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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.

Orange County Fire Authority

Fire Pilot

Irvine, CA

$122K - $164K/yr

... firefighting, crew/equipment transport, reconnaissance, medical rescue, disaster mitigation and ... Incumbents serve as Pilot in Command (PlC) during a full range of helicopter missions including but ...

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 ... Helicopter flight control systems and equipment; Interagency Helicopter Operations Guidelines;

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 ...

Coulson Aviation

CH47-Pilot In Command

Portland, OR · On-site

... 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 ...

Coulson Aviation

Pilot In Command-S61

Portland, OR · On-site

S-61 Pilot in Command (PIC) About Coulson Aviation Coulson Aviation is a global leader in aerial ... firefighting or utility helicopter experience - Experience supervising crew and copilots Work ...

Columbia Helicopters, Inc.

BV 107 Command Pilot

The 107 Command Pilot serves as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) of the Columbia Model 107 Chinook ... Heavy-lift helicopter operational experience. * Aerial firefighting experience . * Long-line ...

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 ...

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

$126K/yr

A current FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with the following ratings: airplane, single engine and ... OR rotorcraft helicopter and instrument. Appropriate U.S. military ratings may be substituted.

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Firefighter Helicopter Pilot information

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How much do firefighter helicopter pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for firefighter helicopter pilot in the United States is $19.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a firefighter helicopter pilot?

A Firefighter Helicopter Pilot operates helicopters to support firefighting efforts by transporting crews, dropping water or fire retardant, and conducting aerial surveillance. They play a critical role in wildfire suppression, often flying in challenging conditions such as high winds, smoke, and rugged terrain. Pilots must have specialized training, significant flight experience, and certifications, including a commercial pilot’s license. Their work helps protect lives, property, and natural resources from fires.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a firefighter helicopter pilot?

To excel as a Firefighter Helicopter Pilot, you need advanced piloting skills, extensive flight hours, and specialized training in aerial firefighting tactics, often supported by a commercial or ATP helicopter license. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, aerial water drop equipment, and emergency radio communications is essential. Strong decision-making skills, resilience under pressure, and clear team communication set outstanding pilots apart. These competencies are vital for ensuring safety, effectiveness, and coordination during critical and dynamic wildfire response operations.

What are some of the unique challenges faced by firefighter helicopter pilots during wildfire suppression missions?

Firefighter Helicopter Pilots regularly encounter challenging flight conditions, including poor visibility, unpredictable weather, and intensive heat and smoke from active fires. Coordination with ground crews and other aircraft is essential, requiring constant radio communication and precise maneuvering in often crowded airspace. The role may also demand long hours during peak fire season and rapid deployment to various locations. Overcoming these challenges is rewarding, as successful missions directly contribute to protecting communities and natural resources while developing highly sought-after aerial firefighting experience.

How to become a firefighter helicopter pilot?

To become a firefighter helicopter pilot, you typically need a commercial pilot license with rotorcraft and instrument ratings, along with experience flying helicopters. Additional certifications such as a seaplane or external load certification can be beneficial, and candidates often need experience in emergency response and firefighting operations. Physical fitness and a clean flying record are also essential for this specialized role.

How much do firefighter helicopter pilots make?

Firefighter helicopter pilots typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the employer. Experienced pilots with specialized training in aerial firefighting can earn higher salaries, especially when working in regions with high wildfire activity or requiring extended hours.
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What states have the most Firefighter Helicopter Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Firefighter Helicopter Pilot jobs include:
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Firefighter Helicopter Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Firefighter Helicopter Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $39,998 per year, or $19.2 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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