Tuna Spotting, tuna boat ops (incl Guam)
Unfortunately Skeptic is correct,
Canadian scientists reported this week that 90% of the worlds large fish stocks have been depleted to dangerous levels. This includes sharks and tuna. Sad but true.
Same problems where occuring in the Tasman Sea between NZ and OZ to the 'orange roughy' (Mmmmm.....
) until they tightened up the regs on the fishing there and now there is a burgeoning stockpile for the future.
Have had a great friend fly out of Guam and he had some horror stories as well. Great life experience thou and I would do it for a tour for sure if the opportunity presents itself.
You will never get that kind of landing on boat experience anywhere else!
Canadian scientists reported this week that 90% of the worlds large fish stocks have been depleted to dangerous levels. This includes sharks and tuna. Sad but true.
Same problems where occuring in the Tasman Sea between NZ and OZ to the 'orange roughy' (Mmmmm.....
) until they tightened up the regs on the fishing there and now there is a burgeoning stockpile for the future.Have had a great friend fly out of Guam and he had some horror stories as well. Great life experience thou and I would do it for a tour for sure if the opportunity presents itself.
You will never get that kind of landing on boat experience anywhere else!
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Canada
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Skeptic,
What you say is true......although!!! If it is a legal fishing operation, stocks are managed and a certain quota is only allowed. It is supposed to be sustainable and scientists say it would be but for the illegal fishing so!!!! I guess you could argue the same about offshore work, logging etc.
What you say is true......although!!! If it is a legal fishing operation, stocks are managed and a certain quota is only allowed. It is supposed to be sustainable and scientists say it would be but for the illegal fishing so!!!! I guess you could argue the same about offshore work, logging etc.
The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (http://www.iattc.org )looks after the ecological and sustainability side of it.
Certainly in a perfect world we wouldn’t need to fish tuna. We wouldn’t need to exploit oil either. We would live in harmony with nature, everybody in a big circle at a Green Peace Camp. The reality is a bit different, I’m afraid. We need source of energy for our body (food), and for the life stile we are used to (oil and gas). Certainly we need to use those resources in a way that guarantees its continuity (in the case of food), or its good use (in the case of oil and gas). Some expert will look after those resources, and they, with the politicians and economic forces will try to find the best option available.
In the meantime, I will look after my own resources. 23 years for retirement, a max of 1750 kgs of fuel per flight, and hopefully a competent colleague seating next to me.
Certainly in a perfect world we wouldn’t need to fish tuna. We wouldn’t need to exploit oil either. We would live in harmony with nature, everybody in a big circle at a Green Peace Camp. The reality is a bit different, I’m afraid. We need source of energy for our body (food), and for the life stile we are used to (oil and gas). Certainly we need to use those resources in a way that guarantees its continuity (in the case of food), or its good use (in the case of oil and gas). Some expert will look after those resources, and they, with the politicians and economic forces will try to find the best option available.
In the meantime, I will look after my own resources. 23 years for retirement, a max of 1750 kgs of fuel per flight, and hopefully a competent colleague seating next to me.
Last edited by Heliport; 17th May 2003 at 14:17.
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Canada
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
VerticalFlight,
Nice website, full of info and good pictures. You sound like you had a good time spotting. Im getting mixed opinions/information regarding opportunities. I have been told that low hour pilots getting jobs spotting is a bit of a myth...."need 1000 hours and at least 50 hours in a 44" but then I also see that most of the helicopters used out in Guam are 300's and 22's??? You say that Venezuela is closed out to a british canadian......do you know much about Panama, or the rest of central america? Do you think I should just fly out to these places and say these are my hours, I'm prepared to pay for more training either with you or whoever you want me to for a job. I'm more than willing to go and knock on doors. coz of course that's how you get a job...but i don't want look like i'm totally out of my league...if you know what I mean. Thanks mate.
Nice website, full of info and good pictures. You sound like you had a good time spotting. Im getting mixed opinions/information regarding opportunities. I have been told that low hour pilots getting jobs spotting is a bit of a myth...."need 1000 hours and at least 50 hours in a 44" but then I also see that most of the helicopters used out in Guam are 300's and 22's??? You say that Venezuela is closed out to a british canadian......do you know much about Panama, or the rest of central america? Do you think I should just fly out to these places and say these are my hours, I'm prepared to pay for more training either with you or whoever you want me to for a job. I'm more than willing to go and knock on doors. coz of course that's how you get a job...but i don't want look like i'm totally out of my league...if you know what I mean. Thanks mate.
As far as I understand, other countries like Argentina and Mexico have the same 'protective for the locals' legislation.
The only place I can think of where you could fly with a FAA licence is Panama. I used to spend a few days in Panama City just before each tuna fishing trip, and I remember companies called 'Helicópteros Atlántico' and 'Aerotech International of Panama' . A few years back -when I was writing my web page- I tried unsuccessfully to find their web sites. You may be luckier this time, or you can try to find their phone number on the Panama on-line yellow pages.
I wouldn't fly there and knock the door without previous arrangements. When there are no ships in the docks, you may find nobody in the office. Get things organised over the phone.
