Q400 - FIREFIGHTING PILOT

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

The mission of Aero-Flite is to provide exceptional firefighting aircraft and customer service in support of our ground firefighting partners. Our vision is to continually strive to improve our safety and service while offering greater value to our partner agencies.

FLY THE Q400 | FIGHT WILDFIRES | MAKE AN IMPACT

Aero-Flite is hiring Air Tanker Pilots.

Take your flying career to a different kind of mission. As an Aero-Flite Air Tanker Pilot, you’ll fly the Q400 in support of wildfire suppression operations, delivering aerial retardant where it matters most.

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

PILOT - Q400

Summary

Air Tanker Pilot will make drops on wildfire suppression missions. Responsible for the operation and safety of the aircraft and for the safety of all persons on board during flight time. Selected pilots will start in the right seat learning the aircraft and fire operations with the intend of transitioning to the left seat when time and experience allow.

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 procedures
• Mechanical – Expert knowledge of aircraft systems
• Human Factors – Expert knowledge of human factors and risk assessment
• Customer Service - Knowledge of excellent customer service principles
• Adaptability – Able to adapt to dynamic work environment with uncertain and fluid work schedules.

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, skills, and discipline to command the machine to support the mission.
• 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 discrepancy logs and MEL.

Education And Experience

• FAA Commercial Pilot certificate with multiengine land (MEL) – (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
• 200 hours PIC multiengine
• 200 hours PIC multi-crew
• 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

Competencies

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

Travel

Extensive travel within CONUS and Alaska. Occasional travel outside CONUS for training.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance

Valid Driver License

SIDA Badge

Valid Passport

The pay range for this position in Washington state is $82,000 - $115,000 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, 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.

Aero-Flite is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and will make all employment related decisions without regard to age, race, color, religion, marital status, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Aero-Flite is a Federal Contractor, we adhere to the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act, to include testing for THC.