Title:
Saturday Seminar - Flying for the US Forest Service and Aerial Fire Missions
Topic:
Learn How Professional Pilots Transition Into Mission-Focused Flying for Public Lands, Firefighting, and National Resources.
Speaker(s):
Reed A. Schatz
Brief Description:
Ever wondered what it takes to fly missions that directly support wildfire response, smokejumpers, forest health, and backcountry operations? This session gives an inside look at one of aviation’s most unique and purpose-driven career paths.
What You’ll Learn:
• Reed’s journey from Aurora Flight Training instructor to U.S. Forest Service pilot
• What Forest Service pilots do: smokejumper support, air attack, forest health, cargo, and administrative missions
• The history and mission of the U.S. Forest Service aviation program
• How smokejumper operations work, including ties to Redmond, Oregon
• Career pathways for pilots interested in special mission flying
• Q&A with Reed and our MX Lead on aircraft fleet and maintenance topics
Stick around after for pie and ice cream with the community!
Select Number:
NM09144375
Location of Seminar:
Columbia Aviation Association
14323 Stenbock Way NE
Aurora, OR 97002
Directions to Venue:
Columbia Aviation Association building, Purple Gate. There is plenty of parking available in the parking lot.
View Map
Seating:
50
seats at the facility,
41
remaining for online registration.
Registration Information:
Sponsoring Division:
FAASTeam
Additional Event Information & Acknowledgement of Industry Sponsor(s):
About the speaker:
Reed A. Schatz was born and raised in Wilsonville, Oregon and began flying in 2018 at Aurora Flight Training. After earning his instructor certificates, he worked as a primary flight instructor at AFT before being hired by a DoD contractor flying the King Air 350. He later joined the U.S. Forest Service, where he now flies a mix of smokejumper, air attack, forest health, and administrative/cargo missions.
Equal Access Information:
The FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) is committed to providing equal access to this meeting/event for all participants. If you need alternative formats or services because of a disability, please communicate your request as soon as possible with the person in the “Contact Information” area of the meeting/event notice. Note that two weeks is usually required to arrange services.
Credit Applicability:
1 Credit for Basic Knowledge Topic 3
FAASTeam Project Information:
National Project:
Safety Promotion Outreach for Pilots
Additional Event Documents:
