Expert: David A. NewMyer - 4/2/2005

Question
Where can I find information on what aviation has over like firefighting etc.-what useful purposes?

Answer
Peter:

I am not sure that I understand your question.  As far as opportunities for firefighting in aviation, there are three civilian (non-military) options that I am aware of:

1.  Working for the U. S. Department of Interior, U. S. Forestry Service, as a firefighting coordinator.  You would be responsible for arranging for the actual firefighting services or companies that would come into fight fires.  These are usually contract services.  As a coordinator, I would expect you would have to have experience with a fire fighting company or with the Forestry Service as a jumper or something similar.

2.  Working as a pilot for a firefighting contractor, normally based in Idaho, Montana, the state of Washington, or Oregon.  Maybe California.

3.  There are also seasonal jobs as smokejumpers...actual firefighters who parachute into difficult fire situations.  

Other than that, I do not know what to say...give me more details on what you want.

Thanks,

David A. NewMyer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Aviation Management and Flight
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
http://www.aviation.siu.edu/