Courses and Training

Use of Longline Vertical Reference techniques to accomplish precision external load operations (placement and extraction of loads) with line lengths in excess of 50 feet. Interagency fire standards require 150 ft line length evaluations. Load is normally attached and released by means of a remote hook attached at the end of the longline. Flight time required for the average pilot to attain the proficiency level needed to pass an interagency flight evaluation averages approx. 15 flight hours. Using my technique and training syllabus, (STANDARD) I regularly see pilots developing and attaining the necessary skills, to master this skill set, in the neighborhood of 10 to 12 flight hours. Expect seven to ten days for the average (no prior longline VR experience) time required to get an initial LL VR pilot candidate ready to pass a USFS/DOI flight evaluation. * Non-Standard pilot training for experienced longline pilots or multiple pilot candidates requesting a brush up is negotiable. Please contact me for details. I will fly with each pilot presented for this training, prior to actual flight training.  This will allow me evaluate the skill level of the offered pilot to optimize the training value of each candidate.  

*** see offsite  training below

One of the most valuable skills that any professional utility pilot can master. This subject matter is life and career saving and is a qualification requirement for most wildland fire fighting contract pilots. This course covers all required knowledge and skills in accordance with the Interagency PTS ( Practical Test Standards). This is a complete initial Mountain flying course. This course will provide both academic study as well as hands on, one on one pilot instruction, including three periods, consisting of 1.5 hours of Dual instruction during each period. A typical course requires three days to complete. Up to three pilots may be accommodated during this course for the dual instruction flight portion of training.

*A refresher (short) course is also available for qualified (recurrent) or previously trained pilots. *** (see offsite training  below)

ShortHaul  is a technique utilized to perform human external load operations for rescue or powerline construction. This special use skill operation, is allowed only under special provisions found in FAR 133 (Class B loads) utilizing a fixed line, controlled by the pilot using vertical reference skills. ShortHaul, is the pinnacle of longline skill sets. Pilots are held to the most demanding standards of line control, due to carriage of live(human cargo) suspended loads. Pilots must be tested annually to demonstrate proficiency. A Pilot candidate for ShortHaul skill set training, must have completed the minimum longline VR 150' training or equivalent, prior to attending this training. Training will include proficiency with 150' and  250' line lengths, as required in interagency PTS. 

*** (see offsite training  below) .

Class B external load managed by the pilot using horizontal  reference or a mirror as primary means of visualization and load control, Interagency  standards consider line lengths of 50 feet or less as sling loads (as opposed to longline loads) Slang term "Belly Hook" means the load is hooked and released from the primary external load hook.*** (see offsite training  below)  

The delivery of water by means of a suspended bucket device or a fixed tank, normally in support of fire suppression activities.  Requires accurate pilot control, timing, and placement of product to be effective during fire suppression or dust abatement. This is an Interagency requirement for fire suppression pilots. This training will include a basic fire traffic area (FTA) class as well as additional training classes including Operations Safety and Procedures guide

review, Load calculations review, FM radio programming and use, how to operate in the Heli-base Operations environment (info), dip site/drop site communications ingress and degrees protocol, common air to air safety etiquette while working with other fire aircraft, understanding  what to expect and how to interact with ATGS ( also know as Air Attack) and basic understanding of the entire fire base operations system. This training is normally a full  one day class which includes the above classes as well as 1.5 to 2 hours of Dual flight instruction. *** (see offsite training  below) 

The science of fire activity and all aspects of influencing elements. Important that pilots should have at least a minimum understanding of fire behavior in Wildland firefighting operations , especially when operating a heli-torch.  

Training pilots how to operate in a designated Fire Traffic Area, communicate, coordinate and be safe and effective with all assets and entities involved in fire suppression activities, including air and ground support, tactics, fire suppression plans. Operating in concert with numerous other rotary and fixed wing aircraft in close quarters (often in a smoky low visibility environment). Examples include water dropping, dip site or heli-well operations, aerial resupply and  fire fighter training.

