Some Questions

Apollo · Post by **Apollo** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 3:31 pm

So... I've recently returned to Ontario from a quick trip out west for a family wedding - and I've decided that BC is the place to be - they don't call it Beautiful British Columbia for nothing!!

So I had a few questions...

I'm a 200ish hour wonder, with no float rating. As I understand it from my own observations, as well as talking with a bunch of people out west, is that most of the flying in BC is on floats. I was looking to get my float rating done in the next month or two, but I wasn't sure if it made any difference if I did the rating out in BC or here in Ontario, I have family on both sides of the country that I could stay with while doing the rating, and aeroplan points are about to expire and have to be used, so I can get back out west if that would be better. I was just thinking that it might be better to get the rating out west, because it would give me a bit more experience (lol, not much, but hey, its sort-of a start) in west-cost float flying, as well as I would be able to scout the area out for potential dock jobs while I'm there (I would love to get into a flying job right away, but I realize that things just don't work like that anymore unfortunatly).

My other question is that I was wondering if there was any benifits to taking a 50 hour course - other then that delightful feeling of spending lots of money to train. I realize that there has been many Avcanada debates on the subject of the 50 hour float course as compared to the 7 hour one, I just wanted to re-kindle the fire a bit, and get some of the pros and cons of that sort of program...

Thanks for any help given!

Apollo · Post by **Apollo** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 3:38 pm

I was reading through the most recent '50 hour' thread, and was intrigued by one of Cat's suggestions - get a share in a floatplane and fly my ass off for awhile while working on the side (perhaps at a dock job, or even something outside of the industry) until I've got some time... Is it worth it (experience wise I'd say yes, but I'm thinking is it feasable, etc...) and how much would that cost?

Cat Driver · Post by **Cat Driver** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 3:55 pm

and how much would that cost?

You can find a really good float plane for anywhere from about $50,000 to $75,000.

Look for a Cub, Taylorcraft or Champ.

Find say four pilots who want to build time and buy one.

These float planes will cost you about $50.00 per hour to operate......

When one of you want out you sell your share to another time builder.

Remember if you buy a car or a truck it just depreciates...real fast, an airplane usually appreciates.

xsbank · Post by **xsbank** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 6:56 pm

AEROPLAN POINTS DON'T EXPIRE!

I'll give you a call, Cat, tonight or tomorrow.

Apollo · Post by **Apollo** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 8:30 pm

sure they do - after two years don't they? or did i just misread the news release thingy? I just briefly skimmed over it

Apollo · Post by **Apollo** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 8:27 am

Just did a little bit of accounting - and looks like buying a share of my own plane is a bit too expensive

So back to the original two questions:

Is it better to go to BC and get a float rating, and if so - is there anybody out there that would do the rating for me, and then hire me (for the dock at least) afterwards?

And 50 hour course? yay or nay?