Regarding hours, I saw new chaps going at sea with just over 200 hours. No hours on the R44, just on the R22. AVIATUN would give them 15 hours of intensive training/check before that though, and a few fellows would fail it. At the end of the day, once this guy was sent on his own, he would have nobody to consult, nobody who would positively criticise him, until he came back three months later with an extra 250 hours in his logbook.
Language is not a problem. You will find that on ‘seiners’ fishermen speak Spanish, English and Portuguese depending on the occasion. During the catch, most of the orders are given in English. The boat skipper and the navigators (the ones that jump on the chopper for that manoeuvre) are fluent in English, irrespectively on whether they are Latin-American or American.
Like any other job, luck plays a big part. You may spend years waiting for ‘the phone call’, you may spend just a few weeks. To increase your chances, as usual, you must keep your profile highly noticeable with phone calls, faxes, e-mails, etc. Don’t rely on that cold piece of paper called CV (or resume, depending on where you are!).
Good luck!
The only place I can think of where you could fly with a FAA licence is Panama. I used to spend a few days in Panama City just before each tuna fishing trip, and I remember companies called 'Helicópteros Atlántico' and 'Aerotech International of Panama' . A few years back -when I was writing my web page- I tried unsuccessfully to find their web sites. You may be luckier this time, or you can try to find their phone number on the Panama on-line yellow pages.
I wouldn't fly there and knock the door without previous arrangements. When there are no ships in the docks, you may find nobody in the office. Get things organised over the phone.
Regarding hours, I saw new chaps going at sea with just over 200 hours. No hours on the R44, just on the R22. AVIATUN would give them 15 hours of intensive training/check before that though, and a few fellows would fail it. At the end of the day, once this guy was sent on his own, he would have nobody to consult, nobody who would positively criticise him, until he came back three months later with an extra 250 hours in his logbook.
Language is not a problem. You will find that on ‘seiners’ fishermen speak Spanish, English and Portuguese depending on the occasion. During the catch, most of the orders are given in English. The boat skipper and the navigators (the ones that jump on the chopper for that manoeuvre) are fluent in English, irrespectively on whether they are Latin-American or American.
Like any other job, luck plays a big part. You may spend years waiting for ‘the phone call’, you may spend just a few weeks. To increase your chances, as usual, you must keep your profile highly noticeable with phone calls, faxes, e-mails, etc. Don’t rely on that cold piece of paper called CV (or resume, depending on where you are!).
Good luck!
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Canada
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Cheers
Thanks Vertical Flight, I am working on getting phone numbers and email addresses, it is hard though as you said there is not a lot on the internet about them. Whoever said it was gonna be easy though!!! Gullibell I have followed that up too, thanks mate. I appreciate it. These people are going to have to hire me or are going to be so sick of my voice!!!!
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: N20,W99
Age: 53
Posts: 1,119
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
scrole,
So this got me talking to a couple of friends of mine who've gone the Tuna way, and they tell me they have seen several foreign pilots working on the boats, but most of these were hired in the U.S. by Mexican Companies based in San Diego and then they just fly an N registered helicopter with an FAA license, but unfortunately they take advantage of the low time pilots and pay much less than the normal companies.
I looked a little into the subject and found out the following
The countries who with the highest capacity are: (most ships)
1.- Mexico with about 52,000 cubic meters, about 65 large ships
2.- Ecuador with about 48,000 cubic meters, about ? ships
3.- Venezuela with about 30,000 cubic meters, about 24 large ships
The rest of the countries in Central/SouthAmerica have really small fleets and capacity (less than 8,000 cubic meters) they tell me Panama is just a stopover for many tuna boats but few pilots come from there, most arrive with their pilot already.
They tell me the large mexican tuna companies operate the Bell 206, or the MD500, but most others have R22's or B47's the smaller companies are not so strict about the requirement for "high" time pilots. Spanish in Mexican Boats is almost a must, not many people speak english.
These guys rent helicopeters for tuna spotting although they are rather small, only ones I know that have a webpage.
http://www.helicopterosafelio.com
this is one of the largest tuna fishing companies in the world, (bad pic included) in their webpage they have a cool animation on how they fish the tuna.
http://www.pescaazteca.com
Also on the Robinson webpage you can look up the R22 dealers/shops here in Mexico and other countries and contact them, R22's in Mexico are used exclusively for spotting I have never seen an R22 used for anything else over here, (due to elevation all helis are turbine) so these companies know and this is where the spanish might help.
Found this, it sounds like a nice helicopter to fly during tuna spotting. . . . .
PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
Another Tuna Boat Company Buys Two R44 Helicopters
Torrance, CA ó PESCA AZTECA, based in the Port of Mazatlan, Mexico, has purchased two
R44 Clipper helicopters for fish spotting. The company has the largest, most modern fishing
fleet in the Southeastern Pacific Ocean comprised of ten superseiners with holding capacities of
9,500 cubic meters. Each boat is equipped with state-of-the-art maritime electronics and
satellite systems, plus a helicopter to help locate its catch of yellow fin tuna. PESCA AZTECA's
annual catch is approximately 50,000 tons of yellow fin tuna. It exports fresh frozen tuna and is
the largest tuna supplier of its affiliate company, PINSA.
