Aerial Firefighting Captain – CL‑415EAF (Initial Attack PIC)

✈️ Aerial Firefighting Captain – CL‑415EAF (Initial Attack PIC)

Join our Initial Attack team as the Pilot‑in‑Command of a CL‑415EAF amphibious waterbomber. You’ll lead rapid‑response wildfire missions under VFR and IFR, exercising excellent judgment in fast‑changing environments to complete the mission safely and in full compliance with procedures.

Employment: Permanent
Operation: Initial Attack (AKI) Aerial Firefighting
Aircraft: CL‑415EAF Amphibious Waterbomber
Type Rating: Required
Rules: VFR / IFR
Eligibility: Open to FAA license holders
Security: AOA badge issued by Bozeman‑Yellowstone Intl Airport required
Travel: Valid passport required

🧭 The Mission

As the Initial Attack (AKI) Captain and PIC, you will lead high‑tempo wildfire suppression sorties—planning, briefing, and executing scooping and drop operations while coordinating with Air Attack and ground resources. You’ll balance speed with precision, adapt to shifting weather, terrain, and fire behavior, and model an uncompromising safety mindset.

🧰 What You’ll Do

Serve as PIC on the CL‑415EAF for Initial Attack waterbombing missions under VFR/IFR.
Plan and execute scoops and precision retardant/water drops in mountainous and variable conditions.
Apply risk management, terrain analysis, and performance planning to ensure safe outcomes.
Coordinate with Air Attack/ATGS, dispatch, and ground operations for effective mission integration.
Lead cockpit resource management, standardization, and checklist discipline.
Maintain currency, training, and aircraft readiness; uphold regulatory and company standards.

🌟 What You Bring

Minimum qualifications

Total Time: 2,500 hours
PIC Time: 1,200 hours
Multi‑Engine: 500 hours
In Type / Scooping: 200 hours on CL‑415/415EAF or in water‑scooping aircraft
Sea Time: 500 hours airplane single‑ or multiengine sea
Fire Seasons: 2 seasons
PIC Seaplane: 200 hours or two years as PIC on CL‑415/215T
Mountain Time: 200 hours PIC in mountainous terrain
Heavy Aircraft: 100 hours PIC on aircraft > 12,500 lbs
Currency: 100 hours PIC airplane within the past 365 days
Licenses & Ratings: FAA CPL, Instrument Rating, Multi‑Engine, and Float (Seaplane) Rating
Medical: Class 2
Type Rating: CL‑415EAF type rating required

Preferred

Total Time: 4,000+ hours

🏅 Why This Role

Mission‑driven flying that directly protects communities and natural resources.
Operate a world‑class amphibious waterbomber in complex, rewarding aerial firefighting operations.
Strong safety culture, professional standards, and teamwork at every level.

📨 How to Apply

Ready to lead from the left seat on the CL‑415EAF? Submit your resume with a flight time summary and currency details. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted with next steps, including security vetting for the Bozeman‑Yellowstone Intl Airport AOA badge.

Job has expired Open the PASS assessment preparation

Bridger Aerospace

Aerial Firefighting Captain – CL‑415EAF (Initial Attack PIC)