Getting your first job

[charlo]

Hello, I have a few questions for you guys !

First, I was wondering how many season(s) most people work on the dock before getting in a plane ?

I just got my cpl with a float rating and I'm looking for a job. So far, I haven't received any answers yet from the bush companies in Quebc, even though I've mentioned in my cover letters than I am more than willing to work on the dock to get a chance to start my career. Is it too early to send out resumes ?

I know that last year was a bad season for the low timers so I just hope it's gonna be better this year.

[CBSW]

I've been out of the float scene for a while.. But what I remember was trying to get hired on floats with low time was a pain in the arse, and I had 50 hours on floats.

Your most likely to get on trapping minows or working for a lodge. With lodges the insurance is lower as the aircraft are privately registered. Be careful with the lodges... you can expect horrible pay, lots of work (digging shitters), cutting grass and in some cases less than sub par upkeep of aircraft and safety pracitices. Don't turn your nose down at this... (Except for the safety issues.. )

Now, before I get crucified.. While working for any air operator you should get into the habit of keeping busy and making work and taking VERY minimal breaks. Mom and pop operators, lodges right up to the larger 703/ 704's will notice this.

For you, I would try a road trip if you have the dough. Or.. get a job at a local 703/ 704 in town doing check-in/ ramp etc. If you work hard they will most likely pass your name onto someone.. and you'll be working the dock in no time

ENJOY!

[seasonedfloatflyer]

Depending where you go expect to work the ramp a season or two. There are going to be other guys looking to fly too so you work harder than the the other guy and you will get noticed. Dont complain about the work either, not even to the kid complaining to you. don't say you miss your mommy either (I seriously had a kid say this). Do a road trip. I rarely hired a guy that didn't show up in person. hopefully you are personable and persistent cause that makes a difference too.

[Meatservo]

Show up in person, and try to look like you "get it." Be funny and smile a lot but don't look cocky or goofy. Don't talk about how much you love aeroplanes. We all love aeroplanes. Try to appear as if you have a sense of humour and have some self-respect. If the company flies Dash 8s, show up in nice clothes. If they fly Beavers, show up looking ready to work. In either case look clean. If they ask you what would make you a good pilot, make sure the term "strong back" makes its way into your answer. Don't talk about how well you fly. You don't know how to fly. In five years you will agree with the preceding sentence. You'll probably get a chance to fly an aeroplane at the end of your first season on the dock, or the beginning of the next one. The chief pilot will probably find an excuse to fly with you, making it look like he has no other choice. If you CAN fly, this would be the time to remember how. Hopefully you won't piss him off and this will be the first step for you. I happen to think a season on the dock is good for a new pilot. Others disagree. If you disagree, don't let prospective employers find out. I hope this helps.

[young grasshopper]

Meatservo - couldn't have said it better myself! Great advice for someone trying to "break in".

[Bushav8er]

CBSW -

what I remember was trying to get hired on floats with low time was a pain in the arse, and I had 50 hours on floats.
Your most likely to get on trapping minows or working for a lodge. With lodges the insurance is lower as the aircraft are privately registered. Be careful with the lodges... you can expect horrible pay, lots of work (digging shitters), cutting grass and in some cases less than sub par upkeep of aircraft and safety pracitices. Don't turn your nose down at this... (Except for the safety issues.. )

Where the hell did you work?

seasonedfloatflyer, Meatservo -

[Slats]

Show up in person, and try to look like you "get it." Be funny and smile a lot but don't look cocky or goofy. Don't talk about how much you love aeroplanes. We all love aeroplanes. Try to appear as if you have a sense of humour and have some self-respect. If the company flies Dash 8s, show up in nice clothes. If they fly Beavers, show up looking ready to work. In either case look clean. If they ask you what would make you a good pilot, make sure the term "strong back" makes its way into your answer. Don't talk about how well you fly. You don't know how to fly. In five years you will agree with the preceding sentence. You'll probably get a chance to fly an aeroplane at the end of your first season on the dock, or the beginning of the next one. The chief pilot will probably find an excuse to fly with you, making it look like he has no other choice. If you CAN fly, this would be the time to remember how. Hopefully you won't piss him off and this will be the first step for you. I happen to think a season on the dock is good for a new pilot. Others disagree. If you disagree, don't let prospective employers find out. I hope this helps.

This is one of those rare gems that makes sifting through the piles of crap on here worthwhile. Thanks 'servo, couldn't have said it better myself.

[Cougar]

If you CAN fly, this would be the time to remember how.

Yeah, the whole post is great, but that line (above) cracked me up.

I'm just glad I wasn't drinking anything, because it would have ended up all over the keyboard.

GREAT advice!!

[charlo]

all right thank you guys !