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Contract Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Marine Corps Recruiting

Pilot

Burlington, VT · On-site

Be guaranteed a pilot contract prior to attending basic training If you are ready for a demanding and rewarding career that combines leadership, service, and high-performance aviation, this is your ...

Ai Signal Research Inc

Pilot

Huntsville, AL · On-site

... RTES) contract in support of the Redstone Test Center mission to provide superior technical ... Must hold a commercial pilot certificate or airline transport certificate and possess/obtain a ...

KBR Careers

KC-130 Pilot

Port Hueneme, CA

$155K - $225K/yr

Title C/KC-130 Pilot KBR is seeking a highly qualified C/KC-130 Pilot to support tasking at the ... Must be able to travel up to 25% as required by contract. * This is a full‑time position, but ...

RAVN Aerospace

Pilot

Houston, TX

Position Summary We are currently seeking experienced tactical pilots to support our DoD contracts. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in military tactical flying, particularly in ...

KBR

KC-130 Pilot

California, MD · On-site

$155K - $225K/yr

Title: KC-130 Pilot KBR is seeking a highly qualified C/KC-130 Pilot to support tasking at the ... Must be able to travel up to 25% as required by contract. * Note: This is a full-time position, but ...

RAVN Aerospace

Pilot

San Antonio, TX

Position Summary We are currently seeking experienced tactical pilots to support our DoD contracts. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in military tactical flying, particularly in ...

RAVN Aerospace

Pilot

San Antonio, TX · On-site

Position Summary We are currently seeking experienced tactical pilots to support our DoD contracts. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in military tactical flying, particularly in ...

Akima, LLC

Chief Pilot

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

The Chief Pilot leads all flight operations conducted under the contract, supervising the pilots and flight engineers who perform Functional Check Flights (FCFs) and ferry flights for the UH-1N and ...

Textron

Pilot - Skillbridge

Cherry Point, NC · On-site

Navy Contracts: Conduct flight operations from any of ATAC's four permanent facilities (Newport ... Act as, or support the individual responsible for, pilot Scheduling, Training, NATOPS/Standards ...

KBR, Inc

KC-130 Pilot

California, MO

$155K - $225K/yr

C/KC-130 Pilot page is loaded## C/KC-130 Pilotlocations: Point Mugu, Californiatime type: Full ... Must be able to travel up to 25% as required by contract.* Note: This is a full-time position, but ...

RAVN Aerospace

Pilot

Houston, TX · On-site

Position Summary We are currently seeking experienced tactical pilots to support our DoD contracts. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in military tactical flying, particularly in ...

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Contract Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do contract pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 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
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Contract Pilot jobs near you
Contract Instructor Pilot E-2C/D

Contract Instructor Pilot E-2C/D

LB&B Associates, Inc.

Port Hueneme, CA • On-site

$100.26/hr

Part-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Description
E2 CIP, NAVAL AVIATOR (PILOT)
Job Description - Contract Instructor Pilot (CIP)
LB&B Associates Inc. has immediate openings for on-call E2 Contract Instructor Pilots to support its training contract at NAS Point Mugu, CA.
This is an on-call position.
CIPs for the E-2C 2F110 OFT, the E-2D 2F210 OFT, and the E-2D 2F211 APT shall instruct students in the cockpit as required during simulator events.
CIPs shall successfully demonstrate the ability to instruct, interact, and evaluate aircrew performance for all flight scenarios and provide instantaneous feedback regarding tactical employment and safety related decisions.
CIPs must have the tactical expertise required to provide accurate simulation instruction of all current and future mission areas executed by the E-2C/D crew to meet Air Combat Training Continuum (ACTC) training requirements of the ACCLWS, in alignment with the CAEWWS Manual. This includes, but is not limited to:
a) Warfare Commander decisions and communications
b) Tactical Command and Control (TAC C2)
c) Air Intercept Communications (AIC)
d) Strike Warfare
e) Carrier Strike Group Air Defense
f) Maritime Employment
g) Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR)
h) Offensive Air Support (OAS)
i) Airspace Management
j) Offensive Counter-Air/Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (OCA/SEAD)
k) Combat Identification (CID)
l) Controlled Approaches
m) Survivability
Principal Duties and Essential Job Functions:
  • Conduct scheduled Instructor-led/supported training for Training Device and Systems Training (including briefs and debriefs) using traditional and modern tools such as interactive white boards, computers and video projector systems.
  • Evaluate student training/mission performance as required.
  • Provide classroom instruction and recommendations for improvement, to include tests and test materials, lesson plans, and trainee guides under the guidelines of current directives.
  • Provide academic instruction to include Instructor led lecture discussion for Crew Resource Management (CRM), Instrument Ground School (IGS), etc., and self-paced Computer Aided Instruction (CAI) and Computer Based Training (CBT) in support of courses required for each platform.
  • Assist with simulator and training device inspections and certification programs and other special projects, as required, to include mishap re-creation and testing.
  • Conduct training device operation instruction to personnel as necessary, to include briefing, debriefing and grading/assessments.
  • Other weapons system specific support responsibilities, as listed in appendices.
  • Evaluate and record trainer performance IAW established criteria.
  • Maintain, assess, and recommend improvements to mission scenarios for effectiveness and currency.
  • Review curriculum, assess and recommend improvements to the training program via the appropriate training management officials.
  • Perform as NATOPS Instrument Evaluators, Assistant NATOPS Instructors (ANI), AW and EW instructors. Contract Instructors may be designated as a NATOPS Instrument Evaluator or Assistant NATOPS Instructor per OPNAVINST 3710.7 SERIES. Refer to OPNAVINST 3710.7 SERIES for definitions of responsibilities, assignments, qualifications, cognizant authority for designations, and annual requirements for certifications.

Requirements and Qualifications
  • Must obtain instructor certification in the platform(s) to which assigned.
  • Must obtain a Top Secret Clearance.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen

Contract Instructor Pilot (CIP)
  • Qualifications. A CIP shall have the following qualifications: Must be or have been an E-2 Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) qualified pilot or have been an E-2 simulator instructor (pilot) within the previous five (5) years. A CIP have been a designated a Carrier Aircraft Plane Commander (CAPC) in the E-2 or Carrier Transport Plane Commander (CTPC) in the C-2 (i.e. level 300 ACTC qualification or greater), Not have had any punitive actions on their record that resulted in termination of their flight status (i.e. Field Naval Aviator Evaluation Board (FNAEB) resulting in a type B classification). Must have a minimum of (800) flying hours in the E-2 or the C-2 aircraft and possess a Bachelor's degree.
  • A CIP should have the following preferred qualifications: Must Be or have been an E-2/C-2 NATOPS Instructor qualified pilot within the previous five (5) years, or have been an E-2/C-2 simulator instructor pilot within the previous five (5) years.
  • Attained the following tactical designations
    • Instructor CAPC in the E-2 (i.e. Level 3i ACTC [formerly level 400 ACTC qualification, prior to 2019])
    • Element lead in the E-2 (i.e. level 400 ACTC qualification)
    • E-2 Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) (i.e. level 500 ACTC qualification)

The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
LB&B Associates Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other protected factor by country, regional or local law.
Requirements
Please see job description.

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