The two Robinson R44 Clipper helicopters are painted bright orange for high visibility
and have tie down rings on the nose, belly and frame for securing the helicopter to the vessel's
helipad when the aircraft are not flying. Both helicopters have the latest marine and aviation
radios for communication and navigation, including a Ross DSC 500 Marine Radio with Garmin
MAP 225 GPS Plotter, plus two FM radios and a scrambler to prevent interception of
transmissions when the helicopter communicates the tuna's location to the vessel. Other
options selected specifically for the helicopter's fish spotting role include rotor blade supports,
wind deflectors for doors-off flights, and an emergency life raft with survival equipment
http://homepage.mac.com/helipilot/he...toAlbum15.html
So this got me talking to a couple of friends of mine who've gone the Tuna way, and they tell me they have seen several foreign pilots working on the boats, but most of these were hired in the U.S. by Mexican Companies based in San Diego and then they just fly an N registered helicopter with an FAA license, but unfortunately they take advantage of the low time pilots and pay much less than the normal companies.
I looked a little into the subject and found out the following
The countries who with the highest capacity are: (most ships)
1.- Mexico with about 52,000 cubic meters, about 65 large ships
2.- Ecuador with about 48,000 cubic meters, about ? ships
3.- Venezuela with about 30,000 cubic meters, about 24 large ships
The rest of the countries in Central/SouthAmerica have really small fleets and capacity (less than 8,000 cubic meters) they tell me Panama is just a stopover for many tuna boats but few pilots come from there, most arrive with their pilot already.
They tell me the large mexican tuna companies operate the Bell 206, or the MD500, but most others have R22's or B47's the smaller companies are not so strict about the requirement for "high" time pilots. Spanish in Mexican Boats is almost a must, not many people speak english.
These guys rent helicopeters for tuna spotting although they are rather small, only ones I know that have a webpage.
http://www.helicopterosafelio.com
this is one of the largest tuna fishing companies in the world, (bad pic included) in their webpage they have a cool animation on how they fish the tuna.
http://www.pescaazteca.com
Also on the Robinson webpage you can look up the R22 dealers/shops here in Mexico and other countries and contact them, R22's in Mexico are used exclusively for spotting I have never seen an R22 used for anything else over here, (due to elevation all helis are turbine) so these companies know and this is where the spanish might help.
Found this, it sounds like a nice helicopter to fly during tuna spotting. . . . .
PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
Another Tuna Boat Company Buys Two R44 Helicopters
Torrance, CA ó PESCA AZTECA, based in the Port of Mazatlan, Mexico, has purchased two
R44 Clipper helicopters for fish spotting. The company has the largest, most modern fishing
fleet in the Southeastern Pacific Ocean comprised of ten superseiners with holding capacities of
9,500 cubic meters. Each boat is equipped with state-of-the-art maritime electronics and
satellite systems, plus a helicopter to help locate its catch of yellow fin tuna. PESCA AZTECA's
annual catch is approximately 50,000 tons of yellow fin tuna. It exports fresh frozen tuna and is
the largest tuna supplier of its affiliate company, PINSA.
The two Robinson R44 Clipper helicopters are painted bright orange for high visibility
and have tie down rings on the nose, belly and frame for securing the helicopter to the vessel's
helipad when the aircraft are not flying. Both helicopters have the latest marine and aviation
radios for communication and navigation, including a Ross DSC 500 Marine Radio with Garmin
MAP 225 GPS Plotter, plus two FM radios and a scrambler to prevent interception of
transmissions when the helicopter communicates the tuna's location to the vessel. Other
options selected specifically for the helicopter's fish spotting role include rotor blade supports,
wind deflectors for doors-off flights, and an emergency life raft with survival equipment
http://homepage.mac.com/helipilot/he...toAlbum15.html
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Canada
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Blender Pilot,
Thank you very much for that. I've had a real struggle to get names etc. I really appreciate it. I'm onto both these companies and will be on the phone asap. I understand they may pay less for a low hour pilot, and I guess I look at it a bit like many other careers, you have to pay your dues. But for me at this point, just getting to fly is payment enough. I absolutely love it. It has been something I've dreamed about ever since I was young and only know have saved enough money to do it. So thanks again mate and I will keep you posted on my progress
Thank you very much for that. I've had a real struggle to get names etc. I really appreciate it. I'm onto both these companies and will be on the phone asap. I understand they may pay less for a low hour pilot, and I guess I look at it a bit like many other careers, you have to pay your dues. But for me at this point, just getting to fly is payment enough. I absolutely love it. It has been something I've dreamed about ever since I was young and only know have saved enough money to do it. So thanks again mate and I will keep you posted on my progress
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: N20,W99
Age: 53
Posts: 1,119
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Scrole,
Remember having the FAA ticket is a plus, try contacting the San Diego (USA) companies first it would be easier I think.
