Catcher,
You remind me of yourself a few years ago. The difference is that I had even less time. I had the same desire to see a beautiful, vast wilderness and find out what the Alaska flying thing was about. So I quit my job and went to Alaska.
The bottom line is this: If you go up and are determined, you will find a job. It may take some time, and it will take some rainy day cash to get you through the search and then training.
Go to all the bush operators with HQ in ANC: Grant, Hagelands, Arctic, PenAir, and others I've forgotten. Also go to FAI and drive down University Ave next to the airport. You will find one bush operator after another. Most companies have HQ's in these two cities.
Take the first job offered. Once you reach 500 Alaska, the golden number, you can start looking again. By that time you will have networked and know what you want.
I would suggest, if you have a say, getting on flying in the bush (no roads in or out). This is where the action is. The bush is where you get the wild stories, make the most money, and learn the most about yourself and your skills. You will hear more stupid sh!t than you could ever believe. One thing that makes AK so interesting are the characters you meet.
Most companies provide housing, transportation, and time off. All you need to take is a toothbrush, maybe a laptop, and definitely an open mind. It can be a brutal, unforgiving place. You will develop exceptional decision making skills by necessity. You will do things you never dreamt of. You will fly VFR in weather that you have no business being in. VFR 135 boils down to 500/2. If it's that, you go. If it's a mile and clear, you get a special, and you still go. Believe it or not, you won't think twice about it after doing it a few times. You'll be sitting in the office, checking the wx every five minutes, and praying for the ceiling to get to 500. IFR - I Fly River.
The Capstone gps is pretty slick. If you get in a Capstone equipped a/c remember these two things: It can get you further into a jam because you're relying on the moving map, so ALWAYS have an out. Also, remember that your a/c is displayed on the main capstone system and it can be used in enforcement action.
I made more money in Alaska than I had in any corporate job before or any flying job since. I took home an average of $1000/week. If I made less I was pissed. I flew more hours than I could stand. Averaged maybe 130/month with 175 being the most.
I wouldn't trade my experience for anything. It gave me the confidence to do anything in life I want. I made friends that I will keep forever. I have memories and stories that, for some reason, make mouths go agape on pilots I've worked with since.
It's hard, dirty, nasty work. Most love it but some don't. Is it dangerous? Yes. Can you die? Yes.
I'll quote you:
"Live the dream. It is your life....do whatever the hell you want."
Do you mean it?
