Our story is one of leadership, and our history continues to be defined by the imprint of many outstanding individuals starting with our firm’s founder, Beryl Shears. As the son of a World War II training pilot instructor, Mr. Shears followed in his father’s footsteps and obtained his pilot’s license via the GI Bill upon returning home from Vietnam, and being honorably discharged from the US Marine Corps as a sergeant. Beryl continued on to obtain his instructor and commercial licenses shortly thereafter. By 1975, he worked as a crop duster in the west valleys of Phoenix, Arizona. After many years of hard work and dedication, Mr. Shears decided to leave crop dusting and work for the US Federal Government as a pilot. In 1988, Beryl saw a tremendous opportunity and began Western Pilot Service with a dream and a Dromader. Western Pilot Service began as the first company dedicated solely to providing aerial firefighting services.

Western Pilot Service’s history is brief but distinct. Beryl and his crew of two first began fighting wild fires in Arizona. In the early 1990’s, Western Pilot Service obtained state contracts from Arkansas and Arizona for wild fire suppression. Through the following years, the Department of the Interior awarded Western Pilot Service exclusive use and on call contracts. The fleet of single engine air tankers grew from Dromaders to Turbine Thrushes and Air Tractor 802’s.

From then until now, Western Pilot Service has evolved and expanded. We are recognized as the largest aerial firefighting suppression company in the United States with over 24 carded pilots, 15 air tankers and 15 support crews. Currently, our 24 carded pilots have vast aviation experience ranging from C130’s to 747’s to F-16’s to navy carrier operations. Western Pilot Service is the first single engine air tanker operation to work in the Los Angeles Basin of Southern California. After a year of major growth Western Pilot Service still receives excellent evaluations from the government officials we work with. In 2006, Mr. Beryl Shears, along with the Western Pilot Service crew was recognized as the lead contractor of the year by the Arizona State Land Department.

Western Pilot Service has played a significant role in containing many wildfires throughout the nation. Western Pilot Service’s most notable endeavors include saving homes and lives from wildfires as they approach our communities and cross our highways. It is these defining moments that tell the complete story of our impact on society. It is a legacy that we will continue, as we assist the government and the firefighters in providing protection and safety to the public.