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S-61/Bell 212 operators?


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Hey everyone. Was curious if anyone knew what operators out there still fly the S-61. I've been working overseas for the last 3 years and am ready to call it quits and head back to the good ole' USA. Would really like to get into something like fire fighting contracts or other utility work. I've worked mostly on heavy Sikorsky helicopters (CH-53E, UH-60A/L/M, S-92A, and S-61) for the last 14 years, and with Bell 212s for the last nearly 2 years.

 

I know there's at least a few operators out there who fly the Bell 212 and Sikorsky S-61 doing various types of utility work. I'm not really a M-F 9-5 job kind of person so this sounds like my kind of work (working in the field on some kind of rotation).

 

Who still flies these aircraft? When do utility operators typically look for field mechanics for fire season? Do most of these kinds of companies do utility work when it is not fire season? I know at least a few do oil exploration, seismic work, and logging as well.

 

Thanks for any info everyone.

Edited by superstallion6113
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Off the top of my head, Cromen, Siller Brothers and Helicopter Transport Services operate the 61’s. From there, most of the major utility operators will have wide range of Type II helicopters. PJ’s and Rogers come to mind. PJ’s now have a couple Blackhawks so maybe they’d be a good place to start. As for the fire season, we’re already in it and most positions are filled. However, qualified mechanics are always needed….. Good luck!

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Off the top of my head, Cromen, Siller Brothers and Helicopter Transport Services operate the 61’s. From there, most of the major utility operators will have wide range of Type II helicopters. PJ’s and Rogers come to mind. PJ’s now have a couple Blackhawks so maybe they’d be a good place to start. As for the fire season, we’re already in it and most positions are filled. However, qualified mechanics are always needed….. Good luck!

 

 

Thanks for the info Spike. Guess I should add that I am looking at coming home the end of this year, so I'd be looking for a job come pre-'17 fire season.

Edited by superstallion6113
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  • 11 months later...
  • 3 weeks later...

HeliMax Aviation in McClellan CA operates a Sikorsky S-61N

http://helimaxaviation.com/fleet/

 

Late reply on my end but thanks for posting. I just recently left my job working in Kabul, Afghanistan though to work as a field mechanic for Columbia Helicopters. I worked on the CH-46 for 4 years, and it has the same GE T58 as the S-61, so it's a good fit. Currently no longer looking for a new job.

Edited by superstallion6113
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