The Pilot Instructor is responsible for the accomplishment of ground-based training of C17 pilots, including instructing and measuring training progress of crewmembers who train in the established ...
The Pilot Instructor is responsible for the accomplishment of ground-based training of C17 pilots, including instructing and measuring training progress of crewmembers who train in the established ...
The Pilot Instructor is responsible for the accomplishment of ground-based training of C‑17 pilots, including instructing and measuring training progress of crewmembers who train in the established ...
The Pilot Instructor is responsible for the accomplishment of ground-based training of C‑17 pilots, including instructing and measuring training progress of crewmembers who train in the established ...
The Pilot Instructor is responsible for the accomplishment of ground-based training of C17 pilots, including instructing and measuring training progress of crewmembers who train in the established ...
The Pilot Instructor is responsible for the accomplishment of ground-based training of C17 pilots, including instructing and measuring training progress of crewmembers who train in the established ...
The Pilot Instructor is responsible for the accomplishment of ground-based training of C‑17 pilots, including instructing and measuring training progress of crewmembers who train in the established ...
The Pilot Instructor is responsible for the accomplishment of ground-based training of C‑17 pilots, including instructing and measuring training progress of crewmembers who train in the established ...
Contract Pilot Instructor
Altus, OK · On-site
The Pilot Instructor is responsible for the accomplishment of ground-based training of C-17 pilots, including instructing and measuring training progress of crewmembers who train in the established ...
Contract Pilot Instructor
Altus, OK · On-site
The Pilot Instructor is responsible for the accomplishment of ground-based training of C-17 pilots, including instructing and measuring training progress of crewmembers who train in the established ...
Contract pilot shall participate in No-notice evaluation program. * Coordinate daily tasks and requirements (examples are work schedules, leaves, etc.) of contract employees to meet AATS missioned ...
Contract pilot shall participate in No-notice evaluation program. * Coordinate daily tasks and requirements (examples are work schedules, leaves, etc.) of contract employees to meet AATS missioned ...
Contract pilot shall participate in No-notice evaluation program. * Coordinate daily tasks and requirements (examples are work schedules, leaves, etc.) of contract employees to meet AATS missioned ...
Contract pilot shall participate in No-notice evaluation program. * Coordinate daily tasks and requirements (examples are work schedules, leaves, etc.) of contract employees to meet AATS missioned ...
Contract pilot shall participate in No-notice evaluation program. * Coordinate daily tasks and requirements (examples are work schedules, leaves, etc.) of contract employees to meet AATS missioned ...
Contract pilot shall participate in No-notice evaluation program. * Coordinate daily tasks and requirements (examples are work schedules, leaves, etc.) of contract employees to meet AATS missioned ...
Contract pilot shall participate in No-notice evaluation program. * Coordinate daily tasks and requirements (examples are work schedules, leaves, etc.) of contract employees to meet AATS missioned ...
Contract pilot shall participate in No-notice evaluation program. * Coordinate daily tasks and requirements (examples are work schedules, leaves, etc.) of contract employees to meet AATS missioned ...
STAJets is looking to build a book of typed and current Hawker Contract Pilots. Should you meet the requirements below, we would like to set up in our system. Requirements: * Typed with 12-Month ...
STAJets is looking to build a book of typed and current Hawker Contract Pilots. Should you meet the requirements below, we would like to set up in our system. Requirements: * Typed with 12-Month ...
Contract Citation XLS Group
Costa Mesa, CA · On-site
$96.60K - $120.20K/yr
STAJets is looking to build a book of typed and current CE-560XLS Contract Pilots. Should you meet the below requirements we would like to set up a phone interview. Requirements: * Typed with 12 ...
Contract Citation XLS Group
Costa Mesa, CA · On-site
$96.60K - $120.20K/yr
STAJets is looking to build a book of typed and current CE-560XLS Contract Pilots. Should you meet the below requirements we would like to set up a phone interview. Requirements: * Typed with 12 ...
