Flying floats for a commuter airline?

Chrispee

Chrispee

New Member
I've always had an interest in flying float planes for one of the local companies here in Vancouver BC. Does anyone around here fly floats for a commuter airline?
Is the QOL pretty good? Is it hard to get into? It seems like there is little oportunity for advancement, but the flying would be cool...
 
I'm interested in the same thing. Actually I was just looking into getting my float rating soon. It would be awesome to be able to get a job flying floats out in BC. I don't know about the advancement aspect but you would be able to build up some hours and get some great experience while flying the floats. After this, who knows, with hours and experience in hand it may lead into other exciting opportunities in other sectors of aviation.
 
I can't answer your question, but i can say that i've enjoyed watching the float planes in vancover there! got some great photos and mini-clips of them while waiting for "the love boat"
grin.gif
 
I know theres a couple places that still use float planes but its all gonna be part 135 work. Theres quite a few in Alaska and a friend of mine who is currently flying for San Juan has been asked about the possibility of him flying a beaver on floats for them. I've also seen some jobs advertised for some float pilots flying passengers out to secluded hotels and getaways in the carribean. I'd say jobs are few and far between but out there.
 
http://www.chalksoceanairways.com/
is the only float regional that I know of, but they are far from Canada, they serve Florida and the Bahamas. Looks like a dream-job but I'd imagine there are downsides as well. They're hiring but don't say anything about minimum qualifications on the website that I can see. Good luck, and if you do it, let me know how it works out.
 
I don't want to burst your bubble but it's pretty hard to fly floats. Almost every company will want lots of float time or have insurance that requires lots of float time. Generally you can try to work on the dock at a company for a season or two and then they may go to bat with the insurance company for you. It's pretty tough and not something you can do to just build time. I'd read what some of the people have posted on www.avcanada.ca. Also look at some of there job adds for float drivers. Some of the guys are pretty bitter on that site but just ignore them. If it's something you really want to do it is possible, but not a quick way to build hours or move up.
 
i figured it would require flying supplies out in the bush for a few years, but there are a few little airlines that do good business around here. The mins seem to be mighty high though. Here's the company that most interests me:

http://www.harbour-air.com

they fly right into downtown Vancouver... only fly during the day... home every night...
 
[ QUOTE ]
I can't answer your question, but i can say that i've enjoyed watching the float planes in vancover there! got some great photos and mini-clips of them while waiting for "the love boat"
grin.gif


[/ QUOTE ]

nice! were you going to alaska? i used to work for princess cruises during the summer down at canada place.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top