Some advice needed

[alctel]

Hi there,

I wasn't sure whether to put this in the 'Flight Training' forum or this one.

I am currently 29 years old, in Ottawa with a full-time non-aviation job, about to complete my Commerical license with around 250 hours. In 6 months I am moving to Victoria (work transfer), where i aim to do some float training, and then then look for work in aviation. I have no desire to go into the airlines, and would really like to fly float planes - thanks to my current job I would be entering aviation with no debt, and something to fall back on if it didn't work out.

My current plan is to do float training from July to December time, then quit my job March 2013 time, grab a stack of resumes and then drive across Canada, handing out my resume, and hopefully pick up something for the summer.

My questions are:

1) Is this a good plan? I have thought it through a bunch, but you guys are a lot more experienced than me.
2) Are there any float training places that you would really recommend in the Victoria area?
3) How much time would you recommend training on floats? I was thinking around 25 - maybe not doing one of the 'bush pilot' courses but finding a really knowledgeable guy (see question 2) who can show me a lot of different scenarios that may come up - basically really try to get a feel for what may happen - although I know nothing can prepare you for proper work experience.
4) Is it worth trying to get training time on something like a 185? Or just stick to a 172?

If I can think of any other questions I will add them - I would really appreciate any advice. I've wanted to fly small aircraft in the 'bush' ever since I was a kid, and it's taken years of working towards a position where I feel I can finally make a good run at it, and am fully prepared to work the ramp.

[Beefitarian]

First rebuttle question, Can you get a leave of abscence instead of quitting your job?

If not, start your job search on Vancouver Island. That way you're not going to end up being that guy that talked about picking a Tim Horton's cup out of the garbage to get a refill in another thread about road trips looking for a job.

Plus you can afford to continue to fly and build hours on the wages from your current job.

[the_cr]

4) Is it worth trying to get training time on something like a 185? Or just stick to a

Getting some time in to learn the differences of flying a constant speed a/c can only be beneficial. Something to think about so that the little blue knob doesn't surprise you with it's presence later on.

[alctel]

If not, start your job search on Vancouver Island. That way you're not going to end up being that guy that talked about picking a Tim Horton's cup out of the garbage to get a refill in another thread about road trips looking for a job.

This is horrifying... I have to go find that thread now!

The leave of absence isn't something I had even thought off - it's a great idea though, I'll have to enquire about it.

4) Is it worth trying to get training time on something like a 185? Or just stick to a

Getting some time in to learn the differences of flying a constant speed a/c can only be beneficial. Something to think about so that the little blue knob doesn't surprise you with it's presence later on.

That's what I had thought would be the main advantage as well. Thanks!

[Beefitarian]

Sorry, it was McDonalds with free refills. viewtopic.php?f=25&t=78703&hilit=coffee+cup

You never know you might get a job right away that you love. There's a lot of pilots suggesting the first one is a tough nut to crack.

[robertsailor1]

Its been over 20 years since I flew the bush but in those days it was always about insurance and the minimum time a pilot needed. Not sure what minimums are these days for float operators. When I started flying the bush I already had over 2000 hours on my private float planes so I didn't have to work up through the ranks. Did all my float flying in the NWT and northern Sask so can't offer you anything about coastal float flying. Float flying is some of the most fun you can have in general aviation but its not a job the average city boy would be prepared for these days. Having said that if your heart is in it then just get at it because we are here for a very short time and no use sitting back later in life wishing you had taken certain risks. Be prepared for lots of grunt work that goes along with it..I remember pumping the fuel by hand out of barrels every morning in that thirsty Otter, loading/unloading 24 tubs of fish twice a day and loading/unloading barrels of fuel and ice. End of the day moping up the aircraft. I flew game officers catching young eagles and hunters as well as fishermen. Tying on everything from plywood to boats, the list just goes on and on. If you love the outdoors, your reasonably handy with tools and get bored easy then bush flying is for you. Having said that I was the senior guy at that time and the other guys had their butts worked off compared to me doing lots of general labor jobs at base just to get a few hours in a 185. Some of them stuck it out and made a career out of it. My fondest memories are bush flying..good luck.

[alctel]

Thanks for the advice everyone!

[esp803]

If you are planning on doing your float rating on the island, I would recommend ocean air. I did mine there a few years ago and had a great time, DB is a fantastic instructor.

E

[trey kule]

It seems to me the Catster has a float plane...Maybe give him a call. If he does not he can probably steer you to a good place or person to do your float work.

[Big Pistons Forever]

The Victoria Flying club has also started a float training program with a C 172.

[AnywhereBound]

I had 24 hours of float time and a fresh cpl when I got my first float job, same goes for a good number of my classmates. Some got lucky and went straight into flying and others worked the dock for a period of time (never ridiculously long). Our hours were broken down into something like 14 on a 172 and the remaining 10 on a 180. Some 180/185 time I think is key, it is safe to say that either are most likely to be your first plane in the float industry. While 10 hours on one of them doesn't really mean anything it sets you apart from the people who spent all their time on a 172.

I'd really check into that leave of absence thing, if you fly floats you're going to need a job in the winter anyways. Plus you might change your mind about the whole thing mid summer and then where are you? haha. Have a back up plan.