Fire Spotting
 

I may have an oppurtunity too get a Fire Spotting job over in Olympia, WA this summer. I will have my Commercial License in about a month.

Just curious if anyone has ever Fire Spotted, or knows anything about the type of job, any information would be great - thanks.

I have actually researched it a bit. I guess you move around quite a bit. If you like that sort thing it would be a good deal. I heard it is hard to get a job if you don't know anybody. Also requires 800pic time.

Yeah it's definitely about who you know, but I don't think the 800 PIC is correct. The company in Washington that I may work for doesn't have any flight time requirements, all you do is fly a 152 around 3-5 hours a day 5 days a week. Thats about all I know, but its definitely different around the US, depending on what type of aircraft you fly.

Yeah I was talking about the big tankers.

When fire spotting, you are flying for companies that get contracts with the forest service right? if so, how do you contact these companies for info?

My only advice is, "Where there's smoke, there's fire"

Sorry, couldn't help it :D

Seriously though, protect yourself, don't get in too deep into situations. Prepare yourself for long flights, bring all the necessities such as some water, snacks, some survival gear since you'll be operating over some sparce areas. Oh yeah, build that TT!

If nobody on here knows, contact your state fire service or the US Forest service (they have a fire and aviation division).

I did a little fire spotting today in the Sierras. I wonder if I could charge the state of CA for my services! :D:confused:
This sounds like an opportunity to build quite a bit of time and could lead to other opportunites inside of a tight knit community.
Good luck mistarose.

USMCFLYR

I'm fairly sure that for Slurry bombing you have to have some firefighting experience on the ground as well?

Firefighting
 

I flew forest service contracts in my past. The majority of firefighting planes are private contractors. They don't require any previous firefighting background. However, to get a proper Forest Service flying job usually it means spending several years on the ground first.

It is a fun job but a hard life. As an aerial firefighter you spend 6 months or more on the road. It is best to love firefighting first and flying second. Miost tanker pilots don't fly that much.

Skyhigh