(Single Skid, Toe-in, Hover, Entry and Exit Procedures)  Requires pilots and trained crewmembers to deploy or recover  personnel involved in missions where it is unacceptable to perform normal full skids down flat pitch landings. Allows safe and immediate means to allow crewmembers, access to terrain or animals when required. Accomplished with pre-planning and trained  personnel to perform the planned mission and allows for a higher degree of safety. This is a one day course, includes classes, hands on dual training for all maneuvers and accident/safety issues review.        *** (see offsite training  below)

Important training designed to help prevent helicopter accidents that occur during deep snow operations, low visibility, rotor induced ice fog, white outs, rotten snow conditions, avalanche operations, rollovers and loss of aircraft control during landings. This training covers many areas including necessary/required equipment, approach, proper deep snow seating, aircraft shutdowns, aircraft pre-takeoff extractions  and aircraft departure, and many more pertinent topics.  Conducting proper briefings of crew and passengers to safely operate in deep snow. This important information is often overlooked or not obtained prior to working in the deep snow environment and is a critical knowledge/skill set for all involved. Pilot knowledge is crucial. 

This is normally a one day training event.  *** (see offsite training  below)

Interagency required endorsement for pilots to understand their responsibilities in the interagency required safety brief of passengers. This training( exceeds the FAA  standards) includes fire related information, survival equipment, radio and inter-aircraft communications and more.

"Heli-torch , a means of aerial ignition using a torch system to deploy a special  mixture from a helicopter suspended tank, that dispenses and ignites a special liquid product. "

Training includes Heli-torch base operations, incident control, emergencies, tactics, fire behavior, communications and pilot responsibilities. Heli-torch Torch operations and safety  The pilot is sole occupant of the aircraft during this operation. The pilot must have full understanding of all aspects of use and potential issues prior to approval of torch operation. A one full day course. This provides academic as well as 1.5 hours of dual flight training per pilot. Training includes access to a Interagency style heli-torch, (***see below) . modified to provided compliance with the  interagency PTS. This heli-torch training provides a more realistic training without having all the ancillary personnel and hazardous exposure that occurs with most available training systems. This method is authorized to allow pilots to attain Heli-Torch pilot endorsement. *** (see offsite training  below) 

Proper performance planning and load calculation completions are crucial to safe helicopter operations and are mandatory check items during interagency pilot evaluations. 

Understanding FM radio programming is a critical skill that is required for interagency evaluation.

(Aerial Capture, Eradication, Tagging of Animals)

This is a very extensive specialty training that requires pilots and all crewmembers to receive simultaneous training in the management of animals for various projects. Involves pilots, gunners, muggers (animal handlers) guns, immobilization drugs and antagonists, animal transport, restraint systems and procedures. We have extensive experience in training personnel in all aspects of these special use activities.   *** (see offsite training  below)

Training covers how to safely utilize the aerial deployment of centerfire long rifles, shotguns, net-guns, dart-guns, hazing tools, related equipment, shooters harness use and installation, emergency deployment of escape system and gun malfunctions. We can help you to be accurate and effective with your firearm device. Please call for more details about this training.  *** (see offsite training  below)

Training that reduces the accident rate during this particular special use activity.  This is a high risk flying mission. Pilots operate in a complex environment, loaded with dangerous distractions both inside and outside the aircraft.  This work routinely exposes pilots and Biologist to many hazards including operating close to terrain, vegetation and  wildlife. Biologist must obtain data points and visually identify many features on selected animals. Studies show  the greatest risk of accidents for biologist and pilots, occurs during the first two weeks (40-80 hours) of unfamilar crews ( pilot and biologist) working together in this mission. To increase safety, proficiency  and survivability, intensive training should be the standard prior to deployment of these teams. One day course , includes dual instruction and academics.  *** (see offsite training  below)

Herding and Trapping require special training and experience to be safe  and effective.  *** (see offsite training  below)

We can provide professional Initial or recurrent safety and operations training.   *** (see offsite training  below)

OFFSITE and ON-SITE, 

Prices shown are for "Standard" (initial training) "Non Standard "

ie. Multiple students, formerly carded pilots requiring re-currency,

add on classes ect... prices are negotiable. 

All offsite (at your facility, which requires me to travel) training, requires reimbursement for travel expenses (to and from my location), per diem (current govt established rates for your location), and Lodging. 

I provide flight training for a  maximum of 3 pilots per day for flight portion of training, 5.5 hour flight training total per day and 9 hours of normal duty day. If circumstances dictate additional time or pilot access in a day, we can negotiate additional charges. 

$2500 per day for any training, classroom or flight training.

NON FLIGHT DAY, Travel, *Weather days or maintenance days are billed at $300 per day, *(weather day must be determined during the first three hours of any working day.)

We provide both onsite and offsite options. Please contact us for more info.