Flight Training - May 2024 - 45

ADVANCED PILOT DAY IN THE LIFE
BY DEON MITTON
SEARCH AND
RESCUE PILOT
BRINGING PEOPLE HOME SAFELY
U.S. COAST GUARD LT. JORDAN LONG'S LIFELONG ASPIRATION TO FLY WAS
sparked at the age of 5 when a South African Police Service Bölkow Bo 105
helicopter landed in a shopping mall parking lot, an event that also made
the Bo 105 his favorite helicopter to this day.
Long has served for more than 16 years combined, in the U.S. Army and
U.S. Coast Guard. He started his aviation career as a U.S. Army medevac
pilot, which led to more EMS helicopter air ambulance experience. In the
U.S. Coast Guard, Long qualified as a search and rescue (SAR) pilot and is
now based in Kodiak, Alaska.
" Of all the services one can provide with their airplane or helicopter,
in my opinion, there is no better service to people than helping someone, "
Long said. " Saving someone's life, rescuing them from danger, or simply
just dropping off lifesaving equipment in my opinion is the epitome of what
these magnificent machines were built to do, and I couldn't imagine doing
anything else for a career. "
Long says search and rescue in Alaska is unlike anywhere else the U.S.
Coast Guard serves. The year-round rapidly changing conditions make
every mission challenging.
" AIRSTA Kodiak is a unique and challenging unit to serve in, " Long said.
" As a military aviator, my tour in Alaska will surely go down as one of my
most challenging assignments. "
All aviators assigned to Alaska are " second tour " fully mission qualified
search and rescue pilots who have at least four years of experience,
normally more, as there is very little time to train and teach here. They
spend their first year here in an " exposure syllabus " learning the intricacies
of each season and the hazards they each present. Long says Alaska is
a demanding place to work, but a rewarding place to live and serve. He
advises anyone who is interested in joining the U.S. Coast Guard to persist
toward their goal.
" The road is long and winding, the challenges are ever present, but the
office views are unbeatable once you make it up to the front seat, " he said.
" When I was starting my pursuit of aviation in the military someone told
me that the application and selection process is tough for a reason, to weed
out those who really want it, from those that think they want it. If you really
want it, nothing will stand in your way from achieving your career goals. " FT
JORDAN LONG
U.S. COAST GUARD AIR STATION KODIAK, ALASKA
QUALIFICATIONS: A minimum of two years
U.S. Navy flight training and six years U.S.
Coast Guard aircraft (MH-65), plus Alaska
Qualification Program.
WORK/LIFE BALANCE: Four to 10 weeks
on the road, training. Schedule is dependent
on airstation. Kodiak often engages in twoto
three-day search and rescue (SAR) cases.
FAVORITE PART OF THE JOB: " There is
no better feeling than looking back in the
cabin of the helicopter as survivors are
being recovered and seeing a glimmer of
hope restored in their eyes. On the worst
day of their life, we are there for them and
will return them to safety. "
LEAST FAVORITE PART OF THE JOB:
" As officers in the U.S. Coast Guard, we are
required to perform many administrative
and office duties. "
PAY: $90,000 to $170,000. (The range is
mostly dependent on location and rank.)
FLIGHT TRAINING MAY 2024
45
DEON MITTON
Flight Training - May 2024

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