Do You Want to be a Fire Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT) Pilot?

[@OMACMedicFiveZero]

This is exactly what ive been looking for. Been in the fire service for the last 8 years and wanted to combine my love of wildland firefighting and aviation. Thank you

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Glad I could help!

[@richardyaskiw4529]

I flew a 502 for the Manitoba MNR SEAT program in 2002 and 2003 in 2004 I flew an 802 f under contract for both British Columbia and Alberta , your information sounds very accurate,

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Thanks appreciate the feedback!

[@miketaton4187]

Love seeing the many facets of aviation. Great videos keep up the great work!!

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Thanks for watching mike!

[@jamesriordan7]

So, to answer your question, yes, I’d love to be a SEAT pilot!! In fact, that’s what originally brought me to your channel, knowing that ag time is the best route to getting into a SEAT. I’ve got lots of TW time but no Ag time. I think I’m going to get into the fire side of aviation a different way however and that is by becoming an Air Attack pilot first. I’ve got to get to 135 minimums first and pick up my instrument and multi engine as well. No small feat but it’ll be a fun adventure! Thanks for putting this video together! I always look forward to your videos!

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Awesome that sounds like a great plan James!

[@yamkaw346]

You get your instrument?

[@jamesriordan7]

Logan Newcome, no, not yet. Hopefully this summer. We are building a house currently.

[@seanmcmurry7940]

I am an air attack pilot (5th fire season). I work 12 days on/12 days off (my choice). There is also an option to work 12 days on/2 days off. The 12/2 folks get paid more of course. I get a fixed salary. The thinking there is that it enhances safety as folks won't fly when it isn't safe just to get the bucks. I have flown Shrikes, twin turbo comanders, and Kodiaks. I hope to move to the PC-12 at some point.

[@adrenalinjunky1]

When I did my level 2 I actually was on a contract in Idaho for my first summer but I had to fly with a level 1 rated pilot in the other aircraft as we always went out in pairs. Got my 25 drops in so upgraded to level 1 the next year. All your other info sounds good. On a contract you can get paid overtime as well if the day is extended which was $50 an hour which we did most of the summer. That was 2-3 hours so an extra $100-$150 a day with that.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@Random_Vince]

Wow that was a lot of information that I had no idea about. Thank you

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Agwings1960]

Something not mentioned, the AT Fire Boss sets on floats, so its like flying most tricycle gear machines, while most Ag planes are conventional gear and will require a certain amount of time in tail wheel aircraft, before anybody will actually turn you loose in one.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Good point

[@boomerang379]

802F doesn’t have floats though, our pilot here in Mississippi has an 802F that he took the fire gate off of and put it to work in Ag.

[@joelmiller569]

Love these videos!

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@deethy19]

Hi Tyson and Cally, I’m finding your videos very informative. Growing up with a strong affinity for country life I always had an interest in all things Ag flying, but never really discovered the ins and out until watching your very informative videos. All the best! Frank, Australia.👍🏼

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Thanks so much for the comment, Frank! Appreciate you being here!

[@chrisreddick36]

Gees that’s a lot of requirements lol very informative thanks for sharing

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Haha they don’t make it easy.

[@garymarch4711]

Awesome info I've been trying to find. I'm a retired structural firefighter medic... now private pilot student. I actually started years ago and had to stop. My CFI was also crop dusting here in Illinois at the time. One hell of a pilot! Sounds like I have a long road ahead lol. Who knows where it'll take me. I'm starting at age 45 so am wagering a lot... but man I love aviation and flying. I spend a lot of time studying and simming. Id rather die broke flying than rich in an office. Awesome videos. Glad I found you . Looks like a blast doing what you do now ! Quick question.. what are some ways of attaining mountain flying hours? Not too many of those in Illinois and Florida.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

It sounds like you're well on your way! If you look in the FARs you can find exactly how mountain terrain is defined, it may surprise you. But in the end you will have to go somewhere else to log those hours. I would figure out all the states that have "mountain" terrain and see what jobs are available there like towing banners, pipeline, instructing, etc..

[@Abrahamsonty]

Thanks for the video im wanting to do this about half way through my ppl

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Thanks for watching Tyler.

[@wagnercorrea8609]

Steven Spielberg, Holly Hunter, so beautiful, John Goodman !!!, The Platters, what a great story, Always!!!!!

