Anyone have any suggestions on where to find those odd jobs that no one on this site ever really talks about? Alaskan bush flying, Carribean island hopping, etc.

 

Probably have to go to Alaska or the Caribbean and beat around the bush looking for the local jobs. Once in a while I see random job postings on places like climbto350

 

PM alexk1980 about Cape Air (Let him know that I refered you). They fly in the Caribbean. Also, if you want travel beni's so you can come see your family, and a little bit better pay, try American Eagle. You will fly the largest bush plane known to man! (Super ATR-72) If float planes tickle your fancy, get your Commercial MES, 1500 TT and 500 ME, try Seaborne Airlines. They fly Twin Otters on floats.

 

mcartier713 -

I've asked this question before in my past - looking for those very odd jobs.
I called Alaska once (see post in Pilot Career Change) and was basically told the exact same thing as FlyBy states above. He said - bring your money, beat the bush for a job, if you have a job by the end of your money stay, if not go home. I'd be willing that the Caribbean would be the same thing.

USMCFLYR

 

I dare say you are incorrect sir. I found my job in the caribbean without going there. If you guys want some info on jobs down there pm me. I can give you the info you need but there isn't any need to go running around islands that you know nothing about to begin with.
B

 

Everyone always wants to deal in absolutes. Why is that? I said that I'd be willing [to bet] that it would be the same way in the Caribbean - which was based on MY experiences. I wish I had encountered your good fortune back in the day when I was searching for those jobs.
How about we dare say that you had a different experience rather than say that I am incorrect? What if 9 out of 10 people in that same situation were to not find a job like you did? Then to be splitting hairs I would still be *incorrect* yet my belief (based on my experience) that you would have a better shot at finding that job would still be the safest bet.

USMCFLYR

 

Look, I am not trying to start a fight here. I am not one to deal in absolutes unless the conversation topic is vodka. In my opinion, after having lived in the caribbean, worked for a company in the caribbean, and interacted with pilots from many different companies in the caribbean, I would say that only a fool would travel to the caribbean to look for a job. It is pretty dang expensive to travel from island to island.... not to mention even the worst hotel is quite expensive compared to the american counterparts.
If you want to get a job in the caribbean you need to do your research online (suprisingly most of the companies in operation down there do have websites.... they are just a little difficult to find.), get in touch with those who have or still do work down there, and finally after contacting these companies I would then and only then recommend a trip down to see if you like the environment that you would be living in.
I apologize if I insulted you as that was not my intention.... I just hadn't had my coffee for the day.
Again, I highly discourage running around the caribbean islands looking for work. The islands can be as dangerous as LA or NYC to someone who doesn't know their way around. If you would like some info on jobs out there PM me.... I even know of the companies that aren't widely spoken of on these boards.

 

I didn't think you were trying to start a fight - and if you had I wouldn't even had taken the time to post a response. I wasn't insulted - just pointing out that "always" and "never" rarely apply. I would agree that now searching the websites is a great way to get information. 20+ years ago there weren't nearly as many websites out there - especially for small companies like that. I sent in for one of those hiring services packets that offered to send you mailing addresses of all kinds of companies. Overall I would say that I sent out a 150 resumes and probably 2/3s came back undeliverable - ESPECIALLY the ones from Alaska and the Caribbean. So when I called the one place in Alaska his advice was to come to Alaska to find a job. I never called anyone in the Caribbean - but at the time I could have seen getting the same response. Those odd jobs like pipeline flying or fish spotting and even banner towing are out there too but just never popped up on my radar screen. I still wouldn't know where to go to look for those kind of jobs either.

USMCFLYR

 

That's an understatement!

 

Well.... if you are looking for a job PM me... tell me what you want to do and chances are I can give you some info on companies that do that type of work. I have a huuuuuuuuge collection of companies that I built after I got furloughed....
I am always here to help so just holler!
B