Flying for NOAA?

[n57flyguy]

Does anyone have any information on flying with NOAA? getting there, the work, etc...

http://www.aoc.noaa.gov/aircraft.htm

Thanks!

 

[Propilot]

I looked into it a while back. I believe I found the information on their website.

I might be mistaken, but I believe their pilots come from their scientist ranks. In other words, you need to serve in NOAA for a number of years before you can apply for the aviation posistion. So in other words you would need a science degree at a minimum.

Would be a pretty cool job...but if I was to pursue something like that, why not set your sights a little higher and aim for NASA....they many more pilot posistions thank just shuttle pilot ;]

 

[Stonefly]

I went to FlightSafety Academy back in 2001-2002, and went through the program with a female NOAA officer. She started out on a boat just like everyone else in NOAA, then was selected for aviation. She didn't have any prior aviation experience that I recall, which is why they sent her to FSA. A science background is a must, as is the willing to join without a guarantee of ever seeing the front of an airplane.

Good luck!
Stonefly

 

[Timbuff10]

I wouldn't mind flying this thing. http://www.airliners.net/open.file/1041471/L/

It is based at Jeffco airport in Denver along with this one http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0498530/L/

From what I have heard though, as said above, you don't apply to fly for them, they ask you. I wouldn't mind working for them in any position. Could care less about flying at that point.

Another reason to get a real degree.

 

[GatorFC]

I think flying for NOAA would be pretty cool. You get paid to fly knowing that the scientific missions you are on are for the benefit of your fellow man.

That being said, you have to become a part of the NOAA officer corps and serve two years at sea before you can even apply for the aviation program. (which I wouldn't have minded doing if I were younger)

I have a private pilot's license, can I be commissioned as an aviator?

The NOAA Corps has only two venues for recruiting pilots:

• Personnel brought on board for the distinct purpose of P-3 support or
• Acceptance to flight training following an initial two year assignment at sea as a bridge watchstander. Unless you are a current P3 Pilot or Navigator, you will only be considered for the flight program following an initial two year sea assignment. A officer candidate is not guaranteed aviation training upon commissioning.
  Note: Pilots and Navigators have strict vision and other physical requirements.

More info can be found here: NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps

 

[n57flyguy]

thanks, seemd kind of cool, but I was mostly just curious about it.

 

[MikeOH58]

darrrrrghhhhhhhhh....All refractive surgery is a disqualifyer (sp)....



Plus they frown on drug use...(jk) =-)

 

[gredenko]

A 20-something female burned off MANY hours of twin time at my flight school in the past months working on her ratings for NOAA. I got talking to her one day, and basically I found out you have to have at least a bachelor's (I think she had a master's degree) in the sciences...I think hers was marine biology. She only flew the Seminole because NOAA only uses twin aircraft that she'd be qualified for. Not one hour of single in her logbook!!

In the winter, she flies around the midwest looking at snow pack levels and melting patterns, and in the spring-fall she flies coastal missions looking at fish densities, shoreline degradation and water levels. Uncle Sam foots the bill too, with the only catch being she had to train in her snappy NOAA jumpsuit everyday.