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Air Attack Captain – Aero Commander 500 Series (Wildfire Operations)
✈️ Air Attack Captain – Aero Commander 500 Series
Join a mission-driven team at the forefront of wildfire suppression. As an Air Attack Captain, you will coordinate aerial firefighting assets from the Aero Commander 500 series platform, providing tactical oversight, precise communication, and safe operational leadership over complex incidents.
🧭 Mission Overview
Operate in dynamic, mountainous, and high-density-altitude environments to support ground and aerial firefighting resources. You will orbit active fires, manage multi-agency radio communications, and help orchestrate suppression strategy with incident command while maintaining the highest safety margins.
🧰 What You’ll Do
- Serve as Pilot in Command for Air Attack missions in the Aero Commander 500 family.
- Coordinate airtanker, helicopter, and ground operations through clear, concise radio communication.
- Maintain safe separation and traffic flow within TFRs and incident airspace.
- Plan and execute orbits and holds over rugged terrain in variable weather and smoke.
- Apply sound aeronautical decision-making in high-workload, time-critical scenarios.
- Adhere to US Forest Service standards and company SOPs; champion a just culture of safety.
- Complete mission planning, weight and balance, performance calculations, and post-flight documentation.
🌟 What Sets This Role Apart
- Purpose-driven flying: make a direct impact protecting communities and wildlands.
- Structured training pathway: NTR with company-provided aircraft and mission training.
- Operate a proven, stable twin-engine platform tailored for Air Attack coordination.
- Seasonal deployment aligned with peak wildfire operations.
🧾 Minimum Requirements
Requirements are set by the US Forest Service and are non-negotiable.
- Total Time: 1,500 hours
- Pilot in Command (PIC): 1,200 hours
- Multi-Engine: 200 hours
- Cross-Country: 500 hours
- Mountainous Terrain: 200 hours (as defined in the AIM, Figure 5-6-2)
- Night: 100 hours
- Instrument (in flight): 50 hours
- Instrument (actual/simulated): 75 hours
- Recency: 100 hours fixed-wing within the past 12 months
- Licenses: CPL with IR and ME
- Medical: FAA Class 1
- Open to License Holders: FAA
- Visa Sponsorship: Not provided
🛫 Training & Standards
- Type Rating: Not required — comprehensive training provided on the Aero Commander 500 series.
- Compliance: Operations conducted to US Forest Service contract standards and company SOPs.
📨 How to Apply
Ready to lead in the fight against wildfires? Submit your resume and a summary of flight time that clearly shows you meet the USFS minimums listed above. Qualified candidates will be contacted to discuss next steps and training timelines.