A high school diploma or GED is required to do aerial firefighting. Postsecondary studies in fire engineering and science may increase job prospects. Firefighters have to pass written and physical tests to be hired, may also be required to be an emergency medical technician or paramedic, and must be certified in wildland firefighting.
What Is Aerial Firefighting?
Aerial firefighters use aviation equipment such as planes and helicopters to contain wildfires. Their duties can include transporting fire crews and materials, distributing water and retardant, or dropping into areas that can only be accessed by plane. While these professionals may only require a high school diploma or GED, they require extensive training.
| Required Education | High school diploma or GED; postsecondary degrees in fire engineering and science are available |
| Other Requirements | Must be trained and certified in wildland firefighting, and must earn an Interagency Incident Qualification Card |
| Projected Job Growth (2019-2029) | 6% (for firefighters)* |
| Median Annual Salary (2019) | $50,850 (for firefighters)* |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Aerial Firefighting Job Description
Aerial firefighters pilot planes and helicopters that are used to put out fires. These pilots coordinate with ground teams to help alleviate wildfires. They may fly over a fire in order to allow smoke jumpers to enter ground areas or to apply water or other fire retardants to the wildfire. They also may be used to deliver supplies to survey wildfires in conjunction with ground crews.
 |
Aerial firefighters work long hours that extend beyond the normal workday, in situations that can quickly become dangerous. They must be must be alert and adaptable, and ready to deploy on very short notice, since their expertise can be needed at any time, though the period of highest demand is June through October.
Duties
Aerial firefighters suppress fires by digging fire lines using hand tools and chainsaws. Helitack crews deploy to remote areas affected or threatened by wildfires via helicopters that are often equipped with buckets that can drop water or retardant on wildfires. Smokejumpers parachute into wildfire areas, bringing with them supplies that allow them to expand the fire line independently for up to two days.
When not deployed to a fire, aerial firefighters are responsible for maintaining their equipment, conducting physical fitness training, and preparing fire reports. They may also assist in preventative measures like prescribed burns to reduce the severity of future wildfires.
How to Become an Aerial Firefighter
Prospective aerial firefighters need to be trained and certified in wildland firefighting, and many work their way up from seasonal volunteer wildland firefighters. Aerial firefighters have extensive flying experience and no one starts out as an aerial firefighter. Many people have prior experience flying in the military, agriculture, or corporate settings. Many employers require a certain number of flight hours to be considered for an aerial firefighter position.
Some essential skills to becoming an aerial firefighter include:
- Staying calm under pressure
- Decision making
- Teamwork
- Technical piloting skills
- Sociability with the firefighting team
- Mental fortitude
- Willingness to learn and improve
- Detail oriented
Aerial firefighters must also obtain an Interagency Incident Qualification Card, often referred to as a Red Card, by completing coursework in fire behavior and basic firefighting. State and national fire academies offer relevant training through the Incident Qualifications and Certifications System. Applicants in most departments must also pass a written exam.
Education
Aerial firefighters are generally required to have a high school diploma or its equivalent. While postsecondary education is not required, it can be advantageous in this competitive field. Colleges offer associate and bachelor's degree programs in fire engineering and science. The National Aerial Firefighting Academy offers specific training and coursework in aerial firefighting. These courses can help aerial firefighters gain knowledge about specializations such as fire pattern analysis, first aid responses, fire effects, and more.
Much of the education comes from experience flying and firefighting. Many aerial firefighting jobs require a specific number of flight hours, piloting experience, and technical abilities in order to apply.
Certifications
Many firefighters gain emergency medical technician or paramedic training through community college. Some fire departments require this, while others only prefer employees to do so. Aerial firefighters can gain additional certifications, such as chainsaw certifications, to progress in their field. Those who wish to pilot must attain the appropriate helicopter and small aircraft flying licensure in their state.
Aerial firefighters fight fires from the air which requires extensive training. They may be in planes or helicopters and responsibilities include transporting firefighters, distributing water or retardant, or accessing areas that can only be reached by air.
Aerial Firefighter Salary Info and Job Outlook
According to the BLS the median salary for a firefighter as of May 2019 is $50,850. However, the aerial firefighter salary might differ, ranging from around $73,000 up to an excess of $100,000 for a forest service pilot. Different employers may choose to employ aerial fighter pilots hourly, and some may only work seasonal contracts. The job outlook for firefighters in general is good, at about 6% growth estimated by the BLS for 2019 - 2029.
