MD-80 Aerial Tanker Captain — Aerial Firefighting

✈️ The Mission

Operate MD-80 series air tankers in support of government wildfire contracts, delivering precision retardant drops, executing low-level terrain flying, and ensuring the highest standards of safety, airmanship, and mission effectiveness.

🧭 What You’ll Do

• Serve as Pilot-in-Command for MD-80 series aerial tanker missions, from initial attack to extended support operations.
• Execute low-level flight profiles in typical firefighting terrain, including mountainous and high-density-altitude environments.
• Coordinate closely with air attack, ground crews, dispatch, and contract authorities for safe and effective drops.
• Uphold strict compliance with Aero Air SOPs, FAA regulations, and USFS contract requirements.
• Participate in recurrent training, currency, and check events as scheduled.
• Maintain meticulous aircraft, mission, and regulatory documentation.
• Travel as needed; adapt to dynamic schedules during fire season.
• Perform other duties as assigned while maintaining reliable, regular, and predictable attendance.

🧰 Minimum Qualifications

• Flight Time: 4,000 hours total time; 2,000 hours PIC; minimum 200 hours in type; minimum 200 hours low-level (typical terrain).
• Multi-Engine PIC: 200 hours minimum, including 100 hours in aircraft >12,500 lbs.
• Recency: Minimum 100 hours PIC in the preceding 12 months.
• Certificates: FAA CPL with IR and ME.
• Medical: Class 2.
• Type Rating: Heavy jet type rating required; tanker experience strongly valued.
• USFS: Previous or current USFS AKP or AKI rating required.
• Education: High School Diploma/GED.
• Work Authorization: Must have legal authorization to work in the United States.
• Travel & Schedule: Flexible schedule with the ability to travel.
• Screening: Successful completion of pre-employment drug screen and criminal history background check.
• Licenses/Docs: Valid U.S./state-issued driver’s license with clean driving record and a valid U.S. Passport.
• Conduct: Adherence to all Aero Air policies and standards of conduct.

🌟 Preferred Qualifications

• Current Initial Attack rating.
• DC-9 type rating.

🧾 What to Expect

• Permanent employment with a premier aerial firefighting operator.
• Mission-focused flying with meaningful impact during wildfire seasons.
• Professional, safety-first culture with rigorous training and standards.

Note: This role requires sustained periods away from home base during active fire seasons and strict compliance with safety, regulatory, and contractual directives.

📨 How to Apply

Ready to bring your expertise to the line? Submit your resume and proof of qualifications, including certificates, medical, type ratings, and USFS ratings. Qualified candidates will be contacted for next steps.