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Commercial Pilot Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

The Chief Unmanned System Pilot at Heven AeroTech is responsible for developing and managing the drone program across the United States and among the defense, public safety and commercial sectors.

The Chief Unmanned System Pilot at Heven AeroTech is responsible for developing and managing the drone program across the United States and among the defense, public safety and commercial sectors.

The Chief Unmanned System Pilot at Heven AeroTech is responsible for developing and managing the drone program across the United States and among the defense, public safety and commercial sectors.

Helicopter Pilot

Washington, DC · On-site

$106K - $137K/yr

Licensures, Certifications and other Requirements Must possess and maintain a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Rotor Craft Pilot license with an Instrument Rating. (Must provide proof ...

Your eligibility begins once you complete your Private Pilot Certificate. * Successfully complete an interview with PSA to become a Cadet in the program. * Cadets are offered numerous opportunities ...

FAA Tutor

Leesburg, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using FAA test preparation materials, flight planning exercises, and practice examinations to support private, instrument, and commercial pilot candidates preparing for FAA ...

Provides KC-135 Pilot procedures instruction in aircraft, classroom, and simulator or other platform environments. * Provides training for Visual Threat Recognition Avoidance Training (VTRAT)

Provides KC-135 Pilot procedures instruction in aircraft, classroom, and simulator or other platform environments. * Provides training for Visual Threat Recognition Avoidance Training (VTRAT)

Provides KC-135 Pilot procedures instruction in aircraft, classroom, and simulator or other platform environments. * Provides training for Visual Threat Recognition Avoidance Training (VTRAT)

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Commercial Pilot information

See Reston, VA salary details

$12

$23

$36

How much do commercial pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for commercial pilot in Reston, VA is $23.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.28 and $27.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do pilots make $400 an hour?

Commercial pilots' hourly wages vary based on experience, aircraft type, and employer. While some experienced airline pilots can earn around $400 per hour, this rate is not typical for all commercial pilots, especially those in smaller operations or with less seniority. Most commercial pilots earn a lower hourly rate, with annual salaries often reflecting flight hours and hours worked.

What Does a Commercial Pilot Do?

The duties of a commercial pilot involve flying an airplane or helicopter for commercial purposes. Your responsibilities in this career may involve operating aircraft flights that carry passengers or cargo. As a commercial pilot, you can work for a commercial airline, a charter service, or another type of company that offers commercial airplane services. You are responsible for ensuring the plane is safe, fueled, and supplied before takeoff. You must also submit a flight plan and ensure you have the proper clearance.

What is the difference between Commercial Pilot vs Private Pilot?

AspectCommercial PilotPrivate Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot CertificatePrivate Pilot Certificate
Work EnvironmentPaid flights, charter services, aerial workPersonal flying, recreational use
Employer & IndustryAirlines, charter companies, aerial servicesIndividuals, hobbyists, personal travel
Flight Hours Required250 hours minimum40 hours minimum

The main difference between a Commercial Pilot and a Private Pilot lies in their certifications, work environment, and flight hours. Commercial Pilots are licensed to be paid for flying and often work in professional settings like charter services or aerial work. Private Pilots fly primarily for personal or recreational purposes and cannot be paid for their flights. The certification requirements also differ, with Commercial Pilots needing more flight hours and advanced training.

What are commercial pilots?

Commercial pilots are licensed professionals who are authorized to operate aircraft for compensation or hire. They typically fly passenger airlines, cargo planes, charter flights, or perform aerial tasks such as crop dusting, aerial photography, and rescue operations. Unlike private pilots, commercial pilots must meet higher training standards, pass rigorous exams, and hold a commercial pilot license issued by aviation authorities. Their responsibilities include ensuring passenger safety, conducting pre-flight checks, navigating flights, and managing emergency situations. Commercial pilots often work for airlines, corporations, or specialized aviation companies.

Can you be a pilot with bipolar disorder?

Commercial pilots are subject to medical certification by aviation authorities, which require mental health stability. A diagnosis of bipolar disorder may lead to disqualification or require ongoing treatment and evaluation, as mental health conditions can impact safety and decision-making in flight operations.

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

To thrive as a Commercial Pilot, you need a commercial pilot license, strong flight training, and in-depth knowledge of aviation regulations and navigation. Familiarity with advanced avionics systems, flight management software, and simulator training is essential. Excellent decision-making, communication, and situational awareness set outstanding pilots apart. These competencies ensure passenger safety, regulatory compliance, and effective management of challenging flight conditions.

Is there a demand for commercial pilots?

The demand for commercial pilots remains strong due to growth in air travel and the need for qualified pilots in passenger and cargo airlines. Factors such as industry expansion, retirements, and the requirement for certifications like an Airline Transport Pilot license contribute to ongoing job opportunities in this field.

What are some common challenges commercial pilots face during irregular schedules and how can they manage them?

Commercial pilots often deal with irregular schedules, including overnight flights and frequent time zone changes, which can disrupt sleep patterns and personal routines. Managing fatigue, staying alert, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance are essential for success in this role. Pilots use strategies like adhering to regulated rest periods, practicing good sleep hygiene, and leveraging support from their crewmates to mitigate these challenges. Airlines also provide resources and training to help pilots adapt to demanding schedules and ensure safety and well-being.