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@jasonmelendez5216]

Thanks for the video and yes I would love to be an aerial fire fighter.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@itzwbill5737]

my dad had 42+ years of experience as a crop duster and over 30,000 hours

[@AgAviationAdventures]

That’s awesome I love hearing that!

[@byronconn5007]

After seeing the movie Always with John Goodmen and Richard Dreyfuss when I was a kid. I have always wanted to go this direction in aviation.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Thanks for watching Byron.

[@StickandGlider]

Awesome movie. A-26 Invaders.

[@seanmcmurry7940]

The tower used in that movie is located at the airport in Libby, Montana

[@FroggyFrog9000]

Cool helmet and good shirt.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Thanks!

[@vancebelchamber1951]

It’s very tough to get hired on with any of these Companies to get hired on it is very risky flying so it is the luck of the draw good luck guys

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Thanks for watching Vance.

[@jamesdunlap7931]

Awesome videos. Thanks

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Thanks for watching James.

[@rileyshullanberger1728]

Hey I have a question. Have you ever heard anything from anyone about having a college degree? Does that matter at all through the SEAT pilot world?

[@AgAviationAdventures]

It’s not so much a thing with the part 137 stuff like Ag and fire. For sure a lot of airlines require it but I know many pilots that don’t have a college degree. I’m sure it wouldn’t hurt having it in the SEAT world but I’ve never even been asked about one in Ag.

[@capersprecision2478]

It helps if you have a degree related to aviation, but only for insurance, having a cfi or at, that type of thing.

[@mrdrivebytrucker]

I work air operations for UPS, and from what I understand, UPS requires a master degree to become one of their pilots

[@matthewberg5835]

I don’t understand why they don’t just have a Ariel firefighting academy that teaches you how to fly and gets you the hours needed

[@AgAviationAdventures]

That would be nice!!

[@TotallyDapper]

I'd love that, I've always been interested in aerial firefighting.

[@Ozonerangerr]

Hello Tyson, great channel. You mentioned what the rough average might be pay wise firefighting, whats a rough number of what an active ag pilot could see working a summer season? I understand there's a lot of variables in there of course.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

I would say average is maybe $60k to $80k however like you said there are a lot of variables. I know pilots that make well above that as well as others that make below that.

[@chrissknutson]

Interesting information.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@richieforthewin1422]

Would it be reasonable to work as both a fire and ag pilot throughout the year or do the seasons interfere, is it realistic that companies would allow that? I’d most likely be in California where agriculture can be year round and we regularly get pretty bad wildfires ever summer as well if that helps answer.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

There are some that do that. They spend the summer fighting fires and then the winters spraying (where crops are grown year around).

[@PaddyPilot]

Looks like some interesting flying, would love to have a chat with you sometime if you're available!

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Feel free to email us at info@agaviationadventures anytime!

[@2010kb1]

Fly safe it’s been a rough few months with many mishaps across the spectrum!!

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Thanks Ken!

[@RoosterWolf0422]

Yes it has!!! Too many wire strikes and ag accidents over the last several months. I work in the industry and we have to change things. PLEASE check out USHST's website for some great information.

[@jameskeelor6172]

Great video. Always wondered how to get into the fire fighting field. May be different in Canada thou

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Yeah I’m not sure what the requirements are for Canada.

[@polarties6637]

How many fight hours do I need to be a ag pilot? And the answer is YES I do want to be a SEAT pilot!!!

[@AgAviationAdventures]

There is no requirement but you will want to focus on getting as many tailwheel hours as you can. I had around 400 hours when I got my first job.

[@polarties6637]

@@AgAviationAdventures that sounds like the perfect and most fun low flight hour job. Thanks you all of your videos are very inspiring and extremely helpful.

[@RobinGlasco]

I checked into jobs with the Forest service as a pilot many years ago and remember seeing fire spotter positions. It was a pilot who flew a light plane and monitored and directed the planes doing the actual drops. I am curious if they still do that or has technology replaced that position?

[@AgAviationAdventures]

The lead plane. They still have those and it’s a very important role.

[@judd_s5643]

I believe there is a plane that leads the big iron (dc-10 size) into to drop zone and actually does a smoke “on” to signal the big iron where to start.

