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Drone Pilot In Command Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Pilot in Command Global 6500

Oakland, CA · On-site

$160K - $325K/yr

The Pilot in Command (PIC) holds final responsibility to ensure aircraft is operated in a safe, compliant and efficient manner. The PIC complies with all company and regulatory requirements while ...

King Air 350 - Check Pilot

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$55K - $178K/yr

Pilot in Command Responsibilities * Retain final authority for the safe operation of the aircraft per FAR 91.3 * Ensure aircraft airworthiness and completion of required inspections. * Maintain ...

You'll lead both developmental and operational flight testing, acting as the remote pilot in command (RPIC) while coordinating test logistics, flight procedures, and safety operations. This role ...

Showing results 21-40

Drone Pilot In Command information

What is a drone pilot in command?

A Drone Pilot In Command (PIC) is the individual legally responsible for the operation and safety of a drone flight. This person oversees the entire mission, makes operational decisions, and ensures compliance with aviation regulations. The PIC must hold the appropriate certifications, such as the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate in the U.S. They are also responsible for pre-flight planning, assessing risks, maintaining communication, and responding to emergencies. Ultimately, the Drone Pilot In Command ensures all aspects of the drone operation are conducted safely and legally.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drone pilot in command?

To thrive as a Drone Pilot In Command, you need strong piloting skills, knowledge of aviation regulations, and typically a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. Familiarity with flight planning software, GPS systems, and various drone platforms is essential for safe and efficient operations. Attention to detail, situational awareness, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for handling unexpected situations and coordinating with teams. These competencies ensure safe, compliant, and successful drone missions across diverse industries.

What are the common challenges faced by a drone pilot in command when operating in diverse environments?

As a Drone Pilot In Command, you may frequently encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, complying with evolving airspace regulations, and coordinating with on-site teams in unfamiliar or complex locations. Each environment—urban, rural, or industrial—presents unique obstacles, like signal interference or restricted access. Effective communication, strong situational awareness, and thorough pre-flight planning are essential to ensure safe and successful operations in any setting.

What is the difference between Drone Pilot In Command vs Drone Operator?

AspectDrone Pilot In CommandDrone Operator
CertificationsFAA Part 107 Remote Pilot CertificateMay also hold Part 107 or other certifications, but less emphasis on command authority
Work EnvironmentResponsible for flight operations, safety, and compliance during drone missionsAssists with drone setup, data collection, and post-flight tasks
Employer & IndustryCommercial drone services, aerial photography, surveying, inspectionSupport roles within the same industries, often working under the Pilot In Command

The main difference is that the Drone Pilot In Command holds the legal responsibility for drone flights, including safety and compliance, while the Drone Operator typically assists with operational tasks. Both roles often work together, but the Pilot In Command has the final authority and accountability during flights.

What are popular job titles related to Drone Pilot In Command jobs in California?

For Drone Pilot In Command jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drone Pilot In Command jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Drone Pilot In Command jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Drone Pilot In Command jobs?

Cities in California with the most Drone Pilot In Command job openings:

Infographic showing various Drone Pilot In Command job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Second in Command Pilot - Dornier

Hawthorne, CA

$91K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Description

Who We Are:


Advanced Air, LLC is an innovative, service-oriented aviation company headquartered in Hawthorne, California. We were founded in 2005 by our President, Levi Stockton, as an FAA approved, Part 135, On-Demand Air Carrier focused on superlative aircraft management and on demand charter.


Today, Advanced Air has more than 30 aircraft, operated in both scheduled and on-demand service, and a diversified portfolio of flying services in turboprop aircraft, business jets and regional passenger jets. Serving communities throughout the United States, Advanced Air has a deep commitment to operational excellence and metered, sustainable growth.


Our successful growth is driven by our adherence to our core values, safety, security, teamwork, and reliability. We are in this business for the long run and take a disciplined, thoughtful approach to growth opportunities.


About the Role and About You:


The Dornier 328 Jet Second in Command position is based out of Hawthorne, CA. This position requires a strong ability to multi-task, make high level complex decisions, all while completing a variety of aviation related tasks. The flying for this position will support the Advanced Air on-demand charter operations, as well as scheduled service routes to the Mammoth and Crescent City communities. The Second in Command reports to Advanced Air's Chief Pilot and in his absence the Director of Operations.


