Q400 Air Tanker Pilot — Fight Wildfires & Protect Homes

All Aviation Jobs; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 82,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Aero-Flite, Washington-based, is hiring an Air Tanker Pilot to operate the Q400 in wildfire suppression missions. You will be responsible for mission drops and the safety of all onboard personnel, starting in the right seat with progression to the left seat as you gain time and experience.

Qualified pilots bring a Commercial MEL, extensive flight hours, PIC time, and a strong grasp of FAA regulations. Extensive travel within CONUS and Alaska is required; the role offers competitive compensation

Qualifications

• FAA MEL pilot certificate with multiengine experience.
• US citizen or legally authorized to work in the United States with a valid passport.
• 3,000 total flight hours in airplanes.
• 1,000 hours as PIC.
• 200 hours PIC multiengine.
• 200 hours PIC multi-crew.
• 100 hours in airplanes in the preceding 12 months.
• 75 hours actual or simulated instrument flight.
• FAA Class II medical certificate.
• Firefighting experience preferred.
• PIC flight time below 500 ft preferred.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.

Skills

Aeronautical knowledge

Regulatory knowledge

Mechanical knowledge

Human factors

Customer service awareness

Adaptability

Aeronautical Decision Making

Airmanship

Troubleshooting and critical thinking

Computer literacy

Technical writing

Education

FAA Commercial Pilot certificate with multiengine land (MEL) – ATP preferred

US citizen or work authorization with a valid passport

3,000 hours in airplanes

1,000 hours PIC

200 hours PIC multiengine

200 hours PIC multi-crew

100 hours in airplanes in the 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

Job description

Aero-Flite, Washington-based, is hiring an Air Tanker Pilot to operate the Q400 in wildfire suppression missions. You will be responsible for mission drops and the safety of all onboard personnel, starting in the right seat with progression to the left seat as you gain time and experience.

Qualified pilots bring a Commercial MEL, extensive flight hours, PIC time, and a strong grasp of FAA regulations. Extensive travel within CONUS and Alaska is required; the role offers competitive compensation