[@ShitboxFlyer]

@@judd_s5643 I thought big iron went on your hip

[@seanmcmurry7940]

There are lead aircraft and air attack aircraft. The lead aircraft guide the tankers to the drop area. They act like a forward air controllers in the military. Typically, the lead air craft are flown by Forest Service employees. The air attack aircraft are contract aircraft flown by civilians. There is a pilot and and ATGS (Aviation Tactical Group Supervisor) on board. The atgs is responsible for coordinating tanker and helo drops, providing obseravtions, communication relays, and implementing the objectives of the IC (incident commander). The pilot flies the aircraft and acts as the secretary for the ATGS. There are 6 radios in the aircraft, so it gets busy.

[@aidan8830]

Ah damn, wanted to do it to build time but ill already be on track for an R-ATP by then

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Yeah it's not really a time building job.

[@aidan8830]

still seems pretty fun, If for what ever reason I choose not to go down and get an atp thats where ill end up prolly@@AgAviationAdventures

[@terrytomlinson8772]

2021 is probably going to be a busy fire season out west

[@AgAviationAdventures]

I agree

[@leuvenisaplace]

So there are firms that take pilots with only 40 hours of relevant time and other firms that require much more time. I wonder what the motivation for the firms to operate different requirements may be and what the consequences for the pilots may be. Might those taking short time pilots be a bit cuter about instilling a sense of obligation for taking a pilot on early? I can recall decades ago hearing about commercial pilots paying for their first seat and wonder if there may be intangibles involved to get around the block the first time.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

The equipment may not be as nice.

[@coasternut3091]

I wish. A lot of them are also ASES which I don't have the cert for

[@AgAviationAdventures]

That is the Fire Boss. And you can obtain the cert...

[@matthewmerrill9328]

@agaviatonadventures Are you still thinking you may want to make the jump to a SEAT or are you planning to stay flying AG?

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Maybe some day but not currently.

[@jackl9658]

Do you know any former military pilots who have become ag pilots? If so, do you know how well they adjusted to the flying, and how difficult it was to get into the business for them?

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Seems just as difficult for the two I know although they have a lot of flight time. But I think they have adjusted fine.

[@ned_right3440]

Thank!!

[@AgAviationAdventures]

👍🏽

[@Big.Ron1]

If for instance you did not get your 20 some drops in year 1 as a level 2 pilot say 15. Then the 2nd year you got 20. Would the 2 years together allow you to go to level 1 school or does it start all over from 0 in year 2? Thank you.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

I believe the drops are cumulative and they carry over for two years.

[@keitheyler6797]

@@AgAviationAdventures 25 drops is an extremely tiny number in aerial fire fighting... At 100 drops you're getting confident and enough to think about flying fire solo. Keep in mind with SEAT flying the training is generally limited. The SEAT accident rate reflects that. Be extremely conservative and keep your eyes moving beyond the target. Many ag-Pilots are fantastic stick and rudder pilots (Obviously), but that's a lot of time over relatively flat terrain. Again keep those eyes moving and don't get suckers into a hole.

[@capersprecision2478]

Yes, they are cumulative, if you only got 15 your first year, then 10 the next and had attended nafa 2 the first year and nafa 1 the second year, you would upgrade to a level one in your second year after OAS signed off.

[@alfordashley794]

I've been trying to get my private license for over 3 years now I have 62hrs in and one thing after another keeps holding me back, first it was covid then instructor's would find another job and leave me high and dry . I wanta cropdust but unlike most the other pilot's I don't have a rich daddy. Very frustrating.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

That's a limiting attitude to have.... a lot of people don't have "rich daddies"

[@boolkids464xx7]

Man idk what to do I want to join the aviation industry was planning to go to school at CAU but I don’t want to go the traditional major airline route rather do something useful like this but i would like to still make my current pay at my job or more if I switch industries it’s hard to decide

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Yeah it's tough to have to take a pay cut to follow a passion.

[@Cblizy]

I'm working on it. Long road. Tanker pilots pay similar? What's your status now?

[@AgAviationAdventures]

I don’t know if they make more but it would depend on if it’s VLAT or LAT.

[@minuteofcan]

What are the red lights on your nose for?

[@AgAviationAdventures]

The lightbar: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ip3Zqaelp6yiaJI

[@minuteofcan]

@@AgAviationAdventures Do you ever wish that they stayed solid rather than flashing?

