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Temporary Air Attack Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Helicopter Pilot

Show Low, AZ ยท On-site

$85K - $106K/yr

As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us ... With cooler temps, stunning starry skies, and endless outdoor recreation, Show Low blends small ...

Helicopter Pilot

Show Low, AZ ยท On-site

$85K - $106K/yr

As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us ... With cooler temps, stunning starry skies, and endless outdoor recreation, Show Low blends small ...

TEMPORARY POSITION** AIR METHODS: GO ABOVE AND BEYOND HERE! As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us to serve our communities. We are ...

Helicopter Pilot

Show Low, AZ

$85K - $106K/yr

Rotor Wing Pilot - Native Air Show Low, AZ EMS Air Medical Aircraft: AS350 (VFR) $15,000 Annual ... With cooler temps, stunning starry skies, and endless outdoor recreation, Show Low blends small ...

Helicopter Pilot

Show Low, AZ ยท On-site

$85K - $106K/yr

As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us ... With cooler temps, stunning starry skies, and endless outdoor recreation, Show Low blends small ...

Helicopter Pilot

Show Low, AZ ยท On-site

$85K - $106K/yr

As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us ... With cooler temps, stunning starry skies, and endless outdoor recreation, Show Low blends small ...

Helicopter Pilot

Show Low, AZ

$85K - $106K/yr

As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us ... With cooler temps, stunning starry skies, and endless outdoor recreation, Show Low blends small ...

Helicopter Pilot

Show Low, AZ ยท On-site

$85K - $106K/yr

Rotor Wing Pilot - Native Air Show Low, AZ EMS Air Medical Aircraft: AS350 (VFR) $15,000 Annual ... With cooler temps, stunning starry skies, and endless outdoor recreation, Show Low blends small ...

Helicopter Pilot

Show Low, AZ ยท On-site

$85K - $106K/yr

Rotor Wing Pilot - Native Air Show Low, AZ EMS Air Medical Aircraft: AS350 (VFR) $15,000 Annual ... With cooler temps, stunning starry skies, and endless outdoor recreation, Show Low blends small ...

Helicopter Pilot

Show Low, AZ

$85K - $106K/yr

Rotor Wing Pilot - Native Air Show Low, AZ EMS Air Medical Aircraft: AS350 (VFR) $15,000 Annual ... With cooler temps, stunning starry skies, and endless outdoor recreation, Show Low blends small ...

Helicopter Pilot

Show Low, AZ

$85K - $106K/yr

As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us ... With cooler temps, stunning starry skies, and endless outdoor recreation, Show Low blends small ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 18, 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 a temporary air attack pilot?

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?

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 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Temporary Air Attack Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% 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.

F-16 Ferry Pilot - TEMPORARY

Top Aces Corporation

Mesa, AZ โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

F-16 Ferry Pilot is responsible for mission planning, briefing, execution, and debriefing missions in support of the safe and efficient movement of F-16 Aircraft between designated locations via preplanned routing and multiple sorties. As an experienced F-16 Pilot, this role will conduct aircraft delivery missions consisting of multiple sorties with individual flight durations of up to eight (8) hours. International operations may include departures, transits, arrivals, potential diversions, and landings at international airports throughout Europe, Africa, and South America. The information below is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required for this position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Perform mission planning in preparation for F-16 AOS movement as directed by authorized planning agency.
  • Accomplish necessary ground training prior to flights.
  • Deploy as required to support mission and contract requirements.
  • Act as or support personnel responsible for flight safety, training, scheduling, standardization and evaluation, or other Program Management duties as needed.
  • Adhere to all directions provided by the Chief Pilot, Director of OPS, AOS Director and Ferry Flight F-16 Flight Lead as well as the Contract Requesting Official (CRO).
  • Adhere to OSHA and OH&S requirements, demonstrate proper use of PPE, safety systems, and tools.
  • Report hazards (such as unsafe situations and activities) and other safety concerns as soon as humanly possible to supervisor and through Company’s Safety Management System (SMS).
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

  • Previously qualified US DoD-trained F-16 pilot or equivalent allied training program.
  • Previously qualified in Air-to-Air Refueling in the F-16.
  • 500 hours Pilot In Command (PIC) of any fixed wing DoD (or Allied) fighter aircraft.
  • TAC F-16 pilots will have valid U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) or military qualifications and currencies for F-16.
  • Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines while fostering a positive attitude.
  • Must have strong problem-solving abilities.
  • Proficient in the English language with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Must be proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Must be able to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
  • Must be able to travel within the US and internationally.
  • Must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of a F-16 Ferry Pilot in daily work performance.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a US security clearance at the secret level, or NATO equivalent.
  • Must not be barred from any military installation.

CERTIFICATIONS / LICENSES

  • FAA instrument Currency, EASA Instrument Currency, or DoD military F-16 currency.
  • Second Class Medical Certificate or DoD equivalent medical clearance.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • 1,000 hours PIC in F-16
  • 500 hours as an F-16 Instructor Pilot
  • Previous performance of a trans-oceanic fighter aircraft AOS movement as Pilot in Command
  • Functional Check Flight (FCF) qualification
  • Squadron Command experience
  • FAA CFI (I) Certificate

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Must be able to work in various weather environments and conditions.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
  • Must be able to stand, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, sit, talk, walk, hear, see, and reach with hands and arms.
  • This position requires close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
  • This role is performed around loud noises and hazardous chemicals with exposure to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risks of electrical shock. The F-16 Ferry Pilot must be able to work in environments with exposure to noise, chemicals, dust, and varying weather conditions.

TEMPORARY ASSIGNMENT NOTICE

This is a temporary position established to support the completion of specific contract-related deliverables. The assignment is anticipated to last approximately 9–14 days and is expected to conclude upon completion of the required deliverables. The anticipated duration is an estimate and may vary based on operational and contractual requirements.