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Full Time Air Tanker Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Air New England is a dynamic and safety-focused Part 135 charter operator based inPortsmouth, New Hampshire, seeking a skilled and experienced full-time pilot to join ourgrowing team. This position ...

AEL Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Fayetteville, GA · On-site

$79K - $98K/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 ...

Rotor Wing Pilot

Woodward, OK · On-site

$134K - $147K/yr

HAA PILOT Full-Time Opportunity $245,000 Total Potential. 7/7. Missions that matter. Pilot ... Maintain accurate Air Evac Lifeteam and regulatory documentation and record keeping * Effectively ...

Rotor Wing Pilot

De Queen, AR · On-site

$134K - $147K/yr

HAA PILOT Full-Time Opportunity $245,000 Total Potential. 7/7. Missions that matter. Pilot ... Maintain accurate Air Evac Lifeteam and regulatory documentation and record keeping * Effectively ...

Rotor Wing Pilot

De Queen, AR · On-site

$85K - $106K/yr

HAA PILOT Full-Time Opportunity $245,000 Total Potential. 7/7. Missions that matter. Pilot ... Maintain accurate Air Evac Lifeteam and regulatory documentation and record keeping * Effectively ...

Rotor Wing Pilot

Woodward, OK

$77K - $96K/yr

HAA PILOT Full-Time Opportunity $245,000 Total Potential. 7/7. Missions that matter. Pilot ... Maintain accurate Air Evac Lifeteam and regulatory documentation and record keeping * Effectively ...

Rotor Wing Pilot

Woodward, OK · On-site

$77K - $96K/yr

HAA PILOT Full-Time Opportunity $245,000 Total Potential. 7/7. Missions that matter. Pilot ... Maintain accurate Air Evac Lifeteam and regulatory documentation and record keeping * Effectively ...

Rotor Wing Pilot

De Queen, AR · On-site

$85K - $106K/yr

HAA PILOT Full-Time Opportunity $245,000 Total Potential. 7/7. Missions that matter. Pilot ... Maintain accurate Air Evac Lifeteam and regulatory documentation and record keeping * Effectively ...

AEL Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Olney, IL · On-site

$84K - $105K/yr

HAA PILOT Full-Time Opportunity $225,000 Total Potential. 7/7. Missions that matter. Pilot ... Maintain accurate Air Evac Lifeteam and regulatory documentation and record keeping * Effectively ...

Showing results 21-40

Full Time Air Tanker Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

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

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time air tanker 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 is a full time air tanker pilot?

A Full Time Air Tanker Pilot is a professional aviator who operates specialized aircraft equipped to carry and drop large quantities of water or fire retardant over wildfires. These pilots play a critical role in wildfire suppression, working closely with ground crews to contain and control fires. Their job involves flying in challenging conditions, often at low altitudes and in remote locations. In addition to flying, they are responsible for pre-flight planning, safety checks, and maintaining communication with firefighting teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time air tanker pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Full Time Air Tanker Pilot, you need extensive flight experience, a commercial pilot’s license with multi-engine and instrument ratings, and specialized training in aerial firefighting operations. Familiarity with avionics, GPS navigation, and fire retardant delivery systems is typically required, along with certifications such as an FAA Part 137 Agricultural Aircraft Operator Certificate. Strong situational awareness, decision-making under pressure, and teamwork are crucial soft skills in this high-risk environment. These abilities are essential for safely and effectively executing complex firefighting missions in dynamic and hazardous conditions.

What are some of the unique challenges faced by full time air tanker pilots during wildfire season?

Full-time air tanker pilots often encounter rapidly changing weather, smoke-obscured visibility, and rugged terrain, making each mission highly dynamic and demanding. During wildfire season, pilots must remain vigilant for hazards such as strong updrafts, downdrafts, and other aircraft operating in close proximity. Effective communication with ground crews and other aerial units is crucial, as is the ability to make quick decisions under pressure. Additionally, the role often involves extended periods away from home and irregular hours, especially during peak fire activity.

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

AspectFull Time Air Tanker PilotPart Time Air Tanker Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, Type Ratings for Tanker AircraftSame as full time, but may have less frequent training
Work EnvironmentSeasonal firefighting operations, full-time employmentOn-call basis, limited seasonal work
Employer & Industry UsageFirefighting companies, government agenciesSame as full time, often contracted or freelance

Full Time Air Tanker Pilots are employed year-round or seasonally with a consistent schedule, holding full certifications and working directly for firefighting agencies. Part Time Air Tanker Pilots operate on an on-call basis, often with similar certifications but with less regular hours and employment stability. Both roles require specialized skills and certifications, but differ mainly in work commitment and employment structure.

More about Full Time Air Tanker Pilot jobs

What cities are hiring for Full Time Air Tanker Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Full Time Air Tanker Pilot job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Air Tanker Pilot jobs?

The most popular types of Air Tanker Pilot jobs are:

What states have the most Full Time Air Tanker Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Full Time Air Tanker Pilot jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Full Time Air Tanker Pilot jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Full Time Air Tanker Pilot jobs are:

Infographic showing various Full Time Air Tanker Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

KC-46 Pilot Instructor

FlightSafety International

Altus Air Force Base, OK • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


FlightSafety International rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 225 rated education and training


Job description

Salary Range: [[salaryMin]] - [[salaryMax]]

Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate's qualifications, education, skills, and experience as well as market demands. These factors impact the salary/wage offered. 

