Up untill high blood pressure and a disagrement with the boss took place, I did fly about 20,000 hrs of patrol work.
I have since assumed a more laid back lifestyle. [read un employed]
For your information.
Unless you can find a mom and pop operation flying local lines, most patrol operations require anywhere between 1000 - 1500 hrs to be hired.Comm/Inst SEL being a given. Once again we are looking at insurance requirements here. There are those who will hire with less, BUT
Although the pressure to "get the lines done" is not a sever as the pressure to [fly the checks tonight] there is a certain amount of pressure to complete the lines within DOT time requirements. The fines which [can, but aren't always] imposed are rather stiff.
The time frame for "inspections" varys depending on the size, location and type of transmition line
Most DOT regulated lines are required to be flown 26 times per year, not to exceed 21 days between inspections. This at first seams like it would not be that difficult. But, when you are flying 30-45 hrs per week and get shut down for 3 or 4 days because of the wx, time constraints can become a very important part of the work.
Pay varies a large amount depending on the employer. The company I worked for was very good. Excellent pay and full benifits. The other end of the scale is + or - $17 - 20 per hour no benifits and somewhat less than sterling equipment.
Will you have to fly in less than optimal conditions, if you want to stay working yes. [altho you will be told don't fly if you are not comfotable] If you are not willing to accept 20-35 kt direct X winds on small runways you might want to re think your plans. If you are unwilling to fly in less than "VFR" conditions, you might want to re think your plans. MOst patrol operations are waivered to 500 ft. some are as low as 200 but the justification for that waiver is rather lenghty so it is not used that much.
Most pilots fly between 300 - 500 ft just for ease. If you are constantly popping up to get over HT lines it is a pain in the butt and will bite you before you are through.
Antennas are a constant threat. Buzzards Ducks and flying pigs will hurt you. [ flying pigs are those things you don't see but hit so hard it bends the main spar in your A/C]
In the time I flew pipe. I mostly flew South Texas Arkansas, La, Ok Mo and Ks.
In that time I went through 5 A/c [requireing major repair]
I took out 17 buzzards with associated damage. And enjoyed every minute of it. [But, I ain't got a lick of sense anyway]
Several companies are now using " observers" in addition to the pilot. You may want to look into that as a starting point since most I have seen tend to "share the flying time" if you are qualified.[ but don't count on that] it is a "gift" when it happens.
If you want the name and # of some patrol operators PM me will give them to ya.
Overall opinion ; If constant flying, flight in less than optimum conditions, a desire to fly pipe for a living, not just to build hours and move on, then It ain't a bad job.
If on the other hand, you want hours to allow you to move to heavy metal I think that working saving and "multi" time is the way to go. 20,000 + hours of 172/182 time don't do a dam bit of good compaired to 200 multi working ATC and Instrument flight when you go for the interview at SWA.