Also very important . . . . don't tell other pilots around here what you said about "getting to fly is payment enough", around here that is seen badly by other pilots because for some it has been a long struggle to get to make decent wages and then comes a young pilot who will fly for free "because its fun and he loves it", that's a no no if you want support.
I once said the same thing to a B212 pilot when I was getting my first SIC job on 212's, I said "I don't care how much I make, I just want to fly" and he chewed me out and explained that although for me it was not important how much I made, to other pilots it was their sole way of supporting large familes. And now I understand his feelings. This way of thinking of "will fly for food" hurts the industry and its not according to the profession, becoming a pilot is expensive and takes some sacrifice, give it its due value, if not nobody else will.
In most places in Latin America being a helicopter pilot is something cool because, people still see pilots as hard to find, uniquely skilled indivuduals, you are not in the same category as experienced bus drivers like in some countries, being a pilot its still like a myth somewhat, take advantage of that and use it in your favor.
Don't take it wrong its just some advice
Buena Suerte!
http://homepage.mac.com/helipilot/he...toAlbum15.html
Remember having the FAA ticket is a plus, try contacting the San Diego (USA) companies first it would be easier I think.
Also very important . . . . don't tell other pilots around here what you said about "getting to fly is payment enough", around here that is seen badly by other pilots because for some it has been a long struggle to get to make decent wages and then comes a young pilot who will fly for free "because its fun and he loves it", that's a no no if you want support.
I once said the same thing to a B212 pilot when I was getting my first SIC job on 212's, I said "I don't care how much I make, I just want to fly" and he chewed me out and explained that although for me it was not important how much I made, to other pilots it was their sole way of supporting large familes. And now I understand his feelings. This way of thinking of "will fly for food" hurts the industry and its not according to the profession, becoming a pilot is expensive and takes some sacrifice, give it its due value, if not nobody else will.
In most places in Latin America being a helicopter pilot is something cool because, people still see pilots as hard to find, uniquely skilled indivuduals, you are not in the same category as experienced bus drivers like in some countries, being a pilot its still like a myth somewhat, take advantage of that and use it in your favor.
Don't take it wrong its just some advice
Buena Suerte!
http://homepage.mac.com/helipilot/he...toAlbum15.html
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Canada
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
BlenderPilot,
Thanks for the heads up. I knew when I wrote that, that I probably shouldn't!!! Or at least clarify what I meant. I have worked in the diving/sailing industry for a few years and it is a similar story there. People will come and work for nothing just to be in a beautiful place and it was a real irritation. I did come to terms with it and accepted it as part of the job. Although the investments made there weren't quite the same!!! I think it's one of those things that is thought but shouldn't be said. I'm sorry to those I have irritated. But I also suppose that those guys that have really put the time in can't be undercut by some 100hr pilot who really just has a licence to learn and finds it challenge enough doing a circuit!!!! (well you know what I mean!) But I totally know what you're saying. Thanks for not chewing my head off as I've seen people do on some of these forums. Well if/when I make it out to the Tuna spotting..I'll try to be as mythical as I can!! Thanks mate you've helped out a lot
Thanks for the heads up. I knew when I wrote that, that I probably shouldn't!!! Or at least clarify what I meant. I have worked in the diving/sailing industry for a few years and it is a similar story there. People will come and work for nothing just to be in a beautiful place and it was a real irritation. I did come to terms with it and accepted it as part of the job. Although the investments made there weren't quite the same!!! I think it's one of those things that is thought but shouldn't be said. I'm sorry to those I have irritated. But I also suppose that those guys that have really put the time in can't be undercut by some 100hr pilot who really just has a licence to learn and finds it challenge enough doing a circuit!!!! (well you know what I mean!) But I totally know what you're saying. Thanks for not chewing my head off as I've seen people do on some of these forums. Well if/when I make it out to the Tuna spotting..I'll try to be as mythical as I can!! Thanks mate you've helped out a lot
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: USA
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Heli Storage on Tuna Boat
In the pictures I see of the boats, the landing pad is clearly visable. But, there doesn't seem to be any small hangar facility. Does the heli sit outside (with covers, presumably) for the entire voyage? Maintaince is done outside too?
Thanks.
HO5S
Thanks.
HO5S
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: mostly in the jungle...
Age: 59
Posts: 502
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Scrole and the rest of the gang!
There are a couple of misconcepts on this track, most of the information is out dated, I will try to clear it up:
a) There are nearly no more Bell 47 or Hughes 500 on tunaboats.
The few that are have longtime pilots and you will not get any 500 job with a total of 140 (or 200 hrs for this matter)
b) Don´t waste all your money on R-22 time. ANYTHING flying on tunaboats today is in the process to get replaced by the Robinson R-44, so that is what you need time in.
c) Just being a pain in the neck on the phone will not do it. You have to be there when they need you. They will not wait for you to arrive in 3-4 days. If they have to wait that long, they will wait for someone with experience and more hours. RIGHT TIME - RIGHT SPOT!!
d) Good chance, go to an operator (tuna helicopter) who also has a flightschool and make a deal - you spend the time in the machine and they give you a chance on a boat! Go and check www.helipan.com in Panama.
e) Although there is only one boat under Panamanian flag, there are at least 20 helicopters under Panama registration, however nowadays you need a Panamanian license to fly a Panama reg heli. However as you need to fly some time in a R-44 you have plenty of time to get a Tuna check out ( I do them myself here...) and make the Panamanian Commercial as well!
f) Samoa and Guam sucks as these are extremly long trips. As far as I know Hughes 500 fly Pilot-Mechanics only. But I may be wrong...
g) Even if nearly everyone speaks English, most sets (when they catch the fish..) are done in Spanish/Portuguese, so first thing tomorrow morning, go and buy a Spanish course and get at it!!
