MD‑87 Air Tanker Pilot – Captain & First Officer (Aerial Firefighting)

🧭 The Mission

Support Erickson Aero Tanker’s nationwide aerial firefighting operations in the MD‑87, delivering rapid, precise retardant drops in dynamic environments. You’ll join a purpose‑built team that prizes safety, discipline, and teamwork while answering the call when communities need it most.

🧰 Roles Available

• Pilot in Command (Captain): Lead MD‑87 firefighting sorties, make real‑time operational decisions, and mentor crews while upholding rigorous safety standards.
• Second in Command (First Officer): Partner with the Captain to execute precision low‑level operations, systems management, and mission coordination.

🧭 What You’ll Do

• Execute year‑round MD‑87 aerial firefighting missions in varied terrain and conditions.
• Maintain reliable, regular, and predictable attendance with schedule flexibility for deployments.
• Travel as assigned and comply with all Aero Air policies and standards of conduct.
• Complete pre‑employment screening and ongoing compliance requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support safe, effective operations.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

🧭 Qualifications

Pilot in Command (Captain) — Minimums

• Certificates: FAA ATP or Commercial Certificate with Instrument Rating (Multiengine Land)
• Medical: Current First‑ or Second‑Class FAA Medical
• Total Time: 4,000+ hours total; 2,000+ airplane PIC
• Multiengine: 200+ hours multiengine PIC, including 100+ hours multiengine PIC in aircraft >12,500 lbs
• Low‑Level: 200+ hours in typical terrain
• Recent Experience: 100+ hours PIC in the last 12 months
• Ratings (Required): Heavy jet type rating; previous or current USFS AKP or AKI rating
• Preferred: Current Initial Attack rating; DC‑9 type rating

Second in Command (First Officer) — Minimums

• Certificates: FAA ATP (unrestricted or restricted) or Commercial Certificate with Instrument Rating (Multiengine Land)
• Medical: Current First‑ or Second‑Class FAA Medical
• Total Time: 1,000+ hours total; 500+ airplane PIC
• Multiengine: 200+ hours
• Preferred: Jet type rating; prior USFS air tanker experience; low‑level time

All Candidates — General Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• Valid U.S. or state‑issued driver’s license with a clean driving record
• Valid U.S. passport and legal authorization to work in the United States
• Schedule flexibility and ability to travel
• Successful pre‑employment drug screening and criminal‑history check
• Reliable, predictable attendance and adherence to Aero Air policies and standards of conduct

🌟 Pay & Benefits

• Competitive compensation with year‑round employment
• Relocation reimbursement
• Paid sick leave
• 401(k) with automatic 3% employer safe‑harbor contribution upon hire
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employer‑funded Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
• Employee‑paid life and disability insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Pet insurance
• Corporate discounts, including travel and gym memberships

📨 Ready to Fly with Purpose?

If you meet the qualifications and want to put your skills to work protecting lives, property, and wildlands, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now to join Aero Air’s mission‑focused MD‑87 team.