STAJets is looking to build a book of typed and current Hawker Contract Pilots. Should you meet the requirements below, we would like to set up in our system. Requirements: * Typed with 12-Month ...
Quick apply
STAJets is looking to build a book of typed and current Hawker Contract Pilots. Should you meet the requirements below, we would like to set up in our system. Requirements: * Typed with 12-Month ...
Contract Citation XLS Group
Costa Mesa, CA · On-site
$95.40K - $118.70K/yr
STAJets is looking to build a book of typed and current CE-560XLS Contract Pilots. Should you meet the below requirements we would like to set up a phone interview. Requirements: * Typed with 12 ...
Quick apply
Contract Citation XLS Group
Costa Mesa, CA · On-site
$95.40K - $118.70K/yr
STAJets is looking to build a book of typed and current CE-560XLS Contract Pilots. Should you meet the below requirements we would like to set up a phone interview. Requirements: * Typed with 12 ...
Contract UAV Pilot
Blackstone, VA · On-site
CONTRACT UAV PILOT II-III DEPARTMENT: FLIGHT OPERATIONS REPORTS TO: DEPLOYMENT SITE LEAD CLASSIFICATION: CONTRACT POSITIONS AVAILABLE: 17 TRAVEL REQUIRED: 100% OCONUS CLEARANCE TYPE: SECRET Job ...
Quick apply
Contract UAV Pilot
Blackstone, VA · On-site
CONTRACT UAV PILOT II-III DEPARTMENT: FLIGHT OPERATIONS REPORTS TO: DEPLOYMENT SITE LEAD CLASSIFICATION: CONTRACT POSITIONS AVAILABLE: 17 TRAVEL REQUIRED: 100% OCONUS CLEARANCE TYPE: SECRET Job ...
CONTRACT UAV PILOT II-III DEPARTMENT: FLIGHT OPERATIONS REPORTS TO: DEPLOYMENT SITE LEAD CLASSIFICATION: CONTRACT POSITIONS AVAILABLE: 17 TRAVEL REQUIRED: 100 OCONU
CONTRACT UAV PILOT II-III DEPARTMENT: FLIGHT OPERATIONS REPORTS TO: DEPLOYMENT SITE LEAD CLASSIFICATION: CONTRACT POSITIONS AVAILABLE: 17 TRAVEL REQUIRED: 100 OCONU
Pilot: Lead Captain - Gulfstream G450 | KOPF
$300K - $320K/yr
... Pilot (ACP), and Trip Support Specialists. You will ensure crew compliance with applicable ... Position Type : Full-time only; no contract * Location : Miami - Opa Locka, FL (KOPF) * Mission
Pilot: Lead Captain - Gulfstream G450 | KOPF
$300K - $320K/yr
... Pilot (ACP), and Trip Support Specialists. You will ensure crew compliance with applicable ... Position Type : Full-time only; no contract * Location : Miami - Opa Locka, FL (KOPF) * Mission
Contract Instructor Pilots (CIPs) report to the Lead Instructor. They will be fully qualified to meet the applicable requirements and will instruct academics and in aircrew training devices. CIPs ...
Contract Instructor Pilots (CIPs) report to the Lead Instructor. They will be fully qualified to meet the applicable requirements and will instruct academics and in aircrew training devices. CIPs ...
Conduct basic indoctrination and emergency training, as well as other internal training to include customer service * Assist with selection and hiring of new crew members to include contract pilots.
Conduct basic indoctrination and emergency training, as well as other internal training to include customer service * Assist with selection and hiring of new crew members to include contract pilots.
Contract Instructor Pilots (CIPs) report to the Lead Instructor. They will be fully qualified to meet the applicable requirements and will instruct academics and in aircrew training devices. CIPs ...
Contract Instructor Pilots (CIPs) report to the Lead Instructor. They will be fully qualified to meet the applicable requirements and will instruct academics and in aircrew training devices. CIPs ...