There are more and more SPanish vessels coming to fish here and they bring there own skippers - Spaniards - no english!!
h) Forget Venezuela or venezuelan registered Helicopters - political mess - no licence - no pay...
i) dito Ecuador - Mexico - Columbia
j) Most Ecuadorian boats run a different flag and register their Helicopters in Panama - you still need a Panamanian license but this is nearly no hassle in Panama, even for foreigners. Don´t get it wrong: You can get the license, but you can not work IN Panama without a valid Work permit. For Tuna spotting you do not need a work permit.
k) Panama IS the best place to get in Contact with the industry.
l) I came home from my last trip at the end of february from a 1 month trip after 3 years off the boats.
Check everyone, however your best bet is Helipan Corp. in Panama, if you are willing to spend some time in a R-44 (I would say plan on 20-25 hours) and if you want a R-22 check out, as this is a good prep for reaction!!
3top
There are a couple of misconcepts on this track, most of the information is out dated, I will try to clear it up:
a) There are nearly no more Bell 47 or Hughes 500 on tunaboats.
The few that are have longtime pilots and you will not get any 500 job with a total of 140 (or 200 hrs for this matter)
b) Don´t waste all your money on R-22 time. ANYTHING flying on tunaboats today is in the process to get replaced by the Robinson R-44, so that is what you need time in.
c) Just being a pain in the neck on the phone will not do it. You have to be there when they need you. They will not wait for you to arrive in 3-4 days. If they have to wait that long, they will wait for someone with experience and more hours. RIGHT TIME - RIGHT SPOT!!
d) Good chance, go to an operator (tuna helicopter) who also has a flightschool and make a deal - you spend the time in the machine and they give you a chance on a boat! Go and check www.helipan.com in Panama.
e) Although there is only one boat under Panamanian flag, there are at least 20 helicopters under Panama registration, however nowadays you need a Panamanian license to fly a Panama reg heli. However as you need to fly some time in a R-44 you have plenty of time to get a Tuna check out ( I do them myself here...) and make the Panamanian Commercial as well!
f) Samoa and Guam sucks as these are extremly long trips. As far as I know Hughes 500 fly Pilot-Mechanics only. But I may be wrong...
g) Even if nearly everyone speaks English, most sets (when they catch the fish..) are done in Spanish/Portuguese, so first thing tomorrow morning, go and buy a Spanish course and get at it!!
There are more and more SPanish vessels coming to fish here and they bring there own skippers - Spaniards - no english!!
h) Forget Venezuela or venezuelan registered Helicopters - political mess - no licence - no pay...
i) dito Ecuador - Mexico - Columbia
j) Most Ecuadorian boats run a different flag and register their Helicopters in Panama - you still need a Panamanian license but this is nearly no hassle in Panama, even for foreigners. Don´t get it wrong: You can get the license, but you can not work IN Panama without a valid Work permit. For Tuna spotting you do not need a work permit.
k) Panama IS the best place to get in Contact with the industry.
l) I came home from my last trip at the end of february from a 1 month trip after 3 years off the boats.
Check everyone, however your best bet is Helipan Corp. in Panama, if you are willing to spend some time in a R-44 (I would say plan on 20-25 hours) and if you want a R-22 check out, as this is a good prep for reaction!!
3top
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Norway
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
tuna spotting
Hi,
anyone out there know anything about tuna companies, especially in SE Asia? Cant seem to find any adresses etc on the net. What are my chances with 1500hrs, mostly piston? And what is the best time of year, or is it year round fishing? Any good advice? Thanks!!!
anyone out there know anything about tuna companies, especially in SE Asia? Cant seem to find any adresses etc on the net. What are my chances with 1500hrs, mostly piston? And what is the best time of year, or is it year round fishing? Any good advice? Thanks!!!
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Australia
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Staale
As far as SE Asia is concerned the helicopters operate out of Guam. There are 3 companies in Guam -
Hansen Helicopters, Tropic helicopters and Haufman helicopters.
Hansens are the biggest and the most reliable. In that I mean for work as well as maintenance. They hire pilot, pilot/mechanics or mechanics. Contracts are for 1 year so you are away from home for a long time.
Tropic helicopters are similar to Hansens but you can do a shorter time period. I would not recommend them however in fact I would advise against them.
Haufman - Steve Haufman runs only a few machines and is a good operator. He only hires Pilot/mechanics that are FAA licenced, but pays much better than the others.
