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work in alaska
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moving2vegas
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 18, 2003
- Posts
- 221
working in alaska
I spent 2 years in Alaska flying 207, 208, and pa-31's. It was by far the best experience of my life & I miss it everyday. However; if your a city lover & use to lots of convinces, a fair weather person, a "pilot" that won't work and load his own plane, or can't handle VFR @ 500 & 2, then forget about it. With 700 hours ( not IFR mins) your going to start with A VFR 135 operator and go from there. Most likely flying a 207 or pa-32, they are the most numerous. Almost everything in Alaska is done part 135 ( even lodges) and it's pretty even as far as IFR & VFR work. Don't worry too much about "Alaska" experience. It's more about mountain experience, good judgment, and whether they like your attitude. I saw guys come out of Florida and have no trouble because they were hard workers with a good head. Next decision is where you want to go. Southeast (Juneau) is a mix of wheels and floats. You can make good money especially if you fly floats, but you'll need a rating and 100-300 hrs float time. Plenty of wheel work with Wings of Alaska, LAB, Skagway & Air Excursions. Wings is by far the best in Juneau. If you want central Alaska (Fairbanks) check out arctic circle air service, Tanana air service, or Wright air service to name a few. There's a lot of quality operators in Fairbanks but much of the work is IFR and you'll have trouble with 700 hours. There's tons of work with Anchorage operators because they cover western Alaska. Areas like Bethel, Kotzebue and Dillingham. Western Alaska is a hole, but the pay is high and some employers provide housing. Look at grant aviation, alaska central express, or hageland aviation to name a few. A word of caution. If you go to Alaska, with your time you will most likely be operating the "sled" or C-207. It's a fantastic A/C that does a very good job. But it (like many) has a serious aft CG problem. Be careful because it's unforgiving and will bite you hard if you make a mistake. On average, there is an A/C accident every 6 days in Alaska. Much of that is due to weather. Alaska doesn't suffer fools. Use you head, don't challenge the weather, and don't be afraid to decline a flight if it's beyond your ability. If you want my recommendations:
1. get use to flying around at 500 AGL all day.
2. get some 200 series cessna time.
3. get some pa-32 time.
4. add on your float rating.
5. apply everywhere.
6. have a good attitude.
7. be prepared to work you A$$ off, it's more than just flying in AK
If you have trouble locating websites, PM and I'll hook you up. Best of luck. AK is the best. There is nothing like flying for 3 hours and seeing solid wilderness; no roads, houses, or mankind as far as the eye can see.
I spent 2 years in Alaska flying 207, 208, and pa-31's. It was by far the best experience of my life & I miss it everyday. However; if your a city lover & use to lots of convinces, a fair weather person, a "pilot" that won't work and load his own plane, or can't handle VFR @ 500 & 2, then forget about it. With 700 hours ( not IFR mins) your going to start with A VFR 135 operator and go from there. Most likely flying a 207 or pa-32, they are the most numerous. Almost everything in Alaska is done part 135 ( even lodges) and it's pretty even as far as IFR & VFR work. Don't worry too much about "Alaska" experience. It's more about mountain experience, good judgment, and whether they like your attitude. I saw guys come out of Florida and have no trouble because they were hard workers with a good head. Next decision is where you want to go. Southeast (Juneau) is a mix of wheels and floats. You can make good money especially if you fly floats, but you'll need a rating and 100-300 hrs float time. Plenty of wheel work with Wings of Alaska, LAB, Skagway & Air Excursions. Wings is by far the best in Juneau. If you want central Alaska (Fairbanks) check out arctic circle air service, Tanana air service, or Wright air service to name a few. There's a lot of quality operators in Fairbanks but much of the work is IFR and you'll have trouble with 700 hours. There's tons of work with Anchorage operators because they cover western Alaska. Areas like Bethel, Kotzebue and Dillingham. Western Alaska is a hole, but the pay is high and some employers provide housing. Look at grant aviation, alaska central express, or hageland aviation to name a few. A word of caution. If you go to Alaska, with your time you will most likely be operating the "sled" or C-207. It's a fantastic A/C that does a very good job. But it (like many) has a serious aft CG problem. Be careful because it's unforgiving and will bite you hard if you make a mistake. On average, there is an A/C accident every 6 days in Alaska. Much of that is due to weather. Alaska doesn't suffer fools. Use you head, don't challenge the weather, and don't be afraid to decline a flight if it's beyond your ability. If you want my recommendations:
1. get use to flying around at 500 AGL all day.
