AT-802 Pilot in Command Forest Protection Limited Canada

Forest Protection Limited (FPL) has been operating throughout Atlantic Canada and the Gaspe peninsula for 68 years. As a Transport Canada licensed 702 Aerial Work Operator and Aircraft Maintenance Organization, Forest Protection is uniquely positioned in its field, ready and able to take on any role within its mandate in an extremely safe and compliant manner. FPL was the founding member of the New Brunswick Spray Efficiency Research Group (NB-SERG), which later developed into the National Research Group, SERG, and finally into its current state, SERG-I, with the inclusion of international partner organizations from the USA. This group aims to develop science surrounding the development of research and development in Forest Health and includes governmental partners from every province and territory, as well as the US Department of Natural Resources and Department of Forestry. For the past six years, FPL has partnered with Natural Resources Canada and the Canadian Forest Services Branch along with Provincial Governments, Universities, and Industry as part of the Early Intervention Strategy for Combatting Spruce Budworm in Atlantic Canada.

FPL is a pioneer in the use of offset spraying. Using precision GPS tracking with aircraft-based meteorology and an advanced predictive AG-NAV® guidance system. FPL’s Accuair® AMS automatically determines flight path offset to ensure a minimal off-target spray drift. Employing the latest in computer technology and GPS navigation, the Accuair® Aerial Management System (AMS) is designed to exceed aerial application guidance and control requirements. Forest Protection proudly provides quick strike aerial fire suppression support to New Brunswick and neighbouring provinces, using its fleet of AT802 aircraft to help protect the Forests and People of Atlantic Canada from May through September of each year.

They are expanding their pilot team for the 2021 season that occurs from April to August, with a possible extension. Reporting to the Chief Pilot, the pilot will operate during the spraying and wildfire season and fulfil the following tasks:

Operate assigned aircraft in accordance with FPL’s Company Operations Manual and Standard Operating Procedures.

Carry out all duties assigned by the Air Operations Management team.

Adhere to instructions issued by officers of the Department of Natural Resources on fire suppression and by FPL management on aerial pesticide application operations.

Complete required pre-flight and post-flight paperwork in a timely manner.

Report all items requiring maintenance on the aircraft as soon as possible.

Be responsible for the cleanliness of the aircraft at all times, including occasional aircraft wash and wax.

Successful candidates will be expected to work in a team environment during long hours of standby throughout the forest fire season as well as on a split shift during spray operations. Assigned pilots can expect to fly between 70 and 130 hours per season on 15 days on / 5 days off rotation – depending on the fire index levels and any unforeseen circumstances.

The fire season will see AT802 pilots on standby for fire suppression missions on a daily basis depending on the Fire Weather Index. During the month of June and July they may be assigned to spray operations in New Brunswick and Newfoundland.

Ideal candidates will be elite multitaskers who understand fire behaviour and suppression tactics, demonstrate a high level of effective communication, discipline, sound decision-making skills, teamwork, a willingness to learn, and sociability.