Alaska Bush Flying for Time-Building

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02-12-2013, 10:29 AM

#41

jackal24

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Quote:

I see that some of the 135 companies like Grant, Era, Yute have schedule 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off. Do you think is it possible to commute from the lower 48?

Thanks

It is very possible. I used to work for Grant and commuted from Cincinnati.

02-12-2013, 10:55 AM

#42

TallFlyer

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Joined APC: Feb 2007

Posts: 2,483

Quote:

Originally Posted by AVIATORCFI

I see that some of the 135 companies like Grant, Era, Yute have schedule 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off. Do you think is it possible to commute from the lower 48?

Thanks

It's a lot easier if you work for a CASS carrier, which in the use I believe would be Era/Hageland and Bering. Maybe Ryan too.

A buddy of mine used to work for a carrier that had cabin only jumpseats on Alaska and sometimes it could take him a couple days to get home.

02-12-2013, 11:14 AM

#43

AVIATORCFI

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Position: PA-31 LEFT SEAT

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Quote:

Originally Posted by jackal24

It is very possible. I used to work for Grant and commuted from Cincinnati.

Would you be so kind to give me more info about Grant qol, pay ,commute etc.? I would be commuting from Chicago .

Thank You

02-12-2013, 04:00 PM

#44

jackal24

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Pm sent

Pm sent

03-22-2013, 03:35 AM

#45

gsoflyer

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Position: Turboprop guy..

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I kind of like the sound of going up to Alaska. My first aviation paycheck came from LAB Flying Service in 2001. Since then, I've hauled boxes and passengers, both domestic and abroad. Now, I'm about to turn 55, I've stashed a bunch of money, I have a bunch of flight time, and I want a job where I can get home to North Carolina every two weeks. And, now having flown for a major Indian airline for 3 plus years, I kind of think I would like to go small again.

Here is a question for some of you... would a company consider rather than a two week on/off, a 4 week on/off? Can any of the 135 operators (Grant?) get some sort of ZED fare or jumpseat out of ANC?

thanks...

03-22-2013, 09:48 AM

#46

Panzon

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Quote:

Originally Posted by gsoflyer

Here is a question for some of you... would a company consider rather than a two week on/off, a 4 week on/off? Can any of the 135 operators (Grant?) get some sort of ZED fare or jumpseat out of ANC?

thanks...

I don't know of any carrier that does a 4 on/ 4 off schedule as a matter of routine, but you may be able to finagle that. The only way to know is to call the CP at each outfit.

Don't expect them to embrace the idea, as scheduling is a big headache and one-off schedules throw a monkey wrench into the works.

03-22-2013, 11:28 AM

#47

gsoflyer

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Position: Turboprop guy..

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Yea, I imagined that would be the case, but it never hurts to ask. I would consider finishing my career somewhere with that kind of schedule....

03-23-2013, 10:20 PM

#48

akIPA

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Quote:

Originally Posted by gsoflyer

Grant has travel agreements with most of the big airlines. It's possible to jump on Alaska or United out of Anchorage, but Grant is not in CASS so sitting in the jump seat is not possible. We can still show up and ask to jumpseat, just can't sit in the cockpit.

I highly doubt we will be doing much hiring this spring, you might want to look into ERA. Send me a PM if you have any questions about Grant.

04-18-2013, 07:36 AM

#49

StartUp161WanaB

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Position: Left Seat 98Toyota

Posts: 250

Quote:

Originally Posted by akIPA

It is worth mentioning it is possible to get your foot in the door with a lot less than 500 hr as SIC in a 208 - and the two year contract is only for saab 340 SICs. The pay does suck, but for those looking to get the bush flying experience it is a great way to start and learn from the pros. Most of these companies up here have jumpseat priviledges, great work schedules (15/15 or 20/10), and free company housing while you're on shift. Hiring season is quickly approaching for bush operators, most of them having hiring classes begining in January through May at the latest.

It's definitely not for everyone, but for a certain type of person it can be very enjoyable and rewarding. And yes the fishhauling is a lot of work, but a ton of fun!

Just learned that my compnay was sold to someone in chicago from new jersey. Waiting for the lay off. Do you think its too late to apply for SIC job in alaska.

04-18-2013, 12:39 PM

#50

akIPA

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Quote:

Originally Posted by StartUp161WanaB

Just learned that my compnay was sold to someone in chicago from new jersey. Waiting for the lay off. Do you think its too late to apply for SIC job in alaska.

Penair got rid of the Caravans. You might try Era though, I've heard they still have an SIC program. Grant might have one at some point, but not yet. Most companies try to get staffed up before the summer hits, so I'd make some calls soon if you're hoping to work in AK this year.