You are excited about aviation, looking to grow, and willing to make a one-year commitment to Advanced Air, LLC. You will also have all the required flight minimums and certifications and live within two hours of your base airport.


What You Will Do:

  • Perform a visual Pre and Post Flight (walk-around) inspection prior and after each flight.
  • Assist the Pilot-in-Command during all phases of flight in accordance with operating P&P.
  • Assume primary responsibility for the safety of the passengers, crewmembers, cargo, and the aircraft should the pilot-in-command become incapacitated or unable to perform his/her duties.
  • Review thoroughly and brief the pilot-in-command specifically on all customer service items including, but not limited to passenger pick up, passenger drop off, refueling, customs, private hangar pick up/drop off, private hangar communications requirements, and passenger catering.
  • Have primary operational responsibility for successfully completing the customer service portions of each leg as outlined in the P&P manual.
  • Comply with all Federal Aviation Regulations, Company Operations Manual, Operations Specifications, Standard Operating Procedures, and Company Policies and Procedures.
  • Update flight and duty records, determine eligibility for the next flight assignment and ensure any aircraft maintenance discrepancies are reported to the Captain and reported in accordance with operating policy and procedure.
  • Participate proactively in safety and quality systems by identifying, reporting, and mitigating hazards and quality issues. 

Requirements

What We Are Looking For:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • ATP Multi Required
    • 1,500 hours Total Time. 
      • 500 hours Cross Country Time. 
      • 250 hours PIC Time. 
      • 100 hours Nighttime. 
      • 75 hours instrumental flight (50 hours actual)
      • 50 multi-Engine
      • And 300 hours PIC-Turbine. 
  • Successfully pass oral/written exam administered by FAA approved Advanced Air, LLC Check Airman, or a representative of the Administrator within the preceding 12 calendar months as required by FAR 135.293(a)
  • Successfully complete competency check administered in the type of airplane within the preceding 12 calendar months conducted by a FAA approved Advanced Air, LLC Check Airman, or an FAA Inspector, as required by FAR 135.293(b)
  • Must have completed the 6-month IFR proficiency check given by an FAA inspector or a FAA approved Advanced Air, LLC Check Airman (FAR 135.297)
  • Demonstrated enroute, arrival and departure procedures by completing an enroute check (FAR 135.299) with an FAA inspector or a FAA approved Advanced Air, LLC Check Airmen
  • Ability to work in confined spaces and to manipulate, push, pull, and lift heavy objects in excess of 150 lbs.
  • Ability to climb onto and off of an airplane wing as part of the preflight, post flight, or during an over wing emergency exit.
  • Digital dexterity for aircraft preflight and post flight
  • Ability to execute flights of up to 4.5 hours up to a total flight time of 10 hours per day during a 14-hour duty period.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


What you Can Expect:

  • Flight crews can expect to average 65 flight hours a month.
  • Rotation schedule for this position is based off an 8 Days on, 6 Days off model.
  • On Call periods will require flight crew to be within approximate two hours of the airport and in a fit to fly state.
  • Days OFF, the pilot will not be expected to be available for Advanced Air.

Why You Should Work with Us:


We can tell you all about how great we are, but you probably want to know what is in it for you, so we have compiled a list of our standout benefits:

  • Competitive Salary
  • 401(k) plan with dollar-for-dollar employer match up to 4%
  • 100% Company Paid Health Insurance including Medical, Dental, Vision and $15,000 in life insurance for yourself.
  • KCM for your personal travel
  • $3.12 Domestic, $4.16 International Per diem pay for all hours associated with Flight Duty
  • Easy to use Flight/Travel Benefits; current contracts include Delta, Alaska, and Southwest

FYI:


We believe a diversity of perspectives and experiences is what makes a strong team. The stronger our team, the closer we are to our mission. So come join us! We are looking for people of all genders, races, ethnicities, orientations, abilities, and disabilities to come sit at our tables and fly our planes.


Physical Demands and Work Environment:


The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently stooping, climbing, bending, kneeling, lifting (minimum 50 lbs.) and operating machinery with repetitive motions.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment includes working outdoors and in all weather conditions. May incur exposure to constant or intermittent sounds of a pitch or level significant enough to cause marked distraction or possible hearing loss while performing operations on the airfield ramp. Exposure to fumes, dust, loud noise, and/or outdoor weather conditions.


Selection Guidelines:


Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interviews and reference check; job-related tests may be required. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.


The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.