Francesco Macconi – MacAir
INTERNATIONAL PILOT & FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR
Experience, discipline, and safety as a mission
With over 9,000 flight hours, 17 aerial firefighting seasons, and a career spanning Europe and the United States, Francesco Macconi has dedicated his life to a field that demands competence, precision, and absolute reliability.
His professional background spans aerial firefighting operations, aviation safety support for international operators, and advanced flight training for new generations of commercial, private, and specialty pilots.
A journey built over time
Francesco’s career began in flight instruction and training, with thousands of hours dedicated to preparing civilian and commercial pilots. Over the years, his experience led him to operate in increasingly complex scenarios, eventually becoming an international point of reference in aerial firefighting operations.
Collaborations with companies and government agencies in Italy, Spain, Portugal, the United States, and Slovenia helped shape a distinctive technical and operational profile, combining hands-on expertise with a disciplined and safety-oriented methodology.
Education and Training
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High School Diploma – Advertising and Copywriting Technician
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EASA CPL (A) – License No. IT.FCL.8649
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FAA Commercial Pilot – Single Engine Land & Sea; Instrument Airplane – Certificate No. 3683231
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Safety Officer Qualification – Issued by the Italian Air Force
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SEAT Pilot Training – “National Training Course”, Boise, Idaho
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NAFA Course, Sacramento, CA – NAFA II Course, Sacramento, CA
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Intermediate Fire Behavior – S-290
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CRM Single Pilot – ABSANT Training
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Advanced UPRT – Dares Aviation
1990s
Began his aviation path as a private and commercial pilot.
1999
Entered the aviation training field at FTO (now ATO), training professional pilots and serving as Flight Instructor and Chief Ground Instructor.
2008
Started operational activity in aerial firefighting with Air SpA in Italy, serving as Lead Plane Pilot and Wingman Pilot, as well as Safety Manager Deputy and Water Bomber Training Pilot.
2011
Gained advanced expertise in risk assessment and operational standardization.
2025
Established MacAir, a brand dedicated to aerial firefighting services, aviation safety, and professional training.
THE MACAIR PHILOSOPHY
Experience, Safety, Reliability
Safety First
Discipline
Global Experience
Continuous Training
An approach that combines hands-on operational experience, procedural rigor, and a strong international mission mindset.
THE PILOT BEHIND MACAIR
In the air and in the field
A look at MacAir’s work across operations, briefings, and flight training.
