Getting that job during industry low

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 4:21 pm

I know there are alot of seasoned float guys on here so heres a Q for yah:

Have any of you gotten that first dock/flying job during a low hiring period in the industry? The only one I can think of (I guess because Im young) is 9/11. But along the lines of it. Is it still possible to land a job with a bit of persaverance (sp. sorry)? Im optimistic that the industry will stay strong...but just wondering if movement still occures in the crappy times. Thanks!

bandit1 · Post by **bandit1** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 4:37 pm

Actually, I got my first float job in the Spring of 2002. On a 185 with a huge 75 hours of float time. Privately registered doing camp checks and hauling boat gas for an outfitter in NW Ontario.

There are a few of them out there running private planes and that is were you should concentrate your efforts since the insurance requirements are alot lower since your not flying paying pax.

good luck and don't give up

zero · Post by **zero** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 7:19 pm

Took me 3yrs of trying to get my first float gig in '05. It was a tough nut to crack but tenacity and perserverance worked for me, and the fact I spent mucho dineros getting my float time to the 200hr mark.

Cat Driver · Post by **Cat Driver** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 7:31 pm

Looks like the float plane end of aviation in Canada is the place to be.

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 10:10 pm

Looks like the float plane end of aviation in Canada is the place to be.

Lets say theres no real economic blow and all things equal kind of scenerio...how long will this steady growth last? Again, predictions ofcourse....basing it on a some what stable economy.

buck82 · Post by **buck82** » Tue Apr 24, 2007 10:11 am

In terms of job security, just remember, we will always need good float pilots. The challenge is getting your time, persevering, and working hard for the right people in your first couple of years so that things do pay off well for you.

airturd · Post by **airturd** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 6:06 am

I know it's all in the timing (when you end up finishing your training) and you should take your first job whenever and wherever it comes along, but I think it's almost better if you get that first job in the midst of a dark cycle. Then you can put in some decent time and when the good times arrive again, you've got a lot more choice in where you want to go.

Easier said than done, though.