Quote:
Originally Posted by Sherwood80
Landcare Aviation is a GREAT place for any pilot coming out of training, or being a CFI for a short while. I worked for them last year, and I traveled from Orlando, Florida to Augusta, Maine, and almost everywhere in-between. You acutally use your instrument rating, and you learn to communicate in class Bravo almost like it was second nature. They usually hire around late August to mid-Sept. for the mid-Oct to end of May season. Great experience, can get up to 500-700 hours in the seven month period, and you learn to manage your own airplane, hotels, hangar situation, etc. My buddy who flew with them the previous season told me that "Flight school gets you your ratings, Landcare is where you learn to fly and become a pilot"---and he was 100% right.
Agree 100%. I did a season and a half with them and it was great experience and built time very quickly. I flew directly over Central Park in NY city, over Reagan National and the Pentagon in DC and Miramar Naval Air Station in San Diego. You'll learn a lot quickly and I think it's an excellent job both to build confidence, and hone your judgment skills.
They should be hiring soon...the season for the type of photography they do is mid-October to the end of May. Sometimes those dates change, but that's generally pretty close.
As far as the company goes, I found it to be a very friendly place. As long as you do your job, they'll take care of you in return. Bob is the guy in charge and is a great guy to work for. Maintenance is top-notch as well. You're on the road nearly 100% of the time, so you'll be utilizing the services of the FBO's you stay at. During good weeks, you'll get an oil change every 10 days or so.
If you want any more info, feel free to ask. I'm a big fan of the company and I'll be happy to help anyone who asks.
Edit--The only thing you pay for is your food. The company issues you two credit cards...one for fuel and one for hotel. You're required to put down your own credit card for the rental car, but you're promptly reimbursed. This is due to liability issues from previous people having accidents etc. or so I was told when I worked there.
The pay is reasonable...it was $450/week when I worked there. It doesn't sound like much, but you won't need an apartment nor any of the expenses associated with one.