Hey fellas, I'm thinking of trying my luck in Fiji over the winter this year and am looking for a little info on the operators out there.
Wondering if email is the best way to get the attention of the CPs out there?
Is it worth while to head out there?
Any truth to the rumours of shotty maintenance?
Any other info is appreciated, thanks.
Fiji Operators
Moderators: North Shore, sky's the limit, sepia, Sulako, Rudder Bug
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Highlander99
- Rank 0
- Posts: 8
- Joined: Tue Jun 06, 2006 3:16 pm
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cplanedriver
- Rank 2
- Posts: 57
- Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2004 2:35 pm
- Location: Prairies again
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Funny, I just got an email back from the CP at P.I. Seaplanes the other day wondering the same thing. He's looking for guys with minimum 2000TT, a thousand of which being floats. He also made it clear he prefers DHC-2 time over anything else.
Seeing how I just got on the Beaver, it's certainly an idea I'm entertaining!
Seeing how I just got on the Beaver, it's certainly an idea I'm entertaining!
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CaptainHaddock
- Rank 4
- Posts: 253
- Joined: Mon Jun 14, 2004 11:22 am
- Location: Nowhere fast
Look into how many accidents PIS (pacific island seaplanes)has had in the last few years (quite a few) I believe the islander just put it's gear through a wing landing short on Malolo Lie Lie, and the beaver just did some damage in nadi bay. Turtles maintenance used to depend on the expat AME at the time, I believe (I may be wrong now) that PIS uses R. Fremlin who was responsible for the deplorable condition of Turtle planes for years.-great flying, go with your eyes open-go for a good time, not a long time.
Cheers
PS-that all said, great people, FANTASTIC flying (though challenging), and nothing better than an ice cold Fiji Bitter at Ed's or Travelers the end of the day.
Cheers
PS-that all said, great people, FANTASTIC flying (though challenging), and nothing better than an ice cold Fiji Bitter at Ed's or Travelers the end of the day.
The CP at PIS in Fiji accepts resumes all the time. It's just a matter of time before you get the call. It's getting harder for them to recruit guys with this Canadian Dollar going up, but Fiji is a great place to get away for a year or so. Usually every 6 months they are looking for someone, as they try to get pilots knowing that the previous pilot will stay for a year. This way they can train you in time, without rushing. Having spent 3 years there, (originally signing up for 6 months only), I can safely say I've seen the cross-section of pilots that come through there is, well.....diverse.
Pilots who do well down there are ones that are:
1. Confident - in their piloting ability, and personality
2. Open Minded - very open minded. Know the meaning of the phrase, through and through. Most people say they are (especially us Canucks) but they really aren't. We've had 3 pilots come through here in the last year, who over the phone, said they were "open minded" but when they got here, they just couldn't take the change. Most people that have travelled, know that other places in the world aren't like Canada - and Fiji is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING LIKE CANADA.
3. Patience - Patience is a virtue, and it's more true here than anywhere else.
4. Adaptable and able to "Go with the Flow" - this is probably the biggest thing that drives people away. Not the money or the work. If you are set in your ways and love routine, then Fiji is not for you. Example: Think really hard about the last time your "morning routine" went awry - how did you feel for the rest of the day? If your shower wasn't hot, or your electricity was off and your coffee maker didn't start when programmed. These things happen here (amongst other things). If these things piss you off, then maybe Fiji isn't for you. You MUST be able ADAPT.
One of the pilots down there is writing a "guide" for pilots wishing to come down for work, as they have had a lot of pilots quit on them due to the fact that they really didn't know what they were getting into.
As far as my experience went - it was AWESOME. I can't emphasize this enough. I probably had the best 3 years of my life besides University. I met some amazing people and some real @#$!-wits aswell. But the most important thing about the whole experience is that I stayed positive and just "rolled with it". If I had a bad day, the only thing I would have to say to myself is :I fly a well-equipped Amphib Turbo Otter over pristine blue waters, I step off the airplane into soft white sand (most of the time), wearing a uniform that is definetly less formal than my after-work clothes, and I ride home on my motorbike, where a cold beer is waiting for me everyday - oh yeah and....I LIVE IN FIJI!!
PM me if you have any quesions.....or search the previous posts, as there have been many.
Pilots who do well down there are ones that are:
1. Confident - in their piloting ability, and personality
2. Open Minded - very open minded. Know the meaning of the phrase, through and through. Most people say they are (especially us Canucks) but they really aren't. We've had 3 pilots come through here in the last year, who over the phone, said they were "open minded" but when they got here, they just couldn't take the change. Most people that have travelled, know that other places in the world aren't like Canada - and Fiji is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING LIKE CANADA.
3. Patience - Patience is a virtue, and it's more true here than anywhere else.
4. Adaptable and able to "Go with the Flow" - this is probably the biggest thing that drives people away. Not the money or the work. If you are set in your ways and love routine, then Fiji is not for you. Example: Think really hard about the last time your "morning routine" went awry - how did you feel for the rest of the day? If your shower wasn't hot, or your electricity was off and your coffee maker didn't start when programmed. These things happen here (amongst other things). If these things piss you off, then maybe Fiji isn't for you. You MUST be able ADAPT.
