First job in BC/Yukon

[champcamp]

Hi folks,
Looking for a bit of career guidance. I’m trying to start my career as a bush/float pilot. I’ve got no interest in going to the airlines, but would eventually like to get involved with firefighting. I’m living in Ontario right now, in my second year of AME college. I’ve got a PPL with ~150tt and ~100pic, and am about to start training for my CPL. I’m planning on doing my float rating over the thanksgiving weekend. I’ve got a fair bit of tailwheel time (~70hrs), I own a Champ which I’m currently putting new fabric on, and hanging a new motor. I’ve also been volunteering as a mechanic/flight engineer at CWH, so I’ve got a bit of round engine experience. Also have plenty of small boat experience, and I hunt/fish and generally like spending time outdoors. If all goes to plan, I’ll have my CPL with ~200tt and a float rating completed when I graduate my AME program at the end of May.

From what I’ve learned, this is well into the start of the flying season for most bush outfits. At that time of year, is it likely that I still have a chance at finding a dockhand job? I’m hoping to move permanently out to BC/Yukon, and I’m curious if I’ve got a shot at getting hired by an outfit in BC/Yukon with my level of experience, especially given that almost all of my flying has been in Ontario. In the next few weeks, I’m planing on sending exploratory emails (or phone calls) to all the outfits in that region, and possibly doing a trip over the March break. Most of my mentors/friends around me are career airline guys, so I haven’t had a chance to talk to folks with recent information on how the bush industry is doing. My main question: Am I barking up the wrong tree here, or am I on the right path?

Any guidance is appreciated.
Thanks!

[Bede]

Check DM

[TeePeeCreeper]

^ Same same.

TPC

[champcamp]

As an add-on, has anyone gone to the All Canada Show to hand out resumes? Seems like most of the outfitters go there.

[alexisixela9]

I am also in pretty much the same situation, 50hrs on floats and CPL ready for next spring, with 230h TT, any guidance or tips would be appreciated

[Bede]

I am also in pretty much the same situation, 50hrs on floats and CPL ready for next spring, with 230h TT, any guidance or tips would be appreciated

Start visiting operators.

[emergencypower]

Most of the hiring for the bush seems to start just after the new year. Although some places have a hard time finding the right candidate and are still looking in May. Some outfits find candidates then they find a better job and leave before they even start. There may be jobs available in May for your experience level, but usually when other pilots back out and desperation sets in. With your experience level I would be looking in northern Ontario. BC/Yukon is very unforgiving due to the mountains, coastal weather and the the ocean. You may find your self flying in one or all environments at once. You're chances of finding a float job are better in northern Ontario or possibly MB, SK, or AB.

It's cool that you have (will have) both a CPL and and AME ticket. However, what can happen (I've seen it) is that the operation for which you work needs AMEs more than pilots so you end up spinning a wrench more than spinning a prop. Ideally you fly all summer and work in the shop all winter, but you would need to be explicitly clear on that when applying for jobs. At least I would.

As far as 200 TT, no mountain flying time, and a float rating go, it's not enough for a west coast bush/float operator. If you do find a job with that amount of time you've won the lottery. You need some more experience. Float experience would be great, but any PIC time is going to help your application. Go get a job flying skydivers somewhere in Canada out of a 182 or a 206. Talk to some of their past pilots if you can before you accept a job there. This will give you some more flying experience. If you can try to get a job flying skydivers on the west coast. I would try Skydive Vancouver Island. You'll do 300-500 hours a season in there if they will take you on. It's also mountain flying time.

If you don't have the money to rent a float plane and do 50 hours you might try to get your foot in the door at a bush operation flying wheels in a 185 or a 206. Your tail wheel time could help you there. Then if the bush op also has float ops you might be able to transfer over after you've put in some time on wheels.

The main thing is getting some more flying experience. I would take almost anything I could get at 200 TT hours. However, given your goals, I would be hesitant to take a Flap Operator job on a larger aircraft. You do not develop a lot of decision making skills in that seat and decision making skills are what you need in the bush, especially out in the mountains. Be grateful for any opportunity you are offered, not only at your experience level, but at any experience level. Don't give up. It's not easy. But if you set a goal and want it enough you'll achieve it. Hope that helps.