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Contract Pilot Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Textron

$120 - $170/hr

Fighter Pilot - Luke AFB Description Fighter Pilot Who We Are Textron Systems is part of Textron, a ... Air Force Contract: Conduct flight operations from Luke AFB or deployed locations. Deploy as ...

Cessna Aircraft Company

$110 - $150/hr

- Fighter Pilot - Luke AFB (344339) Fighter Pilot - Luke AFB ( Job Number:344339 ) Who We Are Textron ... Air Force Contract: Conduct flight operations from Luke AFB or deployed locations. Deploy as ...

Cessna Aircraft Company

$140 - $200/hr

- Fighter Pilot - Luke AFB (344339) Fighter Pilot - Luke AFB ( Job Number:344339 ) Who We Are Textron ... Air Force Contract: Conduct flight operations from Luke AFB or deployed locations. Deploy as ...

Heli Preflight

$83 - $124/hr

Deploy when required to support contract requirements when FCFs are anticipated. * Ferry flights as ... As qualified may perform Lead pilot duties as designated by the Site Supervision. * Must be capable ...

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Eightelevengroup

$110 - $140/hr

TBD Contract Length: 8-week initial pilot Location: Remote supporting sites on PST Hours: Full-time, approximately 40 hours/week. Flexibility required to support network maintenance windows and ...

Medasource

$110 - $140/hr

TBD Contract Length: 8-week initial pilot Location: Remote supporting sites on PST Hours: Full-time, approximately 40 hours/week. Flexibility required to support network maintenance windows and ...

Textron

$114 - $199/hr

Navy, Marine and Air Force pilots and is actively pursuing many foreign programs as well. ATAC ... ATAC has recently won a contract for Standoff Jamming Jets services, and the Capture Manager should ...

Pine Bluff Sand and Gravel Co

Correct hazards, if not able to correct on his own report to mate or pilot for proper course of ... contract which stipulates the position or work as Safety Sensitive.

Kentucky Aggregate - Cumberland River Quarry

$20.46 - $22.89/hr

Correct hazards, if not able to correct on his own report to mate or pilot for proper course of ... contract which stipulates the position or work as Safety Sensitive. Job Posted by ApplicantPro

Matter

$220 - $420/hr

Own the path from pilot, design partnership, or LOI to paid production, including scope, success ... contracts * Packaging, pricing, delivery, and customer-success patterns increase speed and margin ...

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All JobsContract Pilot JobsContract Pilot Jobs in Kentucky

Contract Pilot information

See Kentucky salary details

$43K

$113.7K

$174.6K

How much do contract pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract pilot in Kentucky is $113,704.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,900.00 and $134,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract pilot?

Contract pilots are professional pilots who are hired on a temporary or per-assignment basis, rather than as full-time employees of an airline or company. They typically operate private jets, corporate aircraft, or charter flights for individuals or organizations that need flight services for a limited period. Contract pilots are responsible for pre-flight planning, operating the aircraft safely, ensuring compliance with aviation regulations, and sometimes handling administrative tasks related to each flight. This flexible arrangement allows both pilots and employers to meet their scheduling and operational needs without long-term commitments.

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?

To thrive as a Contract Pilot, you need extensive flight experience, an active commercial or airline transport pilot license (CPL/ATPL), and current medical certification. Familiarity with specific aircraft types, proficiency in using advanced avionics systems, and completion of required type ratings are typically necessary. Strong decision-making, adaptability, and effective communication skills help you manage diverse flying environments and coordinate with clients and crews. These competencies ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and reliable service in varied and dynamic aviation assignments.

What are some common challenges faced by contract pilots when adapting to different aircraft and client expectations?

Contract pilots often fly a variety of aircraft types for different clients, which can require quick adaptation to new cockpit layouts, avionics systems, and company-specific procedures. Additionally, each client may have unique operational standards and expectations regarding communication, scheduling, and reporting. Staying organized, maintaining up-to-date certifications, and being proactive in learning new processes are key strategies for overcoming these challenges. Strong interpersonal skills also help contract pilots integrate smoothly with new crews and flight departments.

What is the difference between Contract Pilot vs Commercial Pilot?

AspectContract PilotCommercial Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot Certificate, possibly additional type ratingsCommercial Pilot Certificate, multi-engine ratings often required
Work EnvironmentHired on a temporary basis for specific contracts, often freelanceEmployed by airlines, charter companies, or corporate operators
Employer & Industry UsageContract basis across various operators, including private and cargoFull-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.

