Fire Bombing
Hi PPRUNE,
Long time reader, first time poster. How does one pursue a career in Fire Bombing? I am under the impression it is going through the Agricultural Top Dressing / Spraying route. E.g.
1 - Obtain licences (CPL).
2 - Get Loader job with Top Dressing company.
3 - Work with them for 'X' amount of time gaining hours privately.
4 - Be selected to be trained in Ag and pass.
5 - Top Dress / Spray for 'X' amount of years.
6 - ?????
7 - Get asked to assist in fighting fires during fire season.
8 - Become a full time fire crew on stand by.
Is that how it works? Or is the no real 'career' as a Fire Bomber, its just Ag pilots helping out when needed.
I currently hold a NZ C-Cat 550 TT, MEIR, (200 Instructing in Piper Cubs). Aerobatic rating. I also have Heavy Trades, Dangerous Goods, Wheels Tracks n Rollers driving licence endorsements if these would be required.
Obviously NZ doesn't get many fires, but Australia does.
Is there a governing Australian company that deal with the Fire Crews?
Would it help becoming a Volunteer Fire Fighter?
Would becoming a jump pilot help? similar situation, taking off MAUW and landing empty?
Thanking you in advance.