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Airshow Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Air Methods Pilots

Helicopter Pilot

Show Low, AZ

$85K - $106K/yr

Overview Rotor Wing Pilot - Native AirShow Low, AZ EMS Air Medical Aircraft: AS350 (VFR)$15,000 Annual Stipend, Off-Duty Housing and $15,000 Sign-on Bonus Available AIR METHODS: GO ABOVE AND BEYOND ...

Air Methods Pilots

Helicopter Pilot

Show Low, AZ

$85K - $106K/yr

Overview Rotor Wing Pilot - Native AirShow Low, AZ EMS Air Medical Aircraft: AS350 (VFR)$15,000 Annual Stipend, Off-Duty Housing and $15,000 Sign-on Bonus Available AIR METHODS: GO ABOVE AND BEYOND ...

Air Methods

Helicopter Pilot

Show Low, AZ · On-site

$85K - $106K/yr

Overview Rotor Wing Pilot - Native AirShow Low, AZ EMS Air Medical Aircraft: AS350 (VFR)$15,000 Annual Stipend, Off-Duty Housing and $15,000 Sign-on Bonus Available AIR METHODS: GO ABOVE AND BEYOND ...

Air Methods

Helicopter Pilot

Show Low, AZ · On-site

$85K - $106K/yr

Overview Rotor Wing Pilot - Native AirShow Low, AZ EMS Air Medical Aircraft: AS350 (VFR)$15,000 Annual Stipend, Off-Duty Housing and $15,000 Sign-on Bonus Available AIR METHODS: GO ABOVE AND BEYOND ...

ADVANCED AIR LLC

Challenger 300 - Lead Pilot

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$25K - $350K/yr

The Lead Pilot will operate the aircraft as Pilot in Command (PIC) and report to Advanced Air ... AirShow, Wi-Fi, entertainment systems) are maintained and fully operational prior to each flight ...

Advanced Air LLC

Challenger 300 - Lead Pilot

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$250K - $350K/yr

The Lead Pilot will operate the aircraft as Pilot in Command (PIC) and report to Advanced Air ... AirShow, Wi-Fi, entertainment systems) are maintained and fully operational prior to each flight ...

Epic Aircraft

Flight Instructor

Bend, OR · On-site

$80K - $115K/yr

Acting as pilot in command of Epic aircraft while performing corporate flight missions, including ... Providing airshow sales support * Presentations to internal & external customers * Special projects ...

Epic Aircraft

Flight Instructor

Bend, OR · On-site

$80K - $115K/yr

Acting as pilot in command of Epic aircraft while performing corporate flight missions, including ... Providing airshow sales support * Presentations to internal & external customers * Special projects ...

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Airshow Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do airshow pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for airshow pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an airshow pilot?

Airshow pilots are highly skilled aviators who perform aerial demonstrations at public events, showcasing advanced flying techniques, aerobatic maneuvers, and sometimes historical or military aircraft. Their performances are designed to entertain and inspire audiences, often involving loops, rolls, and other complex stunts. Airshow pilots must undergo rigorous training, maintain strict safety standards, and often possess specialized licenses or certifications. Many are former military pilots or experienced civilian aviators with a passion for precision flying.

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

To thrive as an Airshow Pilot, you need advanced piloting skills, extensive flight experience (often in aerobatics), and applicable licenses such as a commercial pilot certificate and a Statement of Aerobatic Competency (SAC) from the FAA. Familiarity with advanced aerobatic aircraft, flight planning software, and strict adherence to aviation safety regulations are essential. Exceptional situational awareness, split-second decision-making, and strong communication set outstanding airshow pilots apart. These skills and qualifications are critical to ensure safety, execute complex maneuvers, and deliver impressive performances to the public.

What are some common challenges airshow pilots face during performances, and how do they prepare for them?

Airshow pilots often face challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, strict safety regulations, and the need for precise coordination with event organizers and other pilots. Preparation includes thorough pre-flight planning, frequent practice of aerobatic maneuvers, and detailed briefings with ground crews and air traffic controllers. Pilots also invest in ongoing training and maintain a strong focus on safety to handle unexpected situations during performances.

