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Firefighting 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 ...

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 ...

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.

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 ...

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 ...

Aerotek

UH-60 Pilot

Mcminnville, OR

$108K - $162K/yr

Helicopter Pilot - S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk Firefighting Operations McMinnville, OR | Full-Time | Relocation Assistance Available Join a growing aviation team supporting critical aerial firefighting ...

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 ...

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Firefighting Helicopter Pilot information

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$71.5K

$100.2K

$123.5K

How much do firefighting helicopter pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for firefighting helicopter pilot in the United States is $100,249.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a firefighting helicopter pilot?

To become a firefighting helicopter pilot, you typically need a commercial helicopter pilot license, which requires flight training, logging a specific number of flight hours, and passing written and practical exams. Additional certifications in aerial firefighting and experience in helicopter operations are often required, along with physical fitness and the ability to work in challenging environments.

What is the difference between Firefighting Helicopter Pilot vs Search and Rescue Helicopter Pilot?

AspectFirefighting Helicopter PilotSearch and Rescue Helicopter Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, rotorcraft ratings, specialized firefighting trainingCommercial Pilot License, rotorcraft ratings, rescue operation training
Work EnvironmentFire zones, rugged terrains, wildfire areasDisaster zones, remote locations, mountainous regions
Employer & IndustryFire departments, government agencies, firefighting contractorsRescue organizations, coast guard, emergency services

Both Firefighting Helicopter Pilots and Search and Rescue Helicopter Pilots require similar certifications and often operate in challenging environments. The main difference lies in their focus: firefighting pilots combat wildfires, while rescue pilots perform emergency evacuations and locate missing persons. Their skills overlap, but their operational objectives differ significantly.

How much do firefighting helicopter pilots make?

Firefighting helicopter pilots typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, certification level, and the employing agency. Experienced pilots with specialized skills and certifications can earn higher salaries, especially during peak wildfire seasons or with federal agencies.

What is a firefighting helicopter pilot?

Firefighting helicopter pilots are highly trained professionals who operate helicopters to support firefighting efforts, particularly in combating wildfires. Their responsibilities include transporting water or fire retardant, conducting aerial drops over burning areas, and assisting with crew transport and evacuation. These pilots work closely with ground crews and must have specialized training to navigate challenging conditions such as smoke, high temperatures, and variable weather. Their work is crucial for controlling large fires in areas that are difficult to reach by traditional means.

What are some common challenges faced by a firefighting helicopter pilot during wildfire operations?

Firefighting helicopter pilots often contend with rapidly changing weather conditions, low visibility due to smoke, and flying at low altitudes over rugged terrain, all while coordinating closely with ground crews and other aircraft. Pilots must make quick decisions to ensure safety and efficiency, especially when dropping water or fire retardant near active fire lines. Effective communication, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential for success in this dynamic and high-risk environment.

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

To thrive as a Firefighting Helicopter Pilot, you need a commercial pilot's license with helicopter ratings, extensive flight hours (often 1,500+), and specialized training in aerial firefighting and external load operations. Proficiency with navigation systems, GPS mapping, radio communications, and firefighting equipment like Bambi Buckets is typically required. Critical thinking, teamwork, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are essential for ensuring safe and effective aerial firefighting operations in high-risk and dynamic environments.
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Firefighting Helicopter Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Firefighting Helicopter Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 82% In-person, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,249 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

Blackhawk Pilot

Wimmer Solutions

Mcminnville, OR • On-site

$91K - $114K/yr

Other

Posted 24 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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