Looking to obtain a private pilots license and eventually become a bush/float plane pilot. I was wondering if there are and pilots on Snowest that could give me more info about becoming an Alaskan pilot.
Bush/Floatplane Pilots
- Thread starter omernikski
- Start date
Pilot licences are the same everywhere. Once you have your basic private, if you want seaplane, find an instructor and a plane. Once you get that far, post back for bush instructor recomendations. Sorry if that sounds simplistic, but it really is that simple, aside from putting in the time and money. Get your basic ratings, then be prepared to spend time with someone who's done it. Unless you can afford to wreck a few airplanes learning how to push the limits.
John
John
There are sites dedicated to Alaska bush flying.
Check out supercub.com
Check out supercub.com
If you want to fly up here you need to get your ratings and apply. They always need pilots up here in the spring.
Don't get you're mind set on one type of flying early on (passenger, bushpilot, cargo, etc). Theres lots of sides to the industry and you never know where the industry may lead you.
I've worked all over the world and always end up working out of AK. I'm not complaining theres no better place to be. If theres anything specific you want to know send me a PM.
Don't get you're mind set on one type of flying early on (passenger, bushpilot, cargo, etc). Theres lots of sides to the industry and you never know where the industry may lead you.
I've worked all over the world and always end up working out of AK. I'm not complaining theres no better place to be. If theres anything specific you want to know send me a PM.
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crazyskierwb
New member
Need alot of $$$ to learn to fly. Then, after spending all that money, no one will hire you besides a flight school, maybe. Most air taxi's require a min of 500 AK time. That is on top of 1k to 1500 total time. I learned to fly here in AK getting all my licenses and ratings. I went to UAA and learned while getting a 4yr degree. Went down to Moose Pass and got my float rating with Vern Kingsford. If you want to get paid to fly, best route is PVT, INST, COMM, then any else you want AFTER your commercial. I'm flying for PenAir as a 135 copilot. First flying job with only 250hrs, easy way to start. Flew a turbine navajo in Dutch Harbor and Grand Caravans in King Salmon and Dillingham. Got questions, just ask.
Thanks for the help guys. I'll give a shout if I have any questions.
Anyone familiar with Sporty's?
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crazyskierwb
New member
I've bought a couple things from sportys.
I'm a little bit confused on the Deluxe private pilot kit(online). Is there still classroom time with that kit or do you just find somone with a plane after you complete the kit and get flight hours?
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crazyskierwb
New member
After you complete the online course, you will need an instructor to verify you know the material (because the instructor has to sign you off in the knowledge areas before your checkride), and provide flight training. You'll need to log 40hrs, with at least 20hrs which are flight training There isn't any classroom time with the online course, but once you find an instructor, you will spend classroom time going over the material. I think it would be better for you to find an instructor and plane before you start the online course. Are you planing on going to a flight school, or are you looking for a flight instructor who teachs on the side? Go to this website http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_07/14cfr61_07.html and look at 61.103, .105, .109, these are some of the requirments for a pvt pilot. You can find this info in the FAR/AIM.
Also, think about how you learn. Are you honestly going to sit down and watch hours and hours of an online course? As far as the Deluxe kit goes, i think you would be buying too much. IMO you don't need a Fuel Tester, Pilot’s Flight Log, Original Flight Gear Bag, Electronic E6B Flight Computer, and the magazine sub. The plane you'll be flying will have a fuel tester, go and look and log books and find one you like and will fit the flying you will be doing. You can use a backpack for a gear bag, and electronic flight computers are nice, but whiz wheels are much cheaper and don't run on batteries. And for the magazine, you can get that for free through a flight instructor.
Also, think about how you learn. Are you honestly going to sit down and watch hours and hours of an online course? As far as the Deluxe kit goes, i think you would be buying too much. IMO you don't need a Fuel Tester, Pilot’s Flight Log, Original Flight Gear Bag, Electronic E6B Flight Computer, and the magazine sub. The plane you'll be flying will have a fuel tester, go and look and log books and find one you like and will fit the flying you will be doing. You can use a backpack for a gear bag, and electronic flight computers are nice, but whiz wheels are much cheaper and don't run on batteries. And for the magazine, you can get that for free through a flight instructor.
Right on buddy, thats exactly what i wanted to know. Thanks
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crazyskierwb
New member
Glad I could help. Any more questions just ask. I'm a flight away from taking my checkride to become a flight instructor, so any question you ask also helps me prepare for my checkride.
I have alot more that i can't think of right now but I'm sure I'll be ringing you again.
I believe we have an instructor at the local airport. I'll touch base with him and the ball rolling.
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Nikolai
ACCOUNT CLOSED
I think my dad would have to renew his cert but he can instruct. He's been flying for over 30+ years everything from 150's to learjets. If you rent the plane he might be willing to do the flight training. If you're interested let me know and I'll get an idea of costs and if he has the time.
I don't have my pilots license but will eventually. I'd buy a cheaper Cessna 150 to learn in then sell it later and upgrade. #1, you don't have to rent the plane, #2 you learn to do your own maintenance on your own plane and YOU know it's air worthy. Also, be very careful who you fly with and learn from. Some the local places are very shady, both in flight instruction maintenance. I've heard a lot of horror stories over the years, lol.
I don't have my pilots license but will eventually. I'd buy a cheaper Cessna 150 to learn in then sell it later and upgrade. #1, you don't have to rent the plane, #2 you learn to do your own maintenance on your own plane and YOU know it's air worthy. Also, be very careful who you fly with and learn from. Some the local places are very shady, both in flight instruction maintenance. I've heard a lot of horror stories over the years, lol.
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From what I've read I need 500+ hours AK time, so a plane and an instructor will be a definate. Let me know what you can do and a price. Would want a DeHavilland but damn you can't touch one for under $300,000.
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Winter Project
Well-known member
Hey i'm a non-aviation student at uaa... next semester i was gonna take the private ground class offered @ uaa, but was also considering one of those 6 week crash courses... was gonna get your take on which one you would recommend.
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crazyskierwb
New member
Trav907, since I know your local, I'm charging a fee for my opinion. Have to show me some good riding spots this winter. I took pvt ground at UAA and you'll probably know the material better after that course than over a crash course. Crash courses aren't a good thing when it comes to learning anything aviation unless you already know the material and just need a sign off. Also, after the UAA class, you can go take the written test because they will sign you off to do so. However, the first day of class you have to sign up to take it under 141 rules. You aren't allowed to miss more than 3 classes. If you take it under part 61 rules you can miss as many classes as you want but you won't recieve a sign off at the end of the course.
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W
Winter Project
Well-known member
Deal...
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