Northern States Aviation

Piloting

Pilot positions at Northern States Aviation provide a wide variety of experiences, both in the piloting world and in the world in general. Our aerial imaging work is seasonal, starting in late October and finishing up in June. At the outset of the season, with training completed, each pilot is assigned an aircraft. From that time forward the aircraft is dedicated to the pilot.

NSA’s imaging contracts require us to capture imagery in a wide variety of U.S. locations, which vary from one year to the next. At the start of each project, pilots relocate to a nearby airport and remain at that location while the imagery is being collected. Collecting imagery consists of flight each day the weather permits. Typically multiple aircraft are assigned to each project, and therefore several pilots are based at the same location. For imaging flight operations, our pilots are responsible for evaluating weather conditions and making the go/no-go decision. For relocation flights, pilots are able to draw from NSA’s experience for route selection, airspace considerations, and weather conditions.

Each season, NSA imaging pilots typically fly 500 to 650 hours. This is "Left Seat" time and virtually all flight operations are conducted in solo configuration, although at certain times (including training) it is required for one additional person to be on board.

Precise flight skills are required while capturing imagery and each of our pilots develops a variety of flight skills to accurately track course lines, intercept tracks and accurately turn to intercept new course lines, while holding altitude in a variety of flight conditions. On-board moving map and heads-up navigation systems provide continuous feedback thereby allowing a thorough understanding of the effectiveness of the pilot's inputs. It is precisely this instantaneous and highly accurate feedback that allows fine-tuning of flight skills that are directly applicable to a variety of flight situations down the road.

Pilots fly to each successive project area. NSA’s assignments tend to be in the central portion of the country (from the Canadian border to the Gulf of Mexico), however occasionally we have assignments on both the east and west coast. Pilots relocate every few weeks during the season and on each occasion have the opportunity to build cross-country time. These flights provide a wide array of experiences in a variety of different terrain, airspace, and climate areas.

Assignments often require us to fly in Class Bravo (and Charlie) airspace. NSA pilots are instructed on how to communicate and exchange information with ATC to enhance cooperation and safety. The feedback received from ATC provides our pilots with in-depth insight into the airspace operations. As a result, our pilots develop an extensive knowledge of the inner workings of Bravo airspace, and other special use airspace air space.

Pilots are responsible to coordinate care of the aircraft to ensure that maintenance is obtained in a timely manner. NSA management provides direction for maintenance to be accomplished and pilots coordinate and schedule the aircraft maintenance with the maintenance providers. This experience allows our pilots to understand the industry more fully and to be a participant in ensuring their assigned aircraft remains airworthy and is continuously ready for flight operations.

Beyond piloting duties, NSA pilots are located at a variety of towns and cities throughout each season. Each stop is long enough to see the area and experience the culture and cuisine.