jrav8r

Erickson just ran an ad for Captains and FOs. Anyone know what FO pay is?

Diesel8

Where did you see this ad? Is it fixed wing or rotary?

pnwchief22

https://ericksoninc.com/contact-us/careers/

pnwchief22

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/561468100

see usajobs website above

1255

There is no reason at this point to go the fed route.
Contractors pay way better w better home time.
There is a reason why fed pilots have quit and gone other routes. Dyncorp, or LAT companies are the places to be.

BCan

Anyone have any experience/interactions with Chloeta? I’m interested in flying out of Ogden UT

Thank You

Shaft34

I don't have any personal experience with Chloeta or flying the IR mission out of Ogden, but I do know a couple guys who did it for a season or two as Fed employees. I looked at the Chloeta job descriptions, so the Ogden jobs appear to be for the King Air and Citation IR (Infrared Mapping) missions. These missions are primarily flown at night (1 to 2 flights) and range all over the western US. From what I've been told, you start in the late afternoon/evening with mission planning, then fly once or twice, and finish in the morning by going to your hotel. They primarily operate out of larger/busier airports in order to use FBOs that are open 24 hrs. The 6/1 or 12/2 schedule is typical for Fed fire flying jobs, so think about how that'll work for you. Things change, but that could mean you spend some of your days off on the road, or at least be prepared for that possibility. The mapping mission is important for the fire management, so it's a good mission, but not as exciting as other fire aviation. Mostly GPS grid tracks in the flight levels from what I understand.

That being said, in this job market it could be a good gig and a way to get a foot in the door (as a USFS pilot) if you're interested in pursuing a career in aerial firefighting. Downsides to me would be the night schedule and you're not really working day in/day out with other fire operators if looking to build contacts in the industry.

This is just my take on that particular job based on what I've been told by guys who have done it. This is also about 4 years out of date and things may have changed a bit, so take it for what it's worth. Feel free to let me know of any errors and I'll correct them...

BCan

Shaft...PM sent

ClaraLO

Was looking at Dyncorp Cal Fire tanker requirements and says 800 AMEL with no more than 400 centerline thrust. Years ago, if a fighter mil guy had multi engine on FAA cert, it was limited to centerline thrust. That restriction has since been lifted and guys that fly F-18, F-15 etc now can get a multi with no restrictions.

In regards to applying for a tanker position or as a Cal Fire pilot with only military fighter experience, does Dyncorp still view fighters as centerline thrust? Because let’s be honest, regardless of what the FAA says, it’s basically centerline thrust. Can fighter time out weigh lack of true asymmetric multi time?

Shaft34

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.