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Helicopter Firefighting Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

$103.60 - $172.67/hr

Airbus helicopters are essential aircrafts for first responders, firefighters, public service ... Total Helicopter flight time: 1500 hours * Total flight time as Pilot-In-Command (PIC): 1000 flight ...

Helicopter Firefighting information

What is helicopter firefighting?

A helicopter firefighting job involves piloting or assisting in aerial operations to combat wildfires and other large-scale fires. These professionals use helicopters to drop water or fire retardant, transport firefighters and equipment, and conduct reconnaissance of fire-prone areas. Pilots and crew members must have specialized training in wildfire behavior, aviation safety, and emergency response. The job requires physical endurance, quick decision-making, and adherence to strict safety protocols. Helicopter firefighting is a critical part of wildfire management and often demands long hours in challenging conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in helicopter firefighting?

To excel in Helicopter Firefighting, you need a strong background in aviation, emergency response, and firefighting procedures, often requiring a commercial pilot’s license and specialized fire suppression training. Familiarity with helicopter avionics, water-dropping systems, and safety protocols is crucial, along with certifications such as FAA ratings and wildfire firefighting courses. Superior teamwork, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential soft skills in this demanding field. These qualifications ensure operational safety, effective fire suppression, and the ability to respond rapidly to changing wildfire conditions.

What are the typical challenges faced by helicopter firefighting crews?

Helicopter firefighting crews often work in rapidly changing and hazardous environments, facing challenges such as unpredictable weather, limited visibility due to smoke, and difficult terrain for navigation. Team members must coordinate closely with ground firefighting teams and follow precise communication protocols for safety and mission success. Long shifts, physical demands, and heightened stress levels during active wildfire seasons are also common. However, many find the role deeply rewarding due to its critical impact on protecting communities and natural resources.

Infographic showing various Helicopter Firefighting job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Production Test Pilot (d/f/m)

Airbus

On-site

$103.60 - $172.67/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Airbus rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Job Description

In order to manage current and future projects, Airbus Helicopters Donauwörth is looking for you to join the team in Donauwörth as soon as possible as our new Production Test Pilot (d/f/m). Airbus helicopters are essential aircrafts for first responders, firefighters, public service operators and military customers flying critical missions across the globe. Shape the future of flight and join our Airbus Helicopters Production Flight (Flight Test) Team!

Your tasks and responsibilities
  • Conducting production test flights
  • Conducting certification test flights
  • Handover and induction flights with customers
  • Ferry flights of helicopters with subsequent handover to the customer
  • Implementation of current rules and regulations into Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH flight operations
  • Reportings in written form
  • Project support for obtaining certification
Technical Requirements & Qualifications
  • Licensing: EASA ATPL(H) or CPL(H), IFR Flight Test Rating Category 1 or 2
  • Class 1 Medical
  • Total Helicopter flight time: 1500 hours
  • Total flight time as Pilot-In-Command (PIC): 1000 flight hours
  • Total flight time on Turbine Helicopters: 1000 flight hours
  • Type Rating: H135/145, Tiger, NH90, CH53- a minimum of one type rating is required
Soft Skills & Language Proficiency
  • Personal Attributes: Flexibility, mobility, resilience and ability to work in a team
  • Language Skills: Business fluent in English and German
Your benefits
  • Being part of the world market leader
  • Exciting tasks involving unique products and services
  • Working time model: Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week, 30 vacation days
  • Working environment: Mostly local, occasionally international for e. g. ferry flights or campaigns (travel allowance)
  • Competitive salary inclusive special payments
  • Company pension plan, health and mobility benefits (subsidized health activities and fitness memberships, car/ bike leasing)
  • Professional development
  • Secure job with long-term prospects in a high-tech environment
  • Relocation support
Your location

At our Donauwörth site, located on the banks of the river Danube, we develop helicopters from the initial idea to the airworthy product. Watch them take off and touch down on our own on-site test airfield. Shape the future of flight.

Company

AIRBUS HELICOPTERS DEUTSCHLAND GmbH

Employment Type

Permanent

Experience Level

Professional

Job Family

Testing

Equal Opportunities and Diversity

Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief. Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to emsom@airbus.com.

Application Deadline

Please note that we are currently on company holiday and will not be able to get back to you until August 17, 2026.

Notice

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Miscellaneous

At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking. Airbus pioneers sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. The Company constantly innovates to provide efficient and technologically-advanced solutions in aerospace, defence, and connected services. In commercial aircraft, Airbus offers modern and fuel-efficient airliners and associated services. Airbus is also a European leader in defence and security and one of the world's leading space businesses. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions and services worldwide. From sending your resume to participating in successful interviews, here you can access all important pieces of information to guide you in your candidate journey.

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