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Flying Jobs in Alaska

sj

sj

Staff member
Northwest Arkansas
Hey you fellers from up north, and heck, from anywhere else for that matter. We have all read the bush pilot stories, but the question is, do you still use your super cub for paying work?

If a guy showed up in Alaska with a super cub could he get paying work?

Is all this a secret that will not be disclosed?

Any info on this would be very much appreciated.

sj
 
What are you thinking, Steve? And does your wife know about this??

I knew a Supercub pilot from Alaska who came to the University of Michigan to earn his law degree so he could make enough money to support his family. He's working in Anchorage now, but wishes he were still flying for a living (so says the grapevine around here). His wife likes the income from the law job, though. It sounds like flying for a living is fun, but just doesn't pay the bills. His name is Will Sherman - if any of you guys in Alaska know him, tell him I said Hi (Anne from Ann Arbor Flyers), and I finally got my Supercub this summer. :D

Anne.
 
Anne, I gotta plan for my retirement you know...

Actually, it was more a curiosity question than anything. If I had a teaching job where I could take of the whole summer and go fly tourists around in a supercub, that would be a blast.

Of course, if I was a teacher, I could not afford a supercub... Oh well...

Maybe if I was a pro-fessor?

sj
 
Steve,

I'm probably the wrong guy to ask, since I have to work a non flying career in order to pay for my flying. Having established that I'm not an aviation professional (you probably figured that out from some of the inane questions I've asked on some of the posts) I'll give out a few observations.

Making a living with a cub in Alaska is damn hard. If you're willing to haul hunters and meat off 250' gravel bars during hunting season for next to nothing pay you might get by for a few months. Instructing in your cub might be another option.

I've got some friends who instruct in taildraggers (Citabrias) who feel they could make a much better living if they could instuct in a PA-18. Most of their students want to fly a supercub. So far the high cost of buying the cub has prevented them from doing so. Most cub owners I know don't have any interest in leasing or renting their cubs out for flight training. Might be worth a try if you already have the airplane, at least during the summer.

The old saying in Alaska is "if you want to make a small fortune in Aviation, you need to start out with a large fortune" is as far as I can see, unfortunately true.
 
Hey Steve, You should get a hold of Jay Hammond, a good "Liberal" Democrat that was a pilot and Govenor too!! He even flew a 170b. He could tell you all about how to go broke flying in Alaska. He like so many others just decided to be a politician (where the money's at)

Got admit he was a good Story Teller!

My friend next door and cub pilot just got back from his second year flying for a Guide in Alaska. He said that the outfitter he worked for wouldn't even consider a pilot with less then 2000 hours (off airport) landing experience. The big challenge is "insurance".

Trust me he didn't do it for the money! First year 300+ hours $1500
second year, he flew 472 hours in 6 weeks for a little more!! Got to love to fly a cub.
There are a few pictures in your Cubloads folder.

Tim
 
If I remember correctly, Jay Hammond is a Republican. But to answer the question, assistant guiding is about the only thing you'd be able to do with your airplane, and you'd be expected to insure and maintain it. To fly 135 for someone else you'd need a lot of Alaska hours, and there aren't many cubs flying 135 anyway. Usually it's a back-up for the fleet of Beavers and 206's. To assistant guide you need to be very familiar with the species you're hunting as well as the area you're hunting, and residency may be an issue, too. The notion of a come-to-town and fly-my-cub job is probably unrealistic. If you really want to commit your energy to it, you can move up, start an air taxi, and eek out a living with the other 135 guys that have to deal with bad weather, EXTREMELY high commercial operator's insurance rates, and limited commercial tie-downs. At least until you have an accident, and then the lawyers will own your retirement and your kids' college funds. For the most part, "bush pilots" are a thing of the past. Commercial aviators have to deal with marketing,overhead, profit, risk, and revenue stream just like any other business (don't forget the FAA.) When the wind's blowing 40, the clouds are on the deck, and it's raining sideways, guys that paid 10K to hunt want to hunt. Guides are expected to take them. How fun does that sound?
 
Sounds like a nice place to visit...

