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Float Pilot Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

Victor Sierra Aviation

Production Tig Welder

Palmer, AK · On-site

$23 - $36/hr

Through our McFarlane Alaska division, we continue that commitment by supporting the pilots ... Successfully assemble smaller sub-assemblies including wing fittings, float fittings, and related ...

Victor Sierra Aviation

Production Tig Welder

Palmer, AK · On-site

$23 - $36/hr

Through our McFarlane Alaska division, we continue that commitment by supporting the pilots ... Successfully assemble smaller sub-assemblies including wing fittings, float fittings, and related ...

Victor Sierra Aviation

Production Laser Welder

Palmer, AK · On-site

$23 - $36/hr

Through our McFarlane Alaska division, we continue that commitment by supporting the pilots ... Successfully assemble smaller sub-assemblies including wing fittings, float fittings, and related ...

Victor Sierra Aviation

Production Laser Welder

Palmer, AK · On-site

$23 - $36/hr

Through our McFarlane Alaska division, we continue that commitment by supporting the pilots ... Successfully assemble smaller sub-assemblies including wing fittings, float fittings, and related ...

Victor Sierra Aviation

Production Tig Welder

Palmer, AK · On-site

$23 - $36/hr

Through our McFarlane Alaska division, we continue that commitment by supporting the pilots ... Successfully assemble smaller sub-assemblies including wing fittings, float fittings, and related ...

Victor Sierra Aviation

Production Laser Welder

Palmer, AK · On-site

$23 - $36/hr

Through our McFarlane Alaska division, we continue that commitment by supporting the pilots ... Successfully assemble smaller sub-assemblies including wing fittings, float fittings, and related ...

All JobsFloat Pilot JobsFloat Pilot Jobs in Alaska

Float Pilot information

What is a float pilot?

A float pilot is a licensed pilot who operates seaplanes or amphibious aircraft equipped with floats (pontoons) for landing and taking off on water. These pilots are specially trained to handle the unique challenges of water operations, including docking, beaching, and navigating varying water conditions. Float pilots often work in remote areas, transporting passengers, cargo, or providing aerial tours and survey services. Obtaining a floatplane rating requires additional training and certification beyond a standard pilot's license.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a float pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Float Pilot, you need a commercial pilot license with a seaplane rating, strong navigation skills, and thorough knowledge of aviation regulations. Familiarity with aircraft such as floatplanes, GPS navigation systems, and weather interpretation tools is essential, and additional certifications like instrument rating can be valuable. Excellent decision-making, situational awareness, and strong communication skills are important for safely handling diverse flying conditions and interacting with passengers or crew. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safety, efficiency, and reliability while operating in remote or challenging environments.

What are some common challenges float pilots face when operating in remote or rugged environments?

Float Pilots often encounter unique challenges such as unpredictable weather, limited navigation aids, and the need to land on unprepared or unfamiliar bodies of water. They must be adept at making quick decisions, performing thorough pre-flight checks, and adapting flight plans to changing conditions. Coordination with ground crews and maintaining clear communication with dispatchers are also crucial, especially when flying into isolated locations with minimal support infrastructure.

What is the difference between Float Pilot vs Flight Attendant?

AspectFloat PilotFlight Attendant
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), Second-Class MedicalCPR, First Aid, Customer Service Certifications
Work EnvironmentAircraft, airports, maintenance areasPassenger cabins, airports, in-flight
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, charter servicesCommercial airlines, private jets

Float Pilots and Flight Attendants both operate within the aviation industry, but their roles differ significantly. Float Pilots are licensed pilots responsible for flying aircraft, requiring pilot certifications and technical skills. Flight Attendants focus on passenger safety and comfort, with certifications in first aid and customer service. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path in aviation.

What cities in Alaska are hiring for Float Pilot jobs?

Cities in Alaska with the most Float Pilot job openings:

Float Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Float Pilot job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Seasonal Seaplane Pilot

Ketchikan, AK • On-site

Kawanti Adventures and Taquan Air
See more jobs at Kawanti Adventures and Taquan Airexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Taquan Air in Ketchikan is looking to fill seasonal full-time pilot positions starting May 1st, 2024 through September 30th, 2024.
We operate DeHavilland Beavers and Turbine Otters on straight floats exclusively. All pilot positions involve flying freight and mail to multiple destinations near Ketchikan, as well as on and around Prince of Wales Island. The summer season will include flight seeing tours to the Misty Fjords National Monument and surrounding areas. Applicants must be physically fit and able to load and unload cargo, have good customer service skills, be able to work well with others as part of a team, with good judgement and a safety-first frame of mind.
REQUIREMENTS FOR PILOTS:
  • Commercial Pilot Certificate with Airplane Single-engine Sea Rating
  • 1000 hours total time
  • 100 hours cross-country time, including 25 hours night cross-country time
  • Instrument Rating (per FAR 135.243)
  • Taquan Air will consider a variety of experience levels, however you do need 200 hours float time minimum.
  • A history of instructing seaplane applicants is a definite plus.

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