I'm looking to find some flying work for the 2021 float season, and it may be possible to find some rotational work this season as a dockhand or swamper or somesuch, while I continue training. Given that I'm intending on going the bush flying route, at least to start, and likely as a full-on career, I was wondering if anyone here has ever tried shaking hands at the winter sports shows. I'm a wilderness canoeist with no small amount of experience so it seems natural to me.

I live a 20 minute drive from the International Centre and within easy driving distance of any of the GTA shows, so I think going down for a few shows when it's not busy and introducing myself just seems smart, but I don't want to come off as an annoyance. I mean, realistically, I won't even have a resume before summer. I'm thinking of writing up a cover letter that might hopefully stand in its place that tells my story (midlife career change) and aspirations (career bush pilot), and all the usual mumbo jumbo about how awesome I am, and hopefully get to talk shop with a few operators. So far I'm looking at going to the Spring Fishing&Boat Show, the Outdoor Adventure&Travel Show, and the Sportsmen's Show.

Has anyone tried this? Anyone have any ideas? Is it a bad idea?

It’s a great idea. I did just that at a sports show in Calgary. That was in 1980, I got a job for my efforts.

Yeah, I hit the sportsman shows as well during the late winter/early spring. Met a number of operators and kept in contact. This used to be a pretty common thing for low timers to do.

Another note is to make sure you aren't going to visit places on a road trip while there is a show going on. One operator that I really had in my sights turned out to be at a show I didn't know about in Toronto, where I had just driven 4 days away from!

Back in the day I was always told not to do this as the operators are there trying to drum up business, not get harassed by low time pilots. That being said, it's different times now and it's probably harder to find pilots than fishermen.

shimmydampner wrote: ↑Mon Jan 27, 2020 6:24 pmBack in the day I was always told not to do this as the operators are there trying to drum up business, not get harassed by low time pilots. That being said, it's different times now and it's probably harder to find pilots than fishermen.

Yeah the one operator I've asked about this said yeah, come by and we can have a quick chat to see if things line up - but come when it's not busy, on the Thursday or Friday afternoon of a show. Definitely avoid the weekend.

shimmydampner wrote: ↑Mon Jan 27, 2020 6:24 pmlow time pilots

pfft. I'll be a no-time pilot.

Definitely scope out the booth and make sure the owner/operator isn't talking to a potential guest. But yes, that could work... I've worked sport shows, in slow time they can drag on.. could be a great opportunity to chat about a job. Best of luck

Do you folks still think this is a decent option? Thinking of heading to Chicago for the All-Canada show at the end of January.

champcamp wrote: ↑Sun Nov 16, 2025 3:43 pm Do you folks still think this is a decent option? Thinking of heading to Chicago for the All-Canada show at the end of January.

I think it could be a decent way to meet many of the outfitters in NWO and Manitoba. I have heard of this being done in the past when it was tougher to get into the industry. As was mentioned above do not interrupt them if they are talking to potential customers. Make your pitch ask them a few questions and try not to bother them for too long.

The first job is always the toughest to land. Once you get one season on a cub, 180, or 185 your job prospects will come much easier.

PS. Do you have a float rating? If you do have a float rating how many hours do you have on floats?

piperdriver wrote: ↑Sun Nov 16, 2025 7:59 pm

champcamp wrote: ↑Sun Nov 16, 2025 3:43 pm Do you folks still think this is a decent option? Thinking of heading to Chicago for the All-Canada show at the end of January.

I think it could be a decent way to meet many of the outfitters in NWO and Manitoba. I have heard of this being done in the past when it was tougher to get into the industry. As was mentioned above do not interrupt them if they are talking to potential customers. Make your pitch ask them a few questions and try not to bother them for too long.

The first job is always the toughest to land. Once you get one season on a cub, 180, or 185 your job prospects will come much easier.

PS. Do you have a float rating? If you do have a float rating how many hours do you have on floats?

Makes sense, I’m probably going to try and go for the Friday night, when there will hopefully be less potential clients, and the outfitters won’t be as stressed with selling trips. I do have a float rating, but only 7hrs on floats. About 100hrs of tailwheel time, and I’m about to finish AME school, so that should help get my foot in the door.

Very early in the morning is the best time. First day not so good. Last day may be best or worst. Always walk away if a client arrives in the middle of your talk, A quick "I'll come back" and leave and let them sell.

I have been on both sides of the booth

YMMV
Good luck
CLF

CensoredLF wrote: ↑Tue Nov 18, 2025 8:12 am Very early in the morning is the best time. First day not so good. Last day may be best or worst. Always walk away if a client arrives in the middle of your talk, A quick "I'll come back" and leave and let them sell.

I have been on both sides of the booth

YMMV
Good luck
CLF

Thanks for the tips! Early morning does sound better.