Fisheries Patrol/ Coast Guard in the UK (Fixed wing)

[Captain Planet]

Hi Guys,

I know that there are a few threads floating around on this topic but they seem to be quite dated.

So I would just like to ask if anyone has any information on FR Aviation and Direct Flight. Are they still operating? Is there any other companies that do this work in the UK or Europe?

What's the pay like? Roster? etc.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

CP.

[covec]

Fisheries Patrol is still done by Direct Flight: I believe Exeter based.

Highland Airways also do it from Inverness on C406 or 404 I think.

FR Aviation are based at Humberside / Teeside and fly the Falcon (they may well have other types too eg Kingair.

Scottish Air Ambulance also fly Kingair on "mercy" missions. They are a subsidiary of GAMA Aviation.

I do not fly with any of these operators but have friends who do (bar Direct Flight).

Try the Mil Aircrew Forum re FR Aviation.

Cheers:ok:

[buzzc152]

I thought RVL (formely Atlantic Reconnescience) were involved in fisheries patrol also.

[NutLoose]

FR also at East Mids with a Dornier and an Islander....

[Captain Planet]

Guys, What kind of money are we talking as a pilot to earn for fixed wing coast guard/fisheries patrol/surveying/air ambulance? Roughly.

Many thanks,
CP.

[navoff]

Scottish Fisheries:

First Officer approximately £20,000 and Captain approximately £37,000. Plus per diems approx £35 per overnight.

[seaskimmer]

Fixed wing coastguard is done by RVL in Coventry, they operate 404, 406 and one islander based on the south coast.

Scottish fisheries is done by Highland airways and English fisheries by direct flight.

[atlantique]

Coastguard fixed wing is done by RVL based at Coventry, operating F406, C404. Salaries are £20K with <700hrs, £28K >700hrs, £31K >2000hrs or 2 years experience. Flight Pay is £6 per hour (Approx 250hrs per year) and away from base payments of £25 per night (Aprrox 50 nights away per year) Therefore max you will earn is in the region of £34-35K as a line pilot. Line trainers get an £750 i believe but get nearly twice the hours so earn quite a lot more in flight pay. RVL arent recruiting at the moment and have a long waiting list of people wanting to join, other thorn in the side is the cadet scheme. which turns out 2-3 cadets every year in to the pilot pool.

[clear prop!!!]

Scottish Air Ambulance...NOT a subsidiary of NHS as stated, but run under contract by Gama (5 yrs to run)

FO will rarely get a start with under 1000hrs, at around £25k and a 2 yr bond for TR

Captains with around 2,000hrs and 500hrs on type will earn around £40k

Don't expect loads of hours, so progression slow!

Good conditions but not hiring