Air Attack Pilot PC12 2026

Bridger Aerospace; Belgrade (MT); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonus

Equity stock-based compensation

Health, vision, and dental insurance

401k with company match

Life and disability insurance

HSA / FSA options

Job summary

Bridger Aerospace seeks a Pilot-in-Command for Pilatus PC-12 operations under VFR/IFR. The role involves flying assigned missions in a Fire Traffic Area, with extensive time away from home on an 11 on/11 off schedule and a mandatory 4-month allocation June–October.

Training, government carding, and compliance with FAR Part 135 are required. The position reports to platform leads, Chief Pilot, and Director of Operations.

Qualifications

• 25+ Hours PIC in Pilatus PC-12.
• 1500 Total Time.
• 1200 hours in airplanes.
• 500 Cross-Country.
• 200 Category and Class.
• 200 PIC mountainous terrain.
• 100 PIC in Turboprop within 365 days.
• 100 Night.
• 75 IFR total.
• 50 IFR in-flight.
• 50 PIC make and model (preferred).
• Recent IFR flying experience.

Responsibilities

• Operate aircraft safely under FAR Part 91/135 and company SOPs.
• Maintain currency of aircraft systems, avionics, weather, and regs.
• Assist maintenance with engine runs and repositioning as needed.
• Perform ground operations and pre-/post-season checks.
• Provide excellent service to multiple customer agencies.

Skills

PIC flight experience

IFR flying

Total Time

Night flying

Cross-Country

PIC mountainous terrain

PIC make and model

Decision making

Education

FAA ATP or Commercial License: airplane single engine land and instrument rating

Job description

About Bridger Aerospace

Bridger Aerospace is an aerial firefighting company based in Belgrade, Montana, located at Bozeman Yellowstone Airport (KBZN). It was founded in 2014 to support front-line firefighters with world-leading technology and aerial fire suppression systems. We have grown from operating a single plane to commanding a significant Air Attack and the largest Super Scooper fleet in the U.S. in less than eight years. Bridger is a leader in fighting wildfires, specializing in Air Attack, Fire Suppression, and Aerial Fire-Mapping technologies. Our focus is to provide the most effective and modern capabilities to fight fires from the air. Meeting the needs of the growing threat of economic and environmental damage caused by wildfires and supporting ground-based firefighters is our priority.

About the Role

Bridger Aerospace is seeking a Pilot-in-Command on Pilatus PC-12 operating under Visual and Instrument Flight Rules. You will be required to fly specific assigned flight altitudes within the Fire Traffic Area to assist your government officer with providing aircraft separation over the incident. This role requires you to be away from home on a 11 on/11 off schedule for most of the year (Typically February-November). This position also requires you to be exclusively available to Bridger during a 4-month period (June 1 – October 1). Compulsory spring training typically occurs in early March and lasts approximately 2 weeks. This job requires willingness to perform a multitude of different mission sets, primarily ranging from IFR point to point, cargo, surveillance and mapping on sensor equipped platforms with a crew, as well as Air Attack. The position reports directly to the specific platform Lead Pilots, the Chief Pilot, and the Director of Operations. Ideal candidates respond well when faced with a quickly changing environment and rely on their excellent judgement to complete the mission safely while following all Federal Aviation Regulations, company procedures and Standard Operating Procedures.

Key Responsibilities:

• Safely operate aircraft in accordance with the FAR Part 91/135, Standard Operating Procedures and Aircraft Flight Manuals
• Ensure compliance as outlined in the Standard Operating Procedures, GOM, and OpSpecs
• Be able to pass a Part 135 check ride; Complete a government carding check ride
• Adhere to company performance expectations: Safety, Focus on Quality, Leadership, Interpersonal relationships, Professional Development, and Focus on Quality
• Assess the operational environment to ensure that the required mission objectives are met in a safe and efficient manner
• Apply good airmanship, sound pilot decision making skills and Crew Resource Management to ensure that a safe and efficient environment is maintained for both crew and aircraft
• Work closely with the Operations Center and regional fire dispatch to maintain a regular flow of information regarding flight requirements, schedules and duty time limitations
• Ensure all time-sensitive federal regulatory, administrative, financial reimbursement, company travel, and operational documentation is completed accurately without delay using various company programs and approved EFB (company-provided iPad, laptop, and various communication devices)
• Maintain knowledge and currency of aircraft operating systems, avionics, weather and regulations
• Assist maintenance with engine runs and aircraft repositions as needed
• Perform ground operations: Fueling, Towing, Operational checks, and aircraft cleaning pre- and post-season, and during operational shifts.
• Read, understand, and comply with the contracts our platforms operate under
• Provide excellent service to our multiple customer agencies

What We Are Looking For:

• 25+ Hours PIC in Pilatus PC-12
• 1500 Total Time
• 1200 hours in airplanes
• 500 Cross-Country
• 200 Category and Class
• 200 PIC mountainous terrain
• 100 PIC airplane within 365 days
• 100 PIC in Turboprop
• 100 Night
• 75 IFR total
• 50 IFR in-flight
• 50 PIC make and model (not required for hire, but preferred)
• High level of expertise with PIC decision making skills
• Recent experience and proficiency with IFR flying skills
• FAA ATP or Commercial License: airplane single land and instrument rating
• First or Second-Class medical certification
• Valid Passport
• Must be able to provide PRIA access
• Wildland fire background as pilot or ground crew
• Alaska and/or backcountry experience
• Formal aircraft risk-based education (Flight Safety, Human Factors course e.g.)

Benefits and Perks:

• Competitive salary and growth opportunities
• Company performance-based bonus plan
• Equity stock-based compensation package
• Employer-funded comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance for employees and dependents
• 401k with company match
• Employer-funded life and disability insurance coverage
• Heath Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), and Dependent Care FSA options

This position is subject to pre-employment background check and drug screen. Additionally, this position requires attainment of an AOA Badge issued by Bozeman-Yellowstone Int'l Airport.

Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings and its family of companies does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, marital status, age, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, genetic information or any other classification protected by federal or state law in matters of employment, promotion, services or activities it operates.