About This Role
Wipaire seeks an experienced Chief Pilot for their Fire Boss AT-802 aircraft operations based in South St. Paul, Minnesota. The Chief Pilot will provide flight instruction, pilot management, and training program oversight for Advanced Flight Training and Leasing (AFT&L) operations serving firefighting, tourism, and passenger service markets worldwide. Candidates must have a minimum of 3000 hours total flight time, 400 hours in seaplanes (ASES), 200 hours Fire Boss experience, and extensive low-level flight experience. The position offers a competitive benefits package including health insurance, 401(k) with employer match, tuition reimbursement, 15+ days PTO, and first-shift work in a family-friendly atmosphere with a company focused on work-life balance.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Provide flight instruction on AT-802 and 802A Fire Boss aircraft
- Develop and maintain training materials including syllabi, presentations, and computer-based training
- Manage AFT&L and Wipaire Fire Boss pilot qualifications and cross-training
- Quote and schedule client training lessons and test flights
- Provide ground training on aircraft systems, amphibious operations, and aerial firefighting techniques
- Provide flight training on aircraft characteristics, seaplane operations, water scooping, and firefighting
- Provide currency training, insurance check-outs, Flight Reviews, and IPCs
- Ferry aircraft from Wipaire to customer locations
- Conduct in-flight tests and evaluations
- Perform maintenance test flights and performance evaluations
- Ensure compliance with FAA regulations for VFR and IFR flight
- Maintain flying currency and aircraft certifications
- Provide test flight documentation as required
- Support Fire Boss aircraft sales team through mission profiles
- Develop and present training to internal and external customers
- Manage relationships with customers and coordinate with ground crews
- Provide customer quotations for flight training and services
What We Offer
Health insuranceDental insurance401(k) plan with employer matchTuition reimbursementLife insuranceShort and long-term disability insurancePaid Time Off (PTO) starting at 15 daysHoliday payFirst shift positionFamily-friendly work environmentWork-life balance focus
Requirements
- Valid Commercial Pilot Certificate (ATP preferred)
- Certified Flight Instructor Certificate with single engine and instrument ratings (multi-engine preferred)
- Minimum 3000 hours total flying time
- 400 hours in airplane single engine sea (ASES)
- 200 hours Fire Boss experience required
- 200 hours of low-level flight below 500 feet AGL preferred (minimum 100 hours dispensing fire retardant or water on fires)
- Airtractor 802 Instructor Certification
- Complex aircraft endorsement
- High performance endorsement
- Tail wheel endorsement
- Seaplane rating required
- Instrument rating required
- Type certified in applicable aircraft
- Current United States passport
- Pass FAA 2nd class medical physical exam
- Comply with drug testing requirements per federal regulations
- Previous low-level disbursement/aircraft firefighting experience preferred
About Wipaire / Advanced Flight Training and Leasing (AFT&L)
Wipaire is an aviation industry leader specializing in engineering and manufacturing aircraft floats for the last 60 years. The company produces products to convert existing airplanes into seaplanes and provides diversified aviation services supporting passenger service, tourism, and firefighting operations worldwide.