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Entry Level Firefighter Helicopter Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wimmer Solutions

Blackhawk Pilot

Mcminnville, OR · On-site

$91K - $114K/yr

PIC of S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopter in firefighting operations both day and night and other ... Commercial Rotorcraft Pilot Certificate with Instrument (Helicopter) rating * 3,000+ total rotary ...

Total Aviation Staffing, LLC

IFR Pilot

London, KY · On-site

$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.

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 and night and other missions as required by the company. * Conduct aerial work operations such as ...

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 and night and other missions as required by the company. * Conduct aerial work operations such as ...

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 ...

Coulson Aviation

CH47 Flight Mechanic

Portland, OR · On-site

$30.50 - $40/hr

... helicopter-based emergency response missions worldwide. In this role, you'll work alongside pilots ... firefighting systems such as fixed water tanks, hydraulic snorkels, buckets, and sling loads.

Bowhead

Captain

Mobile, AL · On-site

Knowledge of shipboard safety procedures and use of all firefighting and safety equipment, highly ... Ability to multi task between multiple helicopter pilots, monitoring current and any approaching ...

City of Pasadena, CA

Police Trainee

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$88K/yr

... Pilot, Helicopter Observer Duty, (Field Training Officer (FTO), Gang Detail, and Special ... O.S.T. Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) * By submitting a T-score for a ...

City of Pasadena

Police Trainee

Pasadena, CA

$88K/yr

... Pilot, Helicopter Observer Duty, (Field Training Officer (FTO), Gang Detail, and Special ... OR P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) By submitting a T-score for a ...

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Entry Level Firefighter Helicopter Pilot information

See salary details

$28.5K

$59.6K

$100K

How much do entry level firefighter helicopter pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level firefighter helicopter pilot in the United States is $59,606.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level firefighter helicopter pilot?

To thrive as an Entry Level Firefighter Helicopter Pilot, you need a commercial helicopter pilot license, a solid understanding of aviation safety, and basic firefighting knowledge. Familiarity with GPS navigation, firefighting communication systems, and specialized aerial firefighting equipment is typically required. Strong decision-making, teamwork, and stress management skills make candidates stand out in this high-risk environment. These abilities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and coordinated aerial firefighting operations that protect lives and property.

What is an entry level firefighter helicopter pilot?

Entry level firefighter helicopter pilots are professionals who operate helicopters to assist in wildfire suppression and other emergency response operations. They are responsible for flying aircraft to transport firefighters, drop water or fire retardant on wildfires, and conduct aerial reconnaissance. These pilots are typically at the beginning of their careers in aerial firefighting and work under the supervision of more experienced pilots. They must have a commercial pilot's license, specialized training in helicopter operations, and knowledge of firefighting procedures. Their role is critical in supporting ground crews and protecting lives and property during fire emergencies.

What is the difference between Entry Level Firefighter Helicopter Pilot vs Entry Level Firefighter Helicopter Pilot?

AspectEntry Level Firefighter Helicopter Pilot

Since the comparison is with itself, the roles are identical at the entry level, focusing on firefighting operations from helicopters, requiring pilot certifications and firefighting training. Both involve working in emergency environments, often for fire departments or agencies, with similar certifications and work settings. Entry level positions typically require a helicopter pilot license, basic firefighting training, and experience in emergency response. The roles are designed for individuals starting their careers in aerial firefighting, emphasizing safety, navigation, and emergency procedures.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level firefighter helicopter pilots during their first year on the job?

As an entry level firefighter helicopter pilot, you may encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing emergency scenarios, effectively communicating with ground and air crews, and mastering specialized aerial firefighting maneuvers. Balancing the demands of flying in difficult conditions—like low visibility or high winds—while executing precise water drops can be particularly demanding. New pilots also need to quickly become familiar with the protocols and teamwork required for coordinated wildfire response, which often involves long hours and irregular schedules.
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Entry Level Firefighter Helicopter Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Firefighter Helicopter Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Blackhawk Pilot

Wimmer Solutions

Mcminnville, OR • On-site

$91K - $114K/yr

Other

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Details:

  • PIC of S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopter in firefighting operations both day and night and other missions as required by the company.
  • Conduct aerial work operations such as Aerial Fire Suppression, Dispensing operations, External load, Reconnaissance.
  • Be able to work on a rotation away from home base for up to two weeks at a time.
  • Willing to fly other aircraft types if qualified and as required by the company.
  • Devote time to group or self-study of aircraft systems, EP’s, etc. and be available for training and check-flights as required by FAA/USFS and Weyerhaeuser.
  • Maintain written and computerized flight logs and records.
  • Ensure all flights, operations and other work follow FAA Regulations, Company Manuals, policies and Weyerhaeuser SOP’s and are achieved safely, effectively and efficiently.
  • Maintains state of readiness for dispatch to emergency and non-emergency operations; or to any other assigned locations as required by the company at short notice.
  • Perform any other duties during scheduled shift as requested by Aviation Operations
    Manager (aka Director of Operations) or Chief Pilot (aka Head of flying Operations).
  • Relocate to Northwest Oregon area with the ability to report to the McMinnville Oregon base (approximately within ~60 minutes) for daily duties.

Requirements:

  • Commercial Rotorcraft Pilot Certificate with Instrument (Helicopter) rating
  • 3,000+ total rotary-wing flight hours
  • 500 minimum hours Part 133 sling load / external load operations
  • Minimum 3 years / 500 hours in aerial work operations, including firefighting
  • Class II FAA Medical Certificate
  • Crew Resource Management (CRM) training
  • Ability to obtain USDA Firefighting Carding for the S-70
  • Willingness to fly other aircraft types if qualified and required
  • Ability to relocate to Northwest Oregon and report to the McMinnville base within ~60 minutes
  • UH60/ S70 Blackhawk Type rating or current CFR 61.58 as PIC
  • 100+ hours UH60/ S70 Blackhawk
  • Aerial Firefighting experience

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