What pilots make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced airline captains, especially those flying international routes for major carriers, can earn annual salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000, including base pay, bonuses, and per diem. Corporate pilots flying large, private jets for wealthy clients or corporations may also reach this level with significant experience and additional compensation. These roles typically require advanced certifications, extensive flight hours, and seniority within the airline or organization.
What are the most commonly searched types of Commercial Pilot jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Commercial Pilot jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Commercial Pilot jobs in Reston, VA? For Commercial Pilot jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Commercial Pilot jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Commercial Pilot jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Commercial Pilot jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Commercial Pilot job openings:
Infographic showing various Commercial Pilot job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,421 per year, or $23.8 per hour.
Aircraft Pilot (FW/H60M Maintenance Test Pilot)

Aircraft Pilot (FW/H60M Maintenance Test Pilot)

Yulista

Fort Belvoir, VA • On-site

$185K/yr

Other

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


Yulista rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 71 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Yulista Support Services LLC Regular

This position serves as a H-60M Maintenance Test/Project Pilot and fixed-wing (FW) multi-engine Project Pilot. Duties include project flight tests, maintenance test flights, and other assigned aviation duties in support of research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) missions. The incumbent operates rotary-wing (RW) and FW aircraft in support of Army aviation system integration, experimentation, and operational testing.

Salary Range: $ 142752 - $185580 annually. Compensation is based on relevant experience, education, skills, and internal equity.

Essential Duties
* Serve as a H-60 Maintenance Test and Project Pilot on our H-60 L/M aircraft.
* Serve as a FW, multi-engine Project pilot.
* Conduct developmental, operational, and project evaluation flight missions.
* Perform mission planning, including weather analysis, flight routing, and airspace coordination.
* Support aviation test planning and execution in coordination with engineers and test personnel.
* Prepare flight reports, evaluations, and technical documentation.
* Perform additional aviation-related duties such as assigned.
* This position requires one or more additional duties (Operations officer, Safety officer), as assigned by the Lead Pilot.

Supervisory Responsibilities
None

Desired Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Desired Flight Hour Experience:
* Previous flight test or RDT&E experience highly desired.
* Total flight time: 1,500 hours total time
(RW) Pilot-in-Command (PIC): 250 hours * Night flight/NVG: 75 hours * Instrument flight: 75 hours (minimum 10 hours actual IMC) Recent flight experience: 100 hours within the last 12 months. Position requires operation of heavy multi-engine helicopters (i.e., gross takeoff weight in excess of 12,500 pounds).
(FW) Pilot-in-Command (PIC) 250 hours * Night flight: 75 hours * Instrument flight: 75 hours (minimum 10 hours actual IMC) Recent flight experience: 100 hours within the last 12 months. Position requires operation of heavy multi-engine airplanes (i.e., gross takeoff weight in excess of 12,500 pounds).

Required Qualifications
* FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate or higher with appropriate ratings (multi-engine, instrument, helicopter)
* Applicants must be H-60M Maintenance Test Pilot qualified.
* Applicant must be U.S. Department of War FW multi-engine qualified.
* Applicant must be able to complete physiological training (Hypobaric Chamber).

Medical:
* Current FAA First- or Second-Class Medical Certificate.
* Maintain required medical certification and flight currency.

Additional Requirements:
* Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.
* Subject to random drug testing.
* Temporary Duty (TDY) travel varies, approximately 30%.
* This position requires rotating shift work.
* This position requires unscheduled overtime work.


Required Documents:
Resume' detailing flight experience and qualifications.
Pilot certificates and ratings * Medical certification documentation * Flight-hour documentation/logbooks * Candidates establishing eligibility based on military flight experience must provide official orders, forms (DA form 759), or logbooks showing their status as a rated military pilot, flight instructor, or flight examiner, as appropriate.
* Active Secret Security Clearance is required.
The H60M Maintenance Test/Project Pilot and FW Project Pilot will work in an RDT&E Environment and will be evaluated on the following competencies consistent with the GS-2181 Aircraft Pilot series:
* Technical Competence
* Attention to Detail
* Oral Communication
* Planning and Evaluating

PREFERENCE STATEMENT
Preference will be given to Calista shareholders and their descendants and to spouses of Calista shareholders, and to shareholders of other corporations created pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, in accordance with Title 43 U.S. Code 1626(g).

EEO STATEMENT
Additionally, it is our policy to select, place, train and promote the most qualified individuals based upon relevant factors such as work quality, attitude and experience, so as to provide equal employment opportunity for all employees in compliance with applicable local, state and federal laws and without regard to non-work related factors such as race, color, religion/creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, genetic information, or other protected status. When applicable, our policy of non-discrimination applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, transfer, promotion, placement, layoff, compensation, termination, reduction in force and benefits.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
It is Calista and Subsidiaries' business philosophy and practice to provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities.
The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements.
This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.


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