Aerial Firefighting Pilot (RJ85 Air Tanker)

✈️ Your Mission

Support wildfire suppression across the United States by safely and precisely delivering aerial retardant, executing standardized multi-crew operations, and representing Aero-Flite’s mission, vision, and values in the air and on the ground.

🧭 What You’ll Do

• Operate the RJ85 safely and professionally in a two-pilot crew under the direction of the Pilot in Command and Chief Pilot.
• Execute wildfire missions, including accurate retardant drops, in coordination with ATC and incident air resources.
• Conduct thorough flight planning, loading, and aircraft-performance calculations in accordance with company and agency SOPs.
• Maintain regulatory, agency, and company-policy compliance at all times.
• Verify aircraft airworthiness, monitor aircraft systems and performance, and promptly report discrepancies to the PIC.
• Communicate clearly and timely with the PIC, dispatch, ATC, and fire partners; continuously assess crew performance and risk.
• Respect aircraft limitations, treat equipment with care, and model conservative aeronautical decision-making.
• Support maintenance flights, aircraft cleaning, and pre-/post-season preparation.
• Participate in demonstrations, public-service events, outreach, and tours for the firefighting community and general public.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Pilot.

🧰 What You’ll Bring (Minimum Qualifications)

• Certificates/Medical: FAA Commercial Pilot certificate with Multiengine Land; FAA Class II medical. ATP preferred.
• Total Flight Time: 3,000 hours in airplanes.
• PIC: 1,000 hours PIC, including 200 hours PIC multiengine and 200 hours PIC multi-crew.
• Recent/Instrument: 100 hours in airplanes in the preceding 12 months; 75 hours actual or simulated instrument.
• Work Authorization: U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the United States; valid passport and driver license; eligible for SIDA badge.
• Operational Expertise: Off-airport, IFR, and multi-crew operations; FAA regulations and procedures; aircraft systems; human factors and risk assessment; customer service principles.
• Professional Skills: Conservative ADM, strong airmanship, troubleshooting and critical thinking, computer literacy (Microsoft Office), technical writing, and proficiency with manuals, company SOPs, discrepancy logs, and MEL procedures.
• Attributes: Organized, detail-oriented, independent, flexible, adaptable, and a self-starter with a team-first mindset.

🌟 Preferred

• Previous aerial firefighting experience.
• PIC flight time below 500 feet AGL in relevant operations.

🗺️ Location & Travel

• Home base: Spokane, Washington.
• Extensive travel within the continental United States and Alaska; occasional travel outside the continental U.S. for training.

🎯 Your Path: Right Seat to Left Seat

Successful candidates start in the right seat while learning the RJ85 and fire operations. As your hours and experience progress, you’ll have the opportunity to transition to the left seat and assume greater leadership responsibilities.

🎁 Benefits & Rewards

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement plan with company matching contributions.
• Company-paid life and disability coverage.
• Financial wellness programs.
• Paid leave and potential bonuses.

Benefits eligibility per company policy.

📨 Ready to Fly with Us?

If you’re motivated by mission, thrive in a standardized multi-crew environment, and meet the qualifications above, we’d love to hear from you. Bring your best airmanship—and help us protect what matters most.