aviation career Archives - FLYING Magazine

How to Become an Airport Firefighter

John McDermott — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 13:46:02 +0000

Firefighters play a critical role in maintaining the safety of an airport and its tenants.

They respond to aircraft emergencies to ensure passengers stay safe no matter what, and they can respond to medical emergencies across the airport to ensure good health for all.

Different airports handle their firefighting operations differently. Most airports have fire units under the jurisdiction of municipal fire departments, though many have distinct units to handle airport operations.

Either way, airport firefighting is a highly specialized operation that requires special training, equipment, and preparation to carry out safely.

Firefighter hopefuls must meet a certain selection of basic requirements to be eligible.

All airport firefighters must have a high school diploma or GED and pass a fitness test. Of particular importance is cardiovascular health, strength, and endurance to make sure you meet the demanding physical requirements of firefighting.

Firefighting Prerequisites

Many airport fire departments also require applicants to have some firefighting experience and certification already.

Though specific requirements can vary, you may need to have Firefighter II and CPR certification to be considered. Other departments require a certain amount of documented firefighting experience before you can join the airport’s operation.

There are a number of ways to achieve this basic certification.

Some people join volunteer fire departments to gain experience and certifications. In some places, airport units fall under the same department as the wider municipal department. In that case, the only way to get assigned to the airport is to spend time with the broader department. Airports tend to be senior units assigned to the most experienced, longest-tenured members.

There are often a number of prerequisites that firefighters must meet just like any airport, airline, or aviation employee. Firefighters are subject to drug testing and must pass a background check completed by the Transportation Security Administration.

Airport-Specific Training

Once you meet the basic requirements to become an airport firefighter, you need to accomplish specialized training on getting around airports, and handling airplanes and flammable materials like fuel.

One type of training an airport firefighter needs is Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) certification. This training covers aircraft systems, aircraft firefighting techniques, rescue operations, evacuation procedures, and accident management.

Hazardous materials (hazmat) training is also required. It teaches firefighters to identify and contain hazardous materials and to mitigate its risk. It can also teach decontamination procedures and appropriate response protocols.

There are also highly specialized training programs, covering things such as how to drive fire trucks and how to do so at an airport. Equally as important is operating the equipment on the trucks. In addition, there is officer and leadership training to ensure quality leadership for safe operations.

Firefighter Duties

The day-to-day operations of airport fire departments vary based on the size of the department.

Larger airports with more aircraft operations tend to be more active than smaller airports. Midsize general aviation airports, which often serve significant business jet and flight school traffic, will have dedicated fire units despite their smaller size. The smallest airports will not have departments at all and will rely entirely on municipal services.

Smaller airports may even require their firefighters to perform household duties at the fire station, such as cleaning hoses and equipment as well as general upkeep. Some require basic airport maintenance.

Airport firefighter salaries start at about $36,000 and can top out above $70,000 for more experienced firefighters at bigger airports. They also tend to receive benefits such as insurance, retirement plans, and pensions.

Firefighting can be an incredibly rewarding job. Keeping passengers, crews, and aircraft safe brings incredible meaning and purpose.

Big or small, firefighters carry out heroic tasks and bring great value to airports.

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Best Pilot Ratings to Advance Your Career

John McDermott — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 18:21:02 +0000

Many in the aviation community are building time and experience to advance toward a career in aviation.

While some use professional connections to secure jobs flying twin, turbine, or charter operations to gain critical experience, others build time quickly as flight instructors or even buying and renting airplanes.

In such a big pool of applicants, many want to know what to do to stand out as a uniquely qualified and capable pilot. One of the best ways to do so is to attain special ratings and endorsements that are not common in the general public.

Glider Pilot Add-Ons

Becoming a glider pilot is one of the best ways to build quality flight time.

Gliding with no engine forces a pilot to learn more about the physics of flight, particularly controlling lift and drag directly to stay airborne for hours. Even just a little glider experience can do wonders to help pilots learn new skills or refine the ones they already possess.

Glider pilots can also attain additional ratings, endorsements, and privileges to further their career progression. They can, for example, receive an endorsement to do aerotows, flying airplanes that pull unpowered gliders into the air. This is a great way to sharpen skills and even make a few bucks in the process.

Glider pilots also need endorsements to add on each new type of glider launching. Those who have only ever been towed, for example, need an additional endorsement to fly self-launching gliders.

