Flying The Tuna Boat

[HeliRico]

Got some leads for possible employment flying a 500 on a tuna boat in the Pacific. The guy is asking me to make myself a sole about the conditions and the challenge i could Encounter.. So what do you guys have to say bout it ? All insights and spacially poeple that have been there beffore would be great to read! Thx !

[Hazy]

http://www.writersharbor.org/series_view.php?sid=21

 

Moggy's Tuna Manual

 

Have a read through.

 

H

[Amphibious]

When I was a lower time driver, with 44 & 500 experience, an FAA CPL and a decade of international work experience, I still found it impossible to get a job on a tuna boat without a US Green Card. A few only wanted Aussies. Now I wouldn't even consider a tuna boat job. Good luck!

[HeliRico]

He ´s offering 3800$/month.. 12 month contract and it appear you cant even get back home once in a while.. How abusive his that !! Nope, ill pass on this one for shure.

[Great View]

Was it tropic or hansen? I haven't heard great things bout tropic at all. Most guys get a share from what the boat brings in, or at least thats what it used to be ages ago.....

[HeliRico]

Yes GV it was Hansen.. Tropic has a very bad reputation about safety too.. None the less, ive spoke with guy's who never got paid from there.

 

I Flew for a CIE in the states beffore and the maintenance was very scary. I can imagine what it is on a boat ! Engeneer are all by themselves and with minimum expériences also.

 

After reading Moogy's journal i am now fixed about my comitment with em.

[cuban]

It could be a character building experience. Like anything else,it depends on what you're after. If you are after the travel,experience,adventure,etc than give it a go. Maintenance sucks at times but nobody could convince me to fly if I didn't feel safe. The boats,especially the taiwanese ones offer a no frills experience.Be ready for cuisine that would make a stray dog gag and accommodations that sometimes are a 6 by 6 by 6 box situated by the boats hydraulics pack. Moggy's manual is a good read before you go . If you are after scheduled tours and anything that could remotely involve anything posh,even cozy slippers or tea that doesn't spill on your lap, don't go.

[Hazy]

A couple of things to consider as well....

 

If you are paid in US funds, with the falling Canadian dollar, it is to your pay benefit. If you go in with a tax avoidance plan as well, it is to your pay benefit. You may also get other bonuses as well and if you don't have anything holding you back from spending a year away from home, it could be an adventure.

 

Tax evasion = bad

Tax avoidance = good