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Contract Pilot Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

LeadAdvisors

Business Development Manager

Irvine, CA · Remote

Run full cycle: outbound → discovery → proposal → signed contract. * Personally close 4-8 net new deals per month. * Coordinate pilot scopes and pricing with the CEO on the biggest deals. * Be ...

FieldAI

Legal Counsel-Commercial

Irvine, CA · On-site

$225K - $300K/yr

Commercial Contract Negotiations * Lead end-to-end negotiation of enterprise customer agreements, including pilot programs, deployment contracts, SaaS licenses, and multi-year service agreements

FieldAI

Legal Counsel-Commercial

Irvine, CA

$225K - $300K/yr

Commercial Contract Negotiations * Lead end-to-end negotiation of enterprise customer agreements, including pilot programs, deployment contracts, SaaS licenses, and multi-year service agreements

FieldAI

Legal Counsel-Commercial

Irvine, CA · On-site

$225K - $300K/yr

Commercial Contract Negotiations * Lead end-to-end negotiation of enterprise customer agreements, including pilot programs, deployment contracts, SaaS licenses, and multi-year service agreements

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsContract Pilot JobsContract Pilot Jobs in Riverside, CA

Contract Pilot information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$51.6K

$136.6K

$209.7K

How much do contract pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract pilot in Riverside, CA is $136,581.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,300.00 and $161,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 contract pilots?

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 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 Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Pilot jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Pilot jobs in Riverside, CA? For Contract Pilot jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Pilot jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Pilot jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Contract Pilot jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Contract Pilot job openings:
Contract Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Pilot job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $136,581 per year, or $65.7 per hour.

Contract Pilot Instructor

FlightSafety International

March Air Reserve Base, CA

Other

Posted 5 days ago

FlightSafety International rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 196 rated education and training

Job description

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.

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.

 

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:

Ei...

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