One of the pilots down there is writing a "guide" for pilots wishing to come down for work, as they have had a lot of pilots quit on them due to the fact that they really didn't know what they were getting into.
As far as my experience went - it was AWESOME. I can't emphasize this enough. I probably had the best 3 years of my life besides University. I met some amazing people and some real @#$!-wits aswell. But the most important thing about the whole experience is that I stayed positive and just "rolled with it". If I had a bad day, the only thing I would have to say to myself is :I fly a well-equipped Amphib Turbo Otter over pristine blue waters, I step off the airplane into soft white sand (most of the time), wearing a uniform that is definetly less formal than my after-work clothes, and I ride home on my motorbike, where a cold beer is waiting for me everyday - oh yeah and....I LIVE IN FIJI!!
PM me if you have any quesions.....or search the previous posts, as there have been many.
Seeing as the "Accidents" have been brought up, I thought I would quell some rumours and give you some facts about them.
Yes, PIS has had 2 INCIDENTS recently and they were pilot error but no one here is any position to comment on why or how they happened, and how it could have been avoided. PIS has some very experienced people working there and they take every precaution to ensure that pilots are familiar and aware of the everyday dangers of flying around those waters. Nothing is left to chance.
Maintenance is adequate, that means better than most "Bush maintenance" in the majority of Canadian Float Operators. The only reason I would say it isn't "Great" is due to the fact that it is becoming increasigly difficult to find parts for these old machines, (let alone getting them shipped down to Fiji in time), to keep the machines cosmetically beautiful. But they are mechanically sound. The engineers down here work hard and make do with what they have and the final product overall is quite good. Put it this way, I would never hesitate to put my wife and kids in the airplane.
As far as the "Could've, Should've, Would've" attitude goes, drop it. Once outside of the Canadian Aviation Bubble , you'll realize that ACCIDENTS CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE. The main thing to remember is, if it does happen to you - Learn from it and apply it to the rest of your flying. Personally, I would think most pilots who have crashed an aircraft would be better pilots for it. They know what it's like and I'm sure they would do anything to NOT let it happen again. Again, I emphasize "MOST". Some just don't learn.
Yes, PIS has had 2 INCIDENTS recently and they were pilot error but no one here is any position to comment on why or how they happened, and how it could have been avoided. PIS has some very experienced people working there and they take every precaution to ensure that pilots are familiar and aware of the everyday dangers of flying around those waters. Nothing is left to chance.
Maintenance is adequate, that means better than most "Bush maintenance" in the majority of Canadian Float Operators. The only reason I would say it isn't "Great" is due to the fact that it is becoming increasigly difficult to find parts for these old machines, (let alone getting them shipped down to Fiji in time), to keep the machines cosmetically beautiful. But they are mechanically sound. The engineers down here work hard and make do with what they have and the final product overall is quite good. Put it this way, I would never hesitate to put my wife and kids in the airplane.
As far as the "Could've, Should've, Would've" attitude goes, drop it. Once outside of the Canadian Aviation Bubble , you'll realize that ACCIDENTS CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE. The main thing to remember is, if it does happen to you - Learn from it and apply it to the rest of your flying. Personally, I would think most pilots who have crashed an aircraft would be better pilots for it. They know what it's like and I'm sure they would do anything to NOT let it happen again. Again, I emphasize "MOST". Some just don't learn.
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cplanedriver
- Rank 2
- Posts: 57
- Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2004 2:35 pm
- Location: Prairies again
Hey Gr8Pilot. That you who was lookin after that place behind the SkyLodge where we had the Canada Day party??? and by the way, well said on the conditions there. I would go back to fly for Dusty but have some family things I can't leave now. In the future, who knows???
cpd
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wasYKnowFJ
- Rank 2
- Posts: 88
- Joined: Thu Jan 13, 2005 11:05 pm
If your youngand single do it, given the chance again I would not change a thing.
When I look back on the good times I only wish I had stayed just that little bit longer. Once you leave it's hard to return and feel the same awe about it all which makes me think on the advice to anyone who is sitting on the fence, that is... Carpe diem.
When I look back on the good times I only wish I had stayed just that little bit longer. Once you leave it's hard to return and feel the same awe about it all which makes me think on the advice to anyone who is sitting on the fence, that is... Carpe diem.
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wasYKnowFJ
- Rank 2
- Posts: 88
- Joined: Thu Jan 13, 2005 11:05 pm
Hate to let a topic like 'what do you think of the Single Otter' go unanswered. It's a great airplane; I think it's the best bush plane available. Definitely the best for our operation here in Fiji, as it handles the big water very well.
There is no 'perfect' airplane, it's always a balance of: type of operation, expected loads, and operating costs. Sometimes you need a bigger airplane, sometimes you need a cheaper airplane.
There are only a few proven aircraft capable of handling rough water or strips in the 2000+ lbs capacity class. Twin Otter and Caravan are the closest competition to the DHC-3T. Norseman hauls less, Beaver less still.
