Pipeline Pilot Needed
08-11-2007, 03:50 AM
#4
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Joined APC: May 2006
Position: ATP, CFI etc.
Posts: 6,056
Who with 1000tt would still be actively hunting a pipeline job? I would think anyone with 500tt+ is no longer interested in single engine work, except may be teaching or check hauling, or has left aviation. Good luck.
08-11-2007, 07:33 AM
#5
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Joined APC: Nov 2005
Position: UPS 757/767 Capt ONT
Posts: 4,357
You guys would be surprised. There are guys out there that aren't looking to be airline pilots and/or maybe don't have CFI's or able to do part 135. I once knew a guy who only had one leg that flew single engine IFR. He was a crazy old coot and wasn't going anywhere up the ladder. Quite the character. And certainly nothing against him. But there are guys out there who are attracted to these sort of jobs.
08-11-2007, 08:13 AM
#6
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Joined APC: Jun 2006
Posts: 919
I hate to ask a stupid question...but that has never stopped me before, so here it is:
Could someone please tell me what is entailed in pipeline flying? What are the schedules like, pay, the job itself? How high do you fly and what type of equipment? How much do you fly?
Thanks...sorry for the basic nature of the question, but I have seen Pipeline flying as a time building alternative, but nothing about what it entails. Thanks in advance.
Could someone please tell me what is entailed in pipeline flying? What are the schedules like, pay, the job itself? How high do you fly and what type of equipment? How much do you fly?
Thanks...sorry for the basic nature of the question, but I have seen Pipeline flying as a time building alternative, but nothing about what it entails. Thanks in advance.
08-11-2007, 08:18 AM
#7
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Joined APC: Nov 2005
Position: UPS 757/767 Capt ONT
Posts: 4,357
You fly low in single engine Cessna's. That's about all I know. There is a Cessna 180 that flys low along the powerlines by my house every couple of weeks. I've always wondered what he's looking for.
08-11-2007, 11:11 AM
#9
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Joined APC: Jun 2006
Posts: 919
I would love to fly low as long as I could pick the airplane...SuperCub, Husky, or perhaps an old crop duster that is no longer feasable - like an Air Tractor 301 (wouldn't work - low wing).
So, as you are flying over a pipeline, what are you looking for (what can you see about a leak from the air - dead vegetation?). Specifics would be great.
How many times do you fly a day?
Can I buy an old Cessna 140 and get a contract to do this myself? That would be awesome!
What kind of weather do you fly in, and what happens if you are unable to fly - ground checking?
de727ups also has a good question - what would they look for with powerlines?
Sorry for all the questions - just very curious about this.
So, as you are flying over a pipeline, what are you looking for (what can you see about a leak from the air - dead vegetation?). Specifics would be great.
How many times do you fly a day?
Can I buy an old Cessna 140 and get a contract to do this myself? That would be awesome!
What kind of weather do you fly in, and what happens if you are unable to fly - ground checking?
de727ups also has a good question - what would they look for with powerlines?
Sorry for all the questions - just very curious about this.
08-11-2007, 12:25 PM
#10
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Joined APC: Feb 2007
Position: Airplanes
Posts: 1,378
You fly along checking the right of way. Backhoes, bull dozers, etc. Any activity or equipment that could jeopardize the integrity of the line.
I've got a buddy that has been doing this for years. He's making close to $50K flying and a/c'ed 182 with AP and GPS. He flies the same routes every two weeks M-F. All VFR. His company has an observer that watches the line. He just flies.
I've got a buddy that has been doing this for years. He's making close to $50K flying and a/c'ed 182 with AP and GPS. He flies the same routes every two weeks M-F. All VFR. His company has an observer that watches the line. He just flies.
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