Utility Flying

[ProudFather]

What advise would you guys give to some of the newbies with 1,000 hours with all tickets including their Instrument, who want to get into Utility/long line work. What would be their best route to get to the point where they were hireable in that field. I guess I'm talking about any job using a long line like Fire Fighting, Constuction, PG&E pole placing ect. I myself would consider Logging to be a seperate issue from these other long line Utility flying jobs.

 

I'm sure you Utility guys are out there. How did you get to the point where you could do those kinds of jobs?

Just to get past this one, I'm sure they all know already that they will need a lot more hours before getting into the field.

 

Thanks.....

[ProudFather]

Man, this sure is disappointing. I put this thread in the Utility section of this forum thinking that is where the pilots doing that kind of work would be. With all the "Reads" no answers at all? I guess it only gets lookyloos huh?

[Guest rookie101]

a response in the utilty section will take a little more time than the rest of the board as most of these people are busy

[Timbersprayer]

Find an operation that does the type of flying external that you are intrested in.

Lots of OJT- in this area-- if you have the skill set that employer is looking for they will train over time.

A low time newby is not gonna be put out on a live wire pole set , or a heavy precission lift Job.

Some external work that low time folks can get into , fertilizer bucket, christmas tree harvest(about to start up soon) , logging support , co-pilot heavy logging.Temsco up in Alaska traines low time pilots for external .

This type of work sorts out who is qualified quickly.

Get to know a Pilot that does this type of flying- network.

Fire is gonna reqire 135, external endors, basic flt times to be cardable - some mountain time as well.

Good luck.

[crashresidue]

Cheers,

 

Have you read what's been posted on this forum? If you have a specific question, then ask it - other wise, I feel that your post has already been answered.

 

Genlte winds,

cr

[ProudFather]

I want to thank you guys. Great answers and advise. I know quite a few 1,000 hours pilots and hear them show an interest in this kind of flying but they don't seem to have heard of any clear road to get there.

I thank you for your time.

Paul

 

Cheers,

 

Have you read what's been posted on this forum? If you have a specific question, then ask it - other wise, I feel that your post has already been answered.

 

Genlte winds,

cr

 

Thanks for the advise Cr. you reminded me of the "Search" feature, which I used to get all kinds of info. I'll remember that from now on and look there before posting a question.

Paul

[Austria]

Erin needs to do her time like everbody else did! Stop asking all those 'questions for everyone' on every forum existing just to get your daughter somewhere. Let her decide what to do and ask the question, she is old enough and going to be in a profession where she can't ask dad or have him asking for her all the time. SHE needs to make the decisions!

 

Don't get me wrong, no offence. But you really need your girl let go and then be proud for her actions. I had to do my time and I still do. So did most likely everybody else out there. It's a long, neverending way and I'm still a bottom feeder. By knowing Erin quite well, I would suggest she rethinks her 'dream' and not look out for what seems to be 'cool'. We all have been there. Nothing goes quick or via short cut in this field.

 

Bottom line is, she will need 1,500hrs before she can even get carded (i.e. USFS) and she will need to find a company who trains her long-line. There are minimum requirements and they are there for a reason. It's as simple as that. Flying offshore/tours = 1,000hrs minimum to get in;

Or she goes knocking on every door where utility work is done, asking for a job, introducing herself to the chief pilot/Dir. of Operation. Training will come eventually. SHE needs to work on HER career, not you. And a forum is most likely not the right place. Where she works, there is utility going on, why not start there?

 

I feel like you/she wants to find a 'cheap' way in and that's why you keep asking everywhere the same questions. By not getting a response, you might just let it go and move on. To make a smart coment just because you don't get the response you want, doesn't seem to be appropiate now, does it?

 

Enough said!

 

Good luck to Erin...

[ProudFather]

Well Austria, lets take one thing at a time. She fully expects to pay her dues without any shortcuts whatsoever. Second, I'll ask all the question I want anywhere I want. I ask these questions for myself because I have fun talking to smart, driven Helicopter Pilots. She thinks these forums are for drama queens and has nothing to do with them at all. She always has and will keep making her own road, without my help at all. She makes ALL her own decisions. I just get to set on the sidelines and watch. I have let her go a long time ago but remain proud as hell of what she has accomplished. As far as looking for something "cool", I have no idea what that even means.

