Alaska Part 91/135 operators for right seat
#11
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.
#12
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Joined APC: May 2012
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That is true but starting in Bethel is the most well known and has a crazy history lol. There is St. Marys, Nome, Aniak, Unalakleet and even Dillingham that have spots fairly easy for low timers. I second the don't be a hero part, know your limits and stick to it regardless of what any ol'timer will tell you. The weather reporting is definitely lacking and all they seem to do is publish TAFs that are accurate for the current moment with no actual future casting. Keeps life exciting I suppose.
I'll note all those villages in my list, in case I decide to visit in person, which is almost decided anyways
#13
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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.
it kinda looks ugly every now and then over here, but I never had any problem, lucky me!
my korean friend did though, while he was instructing.
#14
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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!
I'm gonna email Yute/Grant right now, and I'll call them in the morning to see where I'm at.
Also thanks for showing empathy
#15
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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.
#17
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I've been using the search option uo there, reading about grant and yute. I found some info but not that much.
Am I wrong thinking pay must be around $200/day? from what I see/read, Grant seems maybe a bit more professional or organized?
Am I wrong thinking pay must be around $200/day? from what I see/read, Grant seems maybe a bit more professional or organized?
#18
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I applied some 10 days ago to Yute and Grant, also Wings of Alaska, and I guess they don't need pilots that badly haha, not an email/call.
I checked flight tickets from Denver to Anchorage and it's like $1,100 craaazy expensive. Do you Alaska guys think it'd be worth it? to go there in person, maybe be even to Bethel if I have to.
I checked flight tickets from Denver to Anchorage and it's like $1,100 craaazy expensive. Do you Alaska guys think it'd be worth it? to go there in person, maybe be even to Bethel if I have to.
#19
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I applied some 10 days ago to Yute and Grant, also Wings of Alaska, and I guess they don't need pilots that badly haha, not an email/call.
I checked flight tickets from Denver to Anchorage and it's like $1,100 craaazy expensive. Do you Alaska guys think it'd be worth it? to go there in person, maybe be even to Bethel if I have to.
I checked flight tickets from Denver to Anchorage and it's like $1,100 craaazy expensive. Do you Alaska guys think it'd be worth it? to go there in person, maybe be even to Bethel if I have to.
A trip to Bethel isn't warranted: most of the companies have offices in Anchorage (not certain about Renfro's or Bering) and I don't think any pilot hiring decisions are made in Bethel.
It pays to come to Anchorage to distribute your resume. You can call ahead and try to schedule brief meetings with the various Chief Pilots. They are all super busy, so don't be put off if they can't meet you or if they can't give you a lot of time.
#20
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Yute and Grant are pretty much bottom of the barrel (sorry if I'm offending anyone). Bering Air is probably at the top of the heap: it has a very good reputation. They don't hire too many low time guys, and they really prefer guys who will live full time in OME or OTZ. After Bering, Hagelend is probably next best. Hageland has had a poor safety record the last few years, but has made many structural changes to correct their problems. They also have a good pay package and a good schedule for commuters. Ryan doesn't pay very well, has had (and may still have) a training bond, and doesn't treat their pilots very well. But you will learn a lot of good stuff from Boyuck and Lee, so it may be worth a look. Then comes Grant and Yute, and below them is Renfro's Alaska Adventures.
A trip to Bethel isn't warranted: most of the companies have offices in Anchorage (not certain about Renfro's or Bering) and I don't think any pilot hiring decisions are made in Bethel.
It pays to come to Anchorage to distribute your resume. You can call ahead and try to schedule brief meetings with the various Chief Pilots. They are all super busy, so don't be put off if they can't meet you or if they can't give you a lot of time.
A trip to Bethel isn't warranted: most of the companies have offices in Anchorage (not certain about Renfro's or Bering) and I don't think any pilot hiring decisions are made in Bethel.
It pays to come to Anchorage to distribute your resume. You can call ahead and try to schedule brief meetings with the various Chief Pilots. They are all super busy, so don't be put off if they can't meet you or if they can't give you a lot of time.
I have no preferences at all honestly, although I obviously prefer the better employer I could find. But at this point, I'll get the first job that is offered to me.
When you say they prefer guys living full time in Nome or Kotzebue, what kind of schedule do they have? I understand full time means no 15/15 or 20/10, right?
I'm an off-road guy, I'll move to Barrow if they want me to
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