Originally Posted by
beerbearbastard
Hi guys, I'm new to the forum. I hope to receive a warm, ******* free welcome. But lets not get to excited.
A couple of us south africans are planning to spend some time in Alaska in the early months of 2016.
We are currently flying E120s in North Africa and are completely green with regards to Alaska.
I was fortunate to sneak in the test before 1 august 2014, and would like to convert my CAA license to FAA ATP in alaska whilst I am in Alaska early 2016. The others have varying experiences but are in for the ride, others are investigating float ratings, some others just keen to hike, drink and perhaps whoo an alaskan.
Anyone care to chime in with regards to any of the following;
-Alaska general
-Alaskan flights schools
-Alaskan job market in general
-Alaska bars and other skulduggery related activities
-Float plane ratings
Anything really, we have already spend a good deal of time googling things up. But we are keen to hear from anyone with some genuine advice, or have anyone share some of there experiences, first prize would be to hear from anyone on the ground there.
Any and all opinions welcome to get the boll rolling , thanks for hearing us out.
Lots to do in Alaska. The end of ski flying varies (lasts longer in the north than the south, logically). The lakes open up around Anchorage in mid- to late May (although this year was earlier). Fishing (salmon) has just started.
There is a flight school at Merril Field (Take Flight) for basic stuff. Acme Cub (Lake Hood) does float ratings and tail wheel training. Artic Wikle's Air Adventures does tail wheel and off airport training. There are similar outfits in Talkeetna.
You may be able to find under the table cash jobs on alaskaslist.com or on Craigslist.org. Not sure you will be able to find any paying flying jobs without a green card, even if you have an FAA ATP.
You won't have any trouble finding skullduggery options and bars. Just ask at your hotel or hostel.