AviatorG

So this may be a little different from the norm. I have no desire to fly regionals, or Major airlines or anything like that... I am a relatively low time pilot of course.. 300tt Commercial Multi.... 25 Multi right now, but I have a friend I fly with in a twin barron and another guy in an KingAir F90 that I am able to get some twin time in... Just working on Building that as fast as possible.. I am flying Jumpers out of a 182 on the weekends right now.. Just buildig as much time as possible...

Would I would REALLY love to do is fly a Twin Otter/Caravan/Turbo Beaver.... Either on floats or land... Preferably floats.. I am trying to figure out the best route to achieve this.. Of course Place of location choice would love to be the carribean or something similiar.... But I am willing to do my time wherever needed to get the experience.. Alaska or such.. Single Guy, 38years old No family.. I am able to move at the drop of a hat and go where needed...

Not looking for comments of "Why the hell would you want to do that" Read enough and heard enough negativity to last a lifetime.... understanding that the Commercial pilot lifestyle and PAY is not for everybody, but it is in my blood and nothing will stop me from achieving it. PAY is not important.... Its the experience and knowledge of putting in my dues that I am understadably seeking in order to reach the final goal...


What route, places, or companies would you suggest in order to obtain the Aircraft that I dream to fly on a regular basis.....

Of course if I had my choice.. Twin Otter on Floats.... But however or whatever I need to get there!!!


Thanks for any input or advice you may have..

JohnBurke

Sounds like you're doing everything you can presently, which is all you can be expected to do. Take every opportunity to fly that you can.

Bear in mind that the standard casual advice about seeking multi time and curtain-climbing into PIC multi turbine positions as fast as you can really won't help you a lot here. A background in floats, mountain flying, skis, and other such aviating is more germane to your goals.

You ought not worry about negative counsel. Some don't understand anyone who doesn't want to go to the airlines, but there's a lot of flying and a lot of work out there that's outside the airlines. The airlines are only a pat of the industry.

The best way to find work in Alaska is to go to Alaska.

AviatorG

Thanks John. Pretty much what my intentions are. Trying to decide best place for that commercial float rating as well.

I know I read a lot about how to obtain that airline job, but very little on how to obtain the smaller cargo/taxi flying jobs in the planes I mentioned above.

rickair7777

I don't think you'll find too much negativity about what you want to do...most of of us understand why you'd want to do it. An airline job for me is kind of a compromise, it provides (in theory) a flexible lifestyle, income and benefits, and the ability (via commuting) to keep roots for family and spouse's career...I also get to fly airplanes for a few minutes a day.

JohnBurke is right of course, what you need is tailwheel time for starters and float time. ME time is something you'll probably need too to maximize your opportunities (an employers insurance company may require that). If you get the opportunity to build turbine time (maybe in a 'van) do that too, it just widens your opportunities.

Airline and business pilots should have a college degree...for what you want to do an A&P license would be very, very helpful especially in Alaska.

Alaska is probably where you want to go to make your bones, all kinds of float and bush opportunities obviously. I think some of the Alaska pilots even do seasonal migrations between AK and the Caribbean.

Hang out at the airport, talk to people, hopefully get steered to some opportunities. I hear they are short of CFI's in AK, and that the CFI's generally move up to bush flying.

Where you're going, you'll eventually be tempted by an opportunity to transport unlicensed consumer chemicals...let me suggest that you pass on that.

JohnBurke

Unfortunately, some of the traditional routes in other industries, such as internship, aren't widely available in aviation: especially not in the areas you're seeking.

You're looking more toward blue-collar flying, and utility type work. I have a lot of experience doing utility work, and it's the kind of thing where a mechanic certificate is worth more than a college degree. Ten thousand hours of flight time aren't nearly as important as commitment, safety, and a specific skill set. Total time isn't the thing so much as float time, for example, or tailwheel time.

You may need to work into such positions. In Alaska, for example, you may end up finding seasonal work flying a Cherokee six, initially, and eventually work into a float position. Generally one has the most success finding work in Alaska by applying in person. It's not always a flying position for which you're applying, either. You may get a foot in the door by doing something else and working yourself into the flying.

I know a young man who wanted to do ag, but didn't have the conventional gear (tailwheel) experience. He towed gliders for ten years, instructed, turned wrenches, and inspected aircraft until a chance came up, and he got that chance precisely because he had good maintenance experience, and didn't mind getting his hands dirty. He developed good stick and rudder skills, though his total time was relatively low. Much of it involved tailwheels, and he wasn't afraid of terrain. He could read the wind. He taught glider aerobatics, and it showed in his handling of the aircraft. Total time wasn't the marker of the day for him, but rather what he could do with the experience he had. Add in humility, sincerity, and hard work, and he was a modern day success story.

Ironically, he will end up making more than many airline pilots, with more time off, and a lot less stress, and he will be doing exaclty what he wanted to do. Getting there wasn't a straight line, but it seldom is.

AviatorG

I will be getting my TW endorsement in January. Very excited about that. And I am also able to go take my a&p test. I've done a apprenticeship del working under an AI. I can see where it will be a plus to have that credential.

Thank you to both of you guys. It keeps the motivation going and let's me see the light at the end of the tunnel!

AviatorG

What you describe John about the seasonal work would be just fine with me. The way I see it, any experience flying in different situations is a plus!

AviatorG

Do you think Alaska is the only Route or should I say Stepping stone in this situation?

If not what other areas of the country or world for that matter could give a young pilot these steps to the next position....

Also... one other question.... Are most Freight operations Part 121? and if so does the HR5900 rule apply just to be able to haul freight or cargo...?

blowtheboots

Just a word of caution - if you've never been to alaska- you might fall in love with it- I spent a summer there in the late 90's - loved it- and that was before I was an aviation junkie.
Must say - I am a bit jealous of your single lifestyle and being able to move at the drop of a hat - you have a fun road ahead of you - good luck!

AviatorG

Thank you sir!! I am very excited and VERY motivated!!!