Kennedyxrider

I am in Hammond la what company are you working for part time? All of the pipeline jobs I have seen require 1500 I’ve been observing for Barr air patrol in the same area you fly over the swamp slowly building time and flying dead legs looking for something better.

renaissance2008

Hi xrider,
What are the requirements for an observer position ?
What kind of terms and conditions ?
Thanks

loganeich

I'm hesitant to say the company since there are three of us that split about 14-15 hours a week. If he gets applications, then my hours might go down. The observer is one of two retired guys that each have over 8000 hours, so the 1500 requirement is not a necessity for a pilot and they just like being in the air. Besides retired guys, how do pipeline companies get guys with over 1500 hours to fly 500-1500 ft with no AC, 90+ F outside temps, etc. for long periods of time? I'm doing this to obtain a goal, not bake to death in the summertime for 30 years. Opening the window last few weeks to take pics in freezing temps has not been fun.

I got my SE and multi commercial with fly by knight in Hammond. If looking to build hours full time, should get your CFI and work with them since they stay busy. The other option is sky lens? or some similar sounding name that is based next door to them. I work full time, so just picking up stuff on the side for now.

deftone

Sky Lens is considered one of the best Survey gigs out there and can be very competitive. The owner (or CP?) posts hiring info and updates on the Jetcareers forum. Seems most hired are quite high time with significant multi time.

Space Ranger

Boxes never complain, but they certainly leak, combust, and explode if not taken proper care of. That combined with operating almost exclusively when your body wants to be sleeping presents its own set of challenges. Personally, I'm happy flying the friendly skies in (mostly) daylight hours, with a stellar maintenance program. Makes the few whiney pax seem not so bad...just my .02

urp99

Any LA pilots near the North shore and looking for a weekend time building gig? Good people, good pay, and around 10 - 15 hours/weekend. I'd love to stay and keep flying, but I have obligations in Wisconsin come April. I'd sure like to find them another pilot before I leave though, pm if you're interested, I'll get you the details.

urp99

Also, I'm curious, what are you flying for a pipe line patrol plane? The only thing I see around here are Citabarias, which make me wonder ... why? Why limit yourself to tailwheel pilots and fabric covered airplanes when a C-150 or C-172 would do the job cheaper and open up your pilot pool?

FlyingAlly

I fly in a C177B. 180hp. Gets the job done. I've seen GA8s, C182s, M20Cs, P.68s, C208Bs and even B200s used as pipeline patrol aircraft.

urp99

Most of those make more sense than the Citabria, but I suppose the powers that be know more than I do about aircraft selection.

loganeich

The main advantage of the Citabria is the fuel flow is about 6 gph for cruise of 105 kts. A 172 with 180hp engine at 2450 burns around 10 gph for 120kts. Know several people that use a 182RG which goes 140 at 12 gph for pipeline.