I am a new commercial pilot, I have a Group 1 and Float rating, about 270TT. Looking to start a career in float flying in the Vancouver area. Does anybody have any ideas on where to start looking? I understand many companies want experienced pilots but does anyone have any suggestions on where to start in order to gain this required experience? any input is Appreciated.

Thanks!

Manitoba and Ontario. Start emailing everyone on PCC and then go for a drive in the spring.

Nothing beats driving to every operator of float planes and talking to them one on one.

You'll need at least a season on floats from MB, ON,SK, NWT before the west coast float operators will hire you.

As for who operates on/in the south coast.

Harbour Air
Seair
Tofino Air
VanCity seaplanes
Gulf island seaplanes
Sunshine coast air
Pat bay air (training)
ocean air (training)
Ft Langley Air (training)
Air Nootka
Vancouver island air
Corilair
Atleo River air

Rowdy wrote: ↑Mon Oct 21, 2019 12:27 pm You'll need at least a season on floats from MB, ON,SK, NWT before the west coast float operators will hire you.

As for who operates on/in the south coast.

Harbour Air
Seair
Tofino Air
VanCity seaplanes
Gulf island seaplanes
Sunshine coast air
Pat bay air (training)
ocean air (training)
Ft Langley Air (training)
Air Nootka
Vancouver island air
Corilair
Atleo River air

Yes this is good advice. From my experience I had applied to a few when I had between 600-800 hrs total time (SEL) and a float rating. I actually received friendly responses from alot of them saying exactly that. Due to the sometimes challenging conditions on the BC coast, they would like at least a fair amount of float experience, with BC coastal time as a definite plus, but their recommendation was the season in eastern Canada route.
Realistically, when working for an operator such as in Ontario, you may spend part of or the whole first season as a dockhand before getting a checkout on the plane.
I would imagine the situation would vary depending on their needs, your flight experience, work ethic, character, etc.

Wow:::

If you ever get the chance to fly a Beech 18 on floats grab it because the B18 on floats is hands down the best float plane ever made.

FishermanIvan wrote: ↑Sun Oct 20, 2019 4:36 am Manitoba and Ontario. Start emailing everyone on PCC and then go for a drive in the spring.

What is PCC?

He’s referring to the Pilot Career Centre website. They have a pretty extensive list of operators broken down by region and type of flying. Makes it easy to set up a list of places to visit when planning a road trip.

jpilot77 wrote: ↑Tue Feb 11, 2020 9:44 pm He’s referring to the Pilot Career Centre website. They have a pretty extensive list of operators broken down by region and type of flying. Makes it easy to set up a list of places to visit when planning a road trip.

Yeah, I just realized as I stumbled across it just a few minutes ago!

https://pilotcareercentre.com

Thanks!