Low time pilot looking for bush pilot job.

[veedubpilot]

Hey guys,
Just signed up and am looking for and low time bush pilot jobs. I just got my commercial and have a little over 300 hrs. with around 70 x-c hrs. Any help would be much appricated. Thank You.

 

[MTpilot]

I know you don't want to hear it, BUT, you need to get your CFI and instruct, or haul banners, you just can't get a real job with that kind of time. Trust me I've been there.

 

[Almerick07]

there is some Alaska outfit that doesnt exactly do bush pilot type stuff but is a good way to get your feet wet with the weather and whatnot in that region.....LAB Flying Services if I remember right. I think you need like 700 hours or something rediculously low like that.

 

[MTpilot]

As far as I know LAB still requires part 135 mins.

Only heard bad things about them.

 

[Steve]

there is some Alaska outfit that doesnt exactly do bush pilot type stuff but is a good way to get your feet wet with the weather and whatnot in that region.....LAB Flying Services if I remember right. I think you need like 700 hours or something rediculously low like that.

Lab is VFR 135, but I think the insurance is requiring 700tt these days if not more. They have had many accidents in the past 10 years, but that comes with the type of flying they do. Its very much a entry level job and you'll be a peeon till the day you leave.

 

[Offwidth]

Try Grant, out of Bethel. They hire low time guys year 'round. L.A.B. too out of Juneau, funnest flying I've ever done. 500' and 2SM, yeah right!

 

[unarmed danger]

Are you guys kidding? He should have no problem being a bushie... It's quite simple really. Just go out and buy a Super Cub, slap on some tundra tires, and viola', you is one!

 

[Rick1128]

Are you guys kidding? He should have no problem being a bushie... It's quite simple really. Just go out and buy a Super Cub, slap on some tundra tires, and viola', you is one!

HORSE HOCKEY!
Playing bush pilot is a good way to get killed. That is why they call it the the third most dangerous job in America. I have seen way too many young pilots get a float rating and a super cub and then their egos write checks their bodies and experience can not cash. Get more experience before you try that. Don't be in too big a hurry to get beyond the entry level jobs. Get some good experience under your belt and put some things into your bag of tricks. Bush flying may sound fun and exciting. But it is mostly long hours and hard work. And if it gets exciting, you did it wrong.

 

[Workin'Stiff]

MPflies2,

The essence of this board, for the most part, is anonymity. If this is the guy, you just blew it for him... May wanna edit your post, as you're not supposed to use names without their permission...

 

[Kream926]

heres a thought.....

why dont you quit crying for a job at such a low time and get a cfi and instruct. youll learn more in your first 200 hours od dual given than you did you 300TT

 

[mpflies2]

MPflies2,

The essence of this board, for the most part, is anonymity. If this is the guy, you just blew it for him... May wanna edit your post, as you're not supposed to use names without their permission...

best friend from college....i'll check with him, but dont think its a prob..thanks though.

marc

 

[Junkflyer]

Bush flying is not for low time pilots. Heed the advice of the other posters, get some experience first then look into bush flying jobs.

 

[planejockey]

Flight instructing is not for everyone, I have been an instructor for about a year now and I have learned a lot from teaching. On the other hand working for a pipeline or aerial photography company would also allow you to gain some experience, granted that you wouldn't be in a scary situation all of the time but it is still experience. BTW guess what I dont think an airline is going to say he didn't instruct and look over the kid, they just want the time PERIOD. lets face it they will not take a CFI with 500 TT over a guy who worked for pipeline company and has 5000TT money talks the sense in the real world and insurance is more for less experienced guys!

 

[Amish RakeFight]

best friend from college....i'll check with him, but dont think its a prob..thanks though.

marc

I'm sure he'll change his handle after this one.


FOLKS,

Don't mention others names around here. It's just proper etiquette.

 

[veedubpilot]

Thanks you for all of the input some was definatly better than others. The real reason I was looking in to bush flying is that i knew that they hire low time and I really think instructing is not for me and also as a recent college grad with an aeronautics degree I'm just looking around for a civilian job before I commit my self to flying for the Army. I really appricate all the responces and yes I do now agree with the guys who said I would need some more experienced Alaska looks like some rough flying.

