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Can a city boy become a bush pilot?

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cptn2016

Post subject: Can a city boy become a bush pilot?

Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 12:09 am

Rank 3

Joined: Wed Dec 15, 2010 8:15 pm
Posts: 155

One of the options I'll want to explore when I get my CPL is float/bush flying. However, I am a city boy through and through. I can't chop wood, I can't tie knots (shoelaces yes, but those don't count), I'm not sure I could build a proper fire, never held or fired a gun, don't dirtbike or snowmobile, etc. etc. I could go on.

Any 'city' people currently flying bush and/or floats? How did you find the culture shock, for lack of a better term? What did you wish you had learned beforehand, what surprised you, and would you do it again? Or would you elect to stay near 'civilization'?

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glorifiedtaxidriver

Post subject: Re: Can a city boy become a bush pilot?

Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 1:02 am

Rank 3

Joined: Sun Nov 26, 2006 11:03 pm
Posts: 150

Yes, it can be done. As long as you leave your southern attitude and preconceived ideas about the people up here down south. I did it. I would say I had a little more experience than you. Having done a lot of camping and fishing when I was younger. But I had never held a gun, owned a snow machine or a dirt bike. I came out of southern ontario and did just fine. In fact I'm still in the north after 16 yrs.

There's nothing you really need to know that you won't learn pretty quick. You'll need to know a few basic knots if you're float flying. You'll need to learn how to check if a gun is unloaded before you put it in your airplane. You can't be squeamish about dead things because you'll haul a lot of them.

You'll take some ribbing for being from the south, but if you try to fit in instead of clinging to your loafers and Hugo boss shirts it'll go away. The people up here see a thousand guys from the south who just want to build their time and get the hell out. As soon as they know you're not one of those types they'll accept you. Above all, if you decide to do it, have fun. I got to see some amazing places flying floats all over the north that most people from the south don't even know exist.

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SuperchargedRS

Post subject: Re: Can a city boy become a bush pilot?

Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 2:11 am

Rank 7

Joined: Fri Mar 03, 2006 9:30 am
Posts: 669
Location: the stars playground

a bit of a odd question eh?

Well do you think you can learn how to tie a few knots, ride a snowmachine, shoot a rifle, dig a hole and hike a long ways?

Are you a friendly person?

If yes and yes, then sure you can fly in the north!

Were you expecting a secret handshake or members only ring or something?

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trey kule

Post subject: Re: Can a city boy become a bush pilot?

Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 2:22 am

Rank 11

Joined: Sat Aug 20, 2005 3:09 am
Posts: 3130

Absolutely, young man...go for it.

I spent years in the north trying to figure out who would work out and who would not..I could never find a connection between where you are from and whether you will work out..Lots of other indicators, but not that one. some of the most "citified" pilots worked out just fine for both themselves and the company.
Ans some of those who were there just to get their time in worked out well too, though they were the exception,

Try not to tell the locals you are a vegetarian and that eating meat is destroying the planet when your company makes about 1/2 its annual revenue hauling hunters, caribou and moose. Or sit in the bar with your fellow northern pilotsand tell them that ss soon as you can convince someone down south to hire you, this shithole will be a memory.

On the other hand, if you want to learn how to shoot, build a fire properly, snowmobile, you will have a great time.

Enjoy the path..The journey is the goal.

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System Message

Post subject: Re: Can a city boy become a bush pilot?

Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 2:37 am

Rank 4

Joined: Thu Jun 16, 2011 7:04 pm
Posts: 238
Location: Central Canada

A bit of a sidetrack. Can a pilot from the city become a cropduster?
I remember learning to fly and the instructor had us practising precautionary landings in a field seeded to a crop that would have resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and possibly its occupants when a suitable field was within glide distance. The instructor mumbled something about insurance and would not discuss it further.

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burhead1

Post subject: Re: Can a city boy become a bush pilot?

Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 2:46 am

Rank 7

Joined: Tue Jun 02, 2009 12:30 am
Posts: 504
Location: kinda north

I can't chop wood, I can't tie knots (shoelaces yes, but those don't count), I'm not sure I could build a proper fire, never held or fired a gun, don't dirtbike or snowmobile, etc. etc. I could go on.

Your more than welcome to come to my place for the weekend
LOL did all that last Saturday even did the sledding as i moved it to the shed.

cheated when i started the fire, little gas and a match, the kids love it. :smt040

Good luck follow your dream!!

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trey kule

Post subject: Re: Can a city boy become a bush pilot?

Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 3:01 am

Rank 11

Joined: Sat Aug 20, 2005 3:09 am
Posts: 3130

Quote:

cheated when i started the fire, little gas and a match, the kids love it.

How is that cheating? I always thought that was the traditional way. :smt040

Nothing says I am a northerner like singed eyebrows.

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robertsailor1

Post subject: Re: Can a city boy become a bush pilot?

Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 4:31 am

Rank 7

Joined: Thu Feb 03, 2011 2:05 am
Posts: 664

I don't know...A metro sexual guy from a City, strained through a silk hanky since birth...might be an uphill battle. Kidding a little but your going to be in for an eye opener if bush flying is anything like it used to be 25-30 years ago. Having said that...go for it of course and if you make it you'll have a tough time with City life again.

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Indanao

Post subject: Re: Can a city boy become a bush pilot?

Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 5:55 am

Rank 5

Joined: Wed Nov 25, 2009 12:25 am
Posts: 358

No..but a City Girl sure can....lol

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jpilot77

Post subject: Re: Can a city boy become a bush pilot?

Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 6:47 am

Rank 4

Joined: Mon Aug 04, 2008 1:11 am
Posts: 242
Location: North of YMX

Depends how city you are... and how adaptable you are.

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Adam Oke

Post subject: Re: Can a city boy become a bush pilot?

Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 11:54 am

Rank 8

Joined: Sat Feb 04, 2006 12:30 pm
Posts: 950
Location: Sarnia, Ontario, Canada

System Message wrote:

Yes. It's all a matter of how well you can adapt to a new atmosphere. It's a steep learning curve, but if you are willing to learn then there is no issue. It makes for a smoother adjustment if you were born and raised on a farm and can rig up a mix unit and fix it, fix Honda pumps, fix spray systems, run tractors, drive trucks, identify crop, knowing how to read RM maps with Section Township Range, knowing what a well looks like etc. All things you can easily learn. Having said that; Much like when I was looking for a job in the float industry I was asked if I could buck wood, build a dock, fix boat motors etc ...I was asked if I was raised on a farm when seeking out Ag Operations. Just hope you get on with an Operator that has lots of patience and is willing to teach you the ropes!

As for the precautionary horror story -- field selection generally has nothing to do with crop identification because you're seeking fields with no crop in them!

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Castorero

Post subject: Re: Can a city boy become a bush pilot?

Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 2:17 pm

Rank 3

Joined: Wed Dec 09, 2009 8:51 pm
Posts: 141

Yes, you can do it.

Trey hit the nail on the head... You have to have the desire to immerse yourself and not stand aloof, roll up the sleeves and experience it all.

The returns are fabulous, new friends, camaraderie, the sharing of life is what binds us to each other and if done in somewhat harsher environments, so much the better. Just look at how many older pilots flying for shirt and tie airlines still remember their time in the North as the best of their life.

Not only can you learn how to start a fire and skin a moose but you may be able to improve on some of these traditions.

Here is an "improvement" I have just heard about... every moose hunter has to contend with cleaning off the hair that gets stuck to the carcass after skinning the beast, my electrician friend takes along a small propane bottle and a roofer's finishing torch, a touch of the holy fire and ...Poof! hair just falls off. I hears it also lights up a mean fire in no time at all, wet or dry.

So come North, young man, and discover yourself.

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cptn2016

Post subject: Re: Can a city boy become a bush pilot?

Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 8:59 pm

Rank 3

Joined: Wed Dec 15, 2010 8:15 pm
Posts: 155

Some interesting replies to be sure...seems the common theme is to apply yourself, respect your coworkers and customers, be ready to learn, and don't be a jackass. I don't have a problem with any of that, I don't think it's any different than working down south.

Quote:

Were you expecting a secret handshake or members only ring or something?

Haha, I'm not exactly sure what I was expecting. Mostly I wanted to know if there was anything you guys & girls wish you had known or learned BEFORE going up there and getting a trial by fire? Seems a knowledge of knots and checking guns is important, fair enough.

Quote:

I don't know...A metro sexual guy from a City, strained through a silk hanky since birth...

Metrosexual...? Thankfully not

Paul Bunyan though, I'm not either...I don't own a 'blouse' or a flannel shirt. I'm just acclimated to the comforts of the city. Maybe I have the wrong idea of 'roughing it' in the North? Guess I won't exactly be living in a tent or an unheated cabin (or will I?)

Quote:

I was asked if I could buck wood,

Does that mean chop wood? I'd say I could, but there is a 25% chance everytime I swing the axe that it could go into my shin...so maybe I should say 'no' to the chopping (bucking?) wood question...