All operate MD500C. There are no other type of helicopter based out of Guam on Tuna boats. You will be on a Taiwanese or Korean Tuna boat. They can be a handful to deal with. Mechanics are mostly Fillipino and these days so are a lot of the pilots especially with Hansens. Be prepared for long periods of boredom and short periods of Port calls. You will fly around 600 - 1000 hrs/year depending on the company (boat contract). Money is around $3500US/month in first year for pilots or mechanics and $6000+ for pilot/mechanics.
With 1500 hrs you won't have any problems and it doesn't matter what time of the year it just a matter of waiting for another pilot to want to come off.
Hope this is of some help.
Grogan
As far as SE Asia is concerned the helicopters operate out of Guam. There are 3 companies in Guam -
Hansen Helicopters, Tropic helicopters and Haufman helicopters.
Hansens are the biggest and the most reliable. In that I mean for work as well as maintenance. They hire pilot, pilot/mechanics or mechanics. Contracts are for 1 year so you are away from home for a long time.
Tropic helicopters are similar to Hansens but you can do a shorter time period. I would not recommend them however in fact I would advise against them.
Haufman - Steve Haufman runs only a few machines and is a good operator. He only hires Pilot/mechanics that are FAA licenced, but pays much better than the others.
All operate MD500C. There are no other type of helicopter based out of Guam on Tuna boats. You will be on a Taiwanese or Korean Tuna boat. They can be a handful to deal with. Mechanics are mostly Fillipino and these days so are a lot of the pilots especially with Hansens. Be prepared for long periods of boredom and short periods of Port calls. You will fly around 600 - 1000 hrs/year depending on the company (boat contract). Money is around $3500US/month in first year for pilots or mechanics and $6000+ for pilot/mechanics.
With 1500 hrs you won't have any problems and it doesn't matter what time of the year it just a matter of waiting for another pilot to want to come off.
Hope this is of some help.
Grogan
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Norway
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Grogan,
thanks alot, you have answered alot of my questions.
But do I need a US visa(I believe Guam is part of the US)? Obviously I dont have one, or I would have 5000 turbine hours by now.....
thanks alot, you have answered alot of my questions.
But do I need a US visa(I believe Guam is part of the US)? Obviously I dont have one, or I would have 5000 turbine hours by now.....
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Australia
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Staale
You are right in saying that Guam is part of the US. You will need a "C1D visa" (crewmans visa) to enter if you are getting onto a boat but this will be arranged when you have a boat to get onto ie a job. To go there otherwise you may or may not need a visa depending if your belong to a country that is part of the 'Visa waiver programme'. The company that you are going to work for will send you a letter that states that you need this visa for tuna boat work through Guam and will name the boat you will be getting onto. You then take that letter to your nearest US consulate and apply for a "C1D visa". You will need this letter when you enter Guam as well. All this will be explained to you by the company you have a job with.
Good luck
If you have any other questions PM me if you want.
Grogan
You are right in saying that Guam is part of the US. You will need a "C1D visa" (crewmans visa) to enter if you are getting onto a boat but this will be arranged when you have a boat to get onto ie a job. To go there otherwise you may or may not need a visa depending if your belong to a country that is part of the 'Visa waiver programme'. The company that you are going to work for will send you a letter that states that you need this visa for tuna boat work through Guam and will name the boat you will be getting onto. You then take that letter to your nearest US consulate and apply for a "C1D visa". You will need this letter when you enter Guam as well. All this will be explained to you by the company you have a job with.
Good luck
If you have any other questions PM me if you want.
Grogan
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: USA
Age: 51
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
ADRESSES + PHONE NRS.
HERE IS SOME INFORMATION I GATHERED OVER THE LAST 2 YEARS, HOPE IT HELPS.
RON
1
I'm looking for a Pilot to work with me on tuna boat.
Necesary flight experience on MD 500-C
Any interested please contact me at [email protected]
2
Hoffman Helicopters, Inc.
167A ET Calvo Memorial Pkwy, Tamuning, Guam 96913
Ph: 671-649-1339/0200/0201 Fax: 671-649-1350 & 1-775-205-9160
Minimum Contract Pilot / Mechanic Requirements:
Pilot Requirements:
FAA Commercial Helo Pilot License w/ 500 Hours Rotor Wing Time
250 Hours in Hughes 500's
100 Hrs Fish Spotting on Tuna Boats
Current Medical & BFR good for 8 months minimum
Mechanic Requirements:
Mechanics need to have an FAA A&P License w/ a minimum of 2 years experience on Hughes 500C's with 1 Year on Tuna Boats
Prefer a minimum of 1 year as P/M on Tuna boats w/ a recommendation by another operator. Pay is up to $8,000 USD/ Mo depending on experience.
R/T Economy Airfare is paid but return is deducted if unable to complete 6 Months service for any reason.
