Hello everyone,
Just wanted to ask some questions to those that are familiar with the DC3T/BT-67 operators in Canada. I am a low time pilot who really wants to fly the aircraft and learn as much about it as I can. From my understanding, there are only a handful of operators in Canada that own Baslers. These operations include North Star Air, KBA, and Enterprise aviation. For North Star, I understand that one must put in time on the ramp to be able to have a shot at flying it eventually. However, for the other 2 companies (KBA and Enterprise), I am not very familiar on what the process to the BT67 is like (ex. ramp work, multi PIC etc...). Can anyone shed some light on how a pilot with 500 hrs and a group 1 can work up to getting a job on the right seat at one of the mentioned operators. I know there are many people out there (including myself) that are very passionate about this aircraft and am sure could shed some light on this.
Thanks and look forward to chatting with everyone!!
Basler BT-67 Operators in Canada
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ExtraButtery
- Rank 1
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Re: Basler BT-67 Operators in Canada
Yes, those are the operators you need to talk to. I don't know their hiring policies, but I'm sure that they'll answer when you ask. For KBA and Enterprise, any Basler operations are weeks or months on the road, it's not a day job. You've got to be a pretty sharp pilot to handle a Basler well. They have some 1930's handling characteristics, uncommon of today's planes. They will bite an unwary pilot at low speed, and with some system operations. Although some really skilled Basler pilots can make it look easy, flying one is work...
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Greasy Greaser
- Rank 2
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- Joined: Mon Oct 13, 2014 1:19 pm
Re: Basler BT-67 Operators in Canada
Can't speak for North Star and Enterprise and it's been a while since KBA but usually low timers starting at kba will start in the office to flight follow; same office with chief pilots, other admin and whatnot, would be safe to assume at least a year in the office in this climate. Generally they need "Flight Attendants" for the Baslers where you will load and fuel the airplane, harder work at times but completely worth it as you'll get exposure on what the Basler actually does and meet some of the interesting pilots lol.
Last I was there, they generally didn't put low timers on the Basler but on the King air or Twin otter to get their IFR (maybe confidence also?) skills up THEN go Basler but there has been low time pilots put on it in the past. I think it mainly depends on availability, attitude and a good bit of luck or unlucky once you see the schedule lol.
I was never lucky enough to fly it, wish I did but whatever. Spent a lot of time with the Basler pilots, they loved it for the most part just make sure your schedule is very flexible as you'll be gone lots.
Last I was there, they generally didn't put low timers on the Basler but on the King air or Twin otter to get their IFR (maybe confidence also?) skills up THEN go Basler but there has been low time pilots put on it in the past. I think it mainly depends on availability, attitude and a good bit of luck or unlucky once you see the schedule lol.
I was never lucky enough to fly it, wish I did but whatever. Spent a lot of time with the Basler pilots, they loved it for the most part just make sure your schedule is very flexible as you'll be gone lots.
Lose != Loose
Re: Basler BT-67 Operators in Canada
Had a friend make it at KBA. Basically they got hired like any other pilot but had hundreds of T/W hours and was selected to go to the Basler.
If you don't have your CPL or PPL yet. Go to a school where you can do it on a T/W. Harv's Air is a great spot. The citabria is a very easy to fly airplane, but will teach you so much more than Cessna can.
As mentioned Basler work is rotational worth, whether up north, Antarctic or survey work. Be used to 4-6 weeks on the road, more if down south.
If you don't have your CPL or PPL yet. Go to a school where you can do it on a T/W. Harv's Air is a great spot. The citabria is a very easy to fly airplane, but will teach you so much more than Cessna can.
As mentioned Basler work is rotational worth, whether up north, Antarctic or survey work. Be used to 4-6 weeks on the road, more if down south.
Re: Basler BT-67 Operators in Canada
Highly unlikely, I've tried in the past...
As an AvCanada discussion grows longer:
-the probability of 'entitlement' being mentioned, approaches 1
-one will be accused of using bad airmanship
-the probability of 'entitlement' being mentioned, approaches 1
-one will be accused of using bad airmanship
Re: Basler BT-67 Operators in Canada
Many friends flew Dougie Day Care at KBA.
The airplane, the lifestyle and everything else aint for the faint of heart.
But man! what a blast it looked like.
Rowdy.(the beech/twotter driver who never got the chance)
The airplane, the lifestyle and everything else aint for the faint of heart.
But man! what a blast it looked like.
Rowdy.(the beech/twotter driver who never got the chance)
Re: Basler BT-67 Operators in Canada
WRT Enterprise apply for the ramp or try and instruct at the flight school Durham Flight Centre. Be a presence within the operation, show you got a brain in your head and that you’ll stick around a while given the opportunity. Then you may have a shot... eventually.
Re: Basler BT-67 Operators in Canada
I would say out of all the operators, if that’s how you really feel about the Basler make it your ultimate goal to end up at KBA. No other job has the potential to have you go from pole to pole within 6 months and the people you meet/experiences you have are some of the best.
With that being said it’s not for the faint of heart as someone already pointed out. With the hiring climate right now I’m not sure how things are going over there. If Covid wasn’t a thing I’d say try and reach out directly, but they might heavily frown on unscheduled visits at the moment.
Good luck!
With that being said it’s not for the faint of heart as someone already pointed out. With the hiring climate right now I’m not sure how things are going over there. If Covid wasn’t a thing I’d say try and reach out directly, but they might heavily frown on unscheduled visits at the moment.
Good luck!
