How to Become an Aerial Firefighter

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Good morning! It’s been an exciting few days—in case you missed my impromptu email over the weekend, I just launched the new Flybuyer YouTube channel! There are already four videos live, with plans to upload a new one every week. And to stay on-brand with this week’s aerial firefighting newsletter, here’s a link to one of my recent aircraft reviews: a PC-12 flown by Bridger Aerospace.

If you enjoy this video (or any of the others), it would mean the world if you subscribed to the Flybuyer YouTube channel! 🛩️

-Rob Roy

In today’s email:

• The High-Stakes World of Aerial Firefighting

• Around the Skies: Goodyear Blimp turns 100, Bomb threat diverts flight, KC-130T boosts fleet fueling capability, Alef’s flying car debuts, Citation cockpit gets a makeover, Tariffs could ground U.S. Airbus orders, Hartzell’s Kestrel prop debuts

• PilotTube: Near-Miss at Chicago O’Hare

THE BUSINESS OF AVIATION

The Path to Aerial Firefighting

Aerial firefighting is a high-stakes, high-skill profession where pilots battle wildfires from above, providing critical support to ground crews. As wildfires grow more frequent and severe, the demand for skilled aerial firefighters continues to rise. These pilots fly specialized aircraft, from air tankers that drop water and fire retardant to smokejumper planes that deploy firefighters into remote areas. It’s a demanding job that requires precision flying in hazardous conditions, but for those who take on the challenge, it offers a unique and rewarding career.

Becoming an aerial firefighter requires extensive flight experience beyond a basic pilot’s license. After earning private and commercial pilot certificates, aspiring aerial firefighters must log thousands of flight hours, often as flight instructors or air tour pilots. Some take the military route, gaining experience in high-risk environments before transitioning to civilian aerial firefighting. Additional certifications, such as multi-engine ratings or an airline transport pilot license, may be required depending on the employer.

Job opportunities exist in both the public and private sectors, with agencies like the U.S. Forest Service and private contractors employing aerial firefighters. Salaries range from around $50,000 for entry-level positions to over $140,000 for experienced pilots, with top captains earning even more. Many roles are seasonal, meaning pilots spend part of the year fighting fires and the rest maintaining skills and certifications.

Despite the intense demands, aerial firefighting is a career for those who thrive under pressure and want to make a direct impact in disaster response. The job blends technical flying expertise with real-world problem-solving, requiring pilots to navigate smoke-filled skies and unpredictable wildfire behavior. For those seeking an adventurous and meaningful career, aerial firefighting is the ultimate test of skill and resilience, offering a front-row seat to some of the most dramatic flying conditions on Earth.

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AROUND THE SKIES

🛩️ The Goodyear Blimp has spent a century stealing the spotlight—and it’s not slowing down. Floating above the Daytona 500, it continues to deliver iconic aerial views, outlasting drones with sheer nostalgia and style. To celebrate 100 years, Goodyear is giving a few lucky fans the chance to climb aboard for a once-in-a-lifetime ride.

🛩️ An American Airlines flight turned back over Turkmenistan due to a bomb threat and diverted to Rome for security checks. The airline selected Rome for its strong support infrastructure, while crew duty limits necessitated a new flight team. Passengers faced an unexpected delay as authorities assessed the situation.

🛩️ The Navy Reserve’s KC-130T Hercules received an upgrade with eight-blade composite propellers (the same propellers I flew with on a C-2 Greyhound), increasing its ability to refuel more aircraft. Recent tests confirmed its capability to support F-35s, Chinooks and other carrier air wing assets. The upgrade boosts thrust, lowers maintenance costs and enhances operational flexibility.

🛩️ Alef Aeronautics’ Model Zero briefly took off from a California street, bringing the vision of a true flying car to life. Unlike winged competitors, it takes off vertically, designed to soar past traffic congestion. The company plans to launch its Model A soon, though regulatory hurdles may slow progress.

🛩️ Cessna Citation pilots can now upgrade their aging avionics with the SkyVue 1000 for under $400,000. The package replaces outdated displays, enhances the flight management system and adds a Bluetooth-enabled audio panel. Atlantic Jet Partners secured FAA approval with strong cybersecurity measures. This upgrade gives old Citations a modern cockpit without the vintage headaches.

🛩️ Airbus warned that if tariffs raise costs for U.S. buyers, it will prioritize deliveries elsewhere. CEO Guillaume Faury said non-U.S. customers come first if trade policies make American sales too expensive. With production in Europe and Canada, upcoming tariffs could hit A220s and U.S.-built jets. For now, Airbus is celebrating strong 2024 results, but tariffs could shake things up.

🛩️ Hartzell’s new Kestrel prop, debuting on CubCrafters’ Carbon Cub UL, is the lightest constant-speed prop for Rotax 916 engines at just 19.6 pounds. Part of the Falcon composite series, it boosts efficiency without extra weight.

PilotTube

A tense moment at Chicago Midway forced a Southwest 737 into a last-second go-around when a Flexjet private jet rolled onto the runway without clearance. Despite repeated air traffic control warnings to "hold short," the Challenger 350 kept moving, triggering a near-miss. The Southwest pilots reacted fast, circling back for a safe landing on their second attempt. The FAA is now investigating and Flexjet is conducting its own review to determine what went wrong.

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