2. get some 200 series cessna time.
3. get some pa-32 time.
4. add on your float rating.
5. apply everywhere.
6. have a good attitude.
7. be prepared to work you A$$ off, it's more than just flying in AK
If you have trouble locating websites, PM and I'll hook you up. Best of luck. AK is the best. There is nothing like flying for 3 hours and seeing solid wilderness; no roads, houses, or mankind as far as the eye can see.
Dan CFI/CFII
I'm a dippidy doer
- Joined
- Nov 28, 2001
- Posts
- 347
Thanks for the info from me too.
I'm getting fed up with this not-flying crud, I need excitement. This is the first time in my life that I've only worked M-F, 8-5, and I'm exhausted. Give me a job where I literally was working 24 hours a day for months on end (well, I got to sleep-but even then I was only ten feet away from fixing this or doing that)--if it's interesting: I've got more energy than a monkey at a banana convention.
So, I'm sort of planning on going up to AK sometime this spring to see if anyone up there would want a pilot/mechanic (I hear they would, but I hear that down here too). But I'm curious as to when the best time to do so would be.
I figure that by April they're already in full swing, and in Febuary it's still in the slow times. I know that leaves March the obvious choice, but I don't want obvious! I want something that mgiht leave me with a chance to get a job flying again.
Any input from current AK'ers? I've got family in Anchorage--so I can afford to stay for a few weeks.
Dan
I'm getting fed up with this not-flying crud, I need excitement. This is the first time in my life that I've only worked M-F, 8-5, and I'm exhausted. Give me a job where I literally was working 24 hours a day for months on end (well, I got to sleep-but even then I was only ten feet away from fixing this or doing that)--if it's interesting: I've got more energy than a monkey at a banana convention.
So, I'm sort of planning on going up to AK sometime this spring to see if anyone up there would want a pilot/mechanic (I hear they would, but I hear that down here too). But I'm curious as to when the best time to do so would be.
I figure that by April they're already in full swing, and in Febuary it's still in the slow times. I know that leaves March the obvious choice, but I don't want obvious! I want something that mgiht leave me with a chance to get a job flying again.
Any input from current AK'ers? I've got family in Anchorage--so I can afford to stay for a few weeks.
Dan
moving2vegas
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 18, 2003
- Posts
- 221
building float time
There's still quite a bit of float flying in the duller 48. Florida, Louisiana and Washington are pretty good locations. But Alaska is still top dog. As far as how to build float time w/o paying for it. In my opinion, start flying wheels for a mixed operation and every chance you get to jump in an open seat on the floats side. You'll have 100 hours before you can wipe the excitement out of your crack.
There's still quite a bit of float flying in the duller 48. Florida, Louisiana and Washington are pretty good locations. But Alaska is still top dog. As far as how to build float time w/o paying for it. In my opinion, start flying wheels for a mixed operation and every chance you get to jump in an open seat on the floats side. You'll have 100 hours before you can wipe the excitement out of your crack.
Ditto to everything Moving2Vegas had to say in his most excellent post.
I have been flying 135 in Alaska since last summer and find it to be ever challenging but NEVER boring. I have to tap on the kids down there to make sure they're still made of steel.
In fact, concerning the weather, he wasn't fibbing. Just an hour or so ago I took off into MVFR and proceeded to "run" the coast at 700 MSL with 2SM vis and snow showers. It does require a lot of self-disciplne. I can't speak for other operators, but my chief pilot respects my decision. There is none of that "do it or else" crap. If I don't feel it is safe, I DON'T GO...Period!
And hopefully this will make you feel like you're in the game. I was hired to fly C206s and a BN2 with just 880TT and 145ME and NO Alaska time. I guess it just depends on your demeanor and how bad they need people. I know for a fact that Bethel hires like mad during the summer. If you have any questions, you can PM me if you like.
I have been flying 135 in Alaska since last summer and find it to be ever challenging but NEVER boring. I have to tap on the kids down there to make sure they're still made of steel.
