Fire Patrol

[avbug]

Where in Minnesota? I had the Hibbing contract for a couple of years. I flew it out of Hibbing, and Warroad.

 

[navigator72]

FP

A few years back I flew 982, 962 out of BHB. I only ever found one really good fire (100+ acres). It's fun but sure does get bumpy in a C150 on a hot day.

 

[Diesel]

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.

WTOS the mountain of pure rock. I don't think they have changed their song list for 20 years. They still are the only radio station up there except maybe whom on top of mt washington. The walkman worked great listening to the radio except when you missed the fire patrol calls.

all i can say though is make sure they pay you even if they don't fly. It's very important.

Windows open, air blowing through. Bored out of your gord yeah you'll love it.

 

[groundpointsix]

Where does one look for a fire patrol job? Is employment through the USFS or is it private contractors? What kind of experience are they looking for? I'm assuming this is seasonal work. I'd be interested in doing this for a couple of summers if anyone can provide some leads on where to look.

 

[Rick1128]

A fire patrol out of Northern Maine was my first flying job. Got lucky in that it was the hottest summer on record, so I flew my can off. 990, Sqauwpan, Portage to Allagash and back. Couldn't get any radio stations. The forestry radios at least worked. Good looking woman working the tower at Deboulle. Now it is just a radio repeater. Had to keep a sharp eye out for the B52s on the Olive Branch route though.

Most of the fire patrols are state contracts operated by private operators. Usually FBOs. The contracts are public record and should be available for the state forest service. Then keep on the operators. Unfortunately, it has been my experience that most FBOs use that contract as an encentive to keep their CFIs, as it beats running around in the traffic pattern all day.

 

[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.