DHC-6 hauls more on short legs, but longer distance trips (400NM) is about the same (legal) load due to carrying twice the fuel. Also purchase price, 2 pilot wages, and costs of the second engine adds up. Lots of pax do prefer the second 'spinny thingy' though.
Caravan hauls approximately the same useful load as the Single Otter, albeit another 1/3 as fast (which significantly reduces operating costs by the hour). Biggest problem with it though is in rough water. Otter gets airborne at 55mph, where the Caravan probably needs 65 (I'm guessing). Big difference hitting a two foot wave at 55 compared to 65. There have been several firewall buckling issues, however I believe this area was strengthened in the mid-90's.
Single Otter useful load is around 2500 lbs, with a couple hours of gas. The turbine is as reliable an engine you'll find, plenty of power to spare, and none of the shake-rattle-and-roll of the R-1340 or 1000HP. (smoother engine = happier pilot, pax and airframe). STOL speeds get you out of the water at a reasonably low speed and take-off distance. Lots of room inside for surfboards, plywood or drums, and outside for canoes, boats, satellite dishes, lumber, ski-doo's, water tanks etc. (no drums or external loads allowed here though)
Drawbacks? Purchase price is around $1.5M and rising. Parts are getting harder to find, especially Edo amphib float parts. Cruise is around 115kts.
I haven't flown the Twin Otter, although I've seen the boys in YK work their magic with them in short field (400’!) and with their parallel parking tricks. It's a great airplane and expect it would handle the rough stuff well too. It should be a good airplane; its daddy is the DHC-3.
BTW, from previous posts, anyone who gets their tits in a knot about calling it a 'Single Otter’ needs to put the 'book' away, and get out more.
I certainly hope someone finds the money and resources to put some of the DHC aircraft back into production. Someday all these workhorses are going to have to retire
There is no 'perfect' airplane, it's always a balance of: type of operation, expected loads, and operating costs. Sometimes you need a bigger airplane, sometimes you need a cheaper airplane.
There are only a few proven aircraft capable of handling rough water or strips in the 2000+ lbs capacity class. Twin Otter and Caravan are the closest competition to the DHC-3T. Norseman hauls less, Beaver less still.
DHC-6 hauls more on short legs, but longer distance trips (400NM) is about the same (legal) load due to carrying twice the fuel. Also purchase price, 2 pilot wages, and costs of the second engine adds up. Lots of pax do prefer the second 'spinny thingy' though.
Caravan hauls approximately the same useful load as the Single Otter, albeit another 1/3 as fast (which significantly reduces operating costs by the hour). Biggest problem with it though is in rough water. Otter gets airborne at 55mph, where the Caravan probably needs 65 (I'm guessing). Big difference hitting a two foot wave at 55 compared to 65. There have been several firewall buckling issues, however I believe this area was strengthened in the mid-90's.
Single Otter useful load is around 2500 lbs, with a couple hours of gas. The turbine is as reliable an engine you'll find, plenty of power to spare, and none of the shake-rattle-and-roll of the R-1340 or 1000HP. (smoother engine = happier pilot, pax and airframe). STOL speeds get you out of the water at a reasonably low speed and take-off distance. Lots of room inside for surfboards, plywood or drums, and outside for canoes, boats, satellite dishes, lumber, ski-doo's, water tanks etc. (no drums or external loads allowed here though)
Drawbacks? Purchase price is around $1.5M and rising. Parts are getting harder to find, especially Edo amphib float parts. Cruise is around 115kts.
I haven't flown the Twin Otter, although I've seen the boys in YK work their magic with them in short field (400’!) and with their parallel parking tricks. It's a great airplane and expect it would handle the rough stuff well too. It should be a good airplane; its daddy is the DHC-3.
BTW, from previous posts, anyone who gets their tits in a knot about calling it a 'Single Otter’ needs to put the 'book' away, and get out more.
I certainly hope someone finds the money and resources to put some of the DHC aircraft back into production. Someday all these workhorses are going to have to retire
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Rudder Bug
- Rank 10
- Posts: 2735
- Joined: Thu Jun 23, 2005 11:09 pm
- Location: Right seat but I own the seat
Pacific Island Air
Ni sa Bula wasYKnowFJ
I was there in 2001. Are Delores, Robert and "Fast Ronnie" still there? Dusty still takes you guys to the chinese on Sunday nights? We were all fighting for not going! LOL
Moce
I was there in 2001. Are Delores, Robert and "Fast Ronnie" still there? Dusty still takes you guys to the chinese on Sunday nights? We were all fighting for not going! LOL
Moce
Flying an aircraft and building a guitar are two things that are easy to do bad and difficult to do right
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Yd_QppdGks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Yd_QppdGks
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wasYKnowFJ
- Rank 2
- Posts: 88
- Joined: Thu Jan 13, 2005 11:05 pm
Yep, everyone's still here. Same restaurant, same time. Very few turn down the free meal.
Check out the web site and say hi, or pm me and I'll pass it on.
http://www.fijiseaplanes.com
Check out the web site and say hi, or pm me and I'll pass it on.
http://www.fijiseaplanes.com