$255K - $265K/yr
... Pilot (ACP), and Trip Support Specialists. You will ensure crew compliance with applicable ... Position Type : Full-time only; no contract * Location : Nashville, TN (KBNA) * Mission : Internal ...
$255K - $265K/yr
... Pilot (ACP), and Trip Support Specialists. You will ensure crew compliance with applicable ... Position Type : Full-time only; no contract * Location : Nashville, TN (KBNA) * Mission : Internal ...
Contract Pilot information
See salary details
$49.5K - $63.3K
10% of jobs
$63.3K - $77K
7% of jobs
$77K - $90.8K
3% of jobs
$101.1K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$90.8K - $104.6K
6% of jobs
$104.6K - $118.4K
7% of jobs
$118.4K - $132.1K
5% of jobs
The median wage is $140.7K / yr.
$132.1K - $145.9K
17% of jobs
$153.7K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$145.9K - $159.7K
33% of jobs
$159.7K - $173.5K
5% of jobs
$173.5K - $187.2K
3% of jobs
$187.2K - $201K
2% of jobs
$49.5K
$130.9K
$201K
How much do contract pilot jobs pay per year?
What Does a Contract Pilot Do?
A contract pilot is an aviation professional who operates helicopters, charter planes, or another aircraft on a per-job basis. As a contract pilot, you work directly with corporate or individual clients to fly an aircraft between locations and transport passengers or cargo. Your contract may be for a single trip or multiple trips. However, you operate as an independent contractor, so you are responsible for maintaining your credentials and insurance. Working as a contract pilot provides you with greater flexibility than being a pilot for an airline or the military.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Pilot, and why are they important?
What are some common challenges faced by contract pilots when adapting to different aircraft and client expectations?
What are contract pilots?
What is the difference between Contract Pilot vs Commercial Pilot?
| Aspect | Contract Pilot | Commercial Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Certifications | Commercial Pilot Certificate, possibly additional type ratings | Commercial Pilot Certificate, multi-engine ratings often required |
| Work Environment | Hired on a temporary basis for specific contracts, often freelance | Employed by airlines, charter companies, or corporate operators |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Contract basis across various operators, including private and cargo | Full-time or part-time employment within commercial aviation |
Contract pilots typically hold a commercial pilot certificate and work on a temporary or project basis, often flying for multiple operators. Commercial pilots are usually employed full-time by airlines or companies, with a focus on scheduled or charter flights. The main difference lies in employment type and job stability, with contract pilots offering flexibility and diverse opportunities, while commercial pilots often have more consistent employment within the commercial aviation industry.

Other
Posted 17 days ago
FlightSafety International rating
8.6
Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
12th of 189 rated education and training
Job description
About FlightSafety International
FlightSafety International is the world's premier professional aviation training company and supplier of flight simulators, visual systems and displays to commercial, government and military organizations. The company provides training for pilots, technicians and other aviation professionals from 167 countries and independent territories. FlightSafety operates the world's largest fleet of advanced full-flight simulators and award-winning maintenance training at Learning Centers and training locations in the United States, Canada, France and the United Kingdom.
Position Purpose:
The Pilot Instructor is responsible for the accomplishment of ground-based training of C17 pilots, including instructing and measuring training progress of crewmembers who train in the established Training System (TS) curriculum.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
- Conducts training using devices, such as the Weapon System Trainer (WST), the C-17 aircraft, Computer-Based Trainers (CBT), and other ground training for all C-17 TS pilots in air drop, aerial refueling/transport operating procedures, including diagnosis and remediation of student problems.
- Maintains a high level of subject knowledge, instruction capability, and expertise.
- Conducts briefings and debriefings and counsels all pilots and Maintenance Engine Run personnel for the purpose of developing and maintaining a high level of proficiency.
- Performs administrative duties relative to training, such as interfacing with the user organization, record keeping, monitoring student progress, counseling, training development, and maintenance of training programs.
