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Aerial Pilot Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

The Talmadge Group

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Drone Pilot - GSDF 911th Support BN

Ellenwood, GA · On-site

$32K - $41K/yr

The unit provides real-time aerial reconnaissance, situational awareness, and information products in support of GSDF commanders and operational elements. 911th UAS pilots operate both battery ...

Flock

UAS Support Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

The Problem As Flock expands our fleet of autonomous Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and docking ... Pilot Certificate (required upon hire). Logistics * Location & Travel: Onsite at our Atlanta-based ...

Flock Safety

UAS Support Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

The Problem As Flock expands our fleet of autonomous Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and docking ... Pilot Certificate (required upon hire). Logistics * Location & Travel: Onsite at our Atlanta-based ...

Flock

Field Deployment Specialist

Atlanta, GA

$60K - $80K/yr

... aerial operations. Scaling nationwide deployments requires technical specialists who can execute ... This isn't a drone pilot or flight operations role, your focus is strictly on physical ...

Flock Safety

Field Deployment Specialist

Atlanta, GA · On-site +1

$60K - $80K/yr

... aerial operations. Scaling nationwide deployments requires technical specialists who can execute ... This isn't a drone pilot or flight operations role, your focus is strictly on physical ...

TrainCroft

Part 107 Ground Support Operations

Hampton, GA · On-site

$50K - $67K/yr

Perform standard aircraft maintenance practices as defined in the company's Uncrewed Aerial System ... pilot-in-command (PIC). * Monitor air traffic displays and hazardous weather conditions in the ...

All JobsAerial Pilot JobsAerial Pilot Jobs in Georgia

Aerial Pilot information

See Georgia salary details

$41.8K

$110.5K

$169.7K

How much do aerial pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerial pilot in Georgia is $110,543.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,400.00 and $130,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aerial pilot?

Aerial pilots are licensed professionals who operate aircraft for purposes other than commercial airline transportation. Their work often includes aerial photography, surveying, agricultural applications (like crop dusting), firefighting, search and rescue, and banner towing. Aerial pilots must have specialized training and certifications that depend on their specific area of work, and they must adhere to strict safety and regulatory standards. They often work in varied and sometimes challenging environments, and their skills are critical for tasks that require precision flying. Aerial pilots play an essential role in industries ranging from agriculture to emergency services.

What does an aerial pilot do?

The job duties of an aerial pilot involve operating an aircraft to perform different airborne tasks. Your responsibilities vary depending on the industry. An aerial survey pilot performs data acquisition and mapping tasks while they fly over an area. As an aerial photography pilot, you take images from the air or fly a photography team over the site or event they want to photograph. An aerial firefighter pilot releases water or fire suppression liquid over a forest fire. Crop dusters release fertilizer or pesticide over farm fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aerial pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aerial Pilot, you need a commercial pilot’s license, strong aviation knowledge, and excellent flight proficiency, often supported by specialized training for aerial operations. Familiarity with navigation systems, GPS technology, and flight planning software is typically required, along with certifications such as an FAA Part 61 or 141 license. Attention to detail, situational awareness, and strong decision-making skills set exceptional aerial pilots apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring flight safety, regulatory compliance, and effective execution of specialized missions like photography, surveying, or agricultural work.

What are some common challenges aerial pilots face when operating in diverse weather conditions?

Aerial Pilots often encounter rapidly changing weather patterns that can significantly affect flight safety and mission success. Navigating through turbulence, low visibility, and unexpected wind shifts requires quick decision-making and constant communication with ground control and co-pilots. Staying updated on weather reports and having contingency plans in place are essential parts of the job. Pilots must also be adept at adjusting flight plans on the fly to maintain safety and efficiency.

What is the difference between Aerial Pilot vs Drone Operator?

