Fire Spotting
01-28-2006, 10:04 AM
#1
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Furloughed
Posts: 275
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.
Just curious if anyone has ever Fire Spotted, or knows anything about the type of job, any information would be great - thanks.
01-28-2006, 04:08 PM
#2
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2005
Position: CR7 Capt
Posts: 1,621
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.
01-28-2006, 11:04 PM
#3
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Furloughed
Posts: 275
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.
08-04-2009, 07:56 AM
#6
Flying Farmer
Joined APC: Jul 2006
Position: Turbo-props' and John Deere's
Posts: 3,160
My only advice is, "Where there's smoke, there's fire"
Sorry, couldn't help it
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!
Sorry, couldn't help it
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!
08-04-2009, 09:02 AM
#7
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,291
Originally Posted by 150Aerobat
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?
08-04-2009, 03:21 PM
#8
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Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: FAA 'Flight Check'
Posts: 13,837
I did a little fire spotting today in the Sierras. I wonder if I could charge the state of CA for my services! 
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
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
08-14-2009, 04:29 PM
#10
Self Employed.
Joined APC: May 2005
Position: Corporate Pilot
Posts: 7,119
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
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
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