 

Also, there is no "you/she". She is her own person, all the way and doesn't know the meaning of a "cheap" way in. I've never known anyone to work as hard as she has.

 

You said: "To make a smart coment just because you don't get the response you want, doesn't seem to be appropiate now, does it?

You mean, being disipointed because there was No responses to my perfectly legitimite question. There is a difference between "No" responses and "not getting the response you want, now isn't there?

 

Lastly, who do you think you are to tell me what to do or not do? I'll do whatever I feel like doing, anytime I feel like it, whether you like it or not.

Paul

 

 

 

 

Erin needs to do her time like everbody else did! Stop asking all those 'questions for everyone' on every forum existing just to get your daughter somewhere. Let her decide what to do and ask the question, she is old enough and going to be in a profession where she can't ask dad or have him asking for her all the time. SHE needs to make the decisions!

 

Don't get me wrong, no offence. But you really need your girl let go and then be proud for her actions. I had to do my time and I still do. So did most likely everybody else out there. It's a long, neverending way and I'm still a bottom feeder. By knowing Erin quite well, I would suggest she rethinks her 'dream' and not look out for what seems to be 'cool'. We all have been there. Nothing goes quick or via short cut in this field.

 

Bottom line is, she will need 1,500hrs before she can even get carded (i.e. USFS) and she will need to find a company who trains her long-line. There are minimum requirements and they are there for a reason. It's as simple as that. Flying offshore/tours = 1,000hrs minimum to get in;

Or she goes knocking on every door where utility work is done, asking for a job, introducing herself to the chief pilot/Dir. of Operation. Training will come eventually. SHE needs to work on HER career, not you. And a forum is most likely not the right place. Where she works, there is utility going on, why not start there?

 

I feel like you/she wants to find a 'cheap' way in and that's why you keep asking everywhere the same questions. By not getting a response, you might just let it go and move on. To make a smart coment just because you don't get the response you want, doesn't seem to be appropiate now, does it?

 

Enough said!

 

Good luck to Erin...

[ProudFather]

I wanted to add one more thing Austria, whatever your real name is (I freely give mine). I have been messing around in a Helicopter Forum now for a year or so and have made some real friends along the way. People who care about the new people coming in to the industry and want to help them by "Passing on their experiance".

 

You get the prize of being the first person to EVER say anything negative about me or my passion for Helicopters and Helicopter Pilots, including my daughter.

[utilitarian]

I wanted to add one more thing Austria, whatever your real name is (I freely give mine). I have been messing around in a Helicopter Forum now for a year or so and have made some real friends along the way. People who care about the new people coming in to the industry and want to help them by "Passing on their experiance".

 

You get the prize of being the first person to EVER say anything negative about me or my passion for Helicopters and Helicopter Pilots, including my daughter.

 

 

Good for you trying to seek out as much info as you can!

you and your daughter can ask the same questions but will get different answers.

if you want a specific job in this field, a good head on your shoulders and most importantly conducting yourself in a manner that others will want to work with you is golden. Dont ever think as a bottom feeder.

Good luck to you both!

By the way do you know the Tognottis out of Placerville!

 

Austria you have alot to learn to break into our field.

 

 

Paul

[ProudFather]

Thank you Utilitarian, I appreciate your kind thoughts.

 

No, I don't know the Tognottis. Are they pilots? As you probably know, Placerville is out of Sacto up freeway 50 and Auburn is up freeway 80. I do know that there is a Heli school there though.

Paul

 

 

 

Good for you trying to seek out as much info as you can!

you and your daughter can ask the same questions but will get different answers.

if you want a specific job in this field, a good head on your shoulders and most importantly conducting yourself in a manner that others will want to work with you is golden. Dont ever think as a bottom feeder.

Good luck to you both!

By the way do you know the Tognottis out of Placerville!

 

Austria you have alot to learn to break into our field.

