Air Attack/Air Tankers/SEAT/Fire Boss
#81
On Reserve
Joined APC: Feb 2017
Posts: 16
I can't speak directly for our guys doing the hiring, but I know they are looking for pilots with a diverse flying background. Since we do fly non-centerline turboprops exclusively, I'd say that, yes you'll need some experience in a non-centerline aircraft even if the FAA has changed their tune. That being said, they tend to look at the whole person and their specific flying background, so there might be wiggle room in the definitions and what they'll accept.
We do have several former fighter guys and they have done well, but it's really about how their personality fits with our flying and work environment. Think of it as a benefit towards situational and tactical awareness, but nobody is going to get hired solely because of that background. Every one of our former fighter pilots have some other experience to bring to the table.
I know they value glider time and bush flying due to the need for good hand flying and energy management skills. Personally, the experiences that were the most beneficial to me have been my glider and U-2 time. We fly the tanker low and slow in steep terrain. Learning how to manage energy by loading the wing while slow is a key skill.
We do have several former fighter guys and they have done well, but it's really about how their personality fits with our flying and work environment. Think of it as a benefit towards situational and tactical awareness, but nobody is going to get hired solely because of that background. Every one of our former fighter pilots have some other experience to bring to the table.
I know they value glider time and bush flying due to the need for good hand flying and energy management skills. Personally, the experiences that were the most beneficial to me have been my glider and U-2 time. We fly the tanker low and slow in steep terrain. Learning how to manage energy by loading the wing while slow is a key skill.
#82
Line Holder
Joined APC: Feb 2018
Posts: 60
I can't speak directly for our guys doing the hiring, but I know they are looking for pilots with a diverse flying background. Since we do fly non-centerline turboprops exclusively, I'd say that, yes you'll need some experience in a non-centerline aircraft even if the FAA has changed their tune. That being said, they tend to look at the whole person and their specific flying background, so there might be wiggle room in the definitions and what they'll accept.
We do have several former fighter guys and they have done well, but it's really about how their personality fits with our flying and work environment. Think of it as a benefit towards situational and tactical awareness, but nobody is going to get hired solely because of that background. Every one of our former fighter pilots have some other experience to bring to the table.
I know they value glider time and bush flying due to the need for good hand flying and energy management skills. Personally, the experiences that were the most beneficial to me have been my glider and U-2 time. We fly the tanker low and slow in steep terrain. Learning how to manage energy by loading the wing while slow is a key skill.
We do have several former fighter guys and they have done well, but it's really about how their personality fits with our flying and work environment. Think of it as a benefit towards situational and tactical awareness, but nobody is going to get hired solely because of that background. Every one of our former fighter pilots have some other experience to bring to the table.
I know they value glider time and bush flying due to the need for good hand flying and energy management skills. Personally, the experiences that were the most beneficial to me have been my glider and U-2 time. We fly the tanker low and slow in steep terrain. Learning how to manage energy by loading the wing while slow is a key skill.
This really, really piqued my interest.
I just upgraded at my regional (last class to do so because virus) and I don’t hate it but I know it doesn’t suit me.
I have over 800 hours in tailweel, commercial glider pilot and former CFI-G with bush pilot experience in Alaska. Born and raised in California.
Have there been an increase in applications and hiring now that so many normal flying jobs have furloughed?
Is there a “hiring season” or is it year round?
What is starting pay like after taxes? I know California taxes are pretty heavy.
Fly safe.
#86
Possibly the capacity of the landing gear? Seems like going from boxes or pax to a big fluid load would be an engineering nightmare if not designed for originally.
#87
New Hire
Joined APC: Jul 2019
Posts: 5
Hi, I am hoping to gain some information on Air Attack/SEAT flying as well. I want to explore this as a career option, but want to understand the realities considering my current circumstances. I am 36 years old and married with 2 kids. I have about 3000 hours of total time with 2300 of those hours in Air Tractor 502 and 602 models as an aerial applicator. I hold a commercial pilot in airplane single engine land/ rotorcraft-helicopter with an instrument rating in both. Although I do need some re-current training. I am currently not flying full time as a career. The ag flying become slow in our area due to changes in farming practices. i.e. ground rigs. I am currently working my plan B, which is as a project manager in the construction industry. I am able to do well supporting my family in this position, but it is not where I want to be in the long run. Any information would be appreciated.
#88
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: May 2009
Position: pilot
Posts: 584
Hi, I am hoping to gain some information on Air Attack/SEAT flying as well. I want to explore this as a career option, but want to understand the realities considering my current circumstances. I am 36 years old and married with 2 kids. I have about 3000 hours of total time with 2300 of those hours in Air Tractor 502 and 602 models as an aerial applicator. I hold a commercial pilot in airplane single engine land/ rotorcraft-helicopter with an instrument rating in both. Although I do need some re-current training. I am currently not flying full time as a career. The ag flying become slow in our area due to changes in farming practices. i.e. ground rigs. I am currently working my plan B, which is as a project manager in the construction industry. I am able to do well supporting my family in this position, but it is not where I want to be in the long run. Any information would be appreciated.
any reason you can’t go on the road for a spray seat?
just my impressions from looking into the job. I never did pull the trigger and transition from Ag.
#89
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2015
Posts: 115
when I was looking into fire work most of them wanted some 802 time. Although it wasn’t a requirement. I would recommend just calling around to the operators and see what they say. You can also figure on having to work state contracts or call when needed until you get enough drops and are signed off to be primary on a dedicated contract. I also found the pay to be potentially more variable than spraying.
any reason you can’t go on the road for a spray seat?
just my impressions from looking into the job. I never did pull the trigger and transition from Ag.
any reason you can’t go on the road for a spray seat?
just my impressions from looking into the job. I never did pull the trigger and transition from Ag.
#90
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: May 2009
Position: pilot
Posts: 584
Regarding time away from home ... well that’s a tough nut to crack in this business. Sounds like you figured it out.
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