AspectAerial PilotDrone Operator
CertificationsFAA pilot license, commercial pilot certificateRemote Pilot Certificate (Part 107)
Work EnvironmentAircraft in various outdoor settings, often in aviation or film industriesRemote control, often indoors or in designated outdoor areas
Industry UsageAviation, aerial photography, surveying, firefightingFilmmaking, inspections, agriculture, real estate

While both roles involve flying devices, Aerial Pilots operate manned aircraft requiring pilot licenses and often work in aviation or aerial services. Drone Operators control unmanned drones with remote licenses, mainly used for filming, inspections, or agricultural purposes. The key differences lie in certification requirements, work environment, and industry applications.

More about Aerial Pilot jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Aerial Pilot jobs in Georgia?

The most popular types of Aerial Pilot jobs in Georgia are:

What are popular job titles related to Aerial Pilot jobs in Georgia?

For Aerial Pilot jobs in Georgia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Aerial Pilot jobs in Georgia look for?

The top searched job categories for Aerial Pilot jobs in Georgia are:

What cities in Georgia are hiring for Aerial Pilot jobs?

Cities in Georgia with the most Aerial Pilot job openings:

Aerial Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerial Pilot job openings in Georgia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, 11% Temporary, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $110,543 per year, or $53.1 per hour.

Drone Pilot - GSDF 911th Support BN

The Talmadge Group

Ellenwood, GA • On-site

$32K - $41K/yr

Other

Posted 13 days ago

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Job description

Drone Pilot – 911th Support Battalion

Volunteer Military Service | Georgia

Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF)

Volunteer & Turn Your Drone Skills Into Service


The Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) is seeking qualified individuals interested in serving as Drone Pilots with the 911th Support Battalion’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) unit.


This is a volunteer military service position offering qualified candidates the opportunity to develop and enhance their drone piloting skills through additional training and real-world practical application while serving the citizens of Georgia.


About the 911th UAS

The 911th UAS is the Georgia State Defense Force’s specialized small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) unit. The unit provides real-time aerial reconnaissance, situational awareness, and information products in support of GSDF commanders and operational elements.


911th UAS pilots operate both battery-powered and tethered drone systems equipped with advanced technologies, including:

  • Visual imaging
  • Thermal imaging
  • Infrared (IR) capabilities
  • LiDAR technology
  • Real-time aerial reconnaissance and observation systems


What You’ll Do

As a Volunteer GSDF Drone Pilot, you may have opportunities to:

  • Operate sUAS platforms during training and operational missions
  • Provide real-time aerial reconnaissance and situational awareness
  • Support emergency response, disaster operations, training exercises, and other authorized GSDF missions
  • Develop flight planning, mission execution, and aerial observation skills
  • Gain experience with advanced drone sensors and imaging technologies
  • Work as part of a disciplined UAS team supporting commanders in the field
  • Participate in additional GSDF UAS training and professional development


Qualifications

All 911th UAS pilots are qualified through the Georgia State Defense Force and are required to become FAA Part 107 Remote Pilots.

Candidates should have an interest in aviation, drone operations, technology, emergency response, or public service. Previous drone experience is valuable, but candidates interested in developing their skills are encouraged to explore Volunteer Opportunities with the GSDF, their eligibility and training requirements.


Why Serve with the GSDF?

This is more than an opportunity to fly drones. It is an opportunity to apply your skills to a mission that matters.

Qualified members can gain additional training and practical experience while working with sophisticated UAS technology and supporting real-world missions throughout Georgia.


Important: This is a volunteer position with the Georgia State Defense Force and is not traditional paid employment. Membership and assignment are subject to GSDF eligibility, training, and organizational requirements.


Ready to Learn More?

Visit the Georgia State Defense Force website to determine whether you qualify for this position and explore other opportunities to serve:

https://gsdf.georgia.gov/


Serve Georgia. Develop your skills. Put your experience to work on a mission that matters.


For ZipRecruiter, I would make “Volunteer Military Service” very prominent in both the title and opening paragraph. That reduces the likelihood of applicants assuming this is a conventional salaried drone-pilot job while still positioning the training and real-world UAS experience as a significant benefit.

Note: Funding to support this Volunteer Recruitment advertising for this volunteer position was donated by The Talmadge Group, Inc.