So how useful are these programs when trying to land that first job? Would someone like me (240TT, MIFR) benefit from an expanded program like this, as opposed to just a basic 7hr endorsement? Would employers see it as a big asset for a potential employee?

I'm trying to find my first job but no luck so far. I've applied to about 7 or 8 land operators around the country and no luck so far, so I figured maybe a float rating would open up my options a bit more in terms of available jobs.

I too would like expert opinions on the value of a 50 float program though I am still at the ppl stage of training.

Actually there have been a few threads started before with a lot of information, just do a quick search and I am sure you will find your answers.

Get a job on the dock and if you work hard and the company is a good one, they will put you in the airplane.

This whole crap of 50 hour courses was started by schools who are out to take your money. Ask how many actual commercial hours the instructor has. Find out where they got there vast experience to teach you what you need to know.. Most of them have barely more time than you so how in the hell are they going to teach you anything when they don't know it themselves?

There are exceptions to my rant but very few of them. This whole scenario was started by schools trying to make money and operators cheaping out with insurance premiums because people were willing to put out the money to buy themselves a job.

If you really want to learn how to fly an airplane, get hold of Cat Driver and hopefully he will teach you the right way to do it..

Here we go again!!


What twotter said was 100% correct. If you can find an instructor who knows the float side of things in and out..you can actually learn LOTS! However, someone with as much time as you have might not provide the most advantageous learning environment. Also, when you go out float flying treat it not as a time building exercise, but a lesson with clear goals in mind. Eg. What are we goign to work on? Low level nav? Docking? Glassy h20? Crosswinds? etc.

Like everything else in aviation, make sure you are learning something each time you go up. Some good places to learn are Fort Langley Air and Air Hart. Also, check the insurance, you don't want to be logging all your time dual.

If your money is burning a hole in your pocket give me $1000 bucks and i'll write your name beside mine in the logbook for 50hrs. Take your pick C-185, DHC-2, DHC-3 or C-208

Put me down for two large in the 206 Philly....incase I want seconds

I tried to put the Dumb and Dumber scene of that up but I couldn't ah well lol

If you really want to learn how to fly an airplane, get hold of Cat Driver and hopefully he will teach you the right way to do it..

If I ever get my Cub finished I fully intend to give floatplane training...but it sure as hell will not be a 50 hour bush flying course, it will be training tailored for the individual.

What is really needed is a couple of good float planes such as Cubs fracional ownership so young pilots can fly for at least one hundred hours at an affordable rate under supervision.

You do not need an expensive airplane to learn the ropes of safe bush flying.

Thanks for the input everyone, much appreciated.

I was reading over the replies in this forum and just wanted to add another perspective, one from someone who has actually finished a 50 course. The course I took was more taylored then the typical course you see advertised but I managed to involve a great deal of west coast bush training as well, ie/ mountain flying, soft field work (actual soft field), gravel strips, low level nav, etc. Personally I found it very helpful. Whether or not it makes me more employable is yet to be determined, but the difference it has made in my flying aptitude is worth the money spent any day, not to mention that it was, and still is the funnest flying I have ever done !

I'd rather not advertise, but if you would like to know where I did my training let me know~ I'd be happy to share, and no low time instructors either!

Hmmm...gravel strip and soft field work...probably not a good idea when you're on floats, especially during your first 50hrs on floats. Probably wouldn't make you more employable but that's just my opinion.

And 'funnest' isn't a word.

The 50 hour float course makes you a lot more hire-able than the 7 hour course. (are there others in-between?)

Its hard enough for a private pilot to get insurance with the 7. Plus it would be homicide to send a 7-hour'a into the industry.

Plz share coaster

Plus it would be homicide to send a 7-hour'a into the industry

Back in the day this was the the norm. Albeit insurance was another story, many of those guys are still kicking around and made out just fine.

From what I can tell, the ONLY thing good about 50 hour float programs is that you have 50 hours on floats when you're done. I've heard various insurance "magic" numbers. Depending on how hard up the operator is, I've heard 7 hours, 25 hours, 50 hours, 100 hours and 200 hours- that's to be insurable.