Ok, next question: How about part-time NON-flying jobs in Alaska where you can earn enough to pay for your flying...

sj
 
Even in construction, the old "seasonal" way of doing business has been replaced with revenue producing year-round business. Qualified people are employable in any field, although the good jobs are usually long-term. Construction work, tourism, and commercial fishing are less sensitive to seasonal employees than other industries, but all are unpredictable as to how busy next season will be. The new political alignment of our country may expedite opening some natural resources to development, but the big boom of the 70's oil pipeline will certainly not be repeated. The best way to enjoy Alaska in the summer is to not work. That's what the rest of us strive for, or dream of. There's too much to do and not enough time to do it. You could do more on vacation than you could in a summer of after-work and weekend recreation. But, this opinion is from an Anchorage resident. Anchorage is the economic hub, and is like any other city with traffic, crime, etc. The good thing is that we're only an hour away from Alaska.
 
Flying as a business:

Massive capital and ongoing overheads in the machinery and ops, hence minuscule margins.
Loads of competition leading, in conjunction with the above, to low salaries.
All of the above can lead to great pressure on pilots to go when the conditions aren't necessarily optimal.

Hmm, not for me. ;-)

BCB
 
Good Synopsis StewartB! Having lived in Alaska from 1957-1992 I was there when there was only (Federal) Government and "Pioneers" I grew up on a homestead, after retiring from the Army (Fort Rich) my Dad homesteaded on the Kenia Peninsula, started a Business of his own, (Alaska Guides and Outfitters) I was blessed to grow up enjoying, and working in the Great Outdoors, My father never learned to fly, but as young adult, I did, I flew on the average over 400hrs a year, always admiring, protecting and passionately encouraging others to experience what Alaska has to offer anyone who dares to experience it.

Alaska for years was second only to Hawaii as to cost of living, In recent times the costs have leveled some, as transportation, and technology have improved.

However, I realized like Stewart pointed out, Most "working" Alaskans don't get to experience the Greatland, as much as a "tourist-visitor" does on a "Vacation".

It is true that "Alaska" is only an hour away from Anchorage, and in a Cub, Alaska is only 4 days away from the "lower 48".

I love Alaska, the birthplace of my Children, the burial place for my Mom and Sister, and the memory of my past.

It is my Dream, to go back on a regular basis, to enjoy, and share with others that joy, WITH THE MONEY AND TIME TO DO IT RIGHT!

Tim
 
Those who are able to make a living while living their dreams are truly fortunate. I spent two weeks in Alaska four years ago, and when my job sucks, I sit for a minute and imagine myself up there again. I especially liked Cook Inlet Bookstore in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and hiking Donnelly's Dome. Flying in Alaska scares me - too many stories of talented pilots and bad luck. Anyone who can handle Alaska in a small plane has my admiration.

Anne.
 
Anne,

All those places you spoke of are great, however the only way to really see Alaska is with an airplane. It certainly takes, good equipment, skill and most importantly not going beyond ones self imposed limits. I most always fly with another Airplane and never without telling someone (I trust where I am going) that is not usually the FAA-flight service is not what it used to be!!

You should hitch up that cub and come North with us this summer. I plan on taking 4-5 days just getting there from WA state, I would love to escort anyone that wants to make the trip! Once in Alaska, I will most likely go into the back country with only those that I know have the experience and the the time to go. There are lots of magnificant places to see in all directions from Anchorage that will put a person back on the ground at an Airport each day!

Hope to see you then?

Tim
 
There are more flying jobs here than anywhere in the world. We have 30+ pilots where I work, flying 172's, 207's, Navajos, Caravans, and King Airs. None of these are Super Cubs, but I getting Alaska flight time is what is going to open a door to a "dream" job, flying big tires or floats in to the off airport environments. These jobs do exist, but one has to pay their dues. With enough hours in the north country, AND KNOWING THE RIGHT PERSON, it can happen!

Anne, I love life, live 400 miles off of the road system, plan on living a long time, and can't get enough of flying the bush country of Alaska. It is so incredible. More often than not, talented pilots run out of luck when they make a bad decision. Flying out here is a risk, a good pilot makes an informed decision based on their own abilites, and stands firm in it, just like flying anywhere else.