Learning the ins and outs of a wider variety of aircraft opens pilots up to a wider variety of situations that broaden their skills and experience, making them more competitive for a wider variety of positions down the road.

High-Altitude Endorsement

The process for attaining a high-altitude endorsement can be tricky, as you need to find someone willing to provide you with a capable aircraft for the training.

However, receiving the high-altitude training is valuable for pilots interested in continuing their careers in jets, turbine aircraft, and other high-performance aircraft down the road.

A high-altitude endorsement is required when flying a pressurized aircraft with a service ceiling or maximum operating altitude, whichever is lower, above 25,000 feet. The endorsement includes training on the dangers of hypoxia and other high-altitude physiological challengers, as well as aerodynamics and operations of systems.

The flight portion of the training includes both standard operations and emergency procedures. Simply having flight training in high-performance, high-altitude aircraft—let alone experience acting as a pilot of one—is invaluable for whatever aviator job may be interested in applying for down the road.

Seaplane Rating

Seaplanes are a great middle ground for pilots interested in expanding their horizons.

While the flight characteristics of a seaplane will be familiar to someone who already has time in land-based airplanes, learning to touch down on water is a unique challenge that can help pilots prove they’ve still got what it takes to face new challenges and succeed in new situations.

Though rare, some flight schools even offer multiengine seaplane add-ons. Pilots looking to build additional multiengine time can use this rating to build experience in a way that stands out from other pilots who often simply rent multiengine land airplanes to finish their time-building requirements.

Ground Instructor Certificate

If you’re looking for a rating to boost your aeronautical knowledge—at a fraction of the cost—then a ground instructor certificate is a great option.

All you need to do is pass the appropriate ground instructor written test—plus the Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI) test if you’re not already a flight instructor—and bring your result to the FAA.

FAA Advanced Ground Instructors (AGIs) are permitted to give ground training to almost any pilot or applicant except for instrument rating applicants. That requires an Instrument Ground Instructor (IGI) rating.

Giving ground lessons with real students will help pilots refine their knowledge while getting paid. Many flight instructor applicants obtain their ground instructor certification to help them study for their flight instructor exams by working with real students to put lesson plans to the test.

There are a variety of ways to expand your skills and knowledge as a pilot. Through new ratings, additional experience, and unique flight time, pilots can stand out while refining their abilities.

There is no one best way to face the challenge of becoming a professional pilot but rather a variety of methods based on individual needs and future goals.

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Employer Profile: Sierra West Airlines

Flying Staff — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 15:23:52 +0000

Sierra West Airlines began as a family-owned business in the early 1990s and today caters to charter, cargo, and animal transportation services.

A certified Part 135 air carrier, Sierra West is based in the U.S. but offers frequent flights to Canada, Mexico, the Americas, and the Caribbean. Its fleet includes the Learjet 60, Metroliner III, and Piper Pilot 100i.

Sierra West Mission Statement

“To be the most trusted operating partner for aircraft owners, flight departments, and clients needing management support and/or charter services.”

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How to Become an Aerobatic or Airshow Pilot

John McDermott — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 15:47:51 +0000

Aerobatic pilots stand out in the aviation field. They showcase incredible skills and strength, and attract many to aviation.

Becoming an aerobatic or airshow pilot is a dream for many, but there are many steps to go through to achieve that goal.

Start With Primary Pilot Training

As with becoming any type of specialized pilot, the first step to becoming an airshow pilot is to become a private pilot. Such training teaches the basics of aircraft control, energy management, and aeronautical decision making.

Many airshow pilots also consider getting a commercial pilot certificate, regardless of whether they plan to fly in the events for a living. The additional training provides more expertise and aircraft control, and it builds upon the concepts learned during private pilot training to make an aviator more complete and well-rounded.

Specialized Aerobatic Training

After primary training, aerobatic pilots then need to go through aerobatic pilot training to hone their stunt skills.

A number of flight schools around the country provide acrobatic training in aircraft such as the Cessna Aerobat, Pitts Special, or American Champion Decathlon.

In addition to special training, aerobatic flight schools employ instructors with significant experience flying acrobatics. Real-world experience is a great benefit to help newer pilots learn the trade of aerobatic aviation.

