FlyinCat

I just started a pipeline patrol job: solo, in a Skyhawk. Company requirements are for me to do all the observing and reporting, including taking photographs. Client is very pushy when I object to phoning/texting in the air at low altitude. They want all the reports made "as they happen." My question: If you do or have done this type of work, what were your company procedures for reporting? Also, is discussion of pay permitted? I'd like to discuss that also, as I think I'm not getting paid enough for what I consider high-risk work.

Thanks.

Slomococo

This is pretty standard and customary these days. Take a couple passes at an altitude you feel comfortable with before taking the pics down low. Take your time setting up for it, that is what the customer wants, and get a good grasp on any obstacles/terrain issues. If you are in a place where you are not good with getting low and using a camera just bail or take an out of focus, too high photo and request a better camera. You will not be fired for being safe and getting yourself and the aircraft home in one piece. If they threaten to do so find another job. Pipeline and survey work is a great place to get some stick and rudder skills, enjoy and learn. If you want a raise just ask for one, sometimes it works.

FlyinCat

Even the reporting part? I don't have a problem with the photo taking. I don't like texting and talking at 500 ft. I'm not sure it's even legal:

§22.925 Prohibition on airborne operation of cellular telephones.
Cellular telephones installed in or carried aboard airplanes, balloons or any other type of aircraft must not be operated while such aircraft are airborne (not touching the ground). When any aircraft leaves the ground, all cellular telephones on board that aircraft must be turned off."

I'd much rather send the reports from the ground.

rpatte1637

I was flying the same type of operation not long ago, calling over the phone was often useless due to the air noise so most preferred texting with just a simple message and if they wanted more information I would let them know that I would call from the next fuel stop or if it was something that required immediate attention I would land ASAP at the nearest airport, shut down and call. Most of the time there was an airport within 10 min of most anywhere I flew. As for pay, I was paid by the mile and made about $34,000 per year with all expenses paid. I really enjoyed my time on the pipeline, but the benefits just weren't there. Luckily when I left, my new job did have medical and disability because three months later I suffered a stroke and have been out since. Overall pipeline is a good way to build experience, I went from 900 to 7000 hours in 4 years and have no regrets.

FlyinCat

Thanks for the reply. I'm glad you liked it. I'm getting about $15 to $17 an hour, depending on the weather conditions. Sure I'm getting hours but I just don't know if the risk is worth it. I like a lot of things about the job but the company doesn't have that great of a safety record and there's really no industry standards.

FlyingSlowly

Not to brag, but to provide a relevant data point...I earn twice that per hour...I'm also a low time guy. But my boss is pretty fair. And the airplane costs at least FOUR TIMES AS MUCH per hour to operate compared to what I make...

However, that's per flight hour of course...and sometimes I spend 3 hours completing reports after flying for 7.5 tach hours...we fly some insanely busy routes for four different companies with a total of seven report forms on the same day!

But I also put in a lot of unpaid training before getting to this point. Send me a PM if you want more info.

FlyinCat

Thanks! I will!