Want a job? check out www.flyalaska.com . Virtually every air carrier in the north listed. Have fun, Paul
 
Great post Paul! I love it when I hear folks that have come to the great state of Alaska and are living their dream! I have posted a link to Fly Alaskas Photo album for folks to see!

Tim
 
Wow, anyone curious about Steve's initial question can find the answer in the above posts.

The only flaw I found was in Tim's statement that former Alaskan Governor Jay Hammond was a Democrat....But it's kinda true since Hammond was co-chair and HUGE supporter of the UNsuccessful effort of the nice lady, Fran Ulmer, a Democrat, to become Governor. Hammond had his reasons, and he's no idiot...But I'm THRILLLED that we have a Republican gov. now.

Steve, I second Big Bear's opinion that a flight-instructional use of your SuperCub is the most likely avenue for you to get paid to put time on it.

People WANT to pay to get a Cub checkout. You could also offer BFR's in it. Consider all the costs, whether you NEED to make much margin, and that most people will be surprised to find that ALL SuperCubs DON'T have flaps. (I saw a phot of your a/c and it looked like it was sans-flaps?)

'Nuff said.

Dave Calkins.
 
David, You are right in the observation that Jay does have high regard for those in the Bush! Unfortunately he has fallen prey to the philosophy that "those who do should pay for those that won't". I have seen the "natives" of Alaska consider themselves soverien, and yet they expect the US govt. State Govt. to construct, maintain, and build their airstrips, schools, and even supply them with food, and cigarettes. All the while they will not let "anyone else" use that what we all pay for?? something is wrong with that! They no more are natives then my Children that were born in the State of Alaska!!! (we all came from somewhere) I am for equal treatment of all US citizens, as we are all endowed with the same rights (if we are citizens) Sorry, nuf said!!

Frank will do a consistant good job, and it appears that the majority of Alaskans agree!

If I remember there was a guy teaching in a Cub in Kenia?? is that still true?? Cubs are kinda like Harley's, folks will pay a little more to fly in a cub!

I aplaude Steve for teaching in his!

Tim
 
Alaska Float Ratings in Moose Pass (on the Kenai Peninsula) has a couple of PA18's that they use for instruction, as well as Ptarmigan Air uses one out of Lake Hood. I don't know of any personally on wheels that are used exclusively for training, could be a market there. A lot of people would like to have a log entry PA18/AK to show off to the buddies down in "America".
 
Tim, thanks for the invitation to go fly in Alaska. You know, though, that I've got those 26" Goodyears that aren't good for anything but looks, flaps, carpeting, bungee cans - a real prissy plane! I hate to think of what would happen to it up there (especially considering my skills right now).

But really, I would love to go up there again, and would if I could get the time off work. Too much stuff already in the works for next summer - Texas, New Holstein (we're going to do that one again, aren't we Steve?), and a flight to the Gaspe peninsula to do some whale watching. Hopefully the next time you go, I'll be ready, and will make the time then. It hurts to think about passing this one up!

I did take a trip in a Beaver on hydraulic skis from Talkeetna, up the Kahiltna Glacier, landed at Don Sheldon's little house, then back to Talkeetna via the Ruth Glacier. I don't remember the pilot's name, but I think he owned Spotted Dog Aviation, and used to work for Doug Keeting. This was four years ago, and I hope he made his business successful. BTW, I got right front seat on the way out! Totally awesome!

Anne.
 
Anne,

With your determination you will be one of the best! Heck by next year, sounds like they will have to give away the olllll bias ply tundra tires?

Just ribbing about the Goodyears, they are no doubt the tire of choice in a lot of places where pavement landing a necessity.

I wish I had the time to fly to TX as well! So much flying to do so little time to do it!!

Tim
 
Look any different?

Hay Tim do these look familiar, any different, or make you homesick? Hope you have a good trip next summer but civilized AK is changing. Thank God there is still the bush.
Hood1.jpg

Hood2.jpg

Hood3.jpg


Si
 
I am dating myself, but I used to Duck hunt where the "Sears Mall" was built and moose hunt right behind where the hockey rink is in your second picture? I do miss the flying in Alaska! Got to say, I get to do more of it now in better weather, but it ain't the same! What a calm day that was on Lake hood!! remember being number 12 for the channel West bound departure! Fuelin up at Tarn Air and coffee at Sea air Motive or Rusts!

