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Entry Level Part 135 Pilot Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Part 121/135 Instructor/Check Pilot * Commercially rating in Fixed/ Rotor Wing * ATP Certificate * Bachelor's degree What We Offer: * Base Pay Rate: $54.06 - $74.83 per hour, based on experience

Part 121/135 Instructor/Check Pilot * Commercially rating in Fixed/ Rotor Wing * ATP Certificate * Bachelor's degree What We Offer: * Base Pay Rate: $54.06 - $74.83 per hour, based on experience

Part 121/135 Instructor/Check Pilot * Commercially rating in Fixed/ Rotor Wing * ATP Certificate * Bachelor's degree What We Offer: * Base Pay Rate: $54.06 - $74.83 per hour, based on experience

Part 121/135 Instructor/Check Pilot * Commercially rating in Fixed/ Rotor Wing * ATP Certificate * Bachelor's degree What We Offer: * Base Pay Rate: $54.06 - $74.83 per hour, based on experience

Entry Level Part 135 Pilot information

What is the difference between Entry Level Part 135 Pilot vs Part 91 Pilot?

AspectEntry Level Part 135 PilotPart 91 Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot Certificate, specific Part 135 trainingPrivate or Commercial Pilot Certificate, general flying experience
Work EnvironmentOn-demand charter flights, small aircraft, regulated by FAA Part 135Private, corporate, or recreational flying, regulated by FAA Part 91
Employer & Industry UsageCharter companies, air taxi services, Part 135 operatorsPrivate owners, corporate flight departments, recreational pilots

Entry Level Part 135 Pilots typically operate on-demand charter flights under FAA Part 135, requiring specific certifications and training. In contrast, Part 91 Pilots generally fly private or corporate aircraft with different regulations and less emphasis on commercial operations. The roles differ mainly in operational scope, certification requirements, and work environment, making the comparison useful for aspiring pilots choosing their career path.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level Part 135 pilot?

To thrive as an Entry Level Part 135 Pilot, you need a commercial pilot certificate, strong aeronautical knowledge, and proficiency in flight operations, often with an instrument rating and meeting FAA minimum hours. Familiarity with avionics systems, GPS navigation, and flight management software is essential, and some operators may require additional training or type ratings. Excellent situational awareness, decision-making, and teamwork skills help pilots handle dynamic situations and communicate effectively with crew and ground staff. These abilities are critical for ensuring regulatory compliance, flight safety, and reliable service in commercial charter operations.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level Part 135 pilots during their first year on the job?

Entry level Part 135 pilots often encounter challenges such as adapting to irregular flight schedules, managing fatigue, and quickly learning diverse operating procedures for different aircraft types. Additionally, new pilots must develop effective communication and teamwork with dispatchers, maintenance crews, and more experienced pilots to ensure safe and efficient operations. Gaining proficiency with Part 135 regulations and meeting high safety standards can also require a steep learning curve, but these experiences provide valuable skills for career advancement.

What is an entry level Part 135 pilot?

An Entry Level Part 135 Pilot is a professional pilot who operates aircraft under Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 135, which governs commercial, non-scheduled operations like air charter and air taxi services. These pilots are typically at the beginning of their professional flying careers and may have just met the minimum requirements for Part 135 operations, such as a commercial pilot certificate and specific flight hours. Their duties include safely operating flights, conducting pre-flight inspections, following company procedures, and providing customer service. Entry Level Part 135 Pilots gain valuable experience that can help them advance to larger aircraft or airline positions in the future.
What are the most commonly searched types of Part 135 Pilot jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Part 135 Pilot jobs in Minnesota are:
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Infographic showing various Entry Level Part 135 Pilot job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Rotor Wing Relief Pilot

Life Link III

Detroit Lakes, MN

$54.06 - $74.83/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Who Are We:

Life Link III is a premier, nationally recognized air medical transport company, known for our clinical excellence, superior aviation program and reliable response in providing care to critically ill or injured patients. Our priority is to do everything possible to give every patient their best chance for the best possible outcome - demonstrated by our unwavering commitment to providing the highest level of care to our patients while on board safe, state-of-the-art aircraft.  We continually focus on innovation and work to put cutting-edge technology and education in the hands of our flight medical crew, pilots, mechanics, operational control specialists and communication specialists so we can provide uncompromising care to the communities we serve.  We do this work while living out our core values of safety, customer focus, excellence, integrity, innovation, and collaboration.

