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Freelance Air Attack Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Top Aces, Inc.

Mission Sensor Operator

Avon Park, FL

Execute Contract Close Air Support Training (CCAS) while employing a thorough knowledge of Tactics ... Must be previously qualified as a DoD WSO in fighter/attack or bomber aircraft, DoD Pilot or Combat ...

Canvas

Test Engineer - Air-to-Ground

Eglin, FL · On-site

The 780th Test Squadron is the Air Force's developmental test agency for air-to-air, air-to-surface ... attack Test, operations and weapon systems. * Test Pilot School graduate or Fighter Weapons School ...

Alignerr

Listen to and transcribe real pilot-to-ATC (air traffic control) audio recordings with precision ... Freelance freedom -- autonomy, independence, and the ability to scale hours up or down * Ongoing ...

Astrion

Avionics Penetration Tester - Midlevel

Edwards, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

... Air Force. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS Core qualifications * Technical BS Degree and 3-10 ... Knowledge of common vulnerabilities and attack vectors in aviation systems, including but not ...

BAE Systems

Contract Admin Sr

Hudson, NH · On-site

$82.78K - $140.72K/yr

... pilots to illuminating the night for soldiers. Spanning air, land, sea, and space, we are ... In Countermeasure & Electromagnetic Attack Solutions, we provide next-generation threat detection ...

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Freelance Air Attack Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do freelance air attack pilot jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance air attack 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Air Attack Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Air Attack Pilot, you need extensive flight experience, a commercial pilot's license, and specialized training in aerial firefighting operations. Familiarity with GPS navigation, radio communication systems, and firefighting-specific aircraft, as well as relevant certifications like the Interagency Air Tactical Group Supervisor (ATGS), is crucial. Exceptional decision-making, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills in this high-stakes role. These competencies ensure effective coordination with ground crews and safe, precise execution of wildfire suppression missions.

What are the typical challenges faced by Freelance Air Attack Pilots when coordinating with ground firefighting teams?

Freelance Air Attack Pilots often encounter challenges in real-time communication and coordination with ground teams, especially during fast-changing wildfire conditions. They must quickly interpret ground requests, relay accurate information to both air and ground crews, and adjust flight paths to ensure safety and effectiveness. Building trust with new ground teams is also essential, as freelancers may not always work with the same crew. Adaptability, clear communication, and situational awareness are crucial to overcoming these obstacles.

What is a Freelance Air Attack Pilot?

A Freelance Air Attack Pilot is a highly trained aviation professional who coordinates aerial firefighting operations, typically on a contract or project basis rather than as a permanent employee. They fly aircraft above wildfire incident areas, directing water or retardant drops by communicating with ground crews and other pilots. Their role is crucial in supporting firefighting efforts, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of aerial attacks on wildfires. These pilots must have extensive flight experience, specialized training in wildfire operations, and a strong understanding of fire behavior. Freelance Air Attack Pilots often work seasonally and may be contracted by government agencies or private firefighting companies.

What is the difference between Freelance Air Attack Pilot vs Firefighting Pilot?

AspectFreelance Air Attack PilotFirefighting Pilot
CredentialsCommercial pilot license, specific air attack trainingCommercial pilot license, firefighting aircraft training
Work EnvironmentVarious locations, contract-based, aerial firefighting missionsFire zones, often during wildfire seasons, working with firefighting agencies
Employer/IndustryIndependent contractors, firefighting companies, government agenciesFire departments, government agencies, firefighting contractors

Both roles require a commercial pilot license and specialized firefighting training. Freelance Air Attack Pilots operate independently across multiple locations, providing aerial support for firefighting efforts. Firefighting Pilots are typically employed or contracted by firefighting agencies, focusing on wildfire suppression. While their skills overlap, their employment settings and contractual arrangements differ.

More about Freelance Air Attack Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Air Attack Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Air Attack Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Air Attack Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Air Attack Pilot jobs are:
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Freelance Air Attack Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Air Attack Pilot job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Full Time, 73% Part Time, 9% Contract, and 9% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

TACTICAL AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE

Air National Guard Recruiting

Sheppard Air Force Base, TX • On-site

$30.25 - $39.25/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Enlisted Tactical Aircraft Maintenance

The Air Force employs hundreds of tactical aircraft to complete our missions, including fighters, strike-fighters and attack planes. It's the responsibility of Tactical Aircraft Maintenance specialists to ensure that every component of these high-performance aircraft is maintained to the most exacting standards. These experts ensure that the aircraft in their care are ready to fly at a moment's notice so that pilots can safely and effectively complete their mission.

What you'll do

  • Perform pre-, thru- and postflight inspections
  • Use automated technical data to diagnose and solve maintenance problems
  • Supervise and perform aircraft, engine and component inspections
  • Conduct functional tests of repaired engines
  • Supervise and assist in recovering aircrafts
  • Review maintenance data to spot potential trends

Training & Education

How do we transform you from a raw recruit to an expert Airman in this field? From hands-on experience to college credit toward a degree, the path begins here.

  • BASIC MILITARY TRAINING 7.5 weeks
  • AIRMEN'S WEEK 1 week
  • TECHNICAL TRAINING Length varies with aircraft
  • TECH SCHOOL LOCATION Sheppard AFB, TX

Key things to consider requirements

You must meet several requirements before joining the Air Force. These concern your background, overall health and other standards set by the Air Force, Department of Defense and federal law.

  • You must be 17–42 years of age, a U.S. citizen and obtain a qualifying ASVAB score. *High School Students may start their application as early as the end of their junior year. Applicants who are non-graduates or non-alternate credential holders must obtain an AFQT Test score of 65 or higher on the ASVAB.
  • 47 Mechanical (M)
    • Knowledge of principles applying to aircraft systems
    • Normal color vision
    • Completion of a current National Agency Check, Local Agency Checks and Credit
    • Completion of 7.5 weeks of Basic Military Training
    • Must be at least 17, but has not reached age 42 on the date of enlistment

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