- Provides inputs for courseware corrections and modifications and updates training policies and procedures.
- Flies the WST (as required) to maintain instructional expertise.
- Flies on the airplane (as required) in observer status to maintain currency on operational procedures and to observe student progress.
Other Duties and Responsibilities:
- Serves as C-17 Pilot Subject Matter Expert (SME) for students, other personnel, and test events, as required.
- Serves as Flight Check Airman (FCA)(Lead), when assigned by the Employer.
- Serves as Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) Evaluator, when assigned by the Employer.
- Accomplishes Simulator Certification (SIMCERT)/Simulator Evaluation (SIMVAL) duties when assigned by the Employer.
- Assists in project and development work, as assigned.
- Periodically attends Operations Group Standardization/Evaluation (Stan/Eval) Boards (SEB) and Training Review Panels (TRP), as well as Formal Training Unit (FTU) instructor meetings (when FCA is unavailable).
- Attends Headquarters (HQ) Air Mobility Command (AMC) curriculum reviews, HQ AMC Stan/Eval Conferences, and/or Flight Manual Review Conferences (FMRC), as required (when FCA is unavailable).
- Accomplishes Learning Center monitor duties, as assigned.
- Accomplishes safety representative duties, as designated/assigned.
- Accomplishes physical/cyber security representative duties, as assigned.
- Accomplishes hazardous materials (HAZMAT) duties, as designated/assigned.
- Travels, as required.
- Performs other duties, as assigned.
Teammates are held accountable for all duties of this job.
Qualification Requirements: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function and responsibility satisfactorily. The following requirements are representative of the necessary qualifications.
Knowledge, Skills and Ability:
- Ability to fluently read, write, speak, and understand English.
- Ability to clearly relay information, both verbally and written, to others.
- Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from customers.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Working knowledge of instructional principles and theories pertaining to TSs.
- Working knowledge of personal computers and software applications, such as, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
- Successfully accomplish annual internal standardization evaluations.
- Possess an active SECRET Security Clearance.
Education and Formal Training:
Bachelor's degree required.
Experience:
Eight (8) years flying experience, five (5) years of which as a C-17 pilot with air drop and aerial refueling experience, or able to obtain an AMC/A3TK waiver. Two (2) years or 200 hours of flight instructor experience in air drop, aerial refueling, and tactics. Recent C-17 flight simulator pilot instructor experience and CATS MECOC certification desired.
Materials and Equipment Directly Used:
- C-17 WST
- C-17 Aircraft
- CBT Systems
- Overhead projectors, classroom presentation equipment
- Training Management System / Graduate Training Management Information System (GTIMS)
- Copy Machine
- Computer
- Software applications, such as, Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint
Working Environment/Physical Situation: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a teammate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a teammate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the teammate is regularly required to talk or hear; to sit, stand or walk; and use hands to finger, handle or feel objects or controls. The teammate is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; and stoop or kneel. The teammate is frequently required to ingress/egress from the simulator and aircraft, work in inclement weather and temperature extremes as set forth in the Air Force and company guidelines. The teammate must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 35 pounds. Noise levels range from quiet to extremely loud. The teammate must be able to exit the WST by way of escape ladder down to the floor.
FlightSafety is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.
This position may require access to information that is subject to compliance with the U.S. export regulations including but not limited to the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regulations. For roles subject to these regulations, applicants must qualify as a U.S. Person, or FlightSafety must be granted the appropriate authorization from the governing agencies whose technology and information comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires the approval of an export license will be conditional on FlightSafety International's determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a timeframe consistent with our business requirements. A "U.S. Person" according to the applicable definitions is a U.S. Citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee.
Some positions will require the successful applicant be eligible to obtain a Security Clearance, which may require U.S. Citizenship.
Cybersecurity Notice: All official recruiting communication from FlightSafety International will come from an @flightsafety.com email address. FlightSafety International will never ask for personal or financial information through social media or third-party email providers.