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Msg ID: 2763910

DOI USFS +0/-0

Author:Utility Worker
2/2/2023 6:23:08 PM

What are the experience requirements to get carded for DOI / USFS. Is it just an hour requirement or it it contract related, ie long line, fire fighting etc.

Can you get carded with no utility experience and get trained on the job?

Thanks in advance.

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Msg ID: 2763917

DOI USFS +10/-0

Author:Answer
2/2/2023 7:24:28 PM
Reply to: 2763910

All Helicopters Minimum Experience Flying Hours
Total Time .....................................................................................................................1,500

Pilot–in-command hours:
Total Pilot-in Command (Helicopter) ..........................................................................1,500</em>
Helicopter, Preceding 12 months…… .....................................................................…100**
Weight Class ..............................................................................................................100***
Make and Model ..............................................................................................................50*
Make, Model, Series, Last 12-Months ...............................................................................10
Turbine Helicopter ...........................................................................................................100
*Flight hour requirements may be reduced by 50% if the pilot holds a type rating for the helicopter or submits evidence of satisfactory completion of training in the make and model from a certificated 14 CFR Part 141 pilot school, or a certificated 14 CFR Part 142 training center, or a 14 CFR Part 135 pilot training program.
**The 100-hr requirement may be alternatively met under the following conditions:
annual 25-hr PIC and a USFS competency flight review.
***Weight class is defined as:
Small aircraft – aircraft of 12,500 or less, maximum certificated takeoff weight
Large aircraft – aircraft of more than 12,500 pounds, maximum takeoff weight

Additional Special Mission Requirements:
Contract Pilot-in-Command – (as related to the applicable Special Mission approval):
Minimum Experience Flying Hours:
Mountain Flying…………………………………………………………………………….200**
Mountain Flying Experience – Make and Model ........................................................ 10
Vertical Reference (VTR) Experience ......................................................................... 10*
*Mandatory to obtain long-line special-use mission approval.
**Mountain Flying - Helicopter Pilot: 200 hours experience operating helicopters in mountainous terrain identified in 14 CFR 95 Subpart B-Designated Mountainous Area. Experience operating outside the United States may be considered “Mountain Flying” providing it is conducted in mountainous regions defined as 2000 feet above surroundings containing long slopes, deep valleys, and high ridges. Operating includes maneuvering and numerous takeoffs and landings to pinnacles, ridgelines and confined areas.

Depends on type of contract...for fire, all the above would be required. If you meet the hour requirements, and work for a company that has a contract, they can arrange for you to take an evaluation ride with DOI or USFS to get a card...it belongs to the company and not the pilot...you can't work for a different operator without getting a new card with their name on it.

If you are close on time but lacking in some areas (VTR for example), some companies may train you...just depends on their needs. OJT training possibilities MAY be possible but probably only on Type 1 or Type 2 aircraft...Type 3 just can't afford a seat for a newbie while on contract.

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Msg ID: 2763940

DOI USFS +3/-1

Author:Card holder
2/3/2023 1:20:01 AM
Reply to: 2763910

Well, kinda. At a minimum some long line skill is needed. It's possible to get carded for animal counting and other odd stuff without line skill but really unlikely.

I like lots of pilots could barely pass the 150 foot long line demo and didn't know jack about fire fighting or forest service silliness so I learned on the job. Stupid for sure but common.

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Msg ID: 2764412	DOI USFS +2/-0
Author:Smoke Column 2/6/2023 5:19:37 PM Reply to: 2763940	Not meaning to sound snarky but a lot of the Inspector pilots can't pass the long line demo...ask one to demo the standard on your next ride.
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