I've never done survey, but I have done 1 and a half season of flying jumpers, and I'm not sure if (based on what I've heard) I can agree that it beats CFI'ing. The variety of being a CFI (Maneuvers, landings, cross countries, Instrument approaches, holds, etc.) beat flying divers any day, and I'm sure that isn't as boring as holding a straight line. I did love working with the skydivers (best part of the job), and hell, flying is flying, but I'm one of those rare guys who doesn't hate instructing (even after 2+ years). Not to say I'm not ready to move on, though :D

I got furloughed almost exactly a year ago and was fortunate enough to have a job waiting at a surveying company in OKC that was starting up the aerial surveying. We fly a C-206 w/ a top of the line Lidar and digital camera from Leica on board. I fly maybe 1 to 2 times a week on average and the rest of the time I am doing the land surveying (which I HATE). Would love to get back in the Jet but am very fortunate to be working and getting to fly a bit. The pay is considerably better at this company then the regionals and have been actually able to get out of some serious debt that I would have never been able to do if I wasn't furloughed. According to the owner he is actually pretty convinced that we will be needing a second system this time next year and has almost signed on the dotted line for a multi.

The work can be somewhat difficult but once you get the hang of it it is pretty easy. It starts to get a little stressful if you are in tight airspaces or around a busy area. Just the other week the owner (who is a pilot himself) flew for the first time doing a surveying mission cause I went on vacation. He came back to me and said he has a new found respect for what I do and how I get it done efficiently. I think he litterally thought I just go up and fly some simple lines and head back home. Guess that will help in a little job security. (Not totting my own horn)

Any updates on the aerial surveying biz from those of you fortunate to have done it? I know its getting to be about that season again.

Just poking my head around to see if there is any interesting opportunities out there for a guy who would love 'exploring' different parts of America as a surveyor... Thank you in advance!

Jetcareers

I'm over there more than here now a days. I worked at AA last season, and LAI three seasons ago. Great job, good time builder, hard on a marriage, amazing experience. I don't feel like getting into it tooooo much.

Hiring will start taking place beginning of september @ AA and LAI. I'm not sure about DWAS or NSA.

Just jumped over there... good info/read.

I haven't made that mistake (marriage) yet... hah!

Well, here goes nothing...

For those of you interested in this, Keystone just posted the following.

Open Position: Full-Time Aerial Sensor Operator
Requirements: A high level of energy, willing to travel extensively, proficient computer skills, highly motivated & strong attention to detail. Valid driver's license & passport required. If interested, please contact us. We offer benefits, vacation, 401k. Keystone is an ...Equal Opportunity Employer. Prior experience and fluency in Spanish is a plus but not required.


This position is NOT a pilot job, but if you are serious about a job in aerial survey, I would consider it. It is also full time, so you will be required to move to the Philadelphia area.

Please feel free to ask me questions about Keystone, but know that I will NOT forward any resume's or tell you who to send them to.

Why, is there a greater chance of getting into the cockpit? Sounds a little strange to me, could be wrong.

How did you hear about it?

Keystone did not hire a single person as a pilot during the 2 years that I worked there. Every single pilot was an upgraded photographer who had come to the company with flight time and all ratings. Some people were photographers for longer than others, but I spent 8 months in the back.

Sitting in the back is a great way to experience this industry. You learn what is going on with the camera and that makes you a more effective pilot once you upgrade.

As for where I saw it, it is posted on a website. I promise. In this day of social networking sites, I hope anyone seriously interested could find it with the information in this post.

The hiring for most of these place has already began. Also due to the state of the industry, previous pilots are coming back.

The hiring process is starting. Landcare (Landvue.com) is sending out apps to few people who they want to look at. I work at air america and there are a lot of people coming back, a few local new hires that already worked for us, but we're not going to be doing anything with apps till sometime in september.

Phone calls at AA aren't going to help, it goes to our flight school desk. There does seem to be a few openings at LAI and AA. It's going to be luck of the draw. Personality is big. We have to live with you for 7 months essentially.