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Drone Pilot In Command Jobs in Santa Rosa Beach, FL

Have a sUAS pilot license (Part 107) and Technical proficiency with drone flight software and ... In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and ...

Have a sUAS pilot license (Part 107) and Technical proficiency with drone flight software and ... In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and ...

Have a sUAS pilot license (Part 107) and Technical proficiency with drone flight software and ... In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and ...

Have a sUAS pilot license (Part 107) and Technical proficiency with drone flight software and ... In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and ...

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Drone Pilot In Command information

See Santa Rosa Beach, FL salary details

$44.8K

$118.5K

$182K

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

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone pilot in command in Santa Rosa Beach, FL is $118,547.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,600.00 and $140,400.00 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 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Drone Pilot In Command, and why are they important?

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 cities near Santa Rosa Beach, FL are hiring for Drone Pilot In Command jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa Beach, FL with the most Drone Pilot In Command job openings:
Infographic showing various Drone Pilot In Command job openings in Santa Rosa Beach, FL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $118,547 per year, or $57 per hour.

F-16 Aggressor Instructor Pilot

Top Aces Corp

Eglin Air Force Base, FL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

F-16 Adversary Instructor Pilot (IP) involves mission planning, briefing, flying, and debriefing adversary air support missions. As an experienced F-16 Instructor Pilot, this role may also involve instructing Initial Qualification Mission (IQT) and Mission Qualification Training (MQT) sorties to new TAC pilots to satisfy contract and Company requirements for achieving and maintaining both basic aircraft and professional ADAIR qualifications and to support Development Test (DT) and Operational Test (OT) missions.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Perform mission planning, attend mass adversary coordination, pre-flight briefings, perform adversary missions. Accomplish flight debriefings, and attend air-to-air shot validations, and mass debriefings.
  • Employ the F-16throughout the flight envelope as a professional adversary pilot to support various US branches of service and coalition aircrew training.
  • Adhere to all training rules and pre-briefed maneuvering restrictions.
  • Collect and disseminate lessons learned.
  • Accomplish necessary ground training prior to flights.
  • Deploy as required to support mission requirements.
  • Act as or support personnel responsible for flight safety, training, scheduling, standardization and evaluation, threat academics, or other Program Management duties as needed.
  • Adhere to directions provided by the Chief Pilot, Director of OPS and Pilot Site Lead as well as the Contract Requesting Official (CRO).
  • Adhere to OSHA and OH&S requirements, demonstrate proper use of PPE, safety systems, and tools.
  • Report hazards (such as unsafe situations and activities) and other safety concerns as soon as humanly possible to supervisor and through Company’s Safety Management System (SMS).
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

  • Previously qualified US DoD-trained F-16 instructor pilot.
  • 2,000 hours Pilot In Command (PIC) of any fixed wing DoD (or Allied) fighter aircraft.
  • 100 hours PIC at night.
  • Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot with Instrument privileges and single-engine land (SEL) specifically designated on the certificate.
  • Must maintain FAA instrument Currency, FAA Class 2 Medical Certificate or higher, and adversary mission qualifications and associated mission currencies, to include low-level and unlimited air combat tactics maneuvering in the high-G environment.
  • Must have a FAA Commercial License, or higher, with single engine land rating.
  • Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines while fostering a positive attitude.
  • Must have strong problem-solving abilities.
  • Proficient in the English language with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Must be proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Must be able to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
  • Must be able to travel within the US and internationally.
  • Must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of a F-16 Adversary Instructor Pilot in daily work performance.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a US security clearance.
  • Must not be barred from any military installation.

CERTIFICATIONS / LICENSES

  • FAA instrument Currency.
  • FAA Commercial License, with single engine land rating.
  • Second Class Medical Certificate, or higher.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • 1,500 hours PIC in F-16
  • 500 hours as anF-16Instructor Pilot
  • Previously assigned USAF Aggressor (18/64/65 AGRS) with threat academic SME certification
  • Previous MiG-1 or Aggressor Syllabus Instructor (ASI) qualification
  • USAF WIC, USNFWS/NAWDC/TOPGUN, or TPS Graduate
  • Functional Check Flight (FCF)qualification
  • NVG Instructor
  • Squadron Command experience
  • Top Secret or SAP/SAR Security Clearance
  • FAA CFI(I) Certificate

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS and/or WORK CONDITIONS

  • Must be able to work in various weather environments and conditions.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
  • Must be able to stand, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, sit, talk, walk, hear, see, and reach with hands and arms.
  • This position requires close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
  • This role is performed around loud noises and hazardous chemicals with exposure to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risks of electrical shock. TheF-16 Adversary Instructor Pilot must be able to work in environments with exposure to noise, chemicals, dust, and varying weather conditions.