Pilots
The Department of Fish and Game has an Air Services Unit. Their aircraft are piloted by Warden Pilots. Up to eight pilots fly and maintain seven single and multi-engine, turbine-powered airplanes from four bases statewide. The scope of the Warden Pilot's duties varies. They pilot airplanes on law enforcement patrols over land and water, day and night. They also stock fish in high Sierra lakes; transport personnel, and perform scientific research.
Pilots are required to hold a commercial pilots license, qualified to fly multi and single-engine airplanes in visual and instrument (IFR) conditions. Many of the pilots hold an FAA airline transport pilot license. Pilots are experienced FAA airframe and power plant mechanics. Some pilots possess, as an additional rating, an inspection authorization on their mechanics license.
Pilots are required to be able to maintain their own fleet. Pilots are all experienced in low altitude flying, where most of the work is done. They must pass check flights annually from the FAA and an internal check ride by their own check pilots. Pilots are experts at vertical and oblique aerial photography. They are experts at airborne radio telemetry.
Pilots are also Game Wardens; all are graduates of post certified academies. Pilots have been full peace officers since 1950. They are responsible for keeping up all the required training to maintain their status as peace officers.
They police ocean fisheries for pollution, night poaching, illegal stream diversions, marijuana plantations, and oil spills.
Read more about this topic: California Department Of Fish And Game
Famous quotes containing the word pilots:
“You know what I’m talking about. This business has changed. Flyers aren’t pilots anymore, they’re engineers. This is a college man’s game. Our work is done. The pioneering is over.”
—Frank W. Wead (1895?–1947)