Benefits:

FlightSafety offers a competitive total rewards package, which includes vacation, sick leave, a 401k match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits.

About FlightSafety International      

FlightSafety International is the world’s premier professional aviation training company and supplier of flight simulators, visual systems and displays to commercial, government and military organizations. The company provides training for pilots, technicians and other aviation professionals from 167 countries and independent territories. FlightSafety operates the world’s largest fleet of advanced full-flight simulators and award-winning maintenance training at Learning Centers and training locations in the United States, Canada, France and the United Kingdom.

About FlightSafety International

FlightSafety International is the world’s premier professional aviation training company and supplier of flight simulators, visual systems and displays to commercial, government and military organizations. The company provides training for pilots, technicians and other aviation professionals from 167 countries and independent territories. FlightSafety operates the world’s largest fleet of advanced full-flight simulators and award-winning maintenance training at Learning Centers and training locations in the United States, Canada, France and the United Kingdom.

KC-46 - Pilot Instructor

 

Purpose of position:

The Pilot Instructor is responsible for the accomplishment of all simulator-based training in the Weapon System Trainer (WST), including pre-briefings and debriefings, for U.S. Air Force and Allied Nation KC-46 Pilots attending Initial, Upgrade, Requalification, and Refresher training, as well as Maintenance Personnel attending Engine Run Initial Qualification and Refresher Training .  Duties include instructing and measuring training progress of Pilot and Maintenance students who attend established aircrew training curricula.  

 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

  • Conduct all Initial, Upgrade, Requalification, and Refresher training using devices, such as a classroom, Pilot Part Task Trainer (PTTP), Boom Operator Part Task Trainer (PTTB), Boom Operator Trainer (BOT), Fuselage Trainer (FuT), WST, and KC-46 aircraft. 
  • Conduct other ground-based training, as required, for Aircrew Members in tanker and receiver operating procedures, including diagnosis and remediation of student problems. 
  • Conduct Initial and Recurring training for Maintenance Personnel attending Engine Run courses. 
  • Conduct briefings, debriefings, and perform counseling with Aircrew Members and Maintenance Personnel to develop and maintain the highest level of student technical acumen and proficiency. 
  • Extract student data, analyze results, and prepare for student review sessions. 
  • Serve as KC-46 Pilot Subject Matter Expert (SME) for students and other applicable personnel, as required. 
  • Maintain exceptional standards of instruction, knowledge levels, capabilities, and expertise. 
  • Develop and maintain exceptional knowledge of KC-46 aircraft systems and operating procedures. 
  • Consistently display exceptional knowledge and application of instructional principles and theories pertaining to aircrew training systems. 
  • Provide inputs for courseware corrections and modifications, along with updates to training policies and procedures. 
  • Operate Student Management System. 
  • Other duties as assigned. 

 

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor’s Degree, or four years combination of education and experience in addition to what is listed below. 

 

Minimum Experience:

Experience as a qualified Receiver Air-to-Air Refueling (AAR) Pilot Flight Instructor, or as a Receiver AAR Aircrew Training System (ATS) Instructor.  Either position must have been held within 5 years of the date of assignment to the KC-46 ATS.  Shall have logged a minimum of 200 flying hours in U.S. Air Force or Allied Nation receiver aircraft, or equivalent flight simulator, with at least 50% occurring in the aircraft.  Tanker AAR Pilot Instructor experience is highly desirable.  Type rating in B-767 preferred. 

 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Morally and ethically influence others to successfully achieve program goals. 
  • Fluently read, write, speak, and understand English. 
  • Display excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
  • Possess the ability to interface with students and provide on-the-spot remediation, or determine other courses of action, as necessary. 
  • Possess basic knowledge of personal computers and software applications, such as word processing applications, spreadsheets, and databases. 
  • Successfully accomplish an annual internal standardization evaluation. 
  • Currently possess, or demonstrate the ability to obtain, a SECRET clearance. 

 

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the teammate is regularly required to sit, use their hands and fingers, to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  The teammate must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.  The teammate must have close and distance vision and the ability to adjust focus.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

FlightSafety is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

This position may require access to information that is subject to compliance with the U.S. export regulations including but not limited to the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regulations. For roles subject to these regulations, applicants must qualify as a U.S. Person, or FlightSafety must be granted the appropriate authorization from the governing agencies whose technology and information comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires the approval of an export license will be conditional on FlightSafety International’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a timeframe consistent with our business requirements. A “U.S. Person” according to the applicable definitions is a U.S. Citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee.  

FlightSafety is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of required compliance reviews, including verification that the candidate is not prohibited from employment under U.S. economic sanctions programs administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

This position may require access to export-controlled technology or services subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Employment consideration and any offer of employment are contingent upon the applicant’s ability to comply with these requirements, including qualifying as a “U.S. Person” under applicable regulations or otherwise eligible for export authorization within a timeframe consistent with business needs. A “U.S. Person” includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (holders of approved and unexpired green cards), and certain refugees or asylees with protected status under U.S. law.

This position may also require eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance for the duration of employment.

Cybersecurity Notice: All official recruiting communication from FlightSafety International will come from an @flightsafety.com email address.  FlightSafety International will never ask for personal or financial information through social media or third-party email providers.

Washington State Candidates: To report concerns or corrections regarding pay transparency compliance for this posting, please contact us at PayTransparency@flightsafety.com. 


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