In fact, concerning the weather, he wasn't fibbing. Just an hour or so ago I took off into MVFR and proceeded to "run" the coast at 700 MSL with 2SM vis and snow showers. It does require a lot of self-disciplne. I can't speak for other operators, but my chief pilot respects my decision. There is none of that "do it or else" crap. If I don't feel it is safe, I DON'T GO...Period!
And hopefully this will make you feel like you're in the game. I was hired to fly C206s and a BN2 with just 880TT and 145ME and NO Alaska time. I guess it just depends on your demeanor and how bad they need people. I know for a fact that Bethel hires like mad during the summer. If you have any questions, you can PM me if you like.
scubabri
Junior Mint
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2003
- Posts
- 550
I like
www.flyalaska.com
and you can also use
www.135jobs.com
both are subscription based services, but worth the low cost.
b
www.flyalaska.com
and you can also use
www.135jobs.com
both are subscription based services, but worth the low cost.
b
To further entice prospective Alaska pilots. Every operation is different up here. The air taxis are situated throughout the state. The Southeast, where the flying is often over water or near mountains in rainy weather. The Bethel area, which is in the western part of the state is flat and marshy with longer flights usually below a layer of fog. The Kodiak area, which is notorious for high winds and a LOT of turbulence and rain. I don't know too much about the interior and north slope flying, but there are definately more than just a few operators up there.
The flying we do here in Homer is quite a bit different than most places in Alaska as we are connected to the road system. Therefore our scheduled flights are just to the villages across the bay. Usually in one hour you will make 5 takeoffs and landings with the longest leg being 16NM. During the summer you can do 11 trips which can constitute 7.7 hours logged with 55 t/os and landings. Those are the days you come home exhausted. I don't know where you were flying Moving2Vegas, but you will probably agree with me that during the summer it is a backbreaker of a job. Yet very fun and rewarding. It's amazing how many tourists think a 206 has the luggage capacity of a 737 or something similar. "What do you mean I can't bring my 100 gal cooler filled with fish and my 6 pieces of Gucci luggage?" We also do flightsees, charters to camps, beach landings, and just about anything someone wants to charter the plane for. Stuff some people wouldn't even imagine. Like someone chartering a plane to take a baby sea otter to a different location, someone chartering you and the airplane for 5 days to fly them around the state, and my favorite one was this guy who chartered me to take him over a semi-active volcano to take some pictures. "What do you mean we can't land on the volcano?!?!"
Anyway, for those of you wanting to come up here, be prepared to work hard. But I guarantee you will have the time of your life!
Just be prepared to not have all the luxuries your used to in the lower 48.
The flying we do here in Homer is quite a bit different than most places in Alaska as we are connected to the road system. Therefore our scheduled flights are just to the villages across the bay. Usually in one hour you will make 5 takeoffs and landings with the longest leg being 16NM. During the summer you can do 11 trips which can constitute 7.7 hours logged with 55 t/os and landings. Those are the days you come home exhausted. I don't know where you were flying Moving2Vegas, but you will probably agree with me that during the summer it is a backbreaker of a job. Yet very fun and rewarding. It's amazing how many tourists think a 206 has the luggage capacity of a 737 or something similar. "What do you mean I can't bring my 100 gal cooler filled with fish and my 6 pieces of Gucci luggage?" We also do flightsees, charters to camps, beach landings, and just about anything someone wants to charter the plane for. Stuff some people wouldn't even imagine. Like someone chartering a plane to take a baby sea otter to a different location, someone chartering you and the airplane for 5 days to fly them around the state, and my favorite one was this guy who chartered me to take him over a semi-active volcano to take some pictures. "What do you mean we can't land on the volcano?!?!"
Anyway, for those of you wanting to come up here, be prepared to work hard. But I guarantee you will have the time of your life!
Just be prepared to not have all the luxuries your used to in the lower 48.
There were a few things I left out of the above post that concern other things about life as a "bush" pilot.
1. Expect the natives/villagers to be very nervous flying with you for the first couple of weeks. They do not like change and are apprehensive when a new pilot comes onboard. However, once they get to know you, you become part of the family. They will cook for you, take you to the best fishing spots near their village, etc.
2. You get a feeling of respect unlike pilots for regionals/majors. People get to know you and trust you. After flying them around in weather that would make most pilots sweat, they cherish the fact that "you" will be their pilot.
