dock or front counter. The wait has been anywhere from a couple of months to years. It all depends on how many people are already in the pool, and how many positions become available.

Secondly, you have a reasonable amount of PIC and TT. You will make more money sooner getting your IATRA and IFR done and going to somewhere like PASCO or CMA.

If you REALLY want to fly floats on the coast as a career, get into a 185 float job, get your float time up and apply at HA as a Beaver pilot.

[AirDoan]

@AirDoan - Honestly, the Twin Otter FO position at HA probably is not the right path in your case.

First of all, candidates are chosen from within, so you'd have to start on the dock or front counter. The wait has been anywhere from a couple of months to years. It all depends on how many people are already in the pool, and how many positions become available.

Secondly, you have a reasonable amount of PIC and TT. You will make more money sooner getting your IATRA and IFR done and going to somewhere like PASCO or CMA.

If you REALLY want to fly floats on the coast as a career, get into a 185 float job, get your float time up and apply at HA as a Beaver pilot.

I hear you. And agree. Path of least resistance with the largest gain. PasCo has been my goal for a while but I’m having trouble financing the last bit of the group 1. So I’ll keep my eye on the prize. If I was 10 years younger I’d head east for a summer and come back for a spot on the beaver. But bills need to be paid and I’ve yet to make more than a barista! Lol

[ayseven]

Welcome to aviation. Go, and don't look back. Experience is always good.

[Thewestcoaster]

So just for curiosity sake-

For those of us who don't yet have a CPL (Currently PPL with Multi and Floats), the dock to FO climb could be worth it if we were looking to fly floats on the coast long term - or would it still be more beneficial to build time somewhere else (like out east) and attempt to come back later, especially with this supposed mentourship program they were talking about?

[Turbo82]

Definitely worth it. If you go work on the dock, or anywhere at the company for that matter as it’s not limited to dock positions, it gets you a job while you wait for the twin FO seat to open up. You can still throw a resume elsewhere in the meantime. I would always go for the first flight job offered to you. Harbour air would understand. If you leave for a flight job and come back with some float pic then you can just reapply and go straight to the Beaver with the right time.

[ayseven]

The coast is a dangerous place to start on floats. Get away and come back. It shows initiative that the coastal companies will like.