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Banner Pilot Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Banner Pilot information

See Virginia salary details

$49.1K

$129.8K

$199.3K

How much do banner pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for banner pilot in Virginia is $129,793.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,100.00 and $153,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a banner pilot?

Banner Pilots are specialized pilots who fly small aircraft towing advertising banners behind them, usually over beaches, stadiums, or large outdoor events. Their job involves flying at low altitudes and slow speeds to maximize the visibility of the advertisement to people on the ground. Banner Pilots must have a commercial pilot's license and receive additional training in banner towing operations, which can be physically demanding and requires careful attention to safety procedures. The work is often seasonal and dependent on weather conditions, with peak times during summer and special events.

What does a banner pilot do?

Banner pilots fly aircraft with long flag advertisements or messages attached to the back to promote a company's products or services, or to display a personal expression, such as "Congratulations!" or "Happy Birthday." The type and size of banner you tow depend on the specifications of your clients. During your workday, you log each flight plan and fly the banner plane near an area where your target audience has the best chance of seeing the banner. Banner pilots typically fly over beaches, concert venues, and professional and collegiate sporting events. As a banner pilot, you operate out of a base, and you return there occasionally during your shift to change banners when necessary.

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

To thrive as a Banner Pilot, you need a commercial pilot license (CPL), strong flight skills, and experience with low-altitude flying and banner towing operations. Familiarity with FAA regulations, banner tow equipment, and aircraft maintenance basics is also important, and some employers may require a tailwheel endorsement. Excellent situational awareness, decision-making, and communication skills help ensure safety and effective coordination with ground crews. These skills are critical to safely operate aircraft in variable conditions, comply with regulations, and deliver effective aerial advertising.

What are some common challenges faced by banner pilots on the job?

Banner Pilots often encounter challenges such as flying at low altitudes for extended periods, which requires heightened focus and precision to ensure safety and banner visibility. Weather conditions can also significantly impact flight plans, sometimes leading to last-minute changes or cancellations. Additionally, pilots must coordinate closely with ground crews for banner pick-up and drop-off, making clear communication essential. Managing fatigue during long or repetitive flights and adhering to strict FAA regulations are also key aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Banner Pilot vs Aerial Photographer?

AspectBanner PilotAerial Photographer
CredentialsCommercial drone license, FAA Part 107 certificationPhotography certification or portfolio, sometimes FAA license
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, on-location, often in various weather conditionsOutdoor or studio, focusing on capturing images from the air
Industry UsageAdvertising, marketing, real estate, eventsMedia, advertising, real estate, tourism

While both roles involve aerial work, Banner Pilots primarily operate drones to create advertising banners or promotional content, requiring drone-specific certifications. Aerial Photographers focus on capturing high-quality images from the air, often using drones or aircraft, and may have photography-specific credentials. Both roles are essential in industries like real estate and marketing but differ in their primary focus and skill sets.

More about Banner Pilot jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Banner Pilot jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Banner Pilot jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Banner Pilot jobs in Virginia?

For Banner Pilot jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Banner Pilot jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Banner Pilot jobs in Virginia are:

Banner Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Banner Pilot job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $129,793 per year, or $62.4 per hour.

Strategic Initiatives Manager-( Multiple Positions "Mid-Atlantic" "Southern" "Norfolk/Richmond")...

Ahold Delhaize

Richmond, VA • On-site

$93K - $114K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

At Food Lion, Associates are the most important assets to our organization. We want associates to have meaningful careers full of variety and challenges. Each associate contributes to the overall success of Food Lion, and in return, we strive to provide all associates with a fulfilling work experience and reward performance and commitment. We are committed to the professional development of our associates through on-the-job learning opportunities and training.

Position Summary

The Strategic Initiatives Manager delivers sustainable growth in sales profits, people and ensures consistent execution of initiatives across a Division. Responsibilities include delivering on the Food Lion Brand Strategy by implementing the banner strategic initiatives and analyzing operational results to discover and capitalize on opportunities for improvement including ensuring Food Safety and Regulatory measures are met. **** This person would need to be able to sit in the Richmond/Norfolk Virginia division or able to relocate to the area. This role requires travel.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

   Responsible for implementation, planning and rollout of banner initiatives/banner tests/pilot programs as defined annually to include operationalizing and refinement within assigned Division (~176 stores). 

   Accountable for delivery of Divisional KPI's for banner initiatives and trend analysis as well as troubleshooting areas of opportunity for feedback and follow up.

   Collaborates with Director of Execution and Implementation and Director of Operations to prioritize opportunities within the Division/Region with a focus on banner initiatives. 

   Responsible for communication and training of all regional resources. Serves as the subject matter expert for training on new banner initiatives in collaboration with merchandising leads and retail operations.

   Manage an effective feedback loop between retail and all business partners on the effectiveness and execution of banner initiatives.

   Ensures that banner initiatives are aligned with current retail standard practices and training and partners with the Standard Practice team to create standard practice guidelines for all banner initiatives.

   Knowledgeable regarding Divisional competitive landscape and market and reports significant findings, including competitive openings and closing to Food Lion Strategy team.

Basic Qualifications 

   Merchandising, Retail Operations and/or Category experience
   Thorough understanding of Standard Practices and Merchandising techniques
   Proficient in Microsoft Office (including Excel and Power Point)
   Cross-functional leadership experience with a demonstrated ability to work with cross-functional teams
   Demonstrated leadership and ability to influence others 
   Must live within their respective division

Preferred Qualifications 

   Extensive knowledge of Fresh or Center Store categories. 
   Experience with organizational change management
   2+ years of multiple retail location responsibility

Education

   Bachelor's Degree or equivalent combination of education and related work experience

Skills and Abilities

  • Ability to manage day to day activity in support of identified business area and functional area strategies
  • Demonstrated ability to implement and analyze retail business using consumer insights and analyzing trends.
  • Active listener with an ability to build trust across varying levels of the organization
  • High degree of credibility and the ability to work with and through all levels of management
  • Excellent organizational, planning, influence, communication and presentation skills
  • Self-motivated and persuasive in presenting and selling ideas and executing their implementation

Physical

  • Ability to lift, push, or pull 50lbs

Travel

  • 100%, with 50-75% overnight depending on Divisional geography

Food Lion provides equal employment opportunities to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions) national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity or gender expression or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you have a disability and require assistance in the application process, please contact our Recruiting Department at recruiting@foodlion.com

Apply