Flyguy4723

I am looking to spend this summer up in Alaska and hopefully build some flight time as I work towards my ATP. I have my private, instrument, and will have my single engine commercial by the end of April and my CFI shortly after that. I have about 150 hours TT, does anybody know of any companies that would potentially let me right seat up there in a Caravan or a Cessna 206 and actually log a little bit of time? Or do I have zero chance of finding somebody to allow me to do that, I have a feeling a log of those charter companies up there are Part 135 which I don't think I would qualify for. Anyway, just looking for a point in the right direction. Thanks.

PrettyFlyGuy

The only reason companies allow guys in the right seat is to have them build the hours to become qualified as a captain and make them money. No owner in his right mind would take anyone for a few months that plans on leaving(except experienced guys of course). There are plenty of guys with 500+ hours who can come up here and be a captain. So unless you plan on staying up here leave the right seat job for someone who needs the hours and is willing to stay here. So just get the cfi and instruct or go fly skydivers for the summer. Also just a heads up you cant log right seat time in a 206. Most operators use that seat for paying customers as well and your weight would make it impossible to carry enough bypass or people to make a flight profitable in most cases. There are very few operators outside of Bethel who take low time guys without walking in your resume in person. As a new instructor pilot up here its frustrating when guys come up here and shake your hand and tell you they are going to stay for a set period of time and then just leave without fulfilling the agreement. This is why training contracts are becoming more popular in the industry and it screws everyone else over. And of all places Alaska is the least forgiving place to build hours for a few months and just move on. Not being an a$$ just being straight. So get the cfi and instruct. Good Luck and if you do find something up here please post it here I would be curious to know about it and it would help the next guy. You could come work the dock or the ramp to make some money and talk to Captains who would bring you along every once in a while and get your foot in the door. We have 2 ground guys that finished their commercial and I take them up anytime I have room.

Javichu

What's your opinion on someone with 500h, no Alaska experience, flying a 206 or similar up there?

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Panzon

Call Grant, Yute, and Renfro's and ask for their hiring minimums. But be advised that most employers are wary of the guys who look like they might be short-timers.

Javichu

I kinda have the opportunity to work over there, so my question is more from a rookie point of view.

I assume you guys have a few alaska years on your back, so I always ask and listen carefully to what you have to say.

I feel 100% comfortable flying here in Colorado, VFR or IFR, but obviously the contrast must be insane.

Nick1984

I have been flying in AK since I began learning when I was a kid, and 2 of the 3 worst times I've scared myself in an airplane have been in Colorado. I'd go for it, it's different for sure, but no harder in practice (other than the elements, and the mentality). The planes fly the same. Just know your limits and keep your mouth closed and ears open...with a healthy filter for bad ideas.

PrettyFlyGuy

My job prior to flying in Alaska was in Colorado and I can say there are just as many dangerous parts in the mountains of Colorado as in Alaska. And most of your entry level Alaska flying is in the west where there is nothing taller than 50 feet. So if you have 500 hours definitely apply to Yute air and Grant. Yute has a ground school in February and you could still get a spot. You will gain way more stick and rudder skills and PIC time here than sitting right seat in some caravan. I see your trying really hard to get on right seat somewhere and I did the same thing when I started but after being up here I am so glad I have the PIC time and Alaska experience on my resume. In my interviews now all we talk about is Alaska stories and they don't even seem to ask any of the usual HR and tech questions. After a year here you will have 1000 hours of PIC Alaska time and will have made 3 times the amount as being right seat at Boutique going to the same 5 EAS destinations. Highly recommend it and bring a camera!

StartUp161WanaB

YUTE wants 1300 TT and Alaska experience with decent IFR skills

http://www.flyyuteair.com/Airline-Ca...horage-AK.html

Grant says 500 TT for 207/ga8 but at the same time it says 135 minimums required.
http://flygrant.hrmdirect.com/employ...q=424067&&#job

alaskadrifter

Bethel isn't the only place in the West. The difference between CO and AK is the wx, and the lack of accurate forecasting and reporting. Having flown out of DEN for a few months CO is much easier. Most of the danger comes from the pressure to fly (real or imagined), don't be a hero. That being said, many a 500 hour pilots have gotten their start in AK and had a good time of it.

PrettyFlyGuy

Every ground school in the last 2 years at Yute has been guys in the 500-700 hour range and the last class every guy had 501 hours. So apply at 500 and you will get at least a phone call. You fly VFR only so the ifr skill requirement is because your initial checkride is basically a .297 ride and you shoot the dme arc. Sounds worse than it is and, you want a real good instrument scan flying "vfr" in low visibility. VFR in Alaska is 500 foot ceiling and 2 miles visibility which is lower than a lot of non precision approaches in the lower 48. Grant seems to be in desperate need of pilots they hire right at 500 hours as well right into the airvan. Apply to both and you will get a call I can guarantee it right now. 7 pilots left between the 2 of them last month for the regionals and fractionals.