Finally got my first season on floats underway after a few years of trying and I'm beginning to hear how hard it is to find experienced float guys to fly for various outfitters here in N. Ontario. I myself got at least 6 offers this spring after getting through the 200hrs on floats barrier and the fone kept ringing even after I had left home in BC for the season. Its interesting to hear this and even ironic that before 200 you won't get a single offer but after finally reaching that magic number there's not enough of you to go around. Welcome to the world of aviation after 9/11, minimums are so high there are no 'up and comers' and we're becoming a scarce breed. I've been told once you break into floats you'll never have difficulty finding a float job again...now I can understand why.

Anyone else heard this as well, comments welcome...

BTW, what's the best bug spray to use out here...annoying little bastards.

Bugs love scents, and carbon dioxide, and dark clothes.

Fly with a fat kid in a black flight suit, and buy him some deeply scented shampoo.

Let him commune with nature.

forget bug spray just try to stink as badly as you can personally stand. never shower...swims in the lake are ok, just no soap. i didn't have running water at my first float job so i perpetually stunk and it worked like a charm. i've also heard that if you eat a lot of citrus (like for a month) sooner or later that works, too.

yellow, dark blue and black are the most attractive colours. i've seen a guy freak out and run all around like crazy so if you're getting swarmed just grin and bear it. the bugs can smell fear.

Hey, glad to hear things are working out for you. I've been saying for years that sooner or later something's going to have to give in this industry. Sooner or later there will either be a shortage of experienced pilots or the industry will contract. I always preferred to believe that there is going to be a shortage of new pilots sometime in the next few years and those who are already in will do well for themselves. Seems others are thinking the same thing as well.

Have fun feeding the bugs.

Well, with higher minimums, those of us with some time will finally be in demand meaning we can earn a decent wage... hopefully something better than some numbskull working in a mine or something that didn't even finish highschool and didn't invest $20K in further education.

About frikin time!

How are the wages?... cause from my experience...$10/hr to fly is pretty bad and that is the most I've made thus far and I have close to 400 hrs on floats.... Just curious...

tailwind, when did Regency get a float plane?

Well, 400hrs I would expect 2500-2800/month depending on how many seasons you've spent with a company and on which type... cessna VS. norseman or beaver. $2000 is what the average guy makes in his first year.

My first season on floats $2500/month.

Bugs are better now but it's stinking hot and humid...

How about some encouragement for some up and coming float pilots??!! I am just finishing my CPL in BC. I spent alot of money to hit that 100 hr. mark on floats during my buildup. I am also an M2 AME with Kelowna Flightcraft. Now I hope next season I can find something?? I'll go just about anywhere, something has to give in this industry sooner or later.

Zero check your PM's please.