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Aviation Firefighting Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Coulson Aviation

CH47-Pilot In Command

Thermal, CA · On-site

About Coulson Aviation Coulson Aviation is a global leader in aerial firefighting, operating across ... Pilots may live anywhere in the U.S. we provide travel to and from assignments. Position Overview ...

Coulson-Aviation

CH47-Pilot In Command

Thermal, CA · On-site

... Aviation is a global leader in aerial firefighting, operating across the United States, Canada ... Pilots may live anywhere in the U.S. we provide travel to and from assignments. Position Overview ...

Total Aviation Staffing, LLC

IFR Pilot

London, KY

$100K/yr

This opportunity is ideal for experienced helicopter pilots who thrive in high-pressure ... Rotorcraft Operations - Helicopter EMS, utility, offshore, firefighting, and government aviation.

State of Louisiana

Aircraft Pilot 1-2

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$5.1K - $9.2K/mo

... ASEL firefighting career. The candidate will be required to operate a Cessna 182 flying under ... Incumbent of this position will perform skilled technical aviation work in the operation of ...

Orange County Fire Authority

Fire Pilot

Irvine, CA · On-site

$122K - $164K/yr

... firefighting, crew/equipment transport, reconnaissance, medical rescue, disaster mitigation and ... Must possess and maintain a valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial or Airline ...

Orange County Fire Authority, CA

Fire Pilot

Buena Park, CA · On-site

$122K - $164K/yr

... firefighting, crew/equipment transport, reconnaissance, medical rescue, disaster mitigation and ... Must possess and maintain a valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial or Airline ...

Weyerhaeuser Company

Blackhawk Pilot

Mcminnville, OR · On-site

$108K - $162K/yr

Act as PIC or Co-pilot of S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopter in firefighting operations both day ... Perform any other duties during scheduled shift as requested by Aviation Operations Manager (aka ...

Hillsboro Aviation

B205A1++ Fire/Utility Pilot

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

About Hillsboro Aviation Founded in 1980, Hillsboro Aviation offers complete helicopter and ... aerial firefighting, natural resource surveys, film/photo/news, and heli-skiing. Our fleet is ...

Weyerhauser Co

Blackhawk Pilot

Mcminnville, OR · On-site

$108K - $162K/yr

Act as PIC or Co-pilot of S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopter in firefighting operations both day ... Perform any other duties during scheduled shift as requested by Aviation Operations Manager (aka ...

Weyerhaeuser Company

Blackhawk Pilot

Mcminnville, OR

$108K - $162K/yr

Act as PIC or Co-pilot of S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopter in firefighting operations both day ... Perform any other duties during scheduled shift as requested by Aviation Operations Manager (aka ...

Forest Service

Airplane Pilot (SEAPLANE)

Ely, MN · On-site +1

$92K - $144K/yr

This position is located in Ely, MN within Region 9 Fire and Aviation Management. For additional ... FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous position covered under the special ...

Heli Preflight

$66K - $82K/yr

Helicopter Pilot Qualification card, firefighting awareness and familiarity, and Flight Safety ... Must have an understanding of the Federal Aviation Regulations and a sound knowledge of aircraft ...

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Aviation Firefighting Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do aviation firefighting pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for aviation firefighting pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Aviation Firefighting Pilot vs Airport Firefighter?

AspectAviation Firefighting PilotAirport Firefighter
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, Firefighting training, specialized aircraft operation certificationsFirefighter certification, EMT/paramedic license, airport-specific training
Work EnvironmentOperate aircraft in firefighting missions, often in remote or hazardous conditionsStationed at airport fire stations, respond to aircraft and ground emergencies
Employer & IndustryAirlines, firefighting agencies, government aviation authoritiesAirport authorities, airlines, emergency services

While both roles focus on firefighting within the aviation industry, the Aviation Firefighting Pilot operates aircraft to combat fires, requiring specialized pilot certifications and flying skills. In contrast, the Airport Firefighter responds on the ground, handling emergencies at airports with firefighting equipment and medical skills. Both are vital but differ significantly in responsibilities and required credentials.

What are popular job titles related to Aviation Firefighting Pilot jobs?

For Aviation Firefighting Pilot jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Aviation Firefighting Pilot job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

CH47-Pilot In Command

Thermal, CA • On-site

Coulson Aviation
See more jobs at Coulson Aviationexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Exercise final authority for the safe operation of the aircraft in accordance with 14 CFR 91.3.

  • Review flight assignments, weather, NOTAMs, and mission-specific requirements, and ensure proper preflight planning and aircraft readiness.

  • Maintain accurate flight logs, conduct passenger and crew briefings when applicable, and ensure compliance with duty and flight time limitations.

Job description


About Coulson Aviation

Coulson Aviation is a global leader in aerial firefighting, operating across the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America. Our diverse fleet of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft supports rapid response wildfire suppression, including both initial and extended attack operations.

As part of the Coulson Group, we have over 65 years of operational experience and continued growth in the aviation and firefighting industry.

No relocation required. Pilots may live anywhere in the U.S. we provide travel to and from assignments.

 

Position Overview

The CH47 Pilot in Command (PIC) reports to the Chief Pilot and is responsible for the safe, efficient, and professional execution of all assigned flight operations.

This role requires a strong working knowledge of applicable FAA regulations (Parts 91 and 135), company procedures, and operational best practices.

 

Missions may include:

- Aerial firefighting (day and night operations)

- Ferry and repositioning flights

- Reconnaissance (day and night operations)

- Emergency response and disaster mitigation

-Pilots are expected to manage daily operational requirements, support contract execution, and represent Coulson Aviation with professionalism in all interactions.


Key Responsibilities

- Exercise final authority for the safe operation of the aircraft in accordance with 14 CFR 91.3.

- Review flight assignments, weather, NOTAMs, and mission-specific requirements.

- Ensure proper preflight planning, including weight & balance, fuel, routing, and performance.

- Conduct thorough aircraft inspections and ensure readiness for flight.

- Verify all maintenance discrepancies have been procedurally complied with, deferred, or corrected by maintenance personnel in accordance with the approved Minimum Equipment List for the aircraft, prior to flight.

- Ensure all required documents, equipment, and materials are onboard.

- Maintain accurate flight logs and operational records.

- Conduct passenger and crew briefings, when applicable.

- Coordinate effectively during pilot shift changes.

- Ensure compliance with duty and flight time limitations.

- Assist with aircraft cleanliness and basic support to maintenance as needed.

- Maintain a high standard of professionalism with clients and stakeholders.


Minimum Requirements

- FAA Commercial Rotorcraft License

- Instrument Rating (Helicopter)

- Qualified to act as PIC in CH47

- Minimum 2,500 hours PIC (helicopter) preferred

- Must meet or exceed USFS PIC qualification requirements

- No FAA violations or enforcement actions within the past 5 years

- Strong knowledge of FAA regulations and operational standards

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment

- Team-oriented with strong decision-making skills

- High school diploma or equivalent

 

Preferred Qualifications

- Night Vision Goggle (NVG) experience

- Previous firefighting or utility helicopter experience

- Experience supervising crews

 

Work Environment

- Field-based operations in dynamic and remote environments

- Exposure to noise, dust, fumes, and varying weather conditions

- Occasional lifting up to 50 lbs

 

Compensation & Benefits

- Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications

- Company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance

- 401(k) with company match

- Flexible work schedule supporting work-life balance

- Travel provided to and from assignments

 

Equal Opportunity Employer

Coulson Aviation is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process.



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