Commercial at age of 45 - work for someone or start a bus...

[Irishgypsy1962]

Hi Everyone, I am fairly new to this and I am hoping that I can have a few questions answered.

Firstly, I am 45 years of age and following a dream I have had since a kid: being a bush pilot. I never wanted to fly the big jets or even small jets for that matter but would rather fly bush planes. I have started flying lessons and hope to have my commercial with floats by the end of next year. I am thinking about 100 hours on floats and 100-150 on wheels.I have a clean bill of health, strong as an ox and not afraid of hard work.

So, the questions I have are:

1. How hard will it be for me to get a bush flying job with just the base minimum hours for holding a commercial with floats. I am willing to travel anywhere in the world and my wife is 100% behind me.

2. I guess the first question answered would or could lead to the second one. I have abut 20 years experience in guiding fishing trips, teaching fly fishing, guiding canoe trips,Scuba trips, survival trips, hiking, etc...I have comtemplated the idea (if I was too old to work for someone else) of starting up a small touring business in areas that there would be ao lot of lodges (Norther Canada!!). But, I am not sure if it would be worth while.

Anyway, you have probably got an idea of what is going through my mind and any help or leads that you can send my way will be greatly appreciated.

Just following a dream...........

[Hedley]

If you're healthy, single, no debt and a pile of cash
in the bank, sure.

[Minimums]

I would think with the industry moving the way it is these days, it shouldn't be to difficult. I know a lot of operators are looking for someone who is going to stick around, preferably for more than one season if they can get them to. Most of the new ones start out loading the aircraft on the dock, working their way into a seat, building time. After a season(depending on the demand,) they may put you in command the next season if you come back. However I would think the drawbacks are numerous, you'll probably have to relocate, and work hard. As you probably know Bush flying is typically quite demanding, not just in the flying aspect, but the workload as well. But those who do do it, do it well, and are usually the best at what they do because they enjoying doing it.

[Irishgypsy1962]

Well, at 45, if I can land the right job, I will be sticking around for a while. I would like to set it up in a way that if I can only get seasonal in Northern Canada, then I would head south for the winters and hopefully hook up to a flying job. I know it is going to be a tough haul but this guy is up for the trip.............thanks for the input

[trey kule]

You have a great attitude....best of luck to you.

[Spaniard]

You know what they say, the best way to get a small fortune in aviation is starting with a big one! Just kidding... more or less.

First, consider that I have no idea about the kind of operation you describe, so I´m shooting some ideas, extrapolated from other aviation businesses.

Starting your own business may be a good idea, but you first have to know about it! You seem to have the guiding, fishing, etc part more than well covered, so that´s a GREAT start and advantage. But then, your experience in the commercial operation of planes, and I´m talking being the operator here, seems to be nil. While you can´t get that experience if not directly involved in everything working for someone else, taking care of everything, or directly starting your operation, working for someone for a few years will be of great help.

After some time flying for someone, you get to manage this or that. You come to treat some inspectors; you get to call and fix some problem with the fuel company; you get to investigate and fix some problem with some spare parts; you... All in all, valuable experiences if your plan is starting your business sometime.

As you know, a "must" to make a business work is knowing how it all works! If you have to rely on someone´s experience because you lack it... One thing is relying because you don´t have the time and something completely different is having to because you don´t know.

Age as a problem. I don´t think so. You´ll find many twenty something y.o. guys which log book weighs five time what yours does, but you´ll also find that age is a degree in everything. Some operators will prefer a mature 45er to a younger daredevil. Sure, some will prefer someone that is willing to fly anywhere anytime, but you don´t want to work for one of those! I guess we all have met that kind of boss that is on the phone every five minutes trying to make us fly when we have a 100ft ceiling, thunderstorms everywhere, hills... You don´t want one of those and some of them don´t want a pilot that will take off on those conditions. Well, surely one of them will look at your age as an advantage to compensate a bit for your lack of flight time; and if he doesn´t, tell!!

Congrats on your decision of finally catching the dream... and having a wife that is willing to follow you!

Cheers and good luck!

[Irishgypsy1962]

Thanks for the reply. Need all the help I can get with direction, etc...

I guess I was not too specific about the business I would set up. Again, my first preference would be to work for a good company. But, I would set up a business that would provide sight seeing tours to lodges in Northern Canada. It would be set up in an area that there would be a high concentrate of lodges along with the scenery. A bit of research to be done but show me a business that needs no research and can be set up overnight. I have been in the business world and had a good time with it. Dealt with all the politics, red tape, etc... But, one can have fun with it if done the right way.

another business I thought of was taking on a contract with the MNR but don't know too much about it.

But as I did say, I would prefer to work for someone who has a reputable company.

So, my good friend, thanks again and if you ever come across any info that you think I could use (companies, contacts, etc...) please send me a line.

Cheers