ACP272 Seaplane Careers With Alaska Pilot Ken Marshall

by CarlValeri on May 5, 2020

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.