Your right thank God there is still some bush everywhere!

Tim
 
Waxing nostalgia Tim! How about moose hunting off of Muldoon Rd? Wasilla airport was behind the new supermarket (I was a high school kid loading groceries into planes, that was so cool). Bernice London had a hangar on that strip, kept a PA14 with a radial engine in it. Little Warner I think. Saw Sheldon's 185's in there a couple of times. Ooh, aah.

If I were to fly up from the states, I would prefer those 26" Goodyears or 8.50's with all the paved runways that would be encountered along the way.

Hope a bunch of you all come up next summer, look forward to flyin' somewhere to meet up and say hey!
 
Paul, oh things have changed! I haven't even landed at the "new Wasilla airport" was nice being able to stop to pee, get a cup and take off again! I used to hang out at Philo's Strip, remember that one? All kinds of unusual stuff came through there, usually so not to be seen in town? Omalley was home for a number of years too. Every winter, it was make the rounds, hood, merrill, Omalley, then out the road to see if we could help each other when the big winds blew from the SE! I lucked out one year, mine little Tcraft was one of only 7 that were undamaged at Omalley, Half of them busted loose from the tie downs and were blown over the cliff into the gravel pit! I will never forget the cub that actually rolled up in the tie downs, we put it all in a Datsun pickup, (somewhere) I have pictures?

Tim
 
Had a couple of cold, calm days and a cold calm night Friday.

Hood looks about like your glassy-water photo. The ice is in.

Hey Paul, 6.00x6's would work fine for the highway trip, too, unless you saw something you NEEDed to check out.

...Damn shame they kicked the airport off of downtown Wasilla. Can you believe that New Wasilla a/p is paved? Interesting to note that a few years back (even before it was paved) we had an airshow there that drew the likes of Bob Hoover, Delmar Benjamin and his Gee Bee replica, and Bud Granley and his "hovering" (nearly) Yak 55? I'd say that counts for change, or growing up.

Tim, please try to find those pictures of O'malley when most of the a/c got blown off their tie-downs. The wind cranks up there, but it's rare that an a/c gets left out of it's hangar that's part of a very nice home, these days. That place is now private, and some of the residents bitch when a friend drops in to chat with another resident.

Hey, at least Merrill has a gravel strip now for big tires and skis. They'll even have elec. for you to preheat at your tie-down. Too bad the strip is 03-21. When the wind is cranking from SE, you're screwed on big tires, or go to Hood strip.

...can't stop change.

Dave Calkins.

Not to keep beating a dead horse (no Steve, your Cub's not a dead horse).....But it just hit me....26" Goodyears are probably perfect for training newbie Cub pilots from pavement.

The fact that these things actually work on pavement illustrates their vast difference from a soft "tundra" tire, regardless of diameter.
 
Dave, I promise I will do that! I know they are somewhere! Yeh I remember Omalley was going privat right when I was leaving in 92 I think it was! This time of year was always flustrating, no snow, ground frozen and lakes not safe! That's when I guy should probably wine and dine mom and spend more time at home?? (or at least work on the plane and fix those summer rashs?

It finally started raining around here, thought I was going to have to build an Ark last night!

Tim

PS: Wasn't uncommon to land in the Dump area at Merrill if the wind was whipping, probably would not be possible now huh? A guy hasn't lived till you make Water landings at night in the channel at Lake hood? I don't know of anywhere else that has Water runway lights?
 
At least at the new Wasilla strip you can land short and get them turning on the gravel landing east. Philos was a great place! Four lane highway ate that one up. Progress.

I have a friend here in Bethel who has a 135 certificate that he would part with, although I believe he wants to sell it with his C185. Hyd skis, wheels, floats, IFR, Capstone, and it is really nice. $160,000 for the bird, cert. ? If someone is interested in it, I could get a price.

Even with all of the progress, Alaska is still the last great place. If there are dreams of flying in the bush, get it fast.
 
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