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Temporary 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 Methods

Temporary Helicopter Pilot

Taos, NM · On-site

$87K - $109K/yr

Temporary Rotor Wing Pilot - TriState Careflight Taos, NM EMS Air Medical Aircraft: AS350 (VFR) 110 ... As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us ...

Air Methods

Temporary Helicopter Pilot

Taos, NM · On-site

$87K - $109K/yr

Overview Temporary Rotor Wing Pilot - TriState Careflight Taos, NM EMS Air Medical Aircraft: AS350 ... As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us ...

Air Methods

Temporary Helicopter Pilot

Taos, NM

$87K - $109K/yr

Temporary Rotor Wing Pilot - TriState Careflight Taos, NM EMS Air Medical Aircraft: AS350 (VFR) 110 ... As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us ...

Air Methods

Temporary Fixed Wing Pilot

Farmington, NM · On-site

Overview Temporary Fixed Wing Pilot EMS Air Ambulance Aircraft: PC12 (IFR) $50,000 Base Stipend + Off-Duty Housing + $15,000 Sign-on Bonus AIR METHODS: GO ABOVE AND BEYOND HERE! Be a part of ...

Air Methods

Temporary Fixed Wing Pilot

Farmington, NM · On-site

Temporary Fixed Wing Pilot EMS Air Ambulance Aircraft: PC12 (IFR) $50,000 Base Stipend + Off-Duty Housing + $15,000 Sign-on Bonus AIR METHODS: GO ABOVE AND BEYOND HERE! Be a part of something bigger ...

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Temporary Air Attack Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

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

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for temporary 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 is the difference between Temporary Air Attack Pilot vs Helicopter Firefighter Pilot?

AspectTemporary Air Attack PilotHelicopter Firefighter Pilot
CredentialsCommercial Pilot Certificate, specific firefighting or aerial application trainingCommercial Pilot Certificate, firefighting helicopter training
Work EnvironmentWildfire suppression, aerial firefighting, often in remote areasFirefighting missions, often in rugged terrains and during wildfire seasons
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, firefighting contractors, forestry servicesFire departments, forestry agencies, specialized firefighting companies

While both roles involve aerial firefighting, a Temporary Air Attack Pilot primarily coordinates and directs firefighting efforts from the air, whereas a Helicopter Firefighter Pilot actively engages in flying firefighting missions. The main differences lie in their specific responsibilities and training focus, but both require similar certifications and work in wildfire suppression environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Temporary Air Attack Pilots during wildfire season?

Temporary Air Attack Pilots often face rapidly changing weather conditions, limited visibility due to smoke, and the need to make quick decisions in high-pressure environments. Coordination with ground crews, other aircraft, and incident commanders is crucial, requiring strong communication skills and situational awareness. Additionally, long shifts during peak fire activity and the temporary nature of the role can make work-life balance and job security more challenging compared to permanent positions.

What are Temporary Air Attack Pilots?

Temporary Air Attack Pilots are specialized pilots who are hired on a seasonal or short-term basis, primarily to assist in aerial firefighting operations. Their main role is to coordinate and direct air resources, such as airtankers and helicopters, over wildfires. They fly aircraft that serve as aerial command and control platforms, guiding the strategic deployment of fire retardant and water drops. These pilots often work closely with ground firefighting crews to ensure effective communication and safety during fire suppression efforts.

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

To thrive as a Temporary Air Attack Pilot, you need a commercial pilot's license, extensive experience in low-level flying, and thorough knowledge of aerial firefighting tactics. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, aerial communication equipment, and fire mapping software is crucial. Strong decision-making, situational awareness, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These capabilities are vital to ensure safe, coordinated, and effective aerial support in high-pressure wildfire suppression operations.
What cities are hiring for Temporary Air Attack Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Temporary 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:
What states have the most Temporary Air Attack Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Temporary Air Attack Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Temporary Air Attack Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Temporary Air Attack Pilot jobs are:
Temporary Air Attack Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Air Attack Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% 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 29 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.