Bighorn Airways, Inc. is seeking experienced Pilots for full-time seasonal employment to support smokejumper operations in Sheridan, Wyoming. This role involves flying large aircraft for U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management contracts, including transporting and dropping smokejumpers, para-cargo delivery, and IFR point-to-point flights in challenging mountainous terrain and changing weather conditions.
About the Role
The Smokejumper Pilot position at Bighorn Airways, Inc. is a seasonal role based in Sheridan, Wyoming. The pilot will operate large aircraft for critical U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management smokejumper contracts across the Lower 48 and Alaska. Key responsibilities include the safe transport and aerial delivery of smokejumpers, low-level para-cargo drops, and IFR point-to-point navigation. Operations frequently involve flying large aircraft at slow airspeeds in mountainous environments and varying weather. The position demands exceptional judgment, crew coordination, and extensive low-level flying experience, with the ability to maintain professionalism during extended assignments in remote locations.
Requirements
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Possession of an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate or successful completion of the ATP written examination.
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Minimum 5,000 hours total flight time.
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Minimum 2,000 hours in airplanes.
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Minimum 500 hours multi-engine experience.
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Minimum 100 hours Pilot in Command (PIC) at night.
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Minimum 75 hours PIC instrument time.
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Minimum 1,000 hours PIC cross-country time.
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Minimum 250 hours PIC in large aircraft exceeding 12,500 pounds.
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Minimum 500 hours PIC turboprop experience.
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Minimum 200 hours of low-level flight operations below 500 feet Above Ground Level (AGL).
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Minimum 500 hours of flight in mountainous terrain below 2,500 feet AGL.
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Minimum 100 hours in airplanes within the preceding 12 months.
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Demonstrated commitment to a safety-first approach.
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Proficiency in sound judgment, situational awareness, and effective communication.
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Strong crew coordination skills.
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Excellent customer-service abilities.
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A positive and professional demeanor.
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Comfort working collaboratively during extended remote assignments.
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Adaptability to changing schedules, locations, and operating conditions.
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Agricultural aviation experience is preferred.
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Applicants are required to submit a resume detailing total flight time, PIC time, specific aircraft experience, low-level flying experience, mountain-flying experience, and flight activity within the past 12 months.
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Employment is contingent upon verification of all required certificates, ratings, flight experience, recency, and adherence to company, customer, FAA, and contract mandates.
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The position is subject to DOT drug and alcohol testing regulations.