VFR operators

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09-07-2023, 06:11 AM

250kt Final

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VFR operators

Do 135 VFR operators exist anymore in terms of hiring mins of 500 hours ? The ones I remember back then have all but shut down.

09-07-2023, 06:31 AM

dera

In a land of unicorns

Joined APC: Apr 2014

Position: Whale FO

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Quote:

Originally Posted by 250kt Final

Do 135 VFR operators exist anymore in terms of hiring mins of 500 hours ? The ones I remember back then have all but shut down.

Canyon tour companies, and Alaska.

09-07-2023, 08:06 AM

250kt Final

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Got any names of reputable places in Alaska? Ideally looking for Juneau/Ketchikan area. Other locations possibly.

09-07-2023, 10:57 AM

Sanguy

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Posts: 117

Quote:

Originally Posted by 250kt Final

Got any names of reputable places in Alaska? Ideally looking for Juneau/Ketchikan area. Other locations possibly.

Most operators in SE Alaska want pt.135 IFR mins for wheeled ops. Alaska Seaplanes does hire VFR Caravan drivers with less, but 1200 hrs is preferred. Island Air in Ketchikan/Klawock is pretty much IFR mins only. Ward Air in Juneau has a 206 and a 207 on wheels that are VFR only. I don't know their hiring mins for those. Other than that, if you want VFR, a float rating and float time will help get you in the door.

09-07-2023, 11:55 AM

Continuingappch

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Alaska Seaplanes/Kalinin Aviation is a strong outfit. Realize you're expected to fly VFR all day in 500' and 2sm as permitted by FARs. You need to look OUTSIDE the airplane to do this safely and be primed to throttle back and make the 190-ish deg turn. Be sure to note the reciprocal heading before rolling in...screen watchers ball up airplanes.

09-07-2023, 12:25 PM

Csy Mon

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Spoiler

We did a lot of Special VFR in Alaska back in the day, was it 1 mile and Clear of Clouds in the Control Zone and not much out of it?

09-08-2023, 02:43 PM

250kt Final

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Thanks for the ideas. I’m assuming the the busy season is coming to an end? Or has it been steady year long now since Covid travel has gone nuts. Hiring picks up roughly what month in the spring ?

09-09-2023, 05:23 AM

Continuingappch

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Position: single-pilot multi turbine captain

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Yes all the seasonal AK work os winding down. Apply in November, follow up in January was the way to go in the past...there is year-round work to be jad but they'll want to see you perform in the Summer first. Perform as in not ball it up - pushing limits benefits nobody.

09-16-2023, 09:58 AM

esa17

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Continuingappch

Alaska Seaplanes/Kalinin Aviation is a strong outfit. Realize you're expected to fly VFR all day in 500' and 2sm as permitted by FARs. You need to look OUTSIDE the airplane to do this safely and be primed to throttle back and make the 190-ish deg turn. Be sure to note the reciprocal heading before rolling in...screen watchers ball up airplanes.

I had to move my headset cord to my right side when I flew in Alaska for WOA in Juneau. It actually wore a blister into the left side of my neck since I was following the coastline so often. Anyone with the time should go fly up there for a season if you're willing to learn to be "comfortable being uncomfortable."

09-23-2023, 07:08 PM

#10

Hawaii808

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Quote:

Originally Posted by 250kt Final

Do 135 VFR operators exist anymore in terms of hiring mins of 500 hours ? The ones I remember back then have all but shut down.

Grand Canyon Airlines is a Great place to gain experience flying a multi turbine aircraft. Mins for FOs is probably wet commercial to 500 hrs. Best part is there’s zero chance of landing gear up in a twin otter.