Getting into Firefighting Position?

[wombosi]

Just wondering how difficult it is to get into firefighting, compared to GOM, Tours, etc... Are there very few positions, or just a very high minimum hours and experience in certain helicopters requirements, or both?

 

This to me seems the most exciting and rewarding position in helicopters.

[helipilotm]

To firefight you have to be carded. To get carded you have to have 1500 hours total, 50 hours in type and 100 turbine I think. Plus you obviously have to have the skills to do all the maneuvers and long line to pass the checkride. The hardest part is finding a company who will give you a shot. I would say its getting harder and harder to find a company that will buy their out there. I would say most guys nowadays have 2500-3000 hours when they get carded. Google AMD/forest service carding requirements.

[iChris]

Just wondering how difficult it is to get into firefighting, compared to GOM, Tours, etc... Are there very few positions, or just a very high minimum hours and experience in certain helicopters requirements, or both?

 

This to me seems the most exciting and rewarding position in helicopters.

 

Good starting point below (Link):

 

The life as a Contract Pilot " Fire Fighting"

[avbug]

Fire is a fairly small community, but most pilots who do fire do other things, too. Even on a fire, most pilots do multiple roles; it may be troop ferry duty, flying in hot meals, dropping water or foam, fire recon, etc. A relatively small segment of the industry does fire, and there's not a great deal of turnover.

 

In terms of how hard it is to get in, consider the competition. Many more opportunities in GOM flying vs. fire, and fire is very seasonal.

[mikeishaus]

I stumbled into a company that wanted me for ENG work but ended up needing a fire pilot too. I passed my carding with less than 1500 hrs PIC and was issued ny card once I met the minimums. Get a job with a company that does fire, let them know your interest in fires, and in time they will be needing a pilot and you'll already by on the payroll. 91 and 135 work with a company with EU fire contracts is the door to fires.

 

Fires is the best flying I've done hands down.

[jholbert]

Also looking for help breaking into fire / utility work. 5000 Helicopter/4000 Helicopter PIC, Have flown Bell 206/407 & Sikorsky & Airbus (Eurocopter) equipment. ATP, First Class Med, Passport, Clean flying/driving record. Any help or information appreciated.