 

 

Paul

[Hawk33EB]

Erin needs to do her time like everbody else did! Stop asking all those 'questions for everyone' on every forum existing just to get your daughter somewhere. Let her decide what to do and ask the question, she is old enough and going to be in a profession where she can't ask dad or have him asking for her all the time. SHE needs to make the decisions!

 

Don't get me wrong, no offence. But you really need your girl let go and then be proud for her actions. I had to do my time and I still do. So did most likely everybody else out there. It's a long, neverending way and I'm still a bottom feeder. By knowing Erin quite well, I would suggest she rethinks her 'dream' and not look out for what seems to be 'cool'. We all have been there. Nothing goes quick or via short cut in this field.

 

Bottom line is, she will need 1,500hrs before she can even get carded (i.e. USFS) and she will need to find a company who trains her long-line. There are minimum requirements and they are there for a reason. It's as simple as that. Flying offshore/tours = 1,000hrs minimum to get in;

Or she goes knocking on every door where utility work is done, asking for a job, introducing herself to the chief pilot/Dir. of Operation. Training will come eventually. SHE needs to work on HER career, not you. And a forum is most likely not the right place. Where she works, there is utility going on, why not start there?

 

I feel like you/she wants to find a 'cheap' way in and that's why you keep asking everywhere the same questions. By not getting a response, you might just let it go and move on. To make a smart coment just because you don't get the response you want, doesn't seem to be appropiate now, does it?

 

Enough said!

 

Good luck to Erin...

Paul is interested in helping his daughter. There isn't anything wrong with that, and he is welcome to ask as many questions as he wants. I understand what you're saying Austria, but you're going about it the wrong way. There isn't anything wrong with a parent being interested in and trying to help their child. A question that you consider "stupid" may just be the one that gets the attention of the person who is willing and able to help Erin jump-start her career, and help her bypass the normal CFI - Tours - GOM - EMS route. You're wrong when you say there are no short cuts. There aren't many, but a few do exist and they are closely guarded secrets for that reason. You just have to look where nobody else looks to find them.

 

This industry is all about meeting the right people at the right time. You don't get to know anyone unless you stick yourself out there and ask around. If you didn't do that, thats fine. You may have paid your dues the traditional way, but that doesn't mean it's the ONLY way, and it sure as hell doesn't make it the only "right" way either.

 

If you sincerely believe that Erin in any way "hides" behind her father, you're sorely mistaken. If anything, they work independently of one another and compare notes from time to time. Erin is in firm command of her own career, and Paul is merely trying to feed her information and advice that she hasn't received on her own. Again, nothing wrong with that. In fact I wish more parents were as interested in their childrens' careers as Paul is.

 

I know you were trying to play Devil's advocate and offer "Cold, Hard Truth" advice, but it came off as cocky and offensive.

 

Fly Safely

[500E]

TO ProudFather

Hope Erin jpegs.

Is recovering\ recovered ?

[Bassbone]

I have been trying to get into the utility side of flying for some time and have not had any success. I guess I have not been at the right place at the right time so I am going to fly IFR in the GOM for awhile. At 3200 TT I am still kinda new to this industry but feel with enough time I will be able to sling something even if it's dogcrap of a glacier and yes I worked for Temsco for one season. Crash Residue is the guy to listen to. Too bad about some negative posting on VR at least it is not like the bombast at JH.

[ProudFather]

TO ProudFather

Hope Erin jpegs.

Is recovering\ recovered ?

 

She's totaly back, working full time and completely recovered. She is a very lucky lady as it could have gone south very easily on her injurys.

I appreciate your concern. Thanks for asking.........

[flyby_heli]

ProudFather.

 

One option is to try TEMSCO in Alaska. They seem to hire new pilots every season (May-Oct or something like that). Normally they just want you to have 1000 hrs, no turbine time required, they will train you.

I think the norm up there is to fly tours the first year, and if you are interested in coming back the following season, and they are interested in having you back, they might give you an entry level utility job in one of their light ships. They operate MD 500s, Eurocopter A-Stars and Bell 212/214.

 

Good Luck.

 

Flyby.

