About This Role
Aero-Flite is hiring an Air Tanker Pilot to operate the Q400 in wildfire suppression operations and deliver aerial retardant in support of ground firefighting partners. The role is responsible for aircraft and onboard-person safety during flight operations, with selected pilots initially flying from the right seat while learning the aircraft and fire operations before transitioning to the left seat as time and experience allow. The position combines multi-crew flight operations, aerial firefighting, maintenance support, public outreach, and extensive travel throughout the continental United States and Alaska.
Duties & Responsibilities
- The Air Tanker Pilot makes drops on wildfire suppression missions and is responsible for operating the aircraft safely and protecting everyone on board during flight. The pilot works as a team member under the direction of the Pilot in Command and Chief Pilot
- conducts safe, standardized, professional flight operations
- follows company and agency Standard Operating Procedures
- and supports the PIC in maintaining regulatory, agency, and company-policy compliance. Duties include accurate pre-flight planning, loading, and performance calculations
- verifying aircraft airworthiness and reporting discrepancies to the PIC
- maintaining expert knowledge of aircraft and pilot documents
- providing clear, timely information to the PIC, ATC, and other fire resources
- monitoring aircraft systems, aircraft performance, and crew performance
- observing aircraft limitations
- and treating the equipment with care and respect. The pilot is expected to represent and promote Aero-Flite's mission, vision, and values. Additional duties include assisting with aircraft cleaning and pre- and post-season preparation, supporting demonstrations and public-service events, conducting outreach and tours for the public and firefighting community, performing maintenance flights when required, and carrying out other duties assigned by the Chief Pilot.
What We Offer
Employees will be eligible to enroll in the company's medical, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement plan with matching contributions, company-paid life and disability coverage, and financial wellness programs.Hired applicants will receive paid leave and may be eligible for bonuses.
Requirements
- Applicants must hold an FAA Commercial Pilot certificate with multiengine land privileges
- an ATP is preferred but is not stated as mandatory. The posting requires 3,000 hours in airplanes, 1,000 hours of PIC time, 200 hours of PIC multiengine time, 200 hours of PIC multi-crew time, 100 hours in airplanes during the preceding 12 months, 75 hours of actual or simulated instrument flight, and an FAA Class II medical certificate. Applicants must be US citizens or have official authorization to work in the United States and must have a valid passport. Fire experience and PIC flight time below 500 feet are preferred. The role calls for expert knowledge of off-airport, IFR, and multi-crew operations
- FAA regulations and procedures
- aircraft systems
- human factors and risk assessment
- and customer service principles. Candidates must be adaptable to dynamic and uncertain work schedules and able to make conservative, timely aeronautical decisions, apply disciplined airmanship, troubleshoot aircraft-system issues, use IT tools, understand manuals and OEM procedures, work with company SOPs, and manage discrepancy logs and MEL information. The posting also lists deadline orientation, organization, attention to detail, independence, flexibility, self-starting behavior, Microsoft Office proficiency, a valid driver license, and a SIDA badge. Extensive travel within the CONUS and Alaska is required, with occasional travel outside the CONUS for training. As a federal contractor, Aero-Flite states that it follows the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act, including THC testing.