Bump.

Looking to get info on pilots currently working in industry.

Thanks

I'm wrapping up a season flying an air attack contract with USFS; what would you like to know?

Do all of the Forest Service pilot jobs (actual GS positions, not contractor) require firefighting experience to get hired?

I haven’t seen a GS-09 to GS-11 (entry level, 1200hrs) position open in awhile, so I can’t remember if those required fire fighting experience? I see that the current GS-13 position thats open(not entry level) requires 90 days of wild land fire fighting experience or aerial fire fighting experience.

TLDR, just wanting to know if the entry level USFS pilot jobs require the 90 days of fire fighting experience?

Was told at a career fair years ago(+10) that the requirement was placed there to keep people from bailing to the airlines...... essentially they would only hire pilots that proved that that wanted a career in fire aviation by getting the 90 days of on the line fire experience. It appears that this is still the case with these USDA jobs. Other option is to fly with one of the federal contractors...... To get your "90" days experience.

Appreciate the response, certainly makes sense. It’s obviously still true for their GS13 positions. Although one would think today that with their hiring mins being near or even above regional mins, the fear of someone jumping to the airlines would be less today.

However, I just ran across a copy of the recent posting for the Ely, MN opening (now closed) and saw that it did not have the 90 day requirement. Due to that, I’d still be curious if anyone knows if the entry level positions in places like Redmond, Missoula, Boise, and Ogden still require that 90 day experience?

Gs12 posted for Colorado still says 90 days required. I believe that is only pc12 flying night perimeter recon mapping......

While we're on the topic...anyone familiar with the USFS lead pilot's typical schedule on the off season? I have some aerial firefighting experience and am interested in possibly making the switch from the airlines, but would prefer the GOV vs. contractors ...TIA

I saw that one. I actually think it’s a management position and non flying.

The hiring minimums are set by OPM and are the same across the board for civilian government pilots. Higher GS pay typically brings with it additional experience requirements, but not necessarily hours required. Outside of former wild land firefighters, the 90 day requirement is usually satisfied in the air as a contractor; air attack pilots and in some cases tanker pilots. That requirement still exists - kind of. Each FS region currently has direct hiring authority for aviation positions, so if you meet the OPM minimums you are potentially eligible for the job and can possibly avoid the traditional (very long, complicated) hiring process.

Also, lead pilots work a 12 on, 2 off schedule during fire season (typically May through October), and are on the road for at least those 12 days. Depending on where the airplanes are needed you may or may not get home for the two days ‘off.’ During the off season it is a government job, so expect 40 hours a week in a cubicle.