You could do 50 hours on someone's ultralight on floats- that's cool too.

IMHO, there is nothing wrong with buying 50 hours. I'm in the process of doing that now. Do your Commercial on floats. Do your instructor rating on floats. Do your PPL on floats. DO IT ALL ON FLOATS.

I have no idea why I'm replying to this. Man I'm hung over. Sorry if this makes no sense. haha

-istp

Elessar, don't give up your job hunt with only 8 under your belt - you are just getting warmed up. There are hundreds of operators out there - you definitely need to contact more of 'em.

Get the float rating and keep looking! Its too late this year to get 50 hours floats and still be in the running.

The 50 hour float course makes you a lot more hire-able than the 7 hour course.

Completely false.

Completely false.

Please explain further, as I for one do not agree with such a untrue opinion.

The Other Kind wrote: Quote:
The 50 hour float course makes you a lot more hire-able than the 7 hour course.


Completely false.

I got my first job, in part, because I had done a 50 hour course and had more time than the other guy they were considering. Lots of people like to knock them but I think it's worth it. Better yet do as much of your training on floats as you can if that's the route you want to go.

The added float time will help when it comes time to fly for an operator. However.. you do need some PIC on floats.

I'm on the fence on this one. Neither for nor against the 50hr programs. However.. You'll learn more in the first week on the dock for an operator than you will in that 50hrs. Been there!

Best idea.. get comfortable with the airplane on the water and around docks with a instructor and then just build some PIC time for your commercial on floats!

But then.. thats only my opinion.

50 hour programs would be worth the cost for a private pilot who just wants to rent/own for personal use. The conditions they will be flying in would be similar to those in the training environment - fair weather, light winds and light loads. Some private pilots fly in more challenging conditions, but most do not.

As far as commercial ops are concerned, a guy with 50 hours does not know a whole lot more than a 7 hour pilot. And the CP is going to put both resumes in the same pile. Both pilots are going to need significant training before being cut loose and even then the company is going to keep a very close eye on them. The biggest difference between a pilot with a newly minted float endorsement and a fresh 50 hour "Bush Course" graduate is the balance of their bank account.

When you are a rookie (a 50 hour float pilot is very much a rookie) it's more about who you are as a person and the contacts that you have made. It is pretty much irrelevant that you have 43 more hours than another pilot. I've said this before - Chief Pilots laugh at pilots that quote "Bush Courses" on their resume. Your 'bush training' will start once you get your first bush job.

It is a great market for pilots right now with lots of jobs out there for newbies. Get the rating as fast a possible and get your ass north. If you plan on doing a 50 hour course you'll waste another season doing it and significant $$$.

Cheers.

many guys say that the program is a waist of time.......well, unfortunately it is......however now-a-days its almost the only way to get started in the float industry. many guys say go up north work the ramp and work your way into a float flying position......well, if you are willing to do one of the industys no-no's and work for free for a few seasons go right ahead.(you'l just have a bItch of a time finding a job after that.)(sory for my language) and trust me...there is no straight flying company out there that is willing to hire a 7 h float pilot.
good luck...

Once again, get a group of pilots to buy a small float plane with shared ownership and fly the hours you need then sell your share.

You do not need an expensive airplane float time is float time.

Cat is 100% right....there are other ways to build your time personally....another idea - make friends with someone rich who owns float plane. ......pay for gas.

Quote:
The 50 hour float course makes you a lot more hire-able than the 7 hour course.


Completely false.

I know everyone has already said it but.....

"How does that make any sense??" Think about it, "who is going to be CHEEPER to insure?" Some with 7 hours or someone with 50 hours?? It's all about the money and where they can save it. There isnt much difference between 7 hours and 50, but there definatley is when it comes to insurance. Maybe not much, but money is money........

I was unable to get insurance on my personal 185 float plane with 7 hours total on floats....and yet they would give me insurance with 25hours dual on floats....... so yes, THERE IS a big difference between the guy with just 7 hours compared to the guy with 50. (it does not make a difference how or where you build these hours).