Anyhow, thanks for the answers, keep 'em coming. This is still at least a year away for me, but I'm just exploring long-term options, seeing what I want to do.

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DHCdriver

Post subject: Re: Can a city boy become a bush pilot?

Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 11:06 pm

Rank 4

Joined: Wed Mar 10, 2010 10:56 pm
Posts: 277

Well your not a bush pilot until you have made love to a northern girl, shot a moose and flew a Norseman. :lol:

If you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything. DHC

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Cat Driver

Post subject: Re: Can a city boy become a bush pilot?

Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 11:27 pm

Top Poster

Joined: Mon Feb 16, 2004 4:31 am
Posts: 16648

I think it would be easier for a city boy to become a bush pilot than a bush pilot to become a city boy.

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jpilot77

Post subject: Re: Can a city boy become a bush pilot?

Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2011 12:46 am

Rank 4

Joined: Mon Aug 04, 2008 1:11 am
Posts: 242
Location: North of YMX

Quote:

I don't think it's any different than working down south.

Ummm... that depends where you are based out of, a major northern town, not too difficult. But if your ploped down in a reserve with no road access... It will be different then working down south!

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Changes in Latitudes

Post subject: Re: Can a city boy become a bush pilot?

Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2011 2:15 am

Rank (9)

Joined: Sat Jan 26, 2008 4:47 pm
Posts: 1950
Location: Eat at Joe's Diner

DHCdriver wrote:

Well your not a bush pilot until you have made love to a northern girl, shot a moose and flew a Norseman. :lol:

If you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything. DHC

well I made love to something, flew something and shot something...just not the same cushy arrangement that you did.

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DHCdriver

Post subject: Re: Can a city boy become a bush pilot?

Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2011 4:20 am

Rank 4

Joined: Wed Mar 10, 2010 10:56 pm
Posts: 277

The only bad thing about my arrangement was I had to bring them all home in the Norseman. If the city boy can get his hands on a Norseman he'll have it made. DHC

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SuperchargedRS

Post subject: Re: Can a city boy become a bush pilot?

Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2011 4:33 am

Rank 7

Joined: Fri Mar 03, 2006 9:30 am
Posts: 669
Location: the stars playground

DHCdriver wrote:

Well your not a bush pilot until you have made love to a northern girl, shot a moose and flew a Norseman. :lol:

If you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything. DHC

I beg to differ, you're not a bush pilot until you make love to a moose while mistaking it for a northern girl.

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DHCdriver

Post subject: Re: Can a city boy become a bush pilot?

Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2011 2:19 pm

Rank 4

Joined: Wed Mar 10, 2010 10:56 pm
Posts: 277

All those boys running those gravel strips in the north have made that mistake once or twice, your not alone. :goodman:

DHC

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collegeboy

Post subject: Re: Can a city boy become a bush pilot?

Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2011 3:51 pm

Rank 1

Joined: Thu Sep 25, 2008 6:12 pm
Posts: 37

I did it!! I had a little more knowledge then you did I think. I don't have a float rating just everything on wheels. I have a job down south and I can honestly say I miss the north and flying. I'm flying in southern Ontario on a machine over 12 500 and like being near family but it's not flying to me. If you like being outside and working the north is for you, but if you can see yourself sitting in an office doing paperwork and such then the south is for you.
I'll be up north in a few years from now.
Best time in my life and I miss it.

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Johnny#5

Post subject: Re: Can a city boy become a bush pilot?

Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2011 1:48 am

Rank 5

Joined: Wed May 07, 2008 2:04 am
Posts: 343

Go north...and don't worry, you won't have time to build fires, go hunting, fire rifles, etc....so it doesn't matter!

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KHills

Post subject: Re: Can a city boy become a bush pilot?

Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2011 6:40 pm

Rank 2

Joined: Tue Jan 06, 2009 11:50 pm
Posts: 53

Cat Driver wrote:

I think it would be easier for a city boy to become a bush pilot than a bush pilot to become a city boy.

"You can take the pilot out of the bush, but you can't take the bush out of the pilot."

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Hornblower

Post subject: Re: Can a city boy become a bush pilot?

Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2011 11:17 pm

Rank 7

Joined: Sat Jan 08, 2005 2:58 pm
Posts: 625

No; don't even think about it.

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Changes in Latitudes

Post subject: Re: Can a city boy become a bush pilot?

Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2011 11:55 pm

Rank (9)

Joined: Sat Jan 26, 2008 4:47 pm
Posts: 1950
Location: Eat at Joe's Diner

You're not one of them vegetarians too, are you?

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