Air Attack/Air Tankers/SEAT/Fire Boss
#91
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2015
Posts: 116
Nah, I haven't. Just compromised with SEP job that's flexible. Always think about getting into bigger iron, maybe when the boy is older.
#92
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: May 2009
Position: pilot
Posts: 584
meh. It’s always a work in progress for me. Now that I have the second decade in the rear view mirror I just have accepted some things will always be a pain in the butt.
#93
New Hire
Joined APC: Dec 2019
Posts: 5
my 2 cents
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.
1600 hr piston pilot here. more multi time than single - having a tough time getting any job that isn't instructing.
spent the summer working off days loading retardant into air tankers. I wouldn't recommend it. But I spent many days sitting down talking with air tanker and air attack pilots. I learned a few important things.
You need to know people
You need to be persistent
You generally start in Air Attack
Everyone in the aerial firefighting industry knows each other. Most people get a job flying an air tanker because they have a buddy (regardless of experience) whom they know would work well with them in the right seat. You obviously need good hand flying VFR skills. You will not be flying with AP on a magenta line, and will need to complete standard commercial maneuvers while looking outside. Air tractor/tailwheel/bush experience is perfect for a SEAT job.
Right now chiefs are sifting through hundreds of resumes. Unless you have extensive experience in the make/model they are operating, you won't stand out. You will stand out if they already know your name. Be persistent, knock on doors, introduce yourself, exhaust any references you may find, and make your name known. (this is my current plan of action and I have a few leads)
Most people work air attack for a few years to get into the industry. This is always in multi engine airplanes, so you will need commercial multi and some decent experience. ATP minimums is their standard. Make friends, etc. Once you have some twin turbine time, you become a qualified candidate for USFS lead plane. Make more friends, chat with your old air attack buddies on freq in the TFR, and eventually after numerous years in the industry, you may land a job flying an air tanker. My advice- get to know Neptune. All of their pilots are very fun, friendly, and professional. They operate many aircraft and might have more hiring opportunities.
Hope this helps anyone
#94
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2011
Position: AC90 Left
Posts: 114
Still posted in October 2020
https://aeroair.applicantpro.com/jobs/
Apply and see what 2021 brings
https://www.spuraviationservices.com/contact/
Apply and see what 2021 brings
https://www.spuraviationservices.com/contact/
Last edited by pnwchief22; 10-26-2020 at 07:02 PM. Reason: Link added
#96
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2011
Position: AC90 Left
Posts: 114
#97
I saw a few fire jobs on Indeed:
https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=Aviati...7035e945006168
https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=Aviati...90a571294a3750
https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=Aviati...4bfcb30fd50b86
https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=Aviati...7035e945006168
https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=Aviati...90a571294a3750
https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=Aviati...4bfcb30fd50b86
Last edited by Electrickjet; 01-30-2021 at 06:17 AM. Reason: added info
#98
Disinterested Third Party
Joined APC: Jun 2012
Posts: 6,023
#99
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2011
Position: AC90 Left
Posts: 114
Idaho Vacancy USDA
#100
Disinterested Third Party
Joined APC: Jun 2012
Posts: 6,023
Conditions of Employment
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
- Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
- Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
- Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
- Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify.
- Must be 18 years of age.
- Initial appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of training.
- This is a Test Designated Position. You will be tested for illegal drugs prior to appointment and randomly thereafter. Appointment and continued employment is conditional on negative results.
- Minimum of 90 days of wildland firefighting experience is required.
- There may be additional Conditions of Employment not listed here, however applicants will be notified of any specific requirements at the time of tentative job offer is made.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post