[@ehz4641]

Really interested in doing this but don’t have any experience in to do this I would need to get my pilot license

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Yeah that would be a start for sure.

[@draudio2u]

Great video. Do you need medical class 2 or class 1? Is there retirement age mandate?

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Just a 2nd class medical. Not sure on the retirement age mandate but I don't think so.

[@mchevunu33]

Hey, where can I learn to become seat pilot? What is the name of the company that make this kind of training?

[@AgAviationAdventures]

I don’t know of any companies that give training to do it. You need to get Ag hours in an Air Tractor.

[@capersprecision2478]

More specifically you need 602 and 802 time. It's all about insurance, there are guys out there giving training, certainly can help with that but you need a few ag seasons under your belt.

[@werrieshorne6929]

Except for the many requirements is there a reason why you have not done it yet? Without a contract I wonder if you can do AG and Fire?

[@AgAviationAdventures]

The government kind of runs the fire world and I’m not ready for that yet.

[@werrieshorne6929]

I so get it. Thanks. We have that in RSA too, only worse. 😂

[@Upnorthof48]

Forests black, and your pockets green

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Would you expect fire fighters to get paid for working a fire?

[@DaddyRecon1]

Sign me up, always been a dream. Just cracking 1000 hours….. thank you! Looking for AG work…

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Nice!

[@liamcstransky1336]

How beneficial is it to have or be pursuing a bachelors degree? Which degrees are more valuable than others for this field?

[@AgAviationAdventures]

It’s really not a big deal in this industry. No one has ever asked me where I went to school or if I have a bachelors degree.

[@blancolirio]

Lost three SEATS already this season. Unacceptable losses!

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Losses this year have hit hard. Both in fire and ag.

[@brinsonharris9816]

When you say lost 3 seats, does that mean lost 3 positions or 3 pilots lost their lives flying these missions?

[@grantwalter2243]

Starts at 1:38

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Thanks for watching Gary.

[@elenacurry1]

You didn't explain how you can get the first 40 hours in type when you can't fly that type without insurance? 🤔

[@AgAviationAdventures]

You would need to get an entry level position and slowly work your way into larger aircraft with the end result being the 802. If you have time in others like a 502 you will be able to get insurance. I had 4000 hours in a 502 and was easily insurable an 802.

[@elenacurry1]

Now it makes sense, thanks for responding and clearing that up. please continue with your great videos. Us in the airlines have always been curious about your side of the industry.

[@abdellahtyoussi9525]

Je suis expert en épandage et en incendie sur turbo thrush . Can I help? Thank you .

[@AgAviationAdventures]

?

[@augustblomquist4549]

Going to begin my journey in a new career soon. Anyone Know if it is required to be a wildland firefighter for a few seasons? Does anyone know if it would help to do so? (if it wasn't required)

[@AgAviationAdventures]

No I don't think it's required.

[@Nates707]

I wonder why other states don't have a aerial fire fighting fleet like california

[@AgAviationAdventures]

California is kind of special for sure.

[@rar3cheet077]

what do firefighter pilots do when it isn’t fire season? is there a common job that generally people do to still make money when they aren’t on a contract or is there not a need for that?

[@AgAviationAdventures]

So of them find other flying gigs or take the winters off.

[@joelbaverstock2121]

Is that average of 100-125k p.a?

[@AgAviationAdventures]

What is p.a?

[@joelbaverstock2121]

@@AgAviationAdventures per annum (yearly)

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Yes. But I also know people that had bad years and they literally never flew once and made less then $60k. It’s a lot like ag in that you never know how it’ll turn out.

[@jerryhubbard4461]

It seems that so many want to be a fire pilot they are making it hard to get the job. One thing for sure, after all those flight hours and. class time, you bet your ass they are going to pay me some serious money to take on that job.

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Absolutely

[@deatz8997]

If I were 20 years younger, hahaha....

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Haha there ya go!

[@darkslider802]

reminds me of star wars x wing haha

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Ha!

[@adamtaylor49]

Your videos are great. But I would suggest stop making videos and talking about different subjects while working a field. There’s already so many other things watch out for and to be focused on. From ag pilot to ag pilot, I just don’t want to see anyone go down because they weren’t totally focused on the job. Save your videos and great information for the ground. Fly safe and have a good season!

[@AgAviationAdventures]

Thanks Adam.