There are some threads like this, and I've even already messaged some of you regarding it after reading the others, but I figured I'd also start a thread to gather more info from those of you who I have not yet personally messaged, and since everyone's circumstances are a little different, some advice more specific to my circumstances is always welcome.
My situation:
I want to fly in Alaska, namely in the bush, although to be honest I don't care TOO much about exactly what I do to start, though Alaska is my goal given that it offers the most bush flying opportunity. I just like flying. I can work my way to flying Super Cubs for lodges or Beavers (with or without floats) from less cool positions if that's what it takes. Doesn't really bother me. Heck, I'll even do SIC stuff. I just want to know what's going to give me the surest path to success in meeting my goals (which right now are more along the lines of bush flying than more "regulated" flying).
My Quals:
My Options:
I've had a guy who flies Beavers on floats tell me to do #3, as well as my flight instructor (though he doesn't work up there so doesn't know exactly what the situation is now). I've also had a few of you tell me not to do that and choose #1 or #2.
Any more input would be appreciated.
My situation:
I want to fly in Alaska, namely in the bush, although to be honest I don't care TOO much about exactly what I do to start, though Alaska is my goal given that it offers the most bush flying opportunity. I just like flying. I can work my way to flying Super Cubs for lodges or Beavers (with or without floats) from less cool positions if that's what it takes. Doesn't really bother me. Heck, I'll even do SIC stuff. I just want to know what's going to give me the surest path to success in meeting my goals (which right now are more along the lines of bush flying than more "regulated" flying).
My Quals:
- Have:
- 120hrs TT and complex endorsement
- Working on:
- Instrument Rating
- High performance endorsement
- Plan on getting afterwards
- Taildragger endorsement (likely quite soon)
- MEL
- Seaplane
- CSEL/CMEL
My Options:
- Get all of the above mentioned ratings (or skip seaplane until once I'm up there) and then go knocking on doors in Alaska
- About 250TT IRA, MEL, CSEL/CMEL would be my quals
- Pros: Have all the quals I need for SOMETHING once I get there. I'm not averse to SIC stuff. Can build to Part 135 mins (500TT, etc.) up there.
- Cons: Less job opportunity compared to having part 135 mins. Showing up without knowing anyone.
- Get all of the above mentioned ratings (or skip seaplane until once I'm up there), find work elsewhere in the US to hit Part 135 Mins (500TT, etc.), and THEN go to Alaska
- Pros: Part 135 mins opens up far more doors by the time I show up. More opportunity for low time PIC jobs in the lower 48 (banner towing, survey piloting, etc.) Larger set of options from which to choose in general until I hit the Part 135 mins that'll really get me competitive up there.
- Cons: Showing up without knowing anyone
- Go up there now, work as a ramp rat, and get those ratings and endorsements up there
- Pros: Will have same quals as listed above. Will have built rapport with people, especially those I work for/with. High likelihood of nullifying total time deficits I have in comparison to other applicants.
- Cons: Will likely take considerably longer to get my ratings unless I buy classes at a school (which I can do). Is ride bumming on empty legs a thing anymore? You know, that and the other old-school ways of getting flight time? The advantage of knowing people and preference in hiring might not be worth the time spent as a ramp rat, given the skew towards pilots in the current job market. At really any time 6+ years ago, I'm sure this would be a much more advantageous option, but I'm still considering it depending on how much advantage it's liable to give me.
I've had a guy who flies Beavers on floats tell me to do #3, as well as my flight instructor (though he doesn't work up there so doesn't know exactly what the situation is now). I've also had a few of you tell me not to do that and choose #1 or #2.
Any more input would be appreciated.