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Full Time Air Attack Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

KBR, Inc.

AH-64E Instructor Pilot

Killeen, TX · On-site

S. Army programs, specializing in aviation and ground systems, integrated air and missile defense ... Our foreign military aviation training activity builds lethal attack helicopter units through ...

KBR

AH-64E Instructor Pilot

Killeen, TX · On-site

S. Army programs, specializing in aviation and ground systems, integrated air and missile defense ... Our foreign military aviation training activity builds lethal attack helicopter units through ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

Pilot - RW

Valdosta, GA · On-site

$106K - $117K/yr

HAA PILOT Full-Time Opportunity Pilot Incentives * $106,511 - $117,162 including 20% Geo Modifier ... Maintain accurate Air Evac Lifeteam and regulatory documentation and record keeping * Effectively ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

Pilot - RW

Valdosta, GA · On-site

$73K - $91K/yr

HAA PILOT Full-Time Opportunity Pilot Incentives * $106,511 - $117,162 including 20% Geo Modifier ... Maintain accurate Air Evac Lifeteam and regulatory documentation and record keeping * Effectively ...

Army National Guard Units

$131K - $171K/yr

All currently employed full-time permanent, indefinite and temporary personnel of the Texas Army ... air; air-to- ground; mortar-to-arm escort; surveillance; reconnaissance; surface attack; killer ...

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Full Time Air Attack Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do full time air attack pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time 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 Full Time Air Attack Pilots?

Full Time Air Attack Pilots are specialized pilots who operate aircraft to coordinate and direct aerial firefighting operations. They fly above wildfires to observe fire behavior, communicate with ground and air crews, and help deploy resources such as water bombers or helicopters. Their role is critical for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of firefighting missions, as they provide real-time intelligence and guidance. These pilots often work for government agencies, forestry services, or private contractors, and require extensive training in both aviation and wildfire management.

What is the difference between Full Time Air Attack Pilot vs Part Time Air Attack Pilot?

AspectFull Time Air Attack PilotPart Time Air Attack Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, specific firefighting certificationsSame certifications, but may have less recent experience
Work EnvironmentFull-time employment, year-round or seasonal firefighting operationsOn-call or seasonal, limited hours
Employer & Industry UsageEmployed by firefighting agencies or private contractorsOften contracted or freelance roles within firefighting industry

Full Time Air Attack Pilots are employed on a permanent basis with consistent schedules, providing ongoing aerial support during firefighting seasons. In contrast, Part Time Air Attack Pilots work intermittently, often on a contractual or seasonal basis, with less consistent hours. Both roles require similar certifications and operate in the same industry environment, but differ mainly in employment structure and commitment level.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Full Time Air Attack Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Full Time Air Attack Pilot, you need an FAA commercial or airline transport pilot certificate, extensive experience in low-level and aerial firefighting operations, and strong situational awareness. Familiarity with specialized aircraft, GPS navigation systems, radio communication protocols, and often an Interagency Air Attack or similar certification is required. Excellent decision-making, teamwork, and stress management skills help pilots operate safely during high-pressure wildfire incidents. These qualifications and skills are critical for ensuring effective aerial coordination, protecting ground crews, and maximizing the safety and success of wildfire suppression missions.

What are some unique challenges Air Attack Pilots face during wildfire operations, and how do teams support each other in these situations?

Air Attack Pilots often operate in high-stress environments, flying low and slow over unpredictable terrain while coordinating closely with ground crews and other aircraft. Rapidly changing weather, smoke, and fire behavior demand constant vigilance and quick decision-making. To manage these challenges, pilots work within highly coordinated teams, relying on clear communication and support from ground dispatch, air operations, and spotters to ensure safety and effectiveness. Ongoing training and debriefings help teams learn from each mission and strengthen collaboration.
More about Full Time Air Attack Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Full Time Air Attack Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Full Time 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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Full Time Air Attack Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Air Attack Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Large Airtanker Pilot - C-130 IA Captain

Coulson Aviation

Portland, OR • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Large Airtanker Pilot – C-130 Initial Attack

Coulson Aviation

When wildfires ignite, you’re among the first in the air.

Coulson Aviation is seeking exceptional C-130 Initial Attack Airtanker Captains to join our world-class aerial firefighting team. If you bring prior C-130 PIC experience or are USFS Initial Attack (IA) carded as an Airtanker Captain, this is your opportunity to fly one of the most powerful and capable aerial firefighting platforms in service today.

This is a mission-critical role supporting rapid initial attack wildfire suppression, complex fire environments, and large-scale coordinated aerial operations. If you thrive in high-tempo operations, precision low-level flying, and dynamic multi-aircraft environments, this is where your experience truly matters.

Why This Role Matters

Initial attack saves forests, communities, and lives.
As a C-130 Initial Attack Pilot, your decisions and execution in the first hours of a fire can change the outcome entirely. You’ll be entrusted with one of the most capable firefighting aircraft in the world, operating at the sharp end of wildfire response. Supporting ground firefighters is our passion, and we need you to help us help them—so together, we can protect our communities and our state and national forest lands, not only here at home, but internationally as well

The Mission

Conduct time-critical wildfire response missions delivering retardant with our specialized water/retardant dropping tanking systems in the most challenging terrain and congested airspace environments you’ll see as a professional aviator. You’ll work shoulder-to-shoulder with Air Attack, ground resources, and agency partners to slow fire growth when it matters most.

Key Responsibilities

  • Execute initial attack aerial firefighting missions in the C-130 Airtanker with precision, discipline, and professionalism
  • Operate at low level in mountainous and high-threat environments in accordance with approved SOPs and tactics
  • Coordinate closely with Air Attack to manage complex, congested fire traffic areas
  • Identify, assess, and mitigate operational hazards while actively supporting the Safety Management System (SMS)
  • Maintain aircraft and crew readiness for rapid deployment during peak fire activity
  • Complete flight logs, mission records, and required operational documentation
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of wildfire tactics, SOPs, and operational procedures

Qualifications

Required

  • FAA ATP, or FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating appropriate to C-130 operations
  • 2,000+ hours total flight time
  • 1,000+ hours of multi-engine experience
  • 500 hours of IFR experience

Preferred

  • 4,000+ hours total flight time
  • Previous C-130, LAT, or VLAT experience
  • Initial Attack aerial firefighting experience
  • Low-level tactical flying in complex or mountainous terrain
  • Multi-crew, crew-resource-management–intensive cockpit experience

What Sets You Apart

  • Exceptional CRM, threat and error management, and sound aeronautical decision-making
  • Calm, decisive communicator under pressure
  • High situational awareness in rapidly evolving fire environments
  • Safety-driven, mission-focused, and ready for on-call deployment during peak fire seasons

Ready to be first over the fire?

Apply now and join the front line of aerial wildfire suppression with Coulson Aviation.