We are not presently looking for pilots or mechanics but you're welcome to E your resume to [email protected]
Other Guam Operators that might hire w/ less experience are:
Hansen Helicopters Ph: 671-649-9580 Ask for John Walker
Tropic Helicopters Ph: 671-646-3127 Ask for Ron Barr
3
CARIBBEAN MARINE SERVICE (Bell 206B3)
Ph: (619) 463 5837
Fx: (858) 759 1299
Mr Arnold Freitas
ZOLEZZI ENTERPRISE Inc (H500c)
Ph: (619) 223 5576
Fx: (619) 223 6761
Mr John Zolezzi
TUNA VESSEL MANAGEMENT (H500,B47)
Ph: (619) 236 1191
Fx: (619) 236 9516
Mr Ichi Sileu
G.S FISHERIES (H500,B47)
Ph: (619) 239 1147
Fx: (619) 239 6229
HENSEN HELICOPTERS (GUAM) (H500)
Ph: +671 649 9580
Fx: +671 649 9582
Mr John Walker
PANAMA
AEROSERVICIOS de DAVID, (B47)
Ph: +507 775 8899
Fx: +507 775 8839
Mrs Ruth Saucedo(speak english)
HELICOPTEROS DEL PACIFICO (Bell 206)
Ph: +507 223 0610
Fx: +507 269 6133
Mr Ray Kincaid
HELIPAN CORP (R44)
Ph: +507 315 0452/0453
Fx: +507 315 0534
Mr Thomas Exenberger
PESQUERA ATLANTICA (H500D)
Ph: +507 232 8639
Fx: +507 315 0130
Mr Gonzalez
CANNAVO SA (H500C)
Ph: +507 315 0595
Fx: +507 315 0597
MEXICO
BAJA HELICOPTERS (B47,R22M)
Ph: +52 646 177 4131
Mr Yvan Ptanick
PESQUERA AKALAN (B47)
Ph: +52 646 176 0533
Fx: +52 646 176 1010
Mr Guillermo Ramirez
GRUPO NAIR (H500C,R44)
Ph: +52 646 178 1070
Fx: +52 646 178 3003
Mr Roberto Mayo
GIPC(grupo industrial de productos congelados)(B47)
Ph: +52 646 178 8994
Fx: +52 646 178 2037
DEL RIO HELICOPTERS (OH58,B47)
Ph: +52 646 178 1989
Mr Isaac Sarabia
MARATUN (R44)
Ph: +52 314 336 5265
Fx: +52 314 336 6767
ATUNERA PUNTA BAJA (B206)
Ph: +52 646 175 9198/9105
Fx: +52 646 175 3968
ATUNEROS UNIDOS DE CALIFORNIA (B206)
Ph: +52 646 178 8978/8195
ECUADOR
INEPACA (R44)
Ph; +59 356 20302/304
Mr Francisco Garcia
LA REALE (R22M,R44)
Ph/Fx: +59 347 64258/257/256
Mr Aurelio Arrue
COLOMBIA
ATUNES DE COLOMBIA (R44)
Ph: +57 566 85290/292
Fx: +57 566 85648
Regarding Your forum on 2001-10-13 at 18:03:56,
We take the pleasure to inform you that we had
transferred your request to Taiwan Deep Sea Tuna
Boatowners and Exporters Association < telephone no.
886-7-8419606 >,and they will reply you directly.
RON
1
I'm looking for a Pilot to work with me on tuna boat.
Necesary flight experience on MD 500-C
Any interested please contact me at [email protected]
2
Hoffman Helicopters, Inc.
167A ET Calvo Memorial Pkwy, Tamuning, Guam 96913
Ph: 671-649-1339/0200/0201 Fax: 671-649-1350 & 1-775-205-9160
Minimum Contract Pilot / Mechanic Requirements:
Pilot Requirements:
FAA Commercial Helo Pilot License w/ 500 Hours Rotor Wing Time
250 Hours in Hughes 500's
100 Hrs Fish Spotting on Tuna Boats
Current Medical & BFR good for 8 months minimum
Mechanic Requirements:
Mechanics need to have an FAA A&P License w/ a minimum of 2 years experience on Hughes 500C's with 1 Year on Tuna Boats
Prefer a minimum of 1 year as P/M on Tuna boats w/ a recommendation by another operator. Pay is up to $8,000 USD/ Mo depending on experience.
R/T Economy Airfare is paid but return is deducted if unable to complete 6 Months service for any reason.
