AK flying???

[Holocene]

Quick question:

Is there any truth to the notion that there are more job opportunities in Alaska, than there are in the states?

Just seems like AK flying has this associated perception of being "different" than flying in the states.

And by "job opportunities", I mean any flying job at all.

If someone is single and really wants to fly for a living, is it at all of any benefit to move to Alaska?

[flyingguide]

I wouldn't say their are more flying jobs in AK.
What do you want to fly? What are your times? Some airlines are hiring. A lot of 135 outfits hire seasonally. But, you generally need AK time to meet job requirements.

[mcbenwa]

There are many flying outfits in AK to provide cargo/transport to a region filled with many sparsely located communities without any main road system. There's a ton of necessary flying that has to happen - so companies, mostly 135, are always looking for pilots. With that in mind, experience minimums have decreased and wages have increased quite dramatically compared to america (lower 48) standards. For someone starting out who has 135 mins., isn't hooked up, wont be scared in imc, but likes money, and doesn't mind starting out flying a 207 or cherekee 6, or living in the bush.... its probably perfect.

[Velocipede]

And don't forget, there's a girl behind every tree on the North Slope!

[ppragman]

Originally Posted by flyingguide

I wouldn't say their are more flying jobs in AK.
What do you want to fly? What are your times? Some airlines are hiring. A lot of 135 outfits hire seasonally. But, you generally need AK time to meet job requirements.

I would say there are more cool flying jobs in alaska. Not to bash, just to say that the type of operations encourage more stick and rudder flying even in bigger airplanes.

[FlyOrDie]

Originally Posted by Velocipede

And don't forget, there's a girl behind every tree on the North Slope!

That's the best description of the slope!

[FlyOrDie]

Originally Posted by Holocene

Quick question:

Is there any truth to the notion that there are more job opportunities in Alaska, than there are in the states?

You could say there are more opportunities for flying in Alaska because flying is necessary here. My brother in law flies 135 out of Kotz and usually flies close to 1400 hours a year. At my 135 gig in California I would be lucky to get 600 hours in a year.

Just seems like AK flying has this associated perception of being "different" than flying in the states.

It is and I think it goes back to the idea that up here flying is necessary and "outside" its a luxury. Its common to have the weather being reported as good enough for special VFR so the 135 single guys can keep flying. It was like 300 over and 5 miles on the slope 1 day and 4 airplanes were waiting for special VFR clearances, that doesn't really happen outside.

And by "job opportunities", I mean any flying job at all.

What are you willing to do? If you want to go live out in the bush I'm sure getting a job is much easier. Staying in town is harder and you'll make less money. It took me 6 months to get a flying job that was Anchorage based. If you come up in September or later in the winter don't expect a job until early spring. Alaska is an extremely seasonal place, people come for summer and leave for winter and the people that stay for winter sometimes leave after their first one, which creates a good job market as the operators gear up for the summer flying season.

If someone is single and really wants to fly for a living, is it at all of any benefit to move to Alaska?

If you want to fasttrack your career don't come to Alaska, you'll be far better off selling your soul to fly a RJ if you're interested in flying for a major as quickly as possible. On the other hand I came to Alaska and don't regret sitting right seat in the DC6 because I fly with great guys in the most beautiful state into some of the most unique airports. I fly 121 into gravel runways, who gets to say that? Pay is great in the bush and reasonable flying out of Anchorage.

Good luck and if you decide you want to try and fly here you'll have to totally commit yourself to it because I know that unless you are here in person most chief pilot's don't care about your resume unless they're really desperate. Hope that helps. If you have any questions there are quite a few AK guys on here.

[FlyOrDie]

Originally Posted by flyingguide

....you generally need AK time to meet job requirements.

I asked a chief pilot once how much AK time he had when he started flying in Alaska. He said "well it was zero when I started" Everyone has to start somewhere and the AK time mins weren't a problem for myself once hiring picked up in early spring.

[ppragman]

Originally Posted by FlyOrDie

If you want to fasttrack your career don't come to Alaska

I disagree, you'll build time pretty much faster than anywhere else, and you'll make enough money not to have to live with 6 other guys in a dormatory. granted, you won't build jet time real quick, nor will you get turbine time all that fast, but you'll have way more fun and make more money.

[Bama]

Originally Posted by ppragman

I disagree, you'll build time pretty much faster than anywhere else, and you'll make enough money not to have to live with 6 other guys in a dormatory. granted, you won't build jet time real quick, nor will you get turbine time all that fast, but you'll have way more fun and make more money.

I take it, there are a lot of jobs available in Alaska?

[Holocene]

Thanks for the replies.

Just looking into options, as right now I only have a private. Will probably be here in NY for at least another 4 years anyway.

As for the job, I'm adaptable enough not to care too much. Flying cargo or people in a single-engine piston would be fine with me.

[FlyOrDie]

Originally Posted by ppragman

I disagree, you'll build time pretty much faster than anywhere else, and you'll make enough money not to have to live with 6 other guys in a dormatory. granted, you won't build jet time real quick, nor will you get turbine time all that fast, but you'll have way more fun and make more money.

Well said.

Sounds like the new gig is treating you well. Ace keeps advertising for pilots.

[ppragman]

Originally Posted by FlyOrDie

Well said.

Sounds like the new gig is treating you well. Ace keeps advertising for pilots.

new gig is great, shoot me a line if you end up in kodiak