[ProudFather]

I have been trying to get into the utility side of flying for some time and have not had any success. I guess I have not been at the right place at the right time so I am going to fly IFR in the GOM for awhile. At 3200 TT I am still kinda new to this industry but feel with enough time I will be able to sling something even if it's dogcrap of a glacier and yes I worked for Temsco for one season. Crash Residue is the guy to listen to. Too bad about some negative posting on VR at least it is not like the bombast at JH.

 

 

Bassbone. Do you know that there are two forums on JH? The original one is complete crap but the "Alternative" one is great with some very nice people in there who like to help others.

 

I spend a lot of time in the good one and have made some great friends there. Check it out at:

 

http://www.justhelicopters.com/topics/cat....nChannel=Topics

[Bassbone]

Bassbone. Do you know that there are two forums on JH? The original one is complete crap but the "Alternative" one is great with some very nice people in there who like to help others.

 

I spend a lot of time in the good one and have made some great friends there. Check it out at:

 

http://www.justhelicopters.com/topics/cat....nChannel=Topics

PF yes but to tell you the truth I am done with the JH circus cum myspace. I cruise PPrune and this forum. I have been reading and posting on the original JH forum since the days of Bill Kellog. Pity as it use to be a place for real information exchange. Might see you on the alternate. Over and out. BB

[mountainchopper]

Are we talking about erin huston? If so I used to fly with her and in my experience she is a damn good pilot and responsible for her own path as well. Glad to hear she is recoved well, It was a tough week after the crash. If we are talking about another erin then sorry i'm an idiot

[ProudFather]

Are we talking about erin huston? If so I used to fly with her and in my experience she is a damn good pilot and responsible for her own path as well. Glad to hear she is recoved well, It was a tough week after the crash. If we are talking about another erin then sorry i'm an idiot

 

Yes, it was her and thank you for your kind thoughts. She is completely back on board and doing really well.

 

Yea, that week after was a "make it or break it" week for her and she is a very, very lucky lady. The Gods were on her side and decided to let her keep doing what she loves.

[Guest pokey]

I just have to say a few things:

 

PF? i was taught to fly by a man that has a daughter that is an excellent pilot too, she has gone thru a few hard times too & he was ALWAYS there for her,,,, just like i see you are for yours.

 

Austria? you need to learn some manners !

[klas]

Yes, it was her and thank you for your kind thoughts. She is completely back on board and doing really well.

 

Yea, that week after was a "make it or break it" week for her and she is a very, very lucky lady. The Gods were on her side and decided to let her keep doing what she loves.

 

Despite what someone may think on this thread, I for one am gald to see a parent /family member supprting a pilot in their work in whatever way they can. My family's reaction to when I said I was learning to fly ranged from, "Why?" to "Man, what a waste of money", & all save one won't even fly along. Their loss.....

 

So I hope you keep on asking questions for your daughter - I find them helpful myself.

[ProudFather]

Despite what someone may think on this thread, I for one am gald to see a parent /family member supprting a pilot in their work in whatever way they can. My family's reaction to when I said I was learning to fly ranged from, "Why?" to "Man, what a waste of money", & all save one won't even fly along. Their loss.....

 

So I hope you keep on asking questions for your daughter - I find them helpful myself.

 

Well, know that there is someone you don't even know out there who is proud as hell of you and what you've made of yourself. I know how hard you have worked to get where you are. It takes a lot of smarts, a driven personality and a person who knows what they want to become a Helicopter Pilot. Good for you!

[klas]

Well, know that there is someone you don't even know out there who is proud as hell of you and what you've made of yourself. I know how hard you have worked to get where you are. It takes a lot of smarts, a driven personality and a person who knows what they want to become a Helicopter Pilot. Good for you!

 

 

*sniff*.. thanks, man.

[jafco]

There is no cut and dry way to get into the longline biz other than pounding the pavement and living on a less than gratifying income at first.

We hire guys with little or no turbine time and even less line time. They may have to drive a fuel truck during fire season, then with any luck maybe there are commercial jobs to do after a long fire season and they can possibly get some time on these or during maintenance flights.