Expert: Ismar Avdic, Eng. - 11/23/2010

Question
My question is in regards to an old post which you answered about your friend
flying in the Caribbean as a scenic pilot.  I am also interested in becoming a
pilot in the Caribbean as a commercial/ charter pilot or air taxi pilot around
the islands.  Can you elaborate on your friend a bit more.  Was it difficult to
find a job around the islands as a pilot, whats the job market like down there?  
How much did his licenses cost in total to do what he is doing?  How many
flight hours are required in order to become an island hoping pilot?  Does he
have year around business? Where is his home base?  Is he living in nearby
Florida or is he able to live on one of the islands?  Any help would be greatly
appreciated, thank you.

Answer

Updated answer
Hi Chris, sorry for delay but this system was down few days ago, when I wrote original answer.
In reference to friend of mine, he actually got job with quite bit flight experience on his belt. He had close to 1690 flight hours and he had charter experience before from USA. Anyway Caribbean flying experience is definitely an "amazing" experience and he loved it. Yes he was living down in FL, as majority of charter companies do fly those charter hops through islands. It is an nice flying job that could be pretty challenging with weather during summer season.
I have check some of charter companies in FL and their flight experience requirements are pretty high. They are looking for 1500 hrs or more total time to be eligible for hiring pool.

Good Luck
Ismar