KC-135 Supertanker!

I realize that this is nothing to do with Helitack. It is however relevant to Zion Helitack. The Air Force often uses Cedar City for training. They make IFR (instrument flight reference) landings for practice. It is much easier to practice touch-n-go's at a non controled airport than at a controled airport. The KC-135 is a refueling aircraft, designed to refuel other aircraft in mid-flight. It is big and powerful and totally amazing to watch land with merely the distance of a football field between you and it's awesome power! Check out this video...

Kudo's to the men & women of the armed forces... and especially to the pilots of this aircraft from the Utah National Reserve unit based out of Hill Air Force Base! The squadron at Hill has been named one of the nations best!!!

CHEERS,

Poll Closed...

What interests you most about Zion Helitack?.... You've voted!... and there were no hanging chads... 70% claimed they knew those on Zion Helitack and their reputations and wanted to be a part of that... 20% are looking for possible employment... 10% are drawn by the amount of fire in SouthWest Utah...

Thanks for taking the time to answer the poll... be looking for the next poll to be added soon.

What do you wish to know about... got a polling idea? Share it in the comments box at the bottom of this post...

Cheers,

Worthy Of Debate? You Decide!

Post your comments below... I leave the debate to you!

Hello everyone... I thought the post tonight should be something that might spark a little debate. There has been a lack of comments made on the blog, and for whatever reason I am eager for the comments capability for the blog to be utilized. So in considering what I might discuss that would spark debate, I have reflected back on the past several seasons with Zion Helitack... hmmmm.... two topics come to mind.

Zion helitack has an SOP that has been established for the past several seasons, that has been the center of much consideration and thought on the crew. I need to clarify that this SOP will not be going away any time soon, the time for debate amongst the crew is over... and I don't see it changing... however, for those that follow the blog (to include the crew) here is the opportunity for your views to be heard, without fear of managment interference. If you are still cautious about commenting... do it anonymously :) The SOP is this: Crewmembers are allowed to consume alcohol, while on the road with the crew, under a couple of restrictions. 1st - Alcohol may only be had with dinner. 2nd - Crewmembers are not to linger beyond dinner in order to drink and socialize. 3rd - Crewmembers are not allowed to visit bars or establishments where drinking is the primary reason for being at that facility. 4th - Anyone who has consumed any amount of alcohol with dinner, may not drive the government vehicle. 5th - Finally, crewmembers should have ample rest, following their final alcoholic drink, before their next shift at work begins... So the jest is this... I have heard of "dry" crews that are not allowed any alcohol from the time they leave home base until they return back to home base. I have also heard of crews that hit the bar whenever possible on the road. Zion Helitack is in the middle of that road allowing for some alcohol, but under certain restrictions... What do you think? Should alcohol consumption be allowed while on the road for fire assignments? comment below!!!


Okay... while you are chewing on your thoughts concerning drinking policies... think on this one.

The Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management don't allow it... But the National Park Service requires it! Government Credit Cards!!! This has sparked more debate over the years than nearly any other topic on Zion Helitack... First, let me start by saying that the policy is set nationally... the policy as stated is not controlled at the local level by local management! If you become a member of Zion Helitack you will be required to obtain a Government credit card for travel purposes. Their are a lot of misconceptions concerning the card... does it hurt your personal credit "NO"... will you be allowed to default on the card by not paying it "YES"... Can you lose your employment with the government if you neglect the credit card regulations "QUITE POSSIBLY"... What are the Pro's and the Con's of every crewmember having a travel card? What do you think? Should seasonals be required to obtain a government travel card as a term of employment with the National Park Service?comment below!!!

Well there you have it... what do you think? Take the time to comment below by clicking on the comments link. Share your thoughts, and if so desired do it annonymously!

Until the next post
Cheers,

Just a peek...

I was asked by a crewmember recently when they might get to see some of the awesome video footage that I captured this last season. I haven't had time to put together our season's video... however I thought it would be appreciated if I gave you a sneak peak at some of the dramatic uncut video...

What do you think?

Cheers,

Applications!!!

Have you applied yet?

Time is ticking away... if you are interested in a position with Zion Helitack then don't delay. Get your application in immediately (only 6 days left). You can find the job announcement by going to www.usajobs.com and once there type the announcement number into the search block. The announcement number is NPS-FIRE-2008-013. Again, don't delay... time is almost out!

What you need to know!

The announcement doesn't close until April... this is misleading! If you don't have your application filled in by FEBRUARY 7th, 2008 you will not make the "cert" that we plan on pulling at that time.

A couple of things to keep in mind... (DISCLAIMER - these are general things, and should not keep you from applying if you have the desire to work in Zion. Additionally, this information only applies to those actually selected, good luck!) There is no government housing available. You will be stationed in Cedar City Utah, which is approximately an hour North West of the park. Fire is the primary activity that we engage in, however we do a lot of project work and support of search and rescue. It is standard that Zion Helitack Supervisors will not look at individuals who have no previous fire experience, unless there is a good reason to. It is not necessary to have any previous Helitack experience to apply, we will train you. Should you have any questions about the positions available, or the type of crew that Zion Helitack is... definately contact one of the supervisors and ask questions.

Inside Info... speaking from experience, if you want an honest shot at the job. Get your application in and follow up with a phone call to the Supervisor listed on the announcement. They will start looking at the applications of those who have shown true interest in being on the crew... a phone call will go a long way to getting your application looked at!

Good Luck!

Cheers,

Cargo Letdown...

Well, I am a firm believer in not counting on anything before it happens. I suppose my time with the government has taught me that. How many times have you endured the "hurry up" and "wait" that seems to accompany anything that is done in fire?

Zion Helitack has been chasing the thought of going rappel for a couple of seasons now... I am not saying that it will happen, however I got done talking to the RAM this week... he wants us to push for "Cargo Letdown" in 2008 season. With his backing, and a lot of training and hard work, I am sure that we will get to add this tool to the box!

Obvious next step... Rappel! It is sorely needed... just ask those who have helped us through the years... Boise Helitack, Garden Valley, Carribou-Targee, Price Valley, and others who have spent time in Color Country. Yes, and on occasion they have rappelled into our beautiful terrain. I am not looking to rob them of this experience in the future... but, in the future they can come to support us... rather than do the job for us.

I'll Keep you posted... nothing is done until it is done!

Cheers,