We are not presently looking for pilots or mechanics but you're welcome to E your resume to [email protected]
Other Guam Operators that might hire w/ less experience are:
Hansen Helicopters Ph: 671-649-9580 Ask for John Walker
Tropic Helicopters Ph: 671-646-3127 Ask for Ron Barr
3
CARIBBEAN MARINE SERVICE (Bell 206B3)
Ph: (619) 463 5837
Fx: (858) 759 1299
Mr Arnold Freitas
ZOLEZZI ENTERPRISE Inc (H500c)
Ph: (619) 223 5576
Fx: (619) 223 6761
Mr John Zolezzi
TUNA VESSEL MANAGEMENT (H500,B47)
Ph: (619) 236 1191
Fx: (619) 236 9516
Mr Ichi Sileu
G.S FISHERIES (H500,B47)
Ph: (619) 239 1147
Fx: (619) 239 6229
HENSEN HELICOPTERS (GUAM) (H500)
Ph: +671 649 9580
Fx: +671 649 9582
Mr John Walker
PANAMA
AEROSERVICIOS de DAVID, (B47)
Ph: +507 775 8899
Fx: +507 775 8839
Mrs Ruth Saucedo(speak english)
HELICOPTEROS DEL PACIFICO (Bell 206)
Ph: +507 223 0610
Fx: +507 269 6133
Mr Ray Kincaid
HELIPAN CORP (R44)
Ph: +507 315 0452/0453
Fx: +507 315 0534
Mr Thomas Exenberger
PESQUERA ATLANTICA (H500D)
Ph: +507 232 8639
Fx: +507 315 0130
Mr Gonzalez
CANNAVO SA (H500C)
Ph: +507 315 0595
Fx: +507 315 0597
MEXICO
BAJA HELICOPTERS (B47,R22M)
Ph: +52 646 177 4131
Mr Yvan Ptanick
PESQUERA AKALAN (B47)
Ph: +52 646 176 0533
Fx: +52 646 176 1010
Mr Guillermo Ramirez
GRUPO NAIR (H500C,R44)
Ph: +52 646 178 1070
Fx: +52 646 178 3003
Mr Roberto Mayo
GIPC(grupo industrial de productos congelados)(B47)
Ph: +52 646 178 8994
Fx: +52 646 178 2037
DEL RIO HELICOPTERS (OH58,B47)
Ph: +52 646 178 1989
Mr Isaac Sarabia
MARATUN (R44)
Ph: +52 314 336 5265
Fx: +52 314 336 6767
ATUNERA PUNTA BAJA (B206)
Ph: +52 646 175 9198/9105
Fx: +52 646 175 3968
ATUNEROS UNIDOS DE CALIFORNIA (B206)
Ph: +52 646 178 8978/8195
ECUADOR
INEPACA (R44)
Ph; +59 356 20302/304
Mr Francisco Garcia
LA REALE (R22M,R44)
Ph/Fx: +59 347 64258/257/256
Mr Aurelio Arrue
COLOMBIA
ATUNES DE COLOMBIA (R44)
Ph: +57 566 85290/292
Fx: +57 566 85648
Regarding Your forum on 2001-10-13 at 18:03:56,
We take the pleasure to inform you that we had
transferred your request to Taiwan Deep Sea Tuna
Boatowners and Exporters Association < telephone no.
886-7-8419606 >,and they will reply you directly.
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: 1 deg south, avoiding Malaria P Falciparium
Posts: 385
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ok most of the information posted above is not good.
Hoffman helicopters is out of business and currently selling all their parts and helicopters. Owner is terminally ill.
You can take your chances with Hansen , I would say Tropic is lesser of two evils. You will be on an asian boat, no one speaks english and lots of fish head soup for dinner. You will lose weight! They tranship and you will spend your whole contarct proably with out going home, short turn arounds. American boats have long turnarounds beacuse they are under contract witht he cannerys in Samoa.
All the american companies listed above nolonger have helicopters on there boats. Only four of the US flagged tuna boats have helicopters these days and they are owned by the boat , with one exception. (at one point over 30+ boats ((us flagged had helicopters)
Something has changed recently in Mexico and foriegn pilots can no longer easily go out on there boast. Many euro guys who where working on there boats are now looking for jobs.
Most of the baost in the eastern atlantic, have r22/r44. some 500's
All the Asian boats and the few us boast left have 500C's
You will proably fly 500-650 hrs a years these days. flew 130 hours on last trip of 63 days. Ill post some pic in the next couple of days.
Boat will gladly get you a C1D for guam or Samoa if they are desperate!
If some one has a bunch of time, 500c time and preferably fishing time, i know of an immeadite vacancy. Boat can not take low time guy, becasue of insurance. Must be able to move fast.
ok
later
RB
Hoffman helicopters is out of business and currently selling all their parts and helicopters. Owner is terminally ill.
You can take your chances with Hansen , I would say Tropic is lesser of two evils. You will be on an asian boat, no one speaks english and lots of fish head soup for dinner. You will lose weight! They tranship and you will spend your whole contarct proably with out going home, short turn arounds. American boats have long turnarounds beacuse they are under contract witht he cannerys in Samoa.
All the american companies listed above nolonger have helicopters on there boats. Only four of the US flagged tuna boats have helicopters these days and they are owned by the boat , with one exception. (at one point over 30+ boats ((us flagged had helicopters)
Something has changed recently in Mexico and foriegn pilots can no longer easily go out on there boast. Many euro guys who where working on there boats are now looking for jobs.
Most of the baost in the eastern atlantic, have r22/r44. some 500's
All the Asian boats and the few us boast left have 500C's
You will proably fly 500-650 hrs a years these days. flew 130 hours on last trip of 63 days. Ill post some pic in the next couple of days.
Boat will gladly get you a C1D for guam or Samoa if they are desperate!
If some one has a bunch of time, 500c time and preferably fishing time, i know of an immeadite vacancy. Boat can not take low time guy, becasue of insurance. Must be able to move fast.
ok
later
RB