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Aerial Firefighting Captain – King Air (Seasonal)

Aerial Firefighting Captain – King Air

Step into a mission-first flying role where your skill, judgement, and calm under pressure directly protect communities and wildlands. As a King Air Captain in our seasonal aerial firefighting program, you will lead high-tempo operations across the Western U.S., based from Chino, California.

  • Employment: Seasonal
  • Base: Chino, California (relocation required)
  • Operations Area: Western U.S. fire theaters; frequent, short‑notice travel between incidents
  • Type Rating: Not required — training provided (NTR)
  • Regulatory: Part 135; PIC qualified under IFR
  • Pilot Carding: Eligibility for Interagency Pilot Qualification Card (pilot carding process)
  • Licensing: CPL, IR, ME — FAA holders
  • Medical: Class 2

✈️ The Mission

Command a Beechcraft King Air in support of aerial wildfire operations, flying dynamic profiles from low‑level reconnaissance to IFR repositioning. You’ll integrate with interagency air and ground teams, apply disciplined risk management, and deliver safe, precise outcomes in challenging terrain and rapidly changing conditions.

🧭 What You’ll Do

  • Serve as PIC of Beechcraft King Air aircraft on wildfire missions under Part 135.
  • Execute low‑level and mountainous operations (< 2,500’ AGL per 14 CFR 95.11), night, cross‑country, and IFR sorties.
  • Relocate rapidly between incident bases; independently arrange travel on short notice as mission demands.
  • Complete and maintain interagency pilot carding; coordinate seamlessly with air attack, ground operations, and dispatch.
  • Uphold strict safety standards, SOPs, and documentation to ensure mission readiness and compliance.

🧰 Minimum Qualifications

  • Total Time: 1,500 hours
  • PIC Time: 1,200 hours
  • PIC in Type (King Air): 250 hours
  • IFR PIC Eligibility: Meets Part 135.243 PIC under IFR
  • Low‑Level/Mountain: 200 hours PIC below 2,500’ AGL (per 14 CFR 95.11)
  • Night: 200 hours PIC
  • Cross‑Country: 500 hours PIC
  • Instrument (in flight): 50 hours PIC
  • Instrument (simulated): 75 hours PIC
  • Recent Experience: 100 hours PIC multi‑engine fixed wing in the last 12 months; 10 hours PIC in Beechcraft King Air make/model in the last 12 months
  • Licenses: CPL, IR, ME (FAA)
  • Medical: Class 2
  • Type Rating: Not required — training provided

🌟 What Sets This Role Apart

  • Meaningful flying with a visible impact on communities and natural resources.
  • Operate a proven King Air platform with mission‑specific instruction and support.
  • Seasonal tempo, diverse terrain, and varied mission profiles across the Western U.S.

📨 How to Apply

Ready to lead from the left seat? Submit your resume and a current flight‑time breakdown demonstrating the minimums and recency above. Candidates must be eligible for interagency pilot carding and willing to relocate to Chino, CA. Short‑notice travel between fire locations is an essential function of this role.

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