What’s even better than getting paid to fly? Having a truly fantastic flying career. Ever thought about becoming a hurricane hunter? Here’s how to get there – and make a living from the air…
Yayeri van Baarsen
29 October 2022
Who?
In 2018, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Commissioned Officer Corps Captain Kristie Twining was part of the first all-female crew to pilot a hurricane hunting mission.
What’s it like?
Hurricane hunters get up close and personal with tropical storms. In hurricane season, from 1 June to 30 November, they fly storm missions in the Gulfstream IV. Flying a pattern above and around the cyclone allows you to predict its strength and course.
Hurricane hunters don’t fly through the eye of the storm, but instead stay 50-60 miles from the inner wall, dropping sondes with weather instruments so the meteorologists aboard can gather data.
Kristie Twining said: “Flying close to a Category 5 hurricane and seeing those big swirling clouds is a humbling experience. Sometimes turbulence can get pretty violent.”
Who fits the role?
Pilots who enjoy science, have a high situational awareness and are constantly on high alert.
Kristie Twining: ‘During the eight-hour missions we’re very aware of our speed and altitude, constantly watching weather and radar. The aircraft has a ceiling of 45,000ft and we’re operating right at the end of our safety envelope, targeting an area other aircraft avoid. The storm environment makes flying a lot more complicated – in case of an engine failure you can’t just fly through the hurricane to get to the nearest airfield.’
How to get there?
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) corps provides hands-on on the job training for pilots who already have a CPL and multi-engine rating. You work your way up to co-pilot, eventually moving on to heavier aircraft and to the position of Captain.
Why?
Kristie Twining: “I love the science part of my work, but what I like most is that we’re providing a service. The weather forecast data we collect makes people’s lives safer and that makes this such a rewarding job. A hurricane is no joke, it can bring death and destruction.”
Any tips?
Kristie Twining: “Be assertive, opportunistic, and always reach for something beyond your comfort zone. Especially for women working in aviation – realise that you can do anything men can do.”
