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Ferry Pilot Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Ferry Pilot information

See Alabama salary details

$44.9K

$118.7K

$182.2K

How much do ferry pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for ferry pilot in Alabama is $118,661.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,600.00 and $140,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a ferry pilot?

Ferry pilots are professional aviators who specialize in transporting aircraft from one location to another, often over long distances or international borders. Their main responsibility is to deliver planes safely, whether for new aircraft delivery, post-maintenance relocation, or moving planes to new owners. Ferry pilots must be skilled in flying various types of aircraft and often face unique challenges such as unfamiliar routes, weather changes, and long solo flights. They play a crucial role in the aviation industry by ensuring that aircraft are positioned where they are needed most.

What is the difference between Ferry Pilot vs Commercial Pilot?

AspectFerry PilotCommercial Pilot
CertificationsRequires a Commercial Pilot Certificate, often with additional type ratings for specific aircraftRequires a Commercial Pilot Certificate; may need additional ratings depending on the job
Work EnvironmentPrimarily flying aircraft between locations, often over long distances, with minimal passenger interactionVaries; includes aerial work, charter flights, and other paid flying activities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by aircraft operators, ferry companies, and private owners for repositioning aircraftEmployed by charter companies, flight schools, and aerial service providers

Ferry pilots and commercial pilots both hold commercial certifications and operate aircraft, but ferry pilots focus on relocating aircraft between locations, often over long distances, while commercial pilots engage in a broader range of paid flying activities. Understanding these differences helps aspiring pilots choose the right career path.

What are some common challenges ferry pilots face during long-distance aircraft deliveries?

Ferry pilots often encounter unique challenges such as navigating unfamiliar airspace, managing fuel stops in remote locations, and adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions. Additionally, they may need to fly aircraft that are not fully equipped with advanced avionics or comfort features, requiring extra vigilance and preparation. Effective communication with air traffic control and coordination with ground support are also essential to ensure safe and timely deliveries, especially when crossing international borders.

What does a ferry pilot do?

A ferry pilot transports aircraft from one location to another. Your duties usually focus on the transport of new or used aircraft from a manufacturer or seller to a buyer. Ferry flying can involve different types of airplanes, but when you pilot a ferry flight, the plane does not have passengers or cargo. You can also transport an aircraft to a specific location for maintenance or perform a return flight for an aircraft that provided one-way service to private clients. Some ferry pilots work with commercial airlines. Your responsibilities in this scenario involve moving aircraft to different airports where the airline needs them.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a ferry pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Ferry Pilot, you need a commercial pilot license, strong navigation skills, and extensive experience with various aircraft types. Familiarity with flight planning software, GPS navigation systems, and international aviation regulations is essential. Excellent decision-making, adaptability, and communication skills help manage unexpected situations and coordinate with clients and authorities. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and compliant delivery of aircraft across diverse and sometimes challenging routes.
What are the most commonly searched types of Ferry Pilot jobs in Alabama? The most popular types of Ferry Pilot jobs in Alabama are:
What are popular job titles related to Ferry Pilot jobs in Alabama? For Ferry Pilot jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Ferry Pilot jobs in Alabama look for? The top searched job categories for Ferry Pilot jobs in Alabama are:
What are popular job titles related to Ferry Pilot jobs in AL? For Ferry Pilot jobs in AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Ferry Pilot job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,661 per year, or $57 per hour.

CH-47 Maintenance Test Pilot

System Dynamics Intl

Fort Novosel, AL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

CH-47 MAINTENANCE TEST PILOT

SUMMARY: Performs flights and demonstrates proficiency during standardization flights on

aircraft. Performs mathematical calculations required for weight and balance, performance data

for takeoff, cruise, and landing configurations of aircraft in which the individuals are qualified.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Performs pre-flight, in-flight and post-flight procedures in accordance with Company,

Army or Air Force directives depending on assignment.

2. Performs operational ground checks, taxi checks, hover checks on rotary wing aircraft;

functional check flights, general and limited maintenance test flights, confirmation check

flights of aircraft and aircraft systems undergoing maintenance and determines, in

accordance with Army or Air Force technical publications and Company procedures, the

airworthiness of an aircraft prior to its release for customer use.

3. Performs troubleshooting procedures of an aircraft on the ground and in flight, and

makes appropriate (verbal or written log entry) recommendations to assist ground

personnel in correcting deficiencies.

4. Performs recovery and ferry flights.

5. Instructs maintenance personnel for aircraft ground run-up and taxi operations to

prepare employees for certification.

6. Keeps abreast of and complies with FAA and local flying regulations and safety

procedures as applicable for the job.

7. Maintains proficiency in basic flight maneuvers, appropriate aircraft emergency

procedures and instrument flying consistent with Army or Air Force technical publications

and Company requirements.

8. Briefs and demonstrates operational and emergency procedures to flight crew and noncrew

members.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. When not actually engaged in the physical operation of the aircraft, must be willing to be

engaged in study, preparation and personal development to further physical and mental

skills required to operate aircraft.

2. Operates motor vehicles in performance of assigned duties.

3. Completes records as required by TAMMS-A necessary to record aircraft and / or

engine performance data. Completes maintenance documentation accurately using

Integrated Maintenance Data System (IMDS) and required forms, and must show

proficiency in IMDS within ninety (90) days when assigned to the Air Force Project.

4. Required to participate in instrument flight simulator training.

5. May be required to fly profile flights, which may include NVG, PNVS, and tactics.


QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must demonstrate successfully the ability to start, run-up, fly, navigate and land aircraft

that the individual is qualified to operate.

2. Must hold a valid and current FAA Commercial Pilot certificate with rotorcraft and

instrument ratings in the aircraft class (fixed, rotary or both) for which a position is

offered.

3. Must hold a valid FAA Instrument rating in the designated aircraft class for which job is

offered.

4. Must have recorded (and proof presented) a minimum of one thousand (1,000) hours as

pilot in command in the specific aircraft class for which a position is offered. Must have

recorded (and proof presented) a minimum of one thousand five hundred (1,500) hours

of pilot in command in the specific aircraft class for which a position is offered with five

hundred (500) hours experience in helicopters of which at least two hundred fifty (250)

hours must have been in the UH-1H or Bell 205 when assigned to the Air Force Project.

Fifty percent of minimum flight time of pilot in command can be in commercial aircraft

similar to or already in the Army or Air Force offered.

5. -

1H Maintenance Test Pilot Course) or FAA Test Flight Program in the UH-1H or Bell 205

when assigned to the Air Force Project.

EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE:

1. High school diploma or equivalent General Educational Development (GED) certificate.

2. AMOC II graduation is a requisite for this job classification. Pilots flying OH-58D, CH-47,

AH-64 or UH-60 aircraft must be a Phase II graduate in that particular aircraft before

assuming Maintenance Test Pilot duties in those aircraft. Job candidates who meet

qualifications 1 through 4 can be provided an AMOC Phase II course within one hundred

eighty (180) days from entering the classification to become Phase II AMOC II qualified,

provided the Government approves AMOC Phase II flight training. Failure to successfully

complete the required course will disqualify the employee for this job classification.

3. Maintenance Test Pilots flying UH-60, CH-47, or AH-64 aircraft, have successfully

completed MTPC prior to assuming PC and MTP duties in those aircraft.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

1. Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole integers,

common and decimal fractions.

2. Ability to compute rates, ratios, percentages, and interpolations necessary for aircraft

and engine performance.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must hold a valid and current FAA or military Class II Medical Certificate as prescribed

by the Government. Must undergo initially and annually thereafter, flight physical(s) prior

to piloting an U. S. Army or Air Force aircraft.