Hello,

I'm a young pilot with a brand new CPL build on a Tailwheel plane and seeking for his first job ( right now for advices ) in the industry, preferably in bush operations, looking for a compagny operating floatplanes & tailwheels in which I could work as dockhand, learn the job and if I can, pass a float rating ( by the way, question : is it preferably to pass the float rating in a compagny or in a flying school ??)

Is it a definitive asset to have a MEIFR to find a job or is it still possible with just a CPL?

So, where or how should be the better way to have a first in job bush operations !?

I'm reliable and not afraid by hardworking and big travels.

Thanks.

First things first....congrats on the CPL, you are now entering the best job in the world, which also happens to be one of the most difficult industries! There are numerous things that you could do right now, one path that works for one person isn't always the path that is going to lead you to a job the next time. This industry relies largely on timing! Any how, what I would advise you to do, is figure out what companies are near to you (or get a list of companies "a top ten" that you would like to work for). Now comes the homework aspect, always in this industry we push and push to find work, and often once you get it you discover that it isn't a place that you want to be (poor aircraft/pressure to fly and break regs/so on and so on...). KNOW WHO YOU ARE WORKING FOR!!!

Know that your first job (if you take the northern route) will be on the ramp, a non flying position. For how long that you'll be there...well it all depends. From what I have heard, ramp times can be 3months-2 years depending on the company. I have said this many a time to others on this particular subject, that there is a book out there that really spells this industry out in a no Bull SH!T manner. It isn't a big book, nor is it a hard read, you'll read it once, but I think that the info is pretty good. I think that the book is called "How to become a professional pilot in Canada", I think that it is the kinda thing that you read and pass on to the next guy. In my instructing days I would lend it to students so that they new exactly what they were getting into.

As for getting your MIFR, I would say that it might be a good idea to get your Multi Engine rating only (once you get the rating she is good for life), and leave your IFR for later. Remeber once you get hired by a company, they are a business and not a training facility (not to say that there are some fine outfits out there who know that they are shaping tomorrows pilots...rare).

The IFR thing, is a tough call, chances are it will expire before you get any use out of it, some say that it is a waste of money when you are a 250hr wonder (I have to agree, in some aspects), but what I like about it is that when you have done the training at a flight school (when you are fresh from the traning environment), there is more help and direction (that is what your paying for), once you have done the initial training, learing it again (when your in the position to use the IFR) isn't going to be as difficult, and you'll be ready to get online flying sooner (your not learng it for the first time, and depending, your only looking at doing a re-ride, and no written tests). And trust me once you have a new job flying a M/E A/C your going to have your plate full learing that A/C top to bottom, let alone studying for a initial ride and written (If you have left the IFR).

That is my 2 cents, the guys on here are pretty good, some rough around the edges and will cut in to you every once and a while, but aside from that there is a wealth of info on this site (no one of us is smarter than all of us), and that is the cool thing about this site. I hope that I have helped you a little, good luck and STICK TO IT!!!

Hello +VE R8,

Thanks for the reply and the advices, will keep'em in mind for the next...
Too late now to restart a flying course and I need to work, so I'm gonna pass a float rating as soon as possible and hit the road for a job.

Greetings....

Best of Luck! Don't forget to play your lotto numbers!! Hey you never know

Congrats on the CPL.
I agree with everything +VE R8 said (good advice) with the exception of the MIFR. I'm about to start my MIFR and I have to say that learning the twin and getting my multi rating then leaving the IFR for a while may cost you a bit more. If you leave the twin for a year and then start the IFR when you need it will leave you rusty. When you start your going to have to put a little bit of time in re-learning the twin and going through practice on emerg proceedures. If you start the IFR right after your twin rating your fresh and ready to go. Keeping up the IFR for the year will require a bit of sim time, but even 10 hours in the sim is alot cheaper than even 2 hours in a twin. Not to mention, if you find a job that requires a MIFR you can apply and not have to try and rush an IFR rating.

Just my $.02

Good luck man

-=0=LIR=0=-

the multi IFR might be a good idea I know of several companie's in the bush that like to see that on a resume. from experiance it comes in handy when the vis goes down to 2sm in blowing snow and the ground is covered in snow (you gotta love white out conditions). good luck with the search

Thanks for the reply and advices y'all; I'll do my MEIR this winter probably ( training for white out in the same time)

If you have some extra cash why don't you work on a 50 hour float/bush course in B.C. while waiting for your first job? Just a thought

Why in BC, do you have an idea where in BC, how much will it cost roughly??

I've never actually been to Air Hart, but I did my float rating with a guy who trained there and also ran a satelite base for them in Victoria. I believe they have an excellent reputation and their rates are reasonable. If it had been an option for me I would have done a 50hr floast program at Air Hart in an instant. They offer various options for float training and can provide you with accomodations as well. Ocean Air in Victoria is also a good place to train.
What the gentlemen above have stated about whether you need your MultiIFR or not is very good insight/information. The way that I ended up looking at it was all the good companies that I wanted to get on with all had a blanket requirement that their new hires have a "CPL with a MulitIFR and a float rating" If you don't have these basic credentials they will usually pick one of the guys from their list of 50 who do. Will you use the MulitIfr when you get hired? No. Will you work the ramp for 2 years? Probably. But when your number comes up they give you 5 hours of training right seat in a Twin Otter or Beech 99, you pass your Ppc, and then start work the next day as a co-pilot. That's how the operators in my neck of the woods work anyway.
If you really want to go the float rating route instead I have heard of guys with 50hr floating programs under their belt getting jobs on the northern prairies flying for hunting and fishing lodges doing summer contracts. But I don't think those jobs are very easy to get and it's probably too late in the season.
Hope you find something, Good Luck