Aerial Surveying jobs

[NDW]

Does anyone know whether Aerial surveying companies employ Air Observers?

I have sent a few speculative C.V's off to a few companies.

I'm not being lazy, just asking if anyone knows if they regularly employ?

[Groundloop]

What's an Air Observer?

Most survey crews consist of two people - pilot and camera operator/sensor operator/navigator.

[NDW]

@groundloop,

In regards to Air Observer - what I did mean was Navigator/Sensor Operator.

[SloppyJoe]

Often the ones who own the aircraft do not get the surveying contracts, they are the company that provides the aircraft and pilot to the other company that has the contract and operator.

Sent you a pm.

[MIKECR]

The aerial work(maritime reccon, fisheries patrol, geological survey etc) companies that I know of tend to favour ex military guys for backseat work. Theyve already got the experience of sitting in the back of a plane operating kit.

[Raven1972]

From what I hear. Most of the time they want 2 pilots 1 observing/using equipment and 1 flying but if something happens to PF then the other can take over...

[Groundloop]

From what I hear. Most of the time they want 2 pilots 1 observing/using equipment and 1 flying but if something happens to PF then the other can take over...

Most aerial surveys are done with one pilot and a specialist navigator/operator - who is hardly ever a qualified pilot.

[OberfuhrerPPRun]

Unless you have a certain amount of ME time you don't have a chance. I think at least 200 -300 hours PIC ME is required, probably for insurance purposes.