| Aspect | Full Time Air Tanker Pilot | Part Time Air Tanker Pilot |
|---|
| Certifications | Commercial Pilot License, Type Ratings for Tanker Aircraft | Same as full time, but may have less frequent training |
| Work Environment | Seasonal firefighting operations, full-time employment | On-call basis, limited seasonal work |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Firefighting companies, government agencies | Same 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.