FireFighting Aviator training

What type of specialized trainig is required to become a firefighter/pilot for any of the emergency services?

0 members like this

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by T.J. on March 2, 2009 at 11:17am

To learn how to fly..................LOL :) Just kidding, I'm interested to find out what it takes.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Steve Williams on March 2, 2009 at 12:01pm

I agree. Obviously a pilots liscense but then what. I now it takes skill to fly those airplanes/Helicopters like they do over some of the fires you see. I bet they get paid well too!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by John on March 2, 2009 at 1:35pm

Would be intresting to know.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by BillySFCVFD on March 2, 2009 at 1:37pm

If you are already a FAA rated pilot then I would say you need experience before being hired by an emergency agency. Whether it be rotary wing for EMS transport/firefighting or fixed wing tanker/spotter you need extra training and ratings in the particular type of aircraft, especially helicopters and large fixed wing.

Not to discourage you but it takes lots of money to get rated. Plus with the military doing a lot of flying during current wartime, the competition against veteran pilots entering this field would be fierce.

Good luck, I hope it works out for you. TCSS