anybody have any info on these guys. they are advertising for aerial maping pilots thought it might be a good way to build 500 or so hours. Does anyone know their pay.. or if you ever get to go back home for a day. thanks everyone.

 

Worked there 2004-2005. At the time pay was 25,000/yr, plus $105/day per diem, out of which you paid your hotel and rental car and food. Once you get the hang of it, you can bank 50 a day easily, and still eat a steak dinner every night. When I left, there was a potential adjustment to pilot pay in the works. I believe the company was looking to make pilot positions seasonal (october to may-ish), as there is generally little flying over the summer months. When I was there, pilot positions were year-round.
As for the company itself, it was a great place to work. The owner is a pilot, and can understand your needs and advocate them to the client company. He is a good guy, and will treat you as well as any boss will in aviation. He is easy to talk to, and generally very prompt in responding to concerns.
The job itself has a lot of fun times, but is very demanding and must be your top priority in life while you are there. You have no set days off, but bad weather days and even darker cloudy days are days off for pilots. There were times when I would not fly for 10 days, and there were times when I would fly for 3 weeks without a day off. You will build time quickly, though during the winter months you generally will not fly more than 4.5 a day. Flying the photo lines can be boring, but staying within tolerances can be very demanding. You will become very good at precision flying! Ferrying aircraft is always fun, and flight planning is all you.
As for quality of life, it can suck. If you are single and looking to build time, you are looking at the perfect job. You may not get home for weeks or months at a time, especially from about november through april. I was gone for almost 6 months without a day back in base, though other pilots during the same time did find their way back a few times. You will not have much say or warning with your schedule, though the owner was always willing to help me and others find a way home when necessary (though the answer may sometimes be no). The good news is you make enough to buy your significant other a ticket to come see you. Just check with the owner to make sure they don't relocate you while someone is visiting... this is the easiest way I found to stay in touch.
You will see some fun cities, some middle of nowhere cities, and you will fly with a bunch of great people. It was a great job, and a great time builder. PM me with any questions.