Cl415 - Firefighting Pilot

AERO-FLITE, INC.; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 81,000 - 114,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

Retirement Plan with Match

Paid Leave

Bonuses

Life & Disability Insurance

Job summary

Aero-Flite, Inc. is seeking CL-415 Firefighting Pilots to support wildfire suppression missions from Washington state. Pilots operate under Interagency standards and FAA regulations on multi-engine amphibious aircraft, delivering water where needed while maintaining strict safety and mission discipline.

The first officer role emphasizes teamwork, precise pre-flight planning, and adherence to company SOPs. Extensive travel within CONUS/Alaska is required; ATP preferred and 3,000 hours PIC

Qualifications

• Expert knowledge of aeronautical operations (IFR, multi-crew).
• Strong regulatory knowledge (FAA policies).
• Experience with aircraft systems and safety procedures.
• CRM and teamwork in high-stakes missions.

Responsibilities

• Work as a team under Pilot in Command and Chief Pilot.
• Conduct safe, standardized flight operations.
• Ensure compliance with SOPs and agency policies.
• Assist PIC with regulatory and safety reporting.
• Perform pre-flight planning and loading calculations.
• Maintain airworthiness and communicate with PIC/ATC.

Skills

Airmanship

Regulatory knowledge

Aircraft systems

Crew Resource Management

Customer service

Education

FAA Commercial Pilot certificate with MEL/MES

ATP preferred

US Citizenship / work authorization

Valid Passport

Job description

FLY THE CL-415 | FIGHT WILDFIRES | MAKE AN IMPACT

Aero-Flite is hiring CL-415 Scooper Pilots.

Take your flying career to a different kind of mission. As an Aero-Flite Pilot, you'll fly the CL-415 in support of wildfire suppression operations, delivering water where it matters most.

Bring your experience to the flight deck. Build your aerial firefighting career. Help protect communities from wildfire.

CL - 415 FIREFIGHTING PILOTS

As a CL - 415 Pilot, you will be part of a highly trained crew responsible for executing critical aerial firefighting missions. You will operate under Interagency standards and FAA regulations, ensuring safety, operational excellence, and mission success in dynamic and challenging environments.

SUMMARY

The first Officer is a carded Airtanker Pilot who acts as second in command for wildfire suppression missions operating multi-engine amphibious firefighting aircraft.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work as a team player under the direction of the Pilot in Command and Chief Pilot.
• Conduct flight operations in a safe, standardized, and professional manner.
• Operate in accordance with company and agency Standard Operating Procedures.
• Support the PIC to ensure regulatory, agency, and company policy compliance.
• Ensure accurate pre-flight planning, loading, and performance calculations.
• Verify airworthiness and report any concerns or discrepancies to the PIC.
• Maintain expert working knowledge of aircraft and pilot associated documents.
• Provide clear, relevant, and timely information to the PIC, ATC, and other fire resources.
• Monitor aircraft systems, aircraft performance, and crew performance.
• Adhere to all aircraft limitations and treat the equipment with care and respect.
• Epitomize and promote Aero-Flite's Mission, Vision, and Values

OTHER DUTIES

• • Assist with aircraft cleaning and pre/post season preparation.
  • Assist with various demonstrations and public service events.
  • Perform outreach and tours with the general public and firefighting community.
  • Perform maintenance flights as required.
  • Other duties as assigned by the Chief Pilot.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge

• Aeronautical - Expert knowledge of off-airport, IFR, and multi-crew operations.
• Regulatory - Expert knowledge of FAA regulations and Agency policies.
• Mechanical - Expert knowledge of aircraft systems.
• Human Factors - Expert knowledge of human factors and risk assessment
• Customer Service - Knowledge of excellent customer service principles

Abilities

• Aeronautical Decision Making - Awareness of associated risk factors and ability to make consistent, conservative, and timely decisions.
• Airmanship - Apply knowledge, experience, training, situational awareness, and discipline to command the machine to support the Pilot in Command.
• Troubleshooting/Critical Thinking - Determine cause and effect through expert knowledge of aircraft systems, malfunctions, and procedures to assist abnormal operations and maintenance..
• Computer Literacy - Able to use IT tools to enhance training, productivity, and situational awareness.
• Technical comprehension and writing - Ability to reference and understand manuals, critically analyze relationship between OEM procedures and company SOPS, and manage maintenance discrepancy logs. MES.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stationary Position - Must be able to remain in stationary position for lengthy flight missions.
• Mobility - Must be able to move about office, hangar and aircraft without limitations.
• Dexterity/Stamina - Able to use repetitive and precisely coordinated movements to manipulate flight controls and switches for lengthy missions.
• Agility - Able to ascend/descend ladders and position self to inspect and/or service equipment.
• Strength - Able to support equipment up to 70 pounds.
• Balance - Able to manage equilibrium while traversing across office, hangar, aircraft, and ascend/descend ladders.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required Education and Experience

• FAA Commercial Pilot certificate with multiengine land (MEL) and multiengine sea (MES) ratings - (ATP preferred)
• US Citizen or Official authorization to work in the United States, and valid Passport
• 3,000 hours in airplanes
• 1,000 hours PIC
• 500 hours PIC seaplane (preferred)
• 200 hours PIC multiengine
• 200 hours PIC multi-crew
• 200 hours PIC mountainous terrain
• 100 hours in airplanes in preceding 12 months
• 75 hours actual or simulated instrument flight
• FAA Class II medical certificate
• Fire experience - preferred
• PIC flight time below 500 ft. - preferred

Preferred Education and Experience

Education and Training

• Professional Aviation training
  Specialized aircraft courses, Simulator, and CRM training.
• Post Secondary Education
  2 or 4 year degree program
• Human Factors / Safety Management
  Formal risk-based education (preferred)

Competencies

• Deadline oriented and organized
• Detail oriented, independent, flexible, and self-starting.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

None.

POSITION TYPE AND EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work will vary based upon business and customer needs.

TRAVEL

Extensive travel, primarily CONUS and Alaska. Occasional travel outside North America may be required.

The pay range for a CL415 Pilot in Washington state is $81,000.00-$114,000.00 annually . The annual rate is influenced by a variety of factors including, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, certifications, and geographical locations. Employees will be eligible to enroll in the company's medical/dental/vision insurance, flexible spending account, retirement plan with match contributions, company paid life & disability and financial wellness programs. Hired applicants will receive paid leave and may be eligible for bonuses. This information is provided per the WA State EPOA.