3. You can wear whatever you want, even the same things no matter how dirty they get. (And yes, you get very dirty as a pilot up here)
4. BE SMART!!!! Don't ever let someone push you into flying when conditions merit you to stay terra firma.
5. Be ready for an emotional roller coaster. Every day is different with things happening all around you. An example: I had an acquaintance from our competitor crash and kill himself only 30 seconds after I talked to him on the radio and passed him as he was on the approach.
6. If you do decide to accept the Alaska job, bring everything you need as you probably won't be able to find what you're looking for up here. Unless of course you land a job in Anchorage or Fairbanks.
1. Expect the natives/villagers to be very nervous flying with you for the first couple of weeks. They do not like change and are apprehensive when a new pilot comes onboard. However, once they get to know you, you become part of the family. They will cook for you, take you to the best fishing spots near their village, etc.
2. You get a feeling of respect unlike pilots for regionals/majors. People get to know you and trust you. After flying them around in weather that would make most pilots sweat, they cherish the fact that "you" will be their pilot.
3. You can wear whatever you want, even the same things no matter how dirty they get. (And yes, you get very dirty as a pilot up here)
4. BE SMART!!!! Don't ever let someone push you into flying when conditions merit you to stay terra firma.
5. Be ready for an emotional roller coaster. Every day is different with things happening all around you. An example: I had an acquaintance from our competitor crash and kill himself only 30 seconds after I talked to him on the radio and passed him as he was on the approach.
6. If you do decide to accept the Alaska job, bring everything you need as you probably won't be able to find what you're looking for up here. Unless of course you land a job in Anchorage or Fairbanks.
. LoL just messing around by they way what happened there, gear failure i'm guessing?GuppyPuppy
Living the Dream
- Joined
- Dec 2, 2001
- Posts
- 803
Skagway Air has a minimum time requirement of 1000 hours TT with 25 hours of Alaska time. That 25 hours can be obtained in training, IOE and supervised flying 'til you reach that mark.
These are the minimums dictated by the insurance company, not the company.
Last I knew L.A.B.'s mins were 750TT. Not sure about AirEx or Wings.
Best thing to do if you want a 135 job in Alaska is to go up there and meet with the companies directly. Don't waste your time sending professional resumes up there. They will go in the trash can without hesitation (at many companies, but not all). My point is this...they receive so many resumes that they can't really tell the difference between the applicants. Make yourself stand out by visiting with them personally.
SE is a beautiful place, but the weather can get ....well....sucky! 500 and 2 (wink, wink) is not uncommon. Howling winds and moderate to severe, yes...severe, turbulence is common during certain periods of the year and during certain wind conditions (ie: a north wind in the summer). I think AirEx and Skagway Air pay the best of the four carriers I've mentioned. However, if you want to make some good money, head out to Bethel.
Good luck.
GP
These are the minimums dictated by the insurance company, not the company.
Last I knew L.A.B.'s mins were 750TT. Not sure about AirEx or Wings.
Best thing to do if you want a 135 job in Alaska is to go up there and meet with the companies directly. Don't waste your time sending professional resumes up there. They will go in the trash can without hesitation (at many companies, but not all). My point is this...they receive so many resumes that they can't really tell the difference between the applicants. Make yourself stand out by visiting with them personally.
SE is a beautiful place, but the weather can get ....well....sucky! 500 and 2 (wink, wink) is not uncommon. Howling winds and moderate to severe, yes...severe, turbulence is common during certain periods of the year and during certain wind conditions (ie: a north wind in the summer). I think AirEx and Skagway Air pay the best of the four carriers I've mentioned. However, if you want to make some good money, head out to Bethel.
Good luck.
GP
Q200_FO
What, No booze?!?
- Joined
- Jan 25, 2003
- Posts
- 220
I can personally vouch for going to the companies and talking with them one on one. That's how I got my bush job. Coming from someone who was born and raised in ANC, it has a HIGH probablity of sucess. IF you do it right. I left Bethel a year ago to come into the dash but you can make some good money out there. Be aware that the cost of living is super high due to the cost of shipping everything out there. If you can put up with it, then more power to you. Personally, I don't want to end up flying a Navajo or a Caravan for the rest mf my life. That's why I left.
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