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Helicopter Pilot

Lohman Helicopter
Full-time
On-site
United States
$70,000 - $135,000 USD yearly
Aerial Firefighting & Utility

Summary of Duties

Join our dynamic team operating Bell 407 and Bell Medium Helicopters on Exclusive Use (EU) and Call-
When-Needed (CWN) contracts supporting federal fire suppression efforts and a diverse range of utility
operations. This role reports to the Chief Pilot and demands a strong commitment to safety, precision, and
professionalism in every flight.
We are seeking experienced pilots with exceptional decision-making skills, sound judgment, and a
customer service mindset to excel in challenging environments. Our operations offer a unique blend of
firefighting missions, utility work, and precision long-line operations, providing pilots with exciting
challenges and rewarding experiences.
Daily Rate positions or Full-Time salaried positions are available. Full-time positions are eligible for an
employee benefits package and year-round work. Contract positions may have the opportunity for
additional USFS work in the Pacific Northwest during the fire offseason, especially if you have powerline
and precision long-line skills.

Experience and proficiency in the following major areas:

  • Extensive flight operations experience BHT-206/BHT-407, BHT-205/BHT-212 or similar aircraft
  • Thorough knowledge of the Federal Aviation Regulations, FARs, and USFS requirements
  • FAR compliance 
  • Experience in flight and operational planning 
  • Weight and balance data 
  • Fuel management
  • Proficient in tracking duty, flight, and maintenance times

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Perform duties as PIC of BHT-407 and Bell Medium Helicopters
  • Conduct aerial fire suppression missions and external load operations 
  • Operate helicopter accessory equipment to carry-out fire suppression missions which, may include fixed water tank, hydraulic snorkel, external water bucket, and sling loads
  • Accurately track and maintain written and computerized duty, flight, and maintenance logs and records 
  • Maintain weight and balance data 
  • Fuel management
  • Report maintenance issues to the Director of Maintenance
  • Adhere to Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM)
  • Conduct yourself as a professional pilot as an ambassador of the company, take excellent care of the customer, the aircraft, and its overall condition, security, and cleanliness 
  • Comply with company Employee Manual, GOM, SMS, SOP’s, and Ops Specs
  • Participate in out-of-town travel, work, and overtime work, as required 
  • Positively represent Lohman Helicopter through a professional and favorable appearance to the public and to the companies and entities that we work with
  • Satisfactorily complete all company mandated and assigned training classes and training courses within given time limits
  • Maintain constant alertness to the multiple concurrent activities of the landing zone, including the activities of other employees and contractors, and the movement of equipment/helicopters
  • Maintain a consistent, open, and honest line of communication with your supervisor
  • Actively participate in company SMS program
  • Make safety a priority at all times

Other Duties as Assigned: Due to the nature of small business operations, it may occasionally be necessary to fulfill task requirements of varied nature.

Required Skill/Experience/Qualifications/Licenses

  • Valid and current FAA Commercial Rotorcraft Helicopter License
  • 1500 hours RW PIC of which 100 hours in BHT-407/BHT-212 or similar; applicant must meet interagency carding requirements for 2024
  • Meet DOI/USFS Pilot carding requirements and 2024 interagency carding requirements
  • Previously OAS carded in Bell Medium and/or Bell 206/407 series
  • Medical Class 1 or 2 (current)
  • Current Driver License with a clean driving record
  • Prepared to travel within the operational region
  • Must pass a DOT drug test 

Preferred Skills/Experience

  • Currently, OAS carded in Bell Medium and BHT-407 aircraft
  • Previous vertical reference experience preferred
  • Firefighting and/or utility experience preferred
  • Current interagency card preferred
  • Instrument rating preferred
  • Additional Bell Medium and BHT-407 experience preferred
  • Low Level & Recon
  • Mountain Terrain
  • Helitack/PAX Terrain
  • Ext. Load <50’ Belly Hook
  • Ext. Load >50’ Longline VTR
  • Water/Retardant, Bucket
  • Powerline Experience
  • Relocation to Northern, Idaho desired

Compensation

Employment Status:                         W2 or 1099

Base Pay:                                              $70,000-$135,000 DOE, Day Rates part time negotiated

Flight Hour Pay:                                  Yes

Out of Town Per Diem:                      Yes

Group Health and Dental:                Employer paid for employee; option for employee to insure family members.                                                                           (Only applies to W2 positions)

Life Insurance:                                      Yes (Only applies to W2 positions)

Retirement Plan:                                 Yes (Only applies to W2 positions)

Travel and Out of Town Lodging:    Company paid and arranged

Relocation Assistance:                       Yes

Schedule: The Line Pilot will be required to work varied shifts to operate aircraft for 2024 Exclusive Use (EU) and Call-When-Needed (CWN) wildland fire fighting contracts assigned throughout the United States, Canada, and other selected sites.