 

[RichardRambone]

Don't forget contacting some aircraft brokers and see if they need ferry pilots. Its a long shot but I got lucky and was hired with 320 hours/22 multi.

 

[imacdog]

Gotta have the 135 mins for anyhing bush flying. When you do there are a couple operators in Washington State that look for 206 drivers for the summer seasons and possibly full time work. Getting work in Alaska with 500 hours and no Alaska time can be difficult.

 

[Hadhafang]

Have you ever considered flying out here at the Grand Canyon? My goal is to also fly in Alaska possibly as a bush pilot. I was not able to get hired up there this summer so I took a job flying tours over the Canyon. With the winds and the up and downdrafts out here, it should be good experience for bush flying. We fly in stuff everyday that I know would scare some of the instructors I flew with back home. You really learn alot about flying and weather out here. Another plus out here is that you can fly a 207 which is also a valuable plane to log time in. There are plenty of opportunities out here to get on with some other companies that fly Twin Otters when you get more time. Just something you might want to consider. You will probably need at least 500 hours minimum for insurance purposes in order to fly a 207. Hope some of this helps.

 

[RichardRambone]

Short Term Pilot (2 years) 5/24/2006
Mature, committed Christian with a vision for the Lord's church in Botswana and the place of FM in that church. A minimum of one year of Bible training or the equivalent recommended. Personal: Self-disciplined, stable. Specialised: Applicants must agree to serve with FM for a minimum of 27 months and must:

• Hold a Commercial Pilot’s License with night and instrument ratings.
• Hold a Class One Medical Certificate.
• Have a minimum of 500 hours aircraft flying time.
• Have at least 150 hours in complex aircraft of the sort that FM flies.
• Have experience, or training, in bush flying.
• Pass an evaluation flight at his or her expense under supervision acceptable to the Chief Pilot. Guidelines for this evaluation are listed in the Flight Training Manual with the Chief Pilot.

http://www.flyingmission.org/contact.php?to=1&frm=stv

 

[unarmed danger]

HORSE HOCKEY!
Playing bush pilot is a good way to get killed. That is why they call it the the third most dangerous job in America. I have seen way too many young pilots get a float rating and a super cub and then their egos write checks their bodies and experience can not cash. Get more experience before you try that. Don't be in too big a hurry to get beyond the entry level jobs. Get some good experience under your belt and put some things into your bag of tricks. Bush flying may sound fun and exciting. But it is mostly long hours and hard work. And if it gets exciting, you did it wrong.

Horse Hockey!? I like horse hockey! Yaaaayyyyy! Horse Hockey!

 

[Sled driver]

Veedubpilot,

It has already been mentioned on this board but to fly Part 135 (VFR) you need at least 500 hours plus some other requirements that can be found in the FAR's. Alaska is a huge State (as everybody knows) so I am not an expert on all of the flying that goes on up there but in the area I fly out of... most operators won't touch you until you have 1000 hours. This is usually insurance driven from what I hear. A 100 hours +/- of Alaska time also helps out but is not really required. That being said, you can get picked up with less hours depending on the needs of the company and your skills. Like a lot of aviation jobs it helps to know somebody as well. I got hired into a C 172 just shy of 800 hours and then moved into a 207 a couple months later. The experience I have gained has been great. Flying in the lower 48 has been good experience for me as well. You can get slammed on this board but here are my two bits. Build up some hours any way you can. If you want to try Instructing go do that. It helps out a lot. If you want to build hours moving airplanes or towing banners...go do that. When you get over 500 hours if you still have a desire to fly up North start sending the resumes out. If that doesn't work try again when you get closer to 1000 hours. If that doesn't work, you are just around the corner from 1200 hours and more possibilities will open up. If you do get hired between 500 and 1000 hours be grateful and not macho. Start out slow...take it easy. The reason insurance companies like 1000 hours is due to the fact that there have been several 500 hour wonder pilots who bit off more then they could chew. Usually in the form of landing accidents/incidents. (I am speaking about the area I fly in) Some companies break you in slowly but others have a "can do" attitude. Short narrow ice covered runways with full loads, strong crosswinds, and ice leave no room for error or a "can do" attitude. Ironically a lot of landing accidents/incidents also occur with high time pilots who have flown up North for years. If you stay up North for a couple of years remember to keep your skill/limitations in mind and don't push them to hard. Good luck and excuse the typos.

