Just Wondering....re: the float flying world

whipair77 · Post by **whipair77** » Sun Jan 29, 2006 9:21 pm

Hey guys and gals

I've been reading this site for almost a year now and have a question I'd like to throw out there.

I'm a rookie commercial pilot with a float endorsement and about 67 hours on floats, around 250 total time. I earned most of that float time while working on a dock this past float season. I recently had a job interview for a 172 float instructor position and was told I was overqualified and had enough time to get on as a 185 driver somewhere.

I was just wondering what the general concensus on this was. Not saying anybody is right or wrong, I would just like some composed advice about my career as I would really like to hang in this float thing for a bit, I enjoy it.

Thanks in advance for your time and replies.

Edo · Post by **Edo** » Mon Jan 30, 2006 12:21 am

Did the company who you worked the dock for offer you a flying position this year. If not why? insurance?

I have not seen too many guys get cut loose with 67 hours or less but it can happen.

As for being overqualifed for instructing. Thats BS, I sure wouldnt want to train there.

Try to find a 185 job you may get lucky but I would think the best bet is to go back to the same operator you worked for even if it means the dock again.

TheHub · Post by **TheHub** » Mon Jan 30, 2006 6:05 am

Edo is correct, whoever is telling you that you are overqualified for an instructing position is feeding you some real BS. The absolute MINIMUMS for a float instructor is a Commercial licence and 50 hrs on floats. Having a little more than that 50 hrs should just give you a slight advantage.
Good Luck finding that 185 job!

heeled up · Post by **heeled up** » Mon Jan 30, 2006 11:34 am

If you've got the time and spare change, try a roadtrip. Talk to as many operators as you can, remember the ones who take the time to talk to you and follow up, follow up, follow up.

Persistance does pay off...I got my first job last year...250 total and 50 on floats. I walked right into a 185 and it was my machine for the season. I know I was incredibly lucky, but it does happen...

Good luck to you, whatever you do tho, please, NEVER work for free.

whipair77 · Post by **whipair77** » Mon Jan 30, 2006 3:28 pm

Hey boys

Thanks for all the input and suggestions. If anybody wants to PM me with more specifics that would be greatly appreciated. As I stated before, I'm not saying anyone was right or wrong about me being overqualified, however it did come as a shock to me.
Thanks again for all the great advice and keep it coming.

what do I put here??? · Tue Jan 31, 2006 8:45 am

http://jobs.aviation.ca/component/optio ... ew/id,931/

Have at her boys. Good luck