Float rating in NWO

[FighterPilot]

Hey, I'm looking at getting my float rating in the beginning or May before I go to possibly work for a fly in fishing operator. Where are some good places to go? All I'm looking to do is the min. hours required, then build them once I'm there.

Thanks

[chesty]

why would you not get it from the operator you are going to be working for?

[FighterPilot]

why would you not get it from the operator you are going to be working for?

insurance issues

[kevinsky18]

Those that suggest bush operators should be the ones offering instruction for seaplane ratings are not taking into consideration that most operators don't want the headache. The TC paper work, sending a 7hr pilot solo in your plane uninsured (unless you're actually in the business of offering float endorsments you're not going to spend the $10,000-$15,000 a year for flight training insurance). ect.

[boozy]

Well its not quite NWO but Sudbury Aviation does a good job on float ratings. Hard to say if there will be water and planes ready in early May. And particularly in NWO, I think it will be a late breakup (from what I've heard) so I'd think more about Sudbury Aviation or BC or maybe something in Southern Ontario if you want to be ready by say May 15th

[pilotcdn]

Kelowna in BC is a great place to get one. Make a vacation around it.

[FighterPilot]

I could send Sudbury a msg, (I'm in Sault Ste. Marie) so I could head there before driving up towards NWO. BC is pretty much outa the question, it would be too much time/money to get there, to get my rating and get to work around the beginning of May. I gave Georgian Bay Airways a shout, they quoted me at "$2520 + GST and fuel surcharge (0-3%) if the program is completed in 7 hours"

Thanks for the help so far

[CGZMT]

I know of a few guys in Thunder Bay that do float ratings. I know Atikokan Aero does float ratings but the problem you will find up here most insurance will not allow a student to solo with under 50 hours on floats on type.

[FighterPilot]

I know of a few guys in Thunder Bay that do float ratings. I know Atikokan Aero does float ratings but the problem you will find up here most insurance will not allow a student to solo with under 50 hours on floats on type.

Yeah I could look in Thunder Bay, I've been trying to get a hold of Mark at Atikokan Aero but with no luck. One of the reasons I'm looking into other places was because the place I may be going to is in the same predicament, and can't let me go solo with under 50 hours.

Thanks for the info

[boozy]

Like I said dude...I dont think there will be water for ya even by Mid-may. North Bay's Algonquin flight Centre may have something for you. And also, there is something out of peterborough as well. And Brampton may have something for you. Cameron Air may do float ratings...not sure about that. But for sure...if you want to be ready for break-up, get that rating in Southern Ontario/Sudbury/North Bay

[sdp]

there will be lots happening in nw ontario by mid may! it will be an early break up this year for sure, lots of snow early in the fall and not a lot of good ice. deffinetly not like last year, ice past the walleye opener! I went fishing by truck for the last day of the season last year, It's time to be off the ice with a truck now!

[FighterPilot]

ice past the walleye opener!

Yeah I was pretty pissed about that last year.

[moon duster]

It's time to be off the ice with a truck now!

Where are you at right now? Not trying to be rude but you are waaaaaaaaaaaaaay off with the above remark. I drove on the ice road today in Red Lake, and will tomorrow all the way into mid to late April most likely. The ice here is fine, I am told its fine all the way down to Nestor.

[Just another canuck]

We had the most ice in decades on Superior this year. Last year this time there was no ice in front of the camp and right now there's still two feet of ice.

The ice roads may be out soon, but I think it'll be awhile yet before you can take the boat out.

[sdp]

I am in kenora. people are still driving on lake of the woods, but it won't be too long before it is no good for trucks, probably the last day for me today or tommoro then I'll be going out by quad. I have been to the bottom(or half way to the bottom) of lake of the wood in a vehical before and do not plan on doing it again. I sholud have said it will be a "normal" break up instead of early. as I said before there will be lots going on around here by mid may!

[brokenwing]

Sudbury Aviation will be around $1000 cheaper than GBA and you can rent solo after the 7 hours generally (only allowed to land at their water aerodrome), or if you do a 10hr bush course, you can rent solo and fly around to different lakes.