 

[frog_flyer]

when you send someone an email or letter thanking them for an interview, be sure to say "I appreciate your time and consideration"

not appricate

n00b

 

[flyer31]

Check out this site (www.flyalaska.com). There is a small cost for the membership but it will be worth your while. Most of the Alaska operators are listed; their minimums and some info on their operation.
I flew for LAB in Juneau. They might not have the best reputation in the industry, but if you can survive the weather and a couple of other character building issues, you will be able to fly for most wheel outfits in the state. Alaska Time is a big thing for the insurance companies and LAB is one of the very few that will hire with no Alaska Time. It looks like you take advice well and that is always a huge plus.
There are two banner outfits in Myrtle Beach, SC that will hire with 300 hours, Sky Signs, and Barnstormers. They might already have their fill for the summer but it’s worth inquiring. Good luck.

 

[flyer31]

I tried the link with no sucsess. Just type it in as a web address.

 

[Frozen Ronin]

Ok, I've read some really good, honest comments trying to help our young aviator. Make sure you absorb as much information as you can, and filter it for garbage!

I am a ditch driver, and a tundra cabbie. Both good places to build experience. But don't forget that you are flying the public around, and that requires a little more time. Don't be in too much of a rush to find yourself in an airplane with three generations of a family members behind you, on an icy ramp, with low visibility (500-2 my *ss!) and the wind ripping accross the runway. Taxiing seems to be impossible, let alone the take off. What about an engine failure on rotation? Tire blow out? Grandma sounds like she has TB in the back, the baby is yelling, and the dad is probably drunk. You and your few hundred hours have proven the skill to put an airplane in the air and back again, without bending metal.... but what about this? This wasn't covered in training! Have patience, grasshopper. There is wisdom in the system. The knowledge you gain in your quest will reveal this wisdom.

Never offer negative without the positive. That in mind.... check out the ads for jump pilots, banner towing, flight instructing, etc. It could save your life. These experiences allow you to find your limits, get scared once or twice, and not have to scare everyone else in the process.

Lab, Grant, Scenic, King, GCA, Yute, Hagelands, Inland and a hundred even smaller operators are waiting for you to get your 500 or 1,000 hours. It happens quicker than you'd think. Drop me a line when you get your 500 hrs, I'll see if I know anyone that can help.

Good luck!

ps... the first 500 hours is the HARDEST to get. Have faith!

 

[Lownslo]

If you know you're gonna sign up for the Army, just go for it. They're not gonna give a rip about how much time you do or don't have. Prolly put u in a chopper anyways.
:beer:

 

[Sled driver]

Right on

Frozen Ronin,

Your post was right on. You must fly in Western Alaska. I was laughing so hard at your post I was crying. Grandmother with TB, baby crying, wind so strong it is hard to taxi, etc., etc. Thank God Summer is here. Of course...the passengers are the same but it is nice to have better w/x.

 

[Frozen Ronin]

Sled driver,
Amen to summer.... Where did spring go? One day I'm following the snowplow to the ramp at Hooper Bay, the next day the village floods out 'cuz break up flows and jams.... whatever. I had to paddle to work in a canoe that day, by the way. Guess I missed that part of ground school, where they told us the whole canoeing to work part. Again, whatever. I'd rather be in the air looking at the flood then stuck in the pilot shack watching it creep up the stilts!

Good to see another Delta Rat on the board!

Next chapter: Tundra fires and dove sized mosquitos!

 

[MTpilot]

I hear there is a beautiful woman behind every tree in Bethel.

 

[ASC-LLC]

You need (at least) 135 VFR mins [135.243 (b) (1) (2) (3)...
Suggest getting a SES rating, a tailwheel signoff and tailwheel some time... it will help.