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

Before we begin a few announcements.

Announcements:

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Our latest video:

Your FAA Medical And Covid-19: An Aviation Attorney Explains 

In This Episode We Discuss:

FLYING FLOATS:

1. 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)

2. 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.  

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

Links Mentioned in This Podcast:

Seaplane Pilots Association

Jack Brown’s – (Winter Haven, FL) Lake Jessie(GIF is nearby)Brownsseaplane.com

Kenmore Air- (Kenmore, WA)kenmoreairharbor.com 

Seaplane Scenics(Kirkland, WA)- James Young (206)499-2135 seaplanescenics.com

https://www.jonesairandsea.com/

FAA-H-8083-23 Seaplane Operations Handbook

Windy App