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90 SA Flyer

dramatically affect the fire’s behaviour. This

is in addition to monitoring fuel and making

sure you are not being cut-off from your

airfield by weather or nightfall.

QUITE A HANDFUL. WHAT HAS BEEN

YOUR MOST ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE

AS A SPOTTER PILOT?

There were many good experiences.

One that comes quickly to mind was when

we were called to a fire on a very windy

day and we managed to put it out with

just four loads from the bombers. The fire

had potential to become very big and do

extensive damage, but we got it just in time

and hit it in the right place.

I think every time we put fires out

quickly and efficiently is a good experience.

Going up in the big Mi8 chopper on practice

drops was also great fun.

YOU SAID EARLIER THAT THIS PAST

SEASON WAS YOUR LAST WITH KZN

FPA. WHAT IS YOUR PLAN NOW?

I am going to fly for an organisation

called Mission Aviation Fellowship, which

flies humanitarian support missions around

the world. My whole family is moving to

Papua New Guinea (PNG) later this year.

As a missionary you don’t get a salary,

so we are busy raising our monthly support.

Hopefully towards the end of April we

will be going to Cairns in Australia for my

flight standardisation course, and then

onwards to PNG. If anyone is interested in

following our journey and reading our blog

you can follow us via our website: http://www.

eatwellendeavours.co.za.

GOOD LUCK WITH THE BIG MOVE.

FINALLY, DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE

FOR SOMEONE WANTING TO GET INTO

A SPOTTING SEAT?

As there are limited seats available,

it’s quite likely that you will have to wait for

some time before a spotter pilot position

opens up, but send your CV to KZN FPA or

Working on Fire. To get a foot in the door,

volunteer as an observer and go with the

spotter to fires. This means being at the

base daily and showing dedication, but

you will get to know everyone and gain

experience. Some bases may battle to let

you come and go as you please due to

insurance issues and so may ask for some

sort of commitment as an observer. There

are some operators that will let you start

helping out as an observer before you have

finished your commercial licence.

FIRST JOBS

Flying back to base knowing you have successfully

helped put out a fire is always rewarding.

With the 206, a

standard steed in

bush aviation.

Flying near fires often means flying

in hot, low visibility conditions.

j