How can I get an aerial firefighting job?

There is a shortage of pilots whose qualifications align with those of the role: namely, experience in flying single-engine air tankers, or SEATs. As an aerial firefighter, your duties include flying in treacherous conditions and tight spaces, such as canyons or along mountain ridges. To get an aerial firefighting job, you must complete ground school, a training program which prepares you to pass FAA tests and fly safely and confidently. Many pilots work as crop dusters to develop their skills and log the necessary hours of flying time. Others start by piloting observation aircraft and then transitioning into the aerial firefighter role.