pnwchief22

https://www.dauntlessair.com/careers/

JohnBurke

When looking at the hiring minimums, what are posted are the minimums to get carded by the government. They're not reflective of what one could expect to get hired with, given insurance requirements and the other applicants for those positions. Typically those coming to a SEAT position are in the order of 10,000-25,000 hours experience, with a great deal of that in conventional gear aircraft. Don't let that stop you from applying, because you may still be the right fit (with the right timing). When the balloon goes up and someone has to hire, often it's the guy standing across the desk, hat in hand, who is looked at most closely. For the same reason, delivering a resume in person carries a lot more weight than one that's sent by email or electronically. They're not really interested in your resume, but they are interested in you.

Don't be surprised if you visit an operator and get walked out the door, thrown in a 185 with the owner, and taken out for a flight to see how you do. What you say you can do or have done doesn't amount to much in that business; what you can do does.

pnwchief22

Air Tactical Pilot for Dyncorp in Northern CA
Postingec 31, 2018-Requisition ID BSR1805506

jpome

John, you are a godsend. Been scouring around the internet for this type of information before I realized to look at APC!

Recently read an article about a longtime calfire tanker legend by the name of Dean Talley (I think). What stood out to me was that he started his aviation career as a Coast Guard search and rescue fixed wing pilot. That is my background as well. Was just curious if you knew of any other tanker pilots with a Coast Guard background. Pretty interested in the prospect of Calfire pilot but I can’t tell if my background is something that suits this job or if it wouldn’t be very competitive. I’m relatively low time with only 2100 TT, but a lot of that is flying low over the water and dropping payloads to a precise spot as well as coordinating surface assets for SAR and interrdiction missions. Obviously we did a lot of our flying over water with only occasional instances of flying in and around Mountainous areas like shoreline searches near islands in the Caribbean during relatively low visibility and/or low cloud layers. Any thoughts on this? Thanks!

Shaft34

I'll throw in my thoughts on this since you're asking about CalFire in particular. Starting my 3rd season there this year.


Our pilot group is really diverse, just about every type of flying background you can imagine is represented. The one thing in common is a drive (not just interest) in being a part of this aerial firefighting community. Just about everyone has had to work and pursue this job for quite a while before it became a reality. That dynamic is starting to change due to a few reasons: pilot shortage, retirements, expansion, and kind of crappy schedule. There will be more opportunities in the next few years due to planned expansion (C-130s coming on line). We are working on changing the schedule to be more friendly for those not living in base/state. Have made good progress, but this season is the first year it will be implemented and I'm sure there will be growing pains. Basically, plan is to move from a 6 on / 1 off to a 12 on / 6 off.


From my interactions with management and lead pilots, they are looking for pilots with a desire to fly Tankers who have a breadth of flying experience. Namely, those with low level tactical and/or bush flying experience have done well at interviews. This job requires excellent hand flying and tactical awareness skills, so that is what they'd like to see in applicants.



As for your particular experience, I'd say you would be a good candidate. One thing to note is that all the times they ask for are PIC time, so that's an important factor to consider. Honestly, the best way to go about this is take the time to visit a base and see how it really is. Get to know a couple pilots in person and they'll help you along the process if you put out the effort. I used to sort of recruit, but have learned that the people who really want this job will go out of their way to make it happen. Everyone else just kind of fades away.


It's not your standard airline/corporate gig, which is good and bad, but it certainly is not for everyone. I love it, but it's still a relatively small community compared to the larger pilot world out there. We have about 60 total pilots currently.


PM me if seriously interested and I can point you to the right place to start.

cubpilot802

What are some of the recommended "entry level" positions that a pilot starting his career would best lead to a career as a SEAT or tanker pilot.

Currently at 1500 hrs with a fair amount of mountain flying, some tailwheel and seaplane time, and A&P.

JohnBoote

Just FYI - Dynamic Aviation is hiring Air Attack pilots to fill slots this season:

https://usr56.dayforcehcm.com/Candid...ting/View/1011

cubpilot802

Thanks, Ive heard both good and bad about dynamic.

cubpilot802

Has anyone worked for Dynamic in the air attack role? I have seen a lot of posts on the forum about people flying the ISR OCONUS.

Shaft34

One of our pilots worked for Dynamic in the Air Attack role and said he enjoyed the experience. That is probably 3-4 years ago and of course current climate may be different. I don't have any info on pay or qol.

The most straightforward method to get in this industry is as an Air Attack pilot. Doesn't require any special quals and there are a ton of operators. It provides a look at the industry and helps you build contacts.