Contract As350 Vrll Aerial Work/Fire Pilot – Australia

Heli Preflight; Orange City Council; On-site; AUD 221,000 - 332,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel expenses covered

Accommodation covered

Job summary

Orange Helicopters in Orange, NSW seeks an experienced AS350 B3+ Fire Pilot for the 2026/27 Australian fire season as a seasonal contractor. The role focuses on firefighting, aerial work, longline operations, and coordination with fire agencies.

Applicants must hold CASA CPL(H) or higher, Class 1 Medical, ASIC, and proven AS350 firefighting experience. During quieter periods, additional aviation, operational, or logistical duties may be available.

Qualifications

• Hold a CASA CPL(H) or higher.
• Hold a current Class 1 Medical.
• Hold a current ASIC.
• Be an experienced AS350 pilot.
• Be an experienced Longline / VRLL pilot.
• Hold the appropriate Low Level and Sling Load qualifications/endorsements.
• Have demonstrated aerial firefighting or relevant utility helicopter experience.

Responsibilities

• Undertake AS350 B3+ firefighting and aerial-work operations.
• Manage aerial firefighting and water-bombing tasks.
• Conduct longline and sling operations.
• Perform fire mapping and aerial reconnaissance.
• Plan flights considering weather, terrain, fuel and operations.
• Coordinate with fire agencies, incident controllers and ground crews.
• Complete pre-flight and post-flight inspections.
• Maintain accurate flight and operational records.
• Engage in additional line-pilot and aerial-work duties as required.

Skills

AS350 piloting

Firefighting / longline

Safety-critical decision making

Education

CASA CPL(H) or higher

Class 1 Medical

ASIC

Job description

Orange Helicopters | Orange, NSW | Seasonal Contract

Orange Helicopters is seeking an experienced AS350 B3+ Fire Pilot to join our team for the upcoming 2026/27 Australian fire season.

This is a seasonal independent contractor opportunity for an experienced pilot who is confident operating in demanding fire and utility environments and who places safety, professionalism and sound decision-making at the forefront of every operation.

THE ROLE

The successful pilot will undertake AS350 B3+ firefighting and associated aerial-work operations, including:

• Aerial firefighting and water-bombing operations
• Longline and sling operations
• Fire mapping and aerial reconnaissance
• Flight planning considering weather, terrain, fuel and operational requirements
• Coordination with fire agencies, incident controllers and ground crews
• Pre-flight and post-flight aircraft inspections
• Accurate flight and operational record keeping
• Line pilot and other authorised commercial helicopter operations as required

During quieter periods, other aviation, operational, logistical or practical duties may also be available.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must:

• Hold a current CASA CPL(H) or higher
• Hold a current Class 1 Medical
• Hold a current ASIC
• Be an experienced AS350 pilot
• Be an experienced Longline / Vertical Reference Longline pilot
• Hold the appropriate Low Level and Sling Load qualifications/endorsements
• Have demonstrated aerial firefighting or relevant utility helicopter experience
• Meet all applicable Australian aerial firefighting standards, agency requirements, competency requirements and recency requirements
• Be eligible and current to undertake Australian fire operations
• Demonstrate strong judgement, situational awareness and aircraft handling skills in high-workload environments
• Be able to work professionally with emergency services, ground crews and other aviation operators

Current HUET, CRM, Dangerous Goods, Wildfire Awareness, Wire Awareness and relevant fire/utility training will be highly regarded.

Applicants should provide a detailed flying-hours breakdown, including:

Total PIC | Turbine | AS350 | Longline/VRLL | Sling | Firefighting | Bucketing

CONTRACT & REMUNERATION

The position is offered as an independent contractor engagement.

Compensated and evaluated upon experience of the pilot.

Additional line-pilot and approved aerial-work duties may also be available depending on operational requirements, qualifications and experience.

Contract rates will be reviewed following the first month, subject to satisfactory performance.

PERFORMANCE INCENTIVES

Orange Helicopters values pilots who demonstrate exceptional:

• Safety and operational standards
• Aircraft handling and longline capability
• Reliability and availability
• Professionalism
• Teamwork and communication
• Performance throughout fire deployments

Further incentives and remuneration opportunities will be available based on individual performance and ongoing operational contribution.

WHAT WE PROVIDE

Reasonable pre-approved travel and accommodation expenses associated with active operational assignments will be covered in accordance with the contractor agreement.

Correctly rendered invoices are submitted fortnightly and are payable within 14 days of receipt.

Contract pilots are responsible for maintaining their own:

• ABN
• Taxation and superannuation obligations
• Required licences, medical and ASIC
• Operational endorsements and qualifications
• Required public liability and professional indemnity insurance

These requirements are outlined in the contractor agreement.

WHY ORANGE HELICOPTERS?

This is an opportunity to join a hands-on regional aviation operation and undertake challenging and rewarding work during the Australian fire season.

We are looking for pilots who are safe, experienced, capable and dependable and who want to become a valued part of our operational team.