Fire spotting in Western Australia

[FL170]

There is a job on AFAP from the Department of Environment and Conservation. Seasonal pilots wanted for fire spotting from November through April.

Can anybody shed some light on the usual queries. Conditions, tasks, tips on this type of flying etc. Appreciate all advice, cheers :ok:

[Wanderin_dave]

No info on this one? Sounds like a good relaxing way to spend a summer.....might keep it in the back of the mind for next year. :ok:

Anyone been there/done that?

Where are the bases?

[Mr_Pilot]

Based: Bunbury, Dwellingup, Manjimup // forwarding base Albany

Pay: Award plus 15% (although has recently gone up due to EBA)

All in all this job is good for getting time and experience up. You will see some amazing things and maybe even a branch or two if you fly into the smoke (nb/ strong updraughts). Expect 300 hours for the season plus.

Cost of living is minimal compared to up north. Great bunch of people to work with. Conditions and treatment is second to none. Fleet is stunning and all close to new (less than 10 years old).

Problems associated with this job are progression past 800 hours is that you may become more bush pilot than anything else. Judging from word around the campfire a lot of them are going back and only 3 spots are open. I would expect it to be quite competitive in the given market requiring 400TT+

NB. Manji has three footy clubs and one pub, be careful who you try to drag in town as the residents know all to well the passing nature of young blooded male pilots. :ouch:

[Okavango]

Please could someone pm a web link for this? Can't find anything through Google.

[tmpffisch]

There is a job on AFAP from the Department of Environment and Conservation

AFAP Latest Job Ads in Australia and Pacific - Australian Federation of Air Pilots (http://www.afap.org.au/html/s02_article/article_view.asp?id=98&nav_cat_id=127&nav_top_id=73)

[calmaashs]

Been there done that.

great fun the first season, any more you do after that will be an anti climax.

see for yourself.
YouTube - CALM Firespotting 2003-4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8t_oVfz3LCY)

[Jake27]

Where do I sign up? :P

[multime]

Was based at Dwellingup for a season. Good grounding for tailwheel handling, (Aeronica Scout) Turbulence as cold fronts pass through is incredible, strip surrounded by 50 foot plus trees, windsheer always presents a challenge. All in all a good job and good conditions if not a little hohum boring after a few weeks.
M