What is the difference between Airshow Pilot vs Flight Instructor?

AspectAirshow PilotFlight Instructor
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, specific aerobatic or display pilot ratingsCertified Flight Instructor (CFI), commercial pilot license often required
Work EnvironmentAirshows, outdoor venues, high-performance aircraftFlight schools, training aircraft, classroom and flight training
Employer & Industry UsageAviation entertainment, airshow organizationsFlight training schools, aviation academies

While both roles require a commercial pilot license and aviation certifications, an Airshow Pilot specializes in performing aerobatic displays at airshows, often flying high-performance aircraft in public events. A Flight Instructor focuses on training student pilots, providing instruction in various flight maneuvers and safety procedures. The roles differ mainly in their work environment and primary responsibilities, but both are vital in the aviation industry.

How do I become an airshow pilot?

To become an airshow pilot, you typically need a commercial pilot license with aerobatic and tailwheel endorsements, extensive flight experience, and specialized training in aerobatics and precision flying. Building a strong flying record and participating in aerobatic competitions can also enhance your prospects; many airshow pilots are experienced stunt or aerobatic pilots. Safety certifications and a thorough understanding of aircraft performance are essential for performing at airshows.

How much do airshow pilots make?

Airshow pilots typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, reputation, and the complexity of performances. Many are freelance or work for specialized aviation companies, and additional income can come from sponsorships, endorsements, and teaching flying skills.
Infographic showing various Airshow Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Pilot Production/Training C-130J-Level 5

Marietta, GA • On-site

Lockheed Martin Corporation
Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 393 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 72 rated aerospace companies

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about Lockheed Martin Corporationexternal

Full-time

This job post has expired 6 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

We are Lockheed Martin
You will be a C-130J Production/Training Pilot for the C-130 Flight Operations team. Our team is responsible for conducting acceptance check flights of newly assembled C-130J aircraft.
We are where the "Rubber meets the Road" for all new C-130J aircraft and capabilities coming out of our Marietta plant.
What You Will Be Doing
As the Production/Training Pilot your responsibilities will include:
Pilot C-130J aircraft during production acceptance and functional check flights
Pilot C-130J aircraft on delivery and ferry flights
Pilot C-130J aircraft for engineering and experimental test flights to validate and verify compliance with FARs and military specifications, determine operational suitability, and conduct developmental test
Perform as a C-130J instructor pilot for company and customer pilots and aircrew during syllabus training flights
Provide classroom, simulator, and flight instruction for company and customer aircrew
May conduct airshow demonstrations as well as demonstration flights with customers, government officials, media or other personnel aboard to exhibit C-130J performance, flying qualities and system capabilities
Provide pilot input to flight test, production, engineering, training, customer support, advanced development and marketing teams
Assist engineering and flight test with the development of ground and flight test procedures
Review, validate, verify and update flight manuals and source material
Participate in planning for requirements definition and Statement of Work development for C-130J testing, production acceptance, training, and engineering design support
Participate in test plan development, test plan reviews, Safety Review Boards, First Flight Readiness Reviews and Design Review Boards
Assist with the development of Temporary Operating Procedures and Aircraft Operating Limitations for flight test programs
** Must be a US Citizen. This position is located at a facility that requires special access. **
What's In It For You:
From onsite to remote, we offer flexible work schedules to comprehensive benefits investing in your future and security, Learn more about Lockheed Martin's comprehensive benefits package here.
Do you want to be part of a company culture that empowers employees to think big, lead with a growth mindset, and make the impossible a reality? We provide the resources and give you the flexibility to enable inspiration and focus -if you have the passion and courage to dream big, work hard, and have fun doing what you love then we want to build a better tomorrow with you.
This position is in Marietta, GA a Discover Marietta.
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About Lockheed Martin

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As a global security and aerospace company, the majority of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. federal government agencies.The remaining portion of Lockheed Martin's business is comprised of international government and commercial sales of products, services and platforms.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bethesda, MD, US

Year founded

1912

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