1

Drone Pilot In Command Jobs in Hampton, VA (NOW HIRING)

King Air 350 PIC (AUS)

Newport News, VA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

About the role Aery Aviation, LLC has an opening for a BE350 Pilot In Command (PIC) supporting both CONUS and OCONUS operations. This role supports contracted flight operations and requires the ...

King Air 350 SIC

Newport News, VA · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

About the role Aery Aviation, LLC currently has an opening for a Second-In-Command (Co-Pilot) supporting OCONUS flight operations in the King Air 350. This role requires a high level of aviation ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Drone Pilot In Command information

See Hampton, VA salary details

$47.8K

$126.5K

$194.3K

How much do drone pilot in command jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone pilot in command in Hampton, VA is $126,522.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,600.00 and $149,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Hampton, VA?

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

What job categories do people searching Drone Pilot In Command jobs in Hampton, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Drone Pilot In Command jobs in Hampton, VA are:

What cities near Hampton, VA are hiring for Drone Pilot In Command jobs?

Cities near Hampton, VA with the most Drone Pilot In Command job openings:

Infographic showing various Drone Pilot In Command job openings in Hampton, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,522 per year, or $60.8 per hour.

Aircraft Pilot (FW/H60M Maintenance Test Pilot) with Security Clearance

Yulista Holding, LLC.

Hampton, VA • On-site

$185K/yr

Other

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Yulista Support Services LLC Regular This position serves as a H-60M Maintenance Test/Project Pilot and fixed-wing (FW) multi-engine Project Pilot. Duties include project flight tests, maintenance test flights, and other assigned aviation duties in support of research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) missions. The incumbent operates rotary-wing (RW) and FW aircraft in support of Army aviation system integration, experimentation, and operational testing. Salary Range: $ 142752 - $185580 annually. Compensation is based on relevant experience, education, skills, and internal equity. Essential Duties • Serve as a H-60 Maintenance Test and Project Pilot on our H-60 L/M aircraft.
• Serve as a FW, multi-engine Project pilot.
• Conduct developmental, operational, and project evaluation flight missions.
• Perform mission planning, including weather analysis, flight routing, and airspace coordination.
• Support aviation test planning and execution in coordination with engineers and test personnel.
• Prepare flight reports, evaluations, and technical documentation.
• Perform additional aviation-related duties such as assigned. • This position requires one or more additional duties (Operations officer, Safety officer), as assigned by the Lead Pilot. Supervisory Responsibilities None Desired Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Desired Flight Hour Experience:
• Previous flight test or RDT&E experience highly desired. • Total flight time: 1,500 hours total time
(RW) Pilot-in-Command (PIC): 250 hours • Night flight/NVG: 75 hours • Instrument flight: 75 hours (minimum 10 hours actual IMC) Recent flight experience: 100 hours within the last 12 months. Position requires operation of heavy multi-engine helicopters (i.e., gross takeoff weight in excess of 12,500 pounds). (FW) Pilot-in-Command (PIC) 250 hours • Night flight: 75 hours • Instrument flight: 75 hours (minimum 10 hours actual IMC) Recent flight experience: 100 hours within the last 12 months. Position requires operation of heavy multi-engine airplanes (i.e., gross takeoff weight in excess of 12,500 pounds). Required Qualifications • FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate or higher with appropriate ratings (multi-engine, instrument, helicopter)
• Applicants must be H-60M Maintenance Test Pilot qualified.
• Applicant must be U.S. Department of War FW multi-engine qualified.
• Applicant must be able to complete physiological training (Hypobaric Chamber). Medical:
• Current FAA First- or Second-Class Medical Certificate. • Maintain required medical certification and flight currency. Additional Requirements:
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.
• Subject to random drug testing.
• Temporary Duty (TDY) travel varies, approximately 30%.
• This position requires rotating shift work.
• This position requires unscheduled overtime work. Required Documents: Resume' detailing flight experience and qualifications. Pilot certificates and ratings • Medical certification documentation • Flight-hour documentation/logbooks • Candidates establishing eligibility based on military flight experience must provide official orders, forms (DA form 759), or logbooks showing their status as a rated military pilot, flight instructor, or flight examiner, as appropriate.
• Active Secret Security Clearance is required.
The H60M Maintenance Test/Project Pilot and FW Project Pilot will work in an RDT&E Environment and will be evaluated on the following competencies consistent with the GS-2181 Aircraft Pilot series:
• Technical Competence
• Attention to Detail
• Oral Communication
• Planning and Evaluating PREFERENCE STATEMENT Preference will be given to Calista shareholders and their descendants and to spouses of Calista shareholders, and to shareholders of other corporations created pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, in accordance with Title 43 U.S. Code 1626(g). EEO STATEMENT Additionally, it is our policy to select, place, train and promote the most qualified individuals based upon relevant factors such as work quality, attitude and experience, so as to provide equal employment opportunity for all employees in compliance with applicable local, state and federal laws and without regard to non-work related factors such as race, color, religion/creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, genetic information, or other protected status. When applicable, our policy of non-discrimination applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, transfer, promotion, placement, layoff, compensation, termination, reduction in force and benefits. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION It is Calista and Subsidiaries' business philosophy and practice to provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities. The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.