How do you become a wildland firefighter helicopter pilot?

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Must possess and maintain a current valid FAA Class II Medical Certificate. Must possess a minimum of 1,500 hours total helicopter flight time. Must possess a minimum of 500 hours total turbine helicopter flight time. Must possess a minimum of 100 hours PIC helicopter last 12 months.

How much do fire bomber pilots make?

According to Transparent California, forestry fire pilots can make more than $200,000 a year in salary and benefits. But they can make considerably more flying big commercial jets. Breslin said a veteran airline captain who works a series of demanding shift can make $500,000 a year in salary.

Do firefighters have helicopters?

Helicopters are used for firefighter and cargo transport, water or retardant application, fire reconnaissance, aerial ignition operations, search and rescue, law enforcement missions, short-haul, sling loads, and seeding.

How much do wildfire helicopter pilots make?

While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $99,000 and as low as $22,000, the majority of Fire Helicopter Pilot salaries currently range between $49,500 (25th percentile) to $79,500 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $91,000 annually across the United States.

What helicopter jobs pay the most?

The high end of helicopter pilot salaries include jobs flying the offshore oilrigs, and for business executives and other VIPs. These helicopter pilots can expect to earn over $100,000 per year.

How much does a firefighting helicopter cost?

Cost Comparison

Class Aircraft Availability
VLAT (Very Large Air Tanker) DC-10 $55,000
BAe-146 $29,000
Helicopter Fire Hawk $15,800
Kaman 1200 – Kmax $13,000

How much water can a Chinook helicopter carry?

Water Carrying Capacity: 2,800 US Gal / 10,600 liters Just as iconic as the Air-Crane, the twin-rotor chinook is another popular aircraft on large wildfires.