As a Rotor Wing Pilot at Life Link III, you'll be part of an elite air medical team, flying state-of-the-art aircraft to transport medical crews and patients to the care they need. You'll play a vital role in every mission, ensuring safe and professional flights while navigating complex aviation regulations and company procedures. In this position, you'll combine your expert piloting skills with a commitment to safety, teamwork, and making a real difference for patients and their families.

Your Impact:

  • Responsible for safety of passengers and crew, and oversees all flights accepted
  • Effectively communicate and collaborate with flight crew, dispatch and partners
  • Actively shares flight knowledge with team members and serves as a resource to discuss transport, flight operations, and other work-related topics
  • Follows all regulations, manuals, and company policies during flights
  • Completes flight documentation accurately and promptly
  • Supervises loading of aircraft, refueling and ensures safe weight and balance
  • Adheres to proper Crew Resources Management (CRM) technique
  • Actively participates in the Life Link III Safety Management System
  • Responsible for pertinent information regarding all flights, including NOTAMs, TFRs, and weather information
  • Work cohesively as a unit to accomplish all Life Link III assignments including patient transfers
  • Responsible for maintaining qualifications as required in CFRs
  • Proactively pursues professional growth and supports the learning and development of others

Your Qualifications:

  • Commercial pilot certificate and instrument rating for category and class of aircraft
  • Current FAA Class I or II Medical Certificate
  • 2000 total flight hours or meets CAMTS equivalency
  • 1500 hours Helicopter flight hours
  • 1000 hours PIC in category
  • 500 hours of rotorcraft turbine time
  • 200 hours of cross country
  • 50 hours of unaided night can be accepted with a minimum of 100 hours of aided night
  • 50 hours of hood or actual time instrument time in flight in category. (Simulator time does not count.) A pilot that is dual qualified in fixed wing with 100 hours of actual instrument time can reduce this requirement to 25 hours.
  • Able to work cooperatively and collaboratively with all

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Prior experience in HAA operations
  • Part 121/135 Instructor/Check Pilot
  • Commercially rating in Fixed/ Rotor Wing
  • ATP Certificate
  • Bachelor's degree

What We Offer:

  • Base Pay Rate: $54.06 - $74.83 per hour, based on experience
  • Health, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage starting the first of the month following date of hire
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer match
  • 401k with employer match fully vested
  • Generous paid leave and paid time off to foster work/life balance
  • Life, disability, critical illness, and accident insurance
  • Tuition/Training reimbursement program
  • 12-hour shifts with a 7 on 7 off schedule
  • Annual $100 boot reimbursement
  • Company use of aircraft to obtain ATP

Why Join Life Link III?

We are dedicated to making a difference. Our mission-driven culture fosters innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. You'll work alongside passionate professionals in a CAMTS accredited, award-winning program that is committed to improving patient outcomes all while advancing your career in a supportive environment.

Compliance/HIPAA:

Must perform work in the manner prescribed by documented work process in order to ensure compliance with all rules and regulations, accreditation standards and laws that apply, specifically work processes that involve billing practices, for avoiding activities that constitute fraud and abuse.

Employment Status Requirements:

Life Link III does not sponsor employment visas of any kind. As a pre-condition of employment, all applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

Life Link III is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and believe in providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, marital or family status, status with regard to public assistance, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Our commitment to an equitable workplace extends to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, training, working conditions, compensation, benefits, and termination. We are dedicated to maintaining a workplace that is free of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, and where all individuals can thrive professionally.

If you require any accommodations to apply or participate in our hiring process, please contact the Life Link III Human Resources team.