While we don’t have hard figures on their ranks or the number of jobs that exist, demand for aerial firefighter pilots is increasing, industry experts say. “There are opportunities, but it’s not very well-organized,” says Dean Talley, an air tanker captain and board member of the Associated Aerial Firefighters. In fact, operators “are having a lot of trouble filling positions,” with retirements creating vacancies and brisk airline hiring draining the already-small applicant pool for aviation firefighters, the former Coast Guard and ag pilot says. The problem continues today.
How to Become an Aerial Firefighter Pilot
Key Takeaways:
- The aerial firefighting industry faces increasing demand for pilots but struggles with a significant shortage due to retirements and competition from commercial airlines.
- Becoming an aerial firefighter pilot requires specialized skills, including tailwheel and low-level flying over terrain, favoring pilots with diverse backgrounds who can operate without heavy automation.
- Employment is primarily seasonal with contractors for federal and state agencies, and salaries vary widely (e.g., $73k-$113k for Forest Service pilots to over $300k for senior tanker captains), though the industry is shifting towards year-round employment due to extended fire seasons.
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