Currently mid way through my commercial. Still got next year to complete my CFI, CFII, Multi and MEI. I got lots of USAF CSAR time too. How does the future look for hiring in 2-3 years? Assuming we have a steady growth in the aviation sector.

Cheers,
Rob

Just scheduled a phone interview with air America .. Hopefully it goes well. Said they'd be starting in October. Anyone else getting into it this year?.. Im sure I'll have more questions after the interview.

Hey guys go check out Landcare Aviation too. I flew for them for a season and had a great time. They sent me to Canada for two months and I flew completely across the country twice! I had a lot of fun. I got hired into the right seat of a heavy turbine twin right after just one season with them. They are hiring NOW.

Pay was $450 a week, random performance bonuses, $25 a night to share a hotel room, $85 a night for hotels, and $2,000 end of the season bonus.

There's a few good survey companies out there. AA is popular, but they had a big crash this year and I think one person died and the other is paralyzed still. It can happen to anyone though! Landcare didn't have any major issues that I known of, but I saw a couple people do some stupid stupid stupid things. Bob and Simon watch you pretty closely till you can prove to them you're a good pilot, but be careful out there! Keep up that attitude of an open mind and keep learning.

You guys can message me if you have questions! There's another company that I can't think of the name of, but I work with a guy from there. He loved it over there too. They all seem pretty good overall.

I don't think the pax died. The pilot was hurt pretty bad. They pancaked on landing so they both received pretty bad back injuries. I haven't been able to follow the pax, but the guy flying had surgery and on one Facebook post said he will most likely walk again after some tough physical therapy. Still a bad spot to be in, but like you said, can happen to anyone. I check every few weeks to see if the NTSB updates their information online about it. It was a solid airplane. I flew it from the end of March until a week before the crash when the accident pilot picked it up. Flew high above the mountains of Canada and low across the Strait of Georgia in Vancouver. Never in a million years did I think that airplane would have an issue like that. Regardless of which vendor you pick they are all susceptible to stuff like this. It sucks, but when you're low in a single piston your options are kind of limited. Keep your head on a swivel and always be prepared for the worst at the worst possible moment.

They setup a gofundme for James and his family to help with initial expenses of flying people back and forth from his home to El Paso. It has some updates on his recovery. Also consider donating if you'd like. They just cleared the target goal, but a little more never hurt.

I'll finish by saying that whoever you decide to fly with, the flying is great. I got nearly 800 hours. Lots and lots of xc time and time in very busy to absolutely dead airspace. It was the greatest flying experience I've ever had. I really learned a lot. We had a great group of guys and we had an absolute blast. Each vendor is different so figure out which one works for you and get that application turned in. You won't regret it.

I start in a few weeks. Any advice? So far I've heard pack light but smart.

Pack as much as you want, but when you fly home for vacation you pay bag fees. I took a suitcase and had about 40lbs worth of clothes, light ran jacket, running shoes, sandals when not flying, and a few days worth of clothes. A had a backpack with my computer and then all my flying crap since I didn't want a gear bag. Made it easy flying home. I'd check my suitcase (free with an upgrade and you get drinks!!!) and then take me backpack with me. I won't say what to bring and what not to bring because that can vary with everyone, but if you got a bag and room and it's under 50lbs then bring whatever you want. We had guys bring gaming situations. One guy actually had a legit suitcase with a TV and gaming system built into it. It was badass. Whenever he shared a room with someone he would use his tv. Plan for all types of weather accordingly. I was able to stop at home before my first vacation period so I dropped things I wouldn't need before then and just grabbed them when I came back from vacation. I had warm clothes and a single pair of shorts between my December and March vacation and then added more shorts and took out jeans after my March vacation. It saves room and keeps the stuff I don't need at home.

Rusty commercial pilot with low time (just shy of 250tt). Just curious, how long are you typically deployed for the survey work? Also, can you live where you want? Thinking about applying. No longer current. Would I even have a shot? Thanks

Hey Hope,

Which City do you live? Would consider sharing costs to build time?

Hey there, I got an interview with them on Tuesday. Can you send me some info about the interview?
Thanks

Sent an email in today to inquire about openings. Does anybody know if they are still hiring for this season?