This has been discussed a bit before, but I know there a couple float pilots on here and looking for current insight. Float flying has been on my bucket list for some time. Heading to AK for the initial training/commercial add on this july. Seems it's getting harder and harder to 'build' float time. I would love to build time to the point I could instruct and maybe even look at owning/operating a business.

Granted, I live in AZ but there are a few bodies of water that allow landings. Seems my options are to go to a place like Adventure Seaplanes and buy block time or purchase an amphib float plane. For the later, any recommendations on most value for money? The amphib part adds a bunch of $$ obviously. Perhaps something experimental or a Bushmaster conversion. Wish I could just move to a lake for the summer, not work and build the time. Almost 40 and it's time to make some things happen.

Thanks,
Travis

How about buying something like a cheap J3, Champ, Chief on straight floats, put liability insurance on and fly the heck out of it. As you know, amphib insurance is crazy, even straight float insurance in the US is not cheap. By the time you pay the extra cost for amphibs and full coverage insurance, the J3 might not seem like that bad an option.

Steve

That would work if I had a place to keep it. Here in AZ there are no bases/etc to keep a plane on straights, so need the wheels also.

Just met the pilot that is down here flying a caravan on amphibs for tours http://www.desertsplashadventures.com/ - and he gave me the best advice yet. Keep flying the TW and buy ~50 hrs+ of time. Will have ~25 hrs in AK in july on floats this summer, assuming all goes well. Then I will look at heading back to the midwest and getting time when I can (family back there).

Look for a used SeaRey for sale. It qualifies as amphib and SES and it's as inexpensive as anything to operate. And, they are great flying little airplanes.

MTV

Thanks, I have also pondered a rans S-7 or Pacer Bushmaster conversion.

This was posted on the Super Cub site some time back http://www.supercub.org/forum/showthrea ... orida-Area you might want to read through it. Similar recent posts in the AvCanada bush pilot area. Block time is getting less popular.

Steve

steve wrote:This was posted on the Super Cub site some time back http://www.supercub.org/forum/showthrea ... orida-Area you might want to read through it. Similar recent posts in the AvCanada bush pilot area. Block time is getting less popular.

Steve

Thats about a piper fuselage jig? I would have to pay for dual or go to http://www.adventureseaplanes.com/.

You need to read the whole thing and realize Bushbird185 is Brian from Adventure Seaplanes.

Steve

DOH, whoops. Sorry and thanks. I was actually planning on being part of the fly back from FL to MN with him - but I get to have an unexpected shoulder surgery tomorrow.

I have planned on 25-50 hours of dual anyway and block after that, but guess no longer!

Float flying has been on my bucket list for some time. Heading to AK for the initial training/commercial add on this july. Seems it's getting harder and harder to 'build' float time.

Dave Wiley in Portland was a friend and mentor of mine for many, many years. His advice to me, when it came to building marketable float time, was to go underfloated and underpowered, specifically the Taylorcraft BC-12 on Edo 1320's. He said, and I quote, "If you learn to feel this airplane, and feel the step, you can fly ANY floatplane out there like a pro. Especially a heavy floatplane at gross, working weights."

It was so right on the money, and I bought one on his advice. Best learning airplane I've ever flown. And most sensitive, one-fingered airplane I've ever flown. But let me tell you, figure out the feel of how that airplane runs up onto the step, with ounces of pressure on the wheel, you transition to anything with more horsepower/float, you'll look like a Master, and know how to fly off the water.

Now the other shit... Wind, current, waves, etc, etc, etc... That you gotta figure out no matter what you're driving.



Gump

Thanks Gump, appreciate that advice! Love the picture, believe you have shared it here before.

29singlespeed wrote:That would work if I had a place to keep it. Here in AZ there are no bases/etc to keep a plane on straights, so need the wheels also.

Just met the pilot that is down here flying a caravan on amphibs for tours http://www.desertsplashadventures.com/ - and he gave me the best advice yet. Keep flying the TW and buy ~50 hrs+ of time. Will have ~25 hrs in AK in july on floats this summer, assuming all goes well. Then I will look at heading back to the midwest and getting time when I can (family back there).

How is Rob treating that caravan? I have to pick it up and bring it north in a few weeks.

Capt. Chaos wrote:

29singlespeed wrote:That would work if I had a place to keep it. Here in AZ there are no bases/etc to keep a plane on straights, so need the wheels also.

Just met the pilot that is down here flying a caravan on amphibs for tours http://www.desertsplashadventures.com/ - and he gave me the best advice yet. Keep flying the TW and buy ~50 hrs+ of time. Will have ~25 hrs in AK in july on floats this summer, assuming all goes well. Then I will look at heading back to the midwest and getting time when I can (family back there).

How is Rob treating that caravan? I have to pick it up and bring it north in a few weeks.

Well he let me sit in it which is a liability Looks like he is treating it well, really great guy. Maybe a bit to encouraging to chase the float dream and jump from the golden handcuffs.