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Aerial Pilot Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Acuren

UAS Drone Pilot III

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Operate small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) to inspect electrical infrastructure in accordance ... Valid FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) or equivalent regulatory certification for commercial ...

Air Pixels, Inc.

UAS Drone Pilot III

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Operate small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) to inspect electrical infrastructure in accordance ... Valid FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) or equivalent regulatory certification for commercial ...

Acuren Inspection, Inc.

UAS Drone Pilot III

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$90 - $140/hr

Operate small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) to inspect electrical infrastructure in accordance ... Valid FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) or equivalent regulatory certification for commercial ...

TSMG

Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)

Cincinnati, OH · Remote

... aerial logistics initiatives across the United States. Responsibilities * Conduct and oversee ... FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate * Experience with commercial UAS operations * Strong ...

TSMG

Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)

Cincinnati, OH · Remote

... aerial logistics initiatives across the United States. Responsibilities * Conduct and oversee ... FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate * Experience with commercial UAS operations * Strong ...

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Aerial Pilot information

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 popular job titles related to Aerial Pilot jobs in Ohio?

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

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

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

Aerial Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerial Pilot job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.

Chief Pilot - Unmanned Aerial Systems

Sinclair Community College

Dayton, OH • On-site

$59K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Position Information
Position Information (Default Section)
Job Title
Chief Pilot - Unmanned Aerial Systems
Location
National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence (NAAMCE)
Job Number
05511
Department
Unmanned Aerial Systems
Job Category
Professional
Job Type
Full-Time
Status
Regular
Job Open Date
08/07/2026
Resume Review Date
08/24/2026
Closing Date
08/23/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Position Summary
The Chief Pilot position exists to manage and execute the vision of the National UAS Training and Certification Center, with a focus on Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), electric Vertical-Take-Off-and-Landing (eVTOL), traditional aircraft flight operations, as well as client and partner collaborations and support. The Chief Pilot leads a team of technical experts and UAS and traditional aircraft crew members to conduct training and education, applied research and development, services, crew currency and compliance, and other operational tasks for internal and external stakeholders. The position supports revenue generation goals working with other senior personnel in the UAS department.
The potential minimum compensation for this position begins at $59,661.00 and is commensurate with education and experience.
Why work for Sinclair College?
The following are some of the benefits that professional staff with Sinclair College receive:
  • Tuition waiver for employee and dependents for all Sinclair courses and programs
  • Support for continued training and education, including tuition reimbursement for other universities and colleges.
  • OPERS pension participation, with 14% employer contribution
  • 4+ weeks of personal and vacation leave, 3+ weeks of sick leave annually
  • 14 days of annually observed company holidays
  • Expansive and competitive insurance programs, including an HSA with annual employer contribution available
  • High quality programs for work-life balance

*SCC has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description does not represent in any way a contract of employment.
Principal Accountabilities
  • Organize and execute UAS, AAM Conventional-Take-Off-and-Landing (CTOL) and Vertical-Take-Off-and-Landing (VTOL), and traditional aircraft flight operations, lab activities, and customer and partner engagements leading a team of technical experts and UAS, AAM CTOL and VTOL, and traditional aircraft crew members
  • Advance revenue generation opportunities including meetings with current or potential clients and support of proposal development
  • Support public awareness of UAS and AAM and advance the Sinclair brand nationally and internationally through demonstrations, speaking engagements, and other outreach activities
  • Manage condition and readiness of UAS facilities, equipment, vehicles, crew qualifications/currency, and training and other resources including those associated with AAM CTOL and VTOL and traditional aircraft to ensure ability to support standard and potential emergency aircraft operations and client support
  • Perform other duties assigned by the Chief Research Officer or Deputy Director for Unmanned Aerial Systems

Requirements
  • Minimum of a bachelor's degree in related topic required; master's degree in a related topic preferred
  • Minimum of 5 years of related aviation, UAS, or AAM industry work experience required
  • Background in aviation with traditional aircraft, AAM, and UAS related experience required
  • Current Remote Pilot Certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) required
  • Current Private Pilot Certificate issued by the FAA required
  • Current Commercial Pilot Certificate issued by the FAA required
  • Current Instrument Rating issued by the FAA required
  • Current Certified Flight Instructor and Flight Instructor - Instrument Ratings issued by the FAA required
  • Current or ability to obtain an FAA Second Class Medical required
  • Proven prior strategic planning and project management experience preferred
  • Strong personnel management, team building, team interaction and conflict resolution skills required
  • Strong organizational and analytical skills required
  • Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal and external customers and partners required
  • Strong PC skills, including standard office tools and industry specific software packages required
  • UAS operational flight experience on a variety of small UAS required
  • Certification through UAS, AAM, or traditional aircraft Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) authorized training program is preferred
  • Traditional aircraft fixed-wing flight experience required
  • Traditional aircraft helicopter flight experience preferred
  • Familiarity with and ability to instruct using UAS and AAM simulators preferred
  • Familiarity with and ability to instruct using traditional aircraft simulators and flight training devices preferred
  • Ability to create and use appropriate tools to manage people and tasks required
  • Experience in building an internal/external team to execute tactical operations and advance strategic and business strategies required
  • Excellent oral and written communication and listening skills, including experience in preparing and delivering proposals, reports and presentations required
  • Demonstrated experience developing, packaging, and delivering educational/training content preferred
  • Ability to read, research, and comprehend technical and regulatory documents required
  • Demonstrated experience managing a wide variety of technical and operational projects required
  • Proven ability to develop and sustain productive customer relationships required
  • U.S. Citizenship preferred
  • U.S. Passport preferred

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