To become a stunt pilot, one should complete training with an aerobatic instructor on top of the requirements to achieve an FAA pilot certificate. It is recommended that aerobatic training not be completed until a pilot receives their primary training and certification to make the process of becoming a stunt pilot easier.

No additional FAA exam is required to become an aerobatic pilot; pilots only need aerobatic training to be able to act as aerobatic pilots. When a pilot feels confident in their ability to perform aerobatics, they are eligible to practice solo and pursue demonstrating in airshows.

Maintaining proficiency as a stunt pilot is no easy feat.

A pilot should practice regularly to make sure their skills, decision making, and reaction times stay sharp. This is especially important for pilots performing at airshows or flying in formation with other aerobatic aircraft.

Career Opportunities for Aerobatic Pilots

Some stunt pilots are happy to fly only for themselves. They may enjoy the adrenaline of flying aerobatics or want access to a unique sector of aviation not available to all.

However, some decide to continue into a career as an aerobatic pilot. Many go on to fly as instructors or in fields such as aerial photography or film. Still others become test pilots, flying new or modified aircraft to ensure their performance and safety.

Again, flying in airshows is a top attraction for many stunt pilots. Some airshows are operated by volunteers flying antique or unique aircraft, while others are professional pilots who tour the country—or world—as part of an act. Major airshows across the country attract hundreds or thousands of paying viewers excited to witness a special facet of aviation.

Some stunt pilots are even sponsored by companies or branches of the military. Acrobatic flying can be such a spectacle that planes painted in certain colors can bring significant visibility in key demographics.

In addition, large companies and the military are among the few who have the resources to fund and maintain fleets of aerobatic aircraft, often jets, as they tour.

Resources to Start Training

There are a number of organizations that help pilots work toward acrobatic training and maintain proficiency as stunt pilots.

The International Aerobatic Club (IAC), for example, sponsors events and educational programs to help pilots attain and maintain their aerobatic proficiency. The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is also a great place to make connections with pilots who have the knowledge and skills to help with aerobatic training.

Local pilots will know the best places to start aerobatic training. Participating in local IAC and EAA chapters, or stopping in at the local FBO, could help prospective pilots learn more about how and where to get started.

A great way to test out aerobatic flying is to visit a flight school with planes that can perform basic spins.

Every flight instructor in the U.S. is required to complete spins during their instructor training and thus have experience with the maneuver. Getting flight time practicing spins can help pilots decide whether acrobatic flight is a path they would like to pursue more in depth. If not, simply practicing spins can provide an adrenaline rush and help pilots hone their basic airmanship.

Ultimately, acrobatic flying is an exciting path to take. Whether you want to pursue acrobatics as a career or simply want to learn to improve your flying skills, there are resources across the country to help you pursue your passions.

Acrobatics help you learn energy management in new ways usually not accessible to standard category airplanes and can help you apply a wider variety of principles to your day-to-day flying.

The post How to Become an Aerobatic or Airshow Pilot appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Employer Profile: Priester Aviation

Flying Staff — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 16:50:43 +0000

Founded in 1945, Priester Aviation is among the world’s most experienced aircraft management, global jet charter, and consulting companies. Its global fleet spans light jets to large-cabin Gulfstream G650 aircraft.

Based in Wheeling, Illinois, Priester employs more than 200. George J. Priester Aviation is the larger corporate name for its family of aviation service companies, including Priester Aviation as its Midwest base, Mayo Aviation as its Rocky Mountain West base, and Hill Private Aviation as its Southeast base.

Priester Aviation Mission Statement

“To be the most trusted operating partner for aircraft owners, flight departments, and clients needing management support and/or charter services.”

Priester Aviation in the News

George J. Priester Aviation Unifies Customer-Focused Companies Under Legacy Brand
For nearly 80 years, the Priester family name has meant committed excellence in aviation services and customer-focused relationships.

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Employer Profile: Global Medical Response

Flying Staff — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 15:41:38 +0000

Global Medical Response (GMR) is the leading integrated air and ground mobile patient care and EMS provider in the nation. Coordinating industry leaders in air, ground, managed medical transportation, and wildland fire services, GMR services up to 11 patients annually.

Based in Lewisville, Texas, GMR employs nearly 36,000. Among the companies under the GMR umbrella are American Medical Response, Rural Metro Fire, Air Evac Lifeteam, Reach Air Medical Services, Med-Trans Corporation, AirMed International, and Guardian Flight.

