Fire Patrol

[blueridge71]

I flew fire patrols for the Georgia Forestry Commission. My patrol area was the NE Georgia mountains. I worked one big fire which involved orbitting and directing men and equipement on the ground. I also reported a lot of fires and probably saved a few houses myself. I really enjoyed it.

Equipment was a C-182 with an ADF for listening to the radio.

I got the job because I knew the full time pilot and he recommended me.

 

[LR25]

I flew 4 seasons with the Georgia Forestry Commission. It was a good time, good equipment.

As far as getting the job, thats another story. I like others knew somebody, its a state position and thats pretty typical.

I would reccomend it, makes you a good pilot. Flying the airplane is secondary, working the fires is primary. Usually involves working with some really great folks.

Not too long ago I remember seeing the Maine Forestry looking for patrol pilots.

Good luck

 

[Cardinal]

Cardinal- Yeah i worked out of rangeley then went on to nja. you must have been the guy flying roger's b100 with some older guy.

Yup. I guess we can add this to the "small world" thread. Still on the Ultra?

 

[Diesel]

Yeah still on the ultra. Too lazy to move to a new plane and the schedule is too good.

You working for colgan now? I see the 1900.

Fire patrols in maine are usually bid on by individual fbo owners. I know a couple of guys that are bidding on fire patrols right now. PM me and I'll give you a list of fbo's.

Also time required is commercial and 500hrs.

 

[Midwest]

Crizz,

Sweet deal, how'd you get hooked up with that gig. I'd take it if I were back home, I love northern Minnesota.

 

[Crizz]

Thought Id get back to you guys.. Just got done with my first day. 9.1 hours and 8 fires later... holy cow. We watched a fire grow from a 20x20 area to consuming a 400 acre area of land. This job is a blast, but tiring. I get to do it all over again tomorrow.

Time for bed .

 

[MalmsteenFan]

I flew Fire patrols for 2.5 summers in Maine. It's fun..... Nothing like a hot, humid day and circling smoke forever waiting for the Forest service to show up. If you have any questions, PM me or just post them here.... and I will do my best to answer them.

Goodluck!

Routes 971 and 990 right here! Awesome time!

 

[Lostdog65]

Thought Id get back to you guys.. Just got done with my first day. 9.1 hours and 8 fires later... holy cow. We watched a fire grow from a 20x20 area to consuming a 400 acre area of land. This job is a blast, but tiring. I get to do it all over again tomorrow.

Time for bed .

Crizz...welcome to the world of aerial firefighting...It's a kick in the pants!

Eric (formerly Lead 5-1)