More about Contract Pilot jobs

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

The most popular types of Pilot jobs in Kentucky are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Pilot jobs in Kentucky?

For Contract Pilot jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Pilot jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Pilot jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Contract Pilot jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Contract Pilot job openings:

Contract Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Pilot job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,704 per year, or $54.7 per hour.

Instructor / Developmental Test Pilot (DTP)

CACI International, Inc.

Fort Campbell, KY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Instructor / Developmental Test Pilot (DTP)
Job Category: Aviation
Time Type: Full time
Minimum Clearance Required to Start: Secret
Employee Type: Regular
Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 50%
Type of Travel: Continental US
* * *
The Opportunity:
CACI has an immediate opening for an Instructor / Developmental Test Pilot located in Fort Campbell, KY. As the selected Instructor / Developmental Test Pilot (DTP), you will assist in curriculum development for the MH-47 Active Parallel Actuator Subsystem (APAS) and follow-on instruction of the system to the operational force.
Responsibilities:
  • Develop, coordinate, and execute test plans, procedures, and reports.
  • Collaborate with program office, engineers, and developers to ensure system performance meets system specifications and user requirements.
  • Conduct developmental test flights on new or modified SOA helicopters and upgraded systems to evaluate performance, operational suitability, and safety.
  • May perform maintenance test flights (MTFs) on primary model aircraft which have undergone maintenance, modification, or overhaul, or on new production aircraft, where a follow-up/acceptance MTF is not performed by the Government.
  • Comply with all flight regulations, rules, and standards in accordance with (IAW) DCMA INST 8210.1D, AR 95-1, USASOC Sup 1 to AR 95-1, ARSOA 3-04.11, 160th RTSOP, and applicable ARSOA series Aircrew Training Manuals.
  • Provide flight instruction to students on topics within the flight instruction curriculum.
  • Train Commissioned Officers, Warrant Officers, Government, Partner Nation and Contractor rotary wing aviators in the basic mission skills to conduct night vision goggle (NVG) helicopter operations at terrain flight altitudes under various light and weather conditions to standard per the ARSOA-47 Aircrew Training Manual.
  • Qualify Commissioned Officers, Warrant Officers, Government, and Contractor rotary wing aviators for duty as a Basic Mission Qualified (BMQ) Pilot, Instructor Pilot, and/or Maintenance Test Pilot in the MH- 47G ARSOA rotary wing airframes.
  • Perform crew duties during training support flights, recovery flights, demonstration flights, and as co-pilot for maintenance test flights when approved by the GFR.
  • Assist with training schedules and aircraft scheduling.
  • Coordinate aircraft and resource scheduling to support POI training.
  • Responsible for project planning, coordination, execution, and reporting.
  • Represent the SOA user at conferences, meetings, and other industry events related to helicopter development, testing, and emerging technologies.

Qualifications:
Required:
  • Secret Security Clearance.
  • Minimum of 15 years' experience with military rotary wing aircraft.
  • Qualified in the MH-47 model aircraft.
  • Graduate of DoD course of instruction for Instructor Pilots
  • Current FAA commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating (Helicopter) as required by AR 95-20.
  • 2,000-hours minimum pilot/copilot experience in rotary wing aircraft.
  • 1,000 hours as a Pilot in Command (PIC).
  • 500 hours flying with Night Vision Goggles (NVG).
  • Minimum of 3 years' experience with current aircraft and aircraft related technical systems development, architecture, integration testing, fielding, and sustainment.
  • Bachelors' degree in technical or management field.
  • Minimum of two years' experience as a Fully Mission Qualified (FMQ), Flight Lead (FL), Standardization Instructor Pilot (SIP) or Instructor Pilot (IP) in Army Special Operations rotary wing helicopters.
  • Graduate of the US Army Instructor Pilot Course or have completed an equivalency evaluation conducted by the Directorate of Evaluation and Standardization, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence.

Desired:
  • Qualified in an approved Crew Dunker or equivalent.
  • Qualified on Emergency Breathing Device (HEEDS).

What You Can Expect:
A culture of integrity.
At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you'll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer's missions and driven by a higher purpose - to ensure the safety of our nation.
An environment of trust.
CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You'll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.
A focus on continuous growth.
Together, we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground - in your career and in our legacy.
Pay Range:
There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.
The proposed salary range for this position is:
$94,600 - $208,000
CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.

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