Seaplane Careers With Alaska Pilot Ken Marshall: ACP272

Seaplane Careers

Welcome to the inspirational, informational, and transparent aviation careers podcast. Today we discuss seaplane careers with Alaska Pilot Ken Marshall.

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In This Episode We Discuss:

FLYING FLOATS:

How to train

Find a school that is available and accessible
Read up on FAA handbook to get an overview
Stay open-minded and listen to the instructor
Consider a tailwheel endorsement prior
Check out scholarships guide for help. (Whipaire was one I applied for)

Where to train and on what equipment.

Pick a good time and enjoy it
If your spouse is w/you make sure there are fun things for them
Cubs, 172, Mauls, all are great. $$ for 185s and Beavers
ASES is sufficient.

What to expect in AK – climate, flying environment, people.

S.E. AK cool can be up to 80F, damp(Extra Tuffs/AK tennis shoes) going to need 2 good raincoats and rain pants. Layers!
500’ ½ is going to get comfortable. Low ceilings and rain are common. The Beaver is good at shedding rain but leaks like a sieve. Cannot outclimb the terrain. DON’T EVEN CONSIDER THE OPTION, turn around.
People are so genuine and close-knit. You can’t tell social status apart. Which is refreshing to me. “Down in America”/ lower 48 there is prejudice in both directions. They have a good sense of character there. It’s truly one of the most American ie. freedom-oriented places I’ve ever lived.

Flying floats in other parts of the US – FL, MI, NY, MN, etc.

Don’t work too hard, enjoy your time. Fish, mountain bike, hike, sightsee, meet people, volunteer.

Pay Structure – Day rate vs. Salary

Day pay is nice but that’s it: you don’t get paid unless you fly-if for some reason the outfit shuts down or pauses no $
The salary is nice too. Budget and have a plan. You work hard in both cases. Not for someone who is soft handed.