Global Medical Response Mission Statement

“Our mission is providing care to the world at a moment’s notice and is at the heart of everything we do.”

Global Medical Response in the News

GMR Mobilizes First Responders, Ambulances, Air Medical Aircraft and More as Hurricane Debby Makes Landfall
As part of American Medical Response’s FEMA contract, GMR deployed ground, air, and medical transportation assets to help coastal communities in Debby’s path in early August.

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Employer Profile: Boutique Air

Flying Staff — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 15:35:32 +0000

Founded in 2007 and based in San Francisco, Boutique Air is an FAA-certified air carrier providing both scheduled and charter air service. Boutique’s fleet consists of Swiss-made Pilatus PC-12s and Beechcraft King Air 350s.

The airline services routes in Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas.

Boutique Air is a codeshare partner with United Airlines and has an interline agreement with American Airlines.

Boutique Air Mission Statement

“…To provide a first-class experience at an economical price, while making passengers feel at home.”

Boutique Air in the News

Trip Report: Music City to the Gulf Coast With Boutique Air
It is once again time for another Essential Air Service (EAS) trip report from AirlineGeeks’ Joe Gerardi. Just like his journey on Air Choice One, this trip is another unique experience that connects two larger cities using a small EAS community.

Boutique Air Adds Three Destinations
Boutique Air announced three new destinations spanning the U.S. as the airline looks to bolster its services in the East, West, and South.

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High-Ranking NetJets Pilots Union Leaders Handed ‘Unprecedented’ Termination

Ryan Ewing — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 20:43:04 +0000

Two high-ranking elected officials within the NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots (NJASAP)—including the union’s vice president—were recently terminated from the company in what the labor group is calling an “unprecedented” move.

The NJASAP represents NetJets’ 3,430 pilots and recently signed a new contract with the world’s largest private jet operator.

In a news release published on Monday, the NJASAP alleged the two pilots were terminated because of their role in negotiating the five-year agreement, which was overwhelmingly ratified in April. The union also said the termination decision was “unlawful, unjust and in retaliation for the $1.6B in improvements the pilots negotiated during midterm bargaining that concluded earlier this year.”

NetJets said it had no comment on the matter.

The terminated pilots included the NJASAP vice president and strategy group chairman. According to the union, they were both captains with 23 and 18 years at the company, respectively. The two pilots had “unblemished professional records,” NJASAP president Captain Pedro Leroux said in the release.

“Choosing to terminate two high-ranking union leaders is not simply another hurdle to resetting the landscape, but a move reflective of a strategy that is not sustainable in the long term,” Leroux said.

This move is the latest in an ongoing back-and-forth between NetJets and its pilots union. In June, the company sued the NJASAP for defamation over safety and pilot training claims.

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Employer Profile: Castle Aviation

Flying Staff — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 11:49:55 +0000

Castle Aviation is a cargo airline and private passenger airline based at Akron-Canton Airport (KCAK) in North Canton, Ohio. This year marks Castle’s 40th year in business.

Most of Castle’s operations are within a 750-mile radius of Northeast Ohio. But the company also serves Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Castle Aviation Mission Statement

“At Castle Aviation, the health and well-being of our customers, associates, and communities are our number one priority.”

Castle Aviation in the News

The Emergence of Moving ‘Man’s Best Friend’
When it comes to the transport of animals, cargo airlines have always been more than willing to get animals from their starting point to their final destination.

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Employer Profile: Contour Aviation

Flying Staff — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 16:43:37 +0000

Contour Aviation provides luxury charter service, aircraft acquisitions, and personalized aircraft maintenance among its services.

Contour was founded in 1982 as Corporate Flight Management Inc. and is based in Smyrna, Tennessee. With more than 600 employees, Contour Aviation is among the 10 largest Part 135 charter operators in the U.S.

In 2023, Contour completed more than 24,500 hours of flight operations and carried more than 350,000 passengers with its fleet.

Contour Aviation Mission Statement

“At Contour, our core values are at the heart of everything that we do and every decision we make. Constant throughout all of our lines of business is a commitment to integrity and safety.”

Contour Aviation in the News

SkyWest Acquires Stake in Contour Airlines, Bolsters Charter Presence
The regional operator is continuing its foray into the Part 135 charter market with a recent investment in Contour Airlines.

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