Alasak Air Taxi?

Question

im still thinking about what i want to do. and one of the things i wanted to look into was an Air Taxi/Tours kind of thing, but if i did that i would want to do it in Alaska. What i need to know is what are the requirements to do this?

i know you need a license. but how do you get that?

and how old do you have to be?

do you need to go to a flight school?

(and how much does that cost?)

Answer 1

In the US you need to be certified as a commercial pilot, and have an instrument rating.

You get those credentials through training and demonstrating knowledge and proficiency during a practical test.  You have to be 18 to be certified as a commercial pilot.  

You don't need to go to a flight school.  You need to pass medical examinations, pass written examinations, get flight instruction from instructors, and do some solo flying.

The private costs US$5000+.  Getting the instrument rating and commercial certificate will cost plenty more.

Answer 2

Of course you have to go to flight school.  You have you get a  commerical rating and probably float and taildragger ratings, as well as bush flying expierence and a bunch of 'Alaska time'.  You see, Alaska is seriously rugged terrain with unforgiving weather conditions and time in the 'lower 48' doesn't mean much to them up there.  To get your ratings you can start at any school or flying club near you, but plan on spending 35k at least for your ratings.  The best way would be to learn in Alaska from the start, and as long as you're 16 what really matters is the Alaska hours and bush time you have.  I had an instructor that ended flying in Alaska for years but he had thousands of hours before that.