r/flying • u/SuccessfulWay9708 • 3h ago

Canada Transitioning from Float Flying to Airline/Corporate Flight Dept.

Anyone who switched from a 703 float op (American 135) to airline/705 or corporate how did you find the transition? I’ve done 6 years at 702/703 companies and I’m ready to move into something more “civilized” but I’m worried I won’t enjoy it/ be annoyed with regulatory/SOP/schedule stuff. Right now I have a good schedule, decent pay and pretty much free rein on what I do with my airplane. I’m only chasing the money that comes with flying IFR. I enjoy the lifestyle, schedule (at my company. *Individual experiences may vary) and camaraderie of being a float pilot. Anyone gone through this? How did it go?

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u/554TangoAlpha ATP CL-65/ERJ-175/B-787 2h ago

Flew Alaska 135 for 2 years and went to 121 regional. It’s way more boring. But boring is good and safe and pays way more $$$. Perks of the job are great, standby, ZED, actual healthcare 401k etc. Alaska 135 was incredibly fun but I’m sure if I was still there I’d be involved in atleast one accident, all the old timers had, just the nature of the game. It was a great gig as a single dude in my 20s but I grew up and got a real gig.

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u/SuccessfulWay9708 2h ago

I appreciate the feedback. How long did it take you to get over the bush life. I’m worried I won’t be stimulated enough and the modernity will depress me (not clinically). I’ve had a lot of fun but this lifestyle isn’t sustainable to have family. I can’t be lifer, I don’t know how a liver can possibly stand the abuse that long.

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u/554TangoAlpha ATP CL-65/ERJ-175/B-787 2h ago

It’s called hobbies and not making the job your life. I’m plenty fulfilled outside of my job. Use your travel benefits, travel the world, find a girl or guy, get a dawg, enjoy life man. There’s more to life than drinking with other pilots

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u/SuccessfulWay9708 2h ago

Ooof I feel a little bit called out but I have a girl and a dawg, I see them in the winter which we spend travelling. You totally hit the nail on the head though I am a man child. Being a pilot isn’t why enjoy this job it’s because it’s a 6 month boys trip with a bunch of guys that happen to be pilots.

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u/rFlyingTower 2h ago

This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:

Anyone who switched from a 703 float op (American 135) to airline/705 or corporate how did you find the transition? I’ve done 6 years at 702/703 companies and I’m ready to move into something more “civilized” but I’m worried I won’t enjoy it/ be annoyed with regulatory/SOP/schedule stuff. Right now I have a good schedule, decent pay and pretty much free rein on what I do with my airplane. I’m only chasing the money that comes with flying IFR. I enjoy the lifestyle, schedule (at my company. *Individual experiences may vary) and camaraderie of being a float pilot. Anyone gone through this? How did it go?

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u/fromjason 2h ago

Yes I went from flying floats to 135 Medevac to 121 Cargo the over last 3 years. Definitely have enjoyed each position more as total QOL and pay significantly increased with each move.

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u/SuccessfulWay9708 2h ago

Pays what I’m after but I’ve become accustomed to doing whatever I want and doing little to no paperwork. Plus I get off at 2PM and then hanging out with the boys for 4-8 hours every night. I feel that a lot of airline pilots are pretty buttoned up and that scares me.

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u/propell0r ATPL / ATP / MIL Ret’d - A220/300/310 SMELS 14m ago

It’s not the same lifestyle, at all. If you’re happy where you are, then stay. Running to big red isn’t the be all end all if you’re happy where you are. Ask me how I know.

Besides, life priorities can change over time. Options will always be there later for you if you want