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Dash 8 Airtanker Line Pilot – Aerial Firefighting
✈️ About the role
Join a dynamic aerial firefighting team flying the De Havilland Canada DHC-8 (Dash 8) in demanding, mission-driven operations. We’re seeking highly skilled and motivated Line Pilots to deliver precise, long-term retardant drops in a multi-crew, low-level tactical environment. You’ll ensure safe, effective, and efficient multi-mission airtanker operations while helping refine our procedures and championing safety across the fleet. NTR candidates are welcome—type training is provided.
🧭 What you’ll do
- Conduct safe, effective, and efficient multi-mission airtanker operations in a multi-crew environment.
- Execute tactical, low-level Dash 8 sorties delivering long-term retardant with precision and discipline.
- Lead thorough flight planning, performance calculations, fuel planning, and mission risk assessments.
- Complete meticulous pre-flight and post-flight inspections, documentation, and briefs/debriefs.
- Coordinate with company schedulers, clients, and aircrew to facilitate timely mission execution and turnarounds.
- Support development and continuous refinement of SOPs and TTPs; participate in Metrea’s Aviation Safety and Management System.
- Uphold core values, maintain customer satisfaction, and represent the operation professionally at all times.
- Safeguard sensitive information and maintain strict confidentiality.
🧰 What you bring
- Capable of receiving a Canadian FLVC.
- Exceptional English proficiency, both spoken and written.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment with limited supervision.
- Ability to complete the company flight training program and demonstrate operational proficiency.
- Team-first mindset that promotes cooperation, commitment, and mission focus.
- High attention to detail and quality; maintains composure in stressful or adverse situations.
- Adaptable to changing business needs, conditions, locations, and responsibilities.
- Proven discretion and integrity with confidential information.
🌟 Minimum qualifications
- Total PIC: 500 hours minimum
- Aerial firefighting experience: >200 hours in an aerial firefighting capacity
- Night: 100 hours
- Instrument: 75 hours
- Currency: At least 100 hours PIC within the last 12 months
- Licenses: CPL with IR and ME (EASA or FAA accepted)
- Medical: Class 1
💡 Preferred experience
- Previous aerial firefighting experience on large turboprops.
- DHC-8 or similar airtanker experience delivering long-term retardant.
- Proven tactical and low-level Dash 8 operations.
🔥 Why this role matters
Every sortie protects communities, critical infrastructure, and natural resources. You’ll fly purpose-built missions where precision, teamwork, and judgment make a measurable difference—day and night, in complex, time-critical environments.
Skilled pilots without a Dash 8 type rating are encouraged to apply—comprehensive training is provided.
📨 How to apply
Ready to step into a high-impact aerial firefighting role? Submit your CV and a summary of flight experience highlighting PIC, aerial firefighting, night, and instrument time. Qualified candidates meeting the minimum requirements will be contacted for next steps.