View Full Version : Sling/Long Line info.
nightflier
2nd Sep 2007, 04:10
I'm looking to get into sling/long line. What would be the most direct route to get that first job. I know this topic was covered before, but I would appreciate an update on the subject and companies whiling to train a pilot. Is Columbia still a good option to get into long line? I appreciate any helpful answers.
If that's the route you want to take, log onto www.colheli.com (http://www.colheli.com) I believe that they are hiring. You can also try L A Helicopters, Andre Hutchins or Hutchings, they are also known to train long liners.
Good Luck :}
gulliBell
2nd Sep 2007, 06:49
Are we to understand that you are looking for your first job, and you want it to be long lining?
OR
You're already experienced but you want to try long lining for something different?
I know LCT has already mentioned LA Helicopters ( http://www.lahelicopters.com/ ) but this may give you more background as not only do they provide long line training ( http://www.lahelicopters.com/press/faa-certificate-part133.htm ) they also show a letter from Columbia saying they will look to LAH for candidates. ( http://www.lahelicopters.com/press/columbia.htm )
Hope that helped the search.
nightflier
2nd Sep 2007, 14:15
gulliBell,
I have over 4000 hrs helo pic time (offshore, eng and ems). I'm looking for something different.
Thank you for the input.
tecpilot
3rd Sep 2007, 10:13
I would not recommend longlining today.
After a lot of talks and self flown hours around the most parts of the world, i believe longliners are the hardest working group of helicopter pilots. Longlining is everywhere on high financial pressure and on the end of the business line :) is not the load it's the pilot. A lot of risks, lot of works, high pressure, much hours, small safety factors, small pay for all the bad things ... Allways in the sun, rain or snow, allways in hostile environment.
Be smart and hold your present position or change back to a greater! offshore company. An inexperienced copilot on the offshore routes will allways smile about an old and outburned longliner in dirty clothes...
Just my minds...
spencer17
3rd Sep 2007, 14:45
@tecpilot: you have to see it the other way. Do you know a more challenging job in helicopter business then longlining. I enjoy it every day after more than 17,000 total and 10,000+ external. It's better a dirty Nomex then Shirt and tie and all the trouble with selfboarding cargo.:yuk:
Happy landings
Spencer 17
nightflier
3rd Sep 2007, 21:57
Guys, thanks for the input.