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Fire Pilot Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

AeroMD

Flight Nurse

Saint Croix, IN

Assists in the pre-mission liftoff checklist and assists the pilot as requested, i.e., radio ... Conducts aircraft safety briefings as needed for passengers and EMS/Fire/Rescue/LEO. * Maintains ...

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Fire Pilot information

See Indiana salary details

$47.1K

$124.6K

$191.3K

How much do fire pilot jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire pilot in Indiana is $124,575.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,200.00 and $147,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Fire Pilot Do?

As a fire pilot or air tanker pilot, you respond to wildfires by providing water drops, fire retardant, and other fire suppression materials from your aircraft. In most cases, you spend the bulk of your day standing by and waiting to respond to an alert that indicates the probability of wildfire. Depending on probability, you may need to stay on-site or remain within a specified distance of the base. When the call comes, your responsibilities include completing the pre-flight checklist, loading the details in your GPS, and then completing the flight according to the directions received.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Fire Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fire Pilot, you need advanced piloting skills, a commercial pilot’s license, and specialized training in aerial firefighting operations. Familiarity with aircraft like air tankers or helicopters, navigation systems, and wildfire management protocols is essential. Strong decision-making, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient support for firefighting teams while minimizing risk during high-stress, unpredictable wildfire missions.

What are some common challenges faced by Fire Pilots during wildfire suppression missions?

Fire Pilots often face rapidly changing weather conditions, limited visibility due to smoke, and challenging terrain when flying over wildfire zones. Coordinating closely with ground crews and other aircraft is essential to ensure safety and effective fire suppression. Additionally, Fire Pilots must remain vigilant for hazards such as sudden wind shifts, updrafts, and the risk of engine overheating during extended low-altitude flights. These challenges require strong situational awareness, excellent communication skills, and the ability to adapt quickly under pressure.

What are Fire Pilots?

Fire Pilots are specialized pilots trained to operate aircraft in support of firefighting operations. They fly planes or helicopters to drop water or fire retardants over wildfires, transport firefighters and equipment, and conduct aerial surveillance of fire zones. Their work is critical in controlling and suppressing large-scale wildfires, often requiring quick decision-making and flying in challenging and dangerous conditions. Fire Pilots typically work for government agencies, firefighting services, or private contractors.

What is the difference between Fire Pilot vs Firefighter?

AspectFire PilotFirefighter
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, Firefighting trainingFirefighter certification, EMT/paramedic license
Work EnvironmentAircraft, firefighting helicopters or planesFire stations, emergency scenes, buildings
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments, aerial firefighting companiesMunicipal fire departments, rescue services

Fire Pilots operate aircraft to combat wildfires from the air, requiring pilot licenses and specialized firefighting training. Firefighters work on the ground, handling rescue and suppression tasks, and need firefighting certifications. Both roles are vital in firefighting but differ significantly in work environment and required credentials.

More about Fire Pilot jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Fire Pilot jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Fire Pilot jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Fire Pilot jobs in Indiana? For Fire Pilot jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Fire Pilot jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Pilot jobs in Indiana are:
Fire Pilot jobs near you

Instructor Pilot, Morocco

DELAWARE RESOURCE GROUP OF OKLAHOMA

Morocco, IN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 hours ago

Job description

*Candidate MUST be a U.S. Citizen*

AH-64 Instructor/Operator (I/O) conducts simulator training operations for the RMAF. I/Os provide academic and simulator instruction to AH-64 aircrew in all facets of AH-64 operations. I/Os possess a high level of proficiency in instructional methods, and knowledge of aircraft systems as well as an understanding of the basic concepts of military manuals, standards, engineering data and related documentation.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Perform and lead AH-64 simulator and ground school instruction for various types of simulator training on company platforms. 
  • Design and develop AH-64 aircrew training material to meet company, customer and regulatory requirements. 
  • Train and evaluate IAW current Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Aircrew Training Manual. 
  • Develop and maintain training scenarios to ensure company, customer and regulatory requirements for skill, knowledge, training, and authorizations are maintained to operate on multiple product platforms. 
  • Conduct training for customer pilots and ground-based simulator flight instructors. Mentor trainees as necessary. 
  • Develops aircrew competence evaluation criteria. 
  • Assesses trainee progress performance by conducting after-action reviews (AAR).
  • Assesses trainee progress performance by completing all required reports and records to allow third-party evaluation and audit. 

Required Qualifications/Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
  • AH-64E V6 qualified Instructor. 
  • Must have a U.S. Passport and qualify for all visa requirements.

Preferred Qualifications/Experience:

  • 10+ years of AH-64 or related experience. 
  • AH-64 formal training unit experience. 
  • Experience with aviation training programs, regulations, and aviation flight procedures. 
  • Experience with training aspects of Link 16, Common Missile Warning System (CMWS), Hellfire Missile, M-TADS and Fire Control Radar (FCR), Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T). 

Security Clearance Requirements

This position is located at a facility that will require special access clearance.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status or disability.

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