Hello,

Well after much thought put into it, I will be moving (for the first time) to Edmonton... all the way down from Chile!

In spite the fact I do not post much here I´ve been following the information and posts in this forums for several months. In fact, due to what I´ve learned from here I have chosen Edmonton as my destination. I, like many others, am a low timer looking for that first job. I know the situation isn´t good but hey, I´m still enthusiastic to go up there and start doing my own.

I thought I would leave a post here to see if I can do some networking when I get there (10 days from now) as I don´t know anyone in the city who´s into aviation. I´ve done my homework, however, and have gotten familiar with several companies that operate there and from some towns up north. I´ve also contacted some as well and sent my resume. I want to thank people here in the forum that have answered my PM´s while I been reading it (mustang06 and flying4dollars).

I´ve got a place to crash already, I´m prepared to face a whatever-job I would have to take at the beggining, but it would be nice to get together with someone that´s knows better the current situation. I´m not even current as I been away from Canada for almost two years, though I flew here in Chile and got my Chilean Commercial and IFR, but have flown very very little. I´ve got Edmonton Flying Club on my sights for this at the moment.

My main goal is to settle in Edmonton first, and then go and visit some places up north. I´m aware I´m arriving kind of late into the summer season, but well, that´s how it is. Any advice so far on anything, maybe just tips about the city of Edmonton, or job-wise (even if not related to aviation at first) would much be appreaciated. I´ll be staying in the Millwoods area for starters.

My name is Daniel, 24.

Hey Daniel, I currently work in Edmonton and have lived here all my life. Getting a first job here in aviation is pretty tough unless you have an instructor rating. My first job was in Edmonton but I was teaching. My second job required me to rotate out of the north and spent 6 months in the Maldives as well. It wasn't untill I got over 1300 hours I was able to get myself on a King Air doing medevacs right out of the city. You said you did your home work so you must be farmilliar with the companies such as airco, north cariboo, alta flights, the Ab government and canwest corperate air charters. All of those companies will most likely require you to have at least over 1000 hours with a PPC or time on type. Stay away from alta flights, that company is run by monkeys and the employes get treated poorly. You can also try OptimAir. They have a navajo and 206's they use to drop jumpers out of Westlock and Innisfail. I would say that is your best bet for now. Good luck!

Cheers!

SC

I think OptimAir has ceased operations, someone correct me if I'm wrong.

kilpicki wrote:I think OptimAir has ceased operations, someone correct me if I'm wrong.

It's quite possible.. Last I heard they discontinued Navajo operations, but i've seen them at least 3 times since flogging around the Esso lounge since that happend. Now that you mention it, I havent heard their skydive plane "C-FALL" on the radio in terminals airspace yet this spring! Maybe your right!

Thank you very much for your answer SC.

I will certainly send you a PM when I get there and get a taste of how things currently are. As I mentioned, I am planning to settle in Edmonton first and then start visiting places up north. I have several in my list.

If there are any others pilots in Edmonton that would like to share what the situation is there and the best moves to make, I´d be grateful. I´m arriving there July 13th.

Saludos de Chile.

I think Severe Clear summed it up pretty well. I got started in Edmonton too, but also as an instructor. Once you have a thousand hours, your options open up quite a bit for getting on a King Air, Navajo, etc. I don't know of very many low time jobs that are available right in the city. I have a couple of friends that got their start doing traffic patrol in a 172 for Canadian Traffic Network, but other than that I cannot think of much. A search through the north is probably your best option initially. Best of luck with your job hunt.

This is how silly rumours get started..................

Optimair is running just fine thank you (well, as fine as anyone these days)..
If you haven't heard C-FALL on the radio, try listening for C-GNOR, it's the other 206 and it's in Westlock this year.

I stand corrected, thank you.

Thanks ditar for your response.

I will surely have more questions later on and would send the appropiate people PM´s once I get there if you guys don´t mind.

Muchas gracias!

dannyjet wrote:Thanks ditar for your response.

I will surely have more questions later on and would send the appropiate people PM´s once I get there if you guys don´t mind.

Muchas gracias!

Sure, feel free to PM me.