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First Officer Pilot Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

... Pilot Division, and/or our Flight Training Division. Join them and you'll certify as a Flight Qualified Captain or First Officer, depending on experience, on one of the UPS aircraft fleet types (B747 ...

Retail Merchandiser

Mount Sterling, KY ยท On-site

$13.44 - $19.49/hr

Company Description Pilot Company is an industry-leading network of travel centers with more than ... Haslam II and currently led by CEO Adam Wright, our founding values, people-first culture and ...

Company Description Pilot Company is an industry-leading network of travel centers with more than ... Haslam II and currently led by CEO Adam Wright, our founding values, people-first culture and ...

Retail Merchandiser

Mount Sterling, KY ยท On-site

$13.44 - $19.49/hr

Company Description Pilot Company is an industry-leading network of travel centers with more than ... Haslam II and currently led by CEO Adam Wright, our founding values, people-first culture and ...

Restaurant General Manager

Paducah, KY ยท On-site

$39K - $57K/yr

Haslam II and currently led by CEO Adam Wright, our founding values, people-first culture and ... Pilot Flying J is seeking highly-skilled, experienced Restaurant General Managers to run our high ...

Restaurant General Manager

Paducah, KY ยท On-site

$39K - $57K/yr

Haslam II and currently led by CEO Adam Wright, our founding values, people-first culture and ... Pilot Flying J is seeking highly-skilled, experienced Restaurant General Managers to run our high ...

Towing Vessel Safety Officer Responsible for the overall safety of the towing vessel. Aiding in the ... As mariners, we are our own First Responders, and must be able to: * Participate in drills that may ...

Haslam II and currently led by CEO Adam Wright, our founding values, people-first culture and ... Pilot Flying J is seeking highly-skilled, experienced Restaurant General Managers to run our high ...

Towing Vessel Safety Officer Responsible for the overall safety of the towing vessel. Aiding in the ... As mariners, we are our own First Responders, and must be able to: * Participate in drills that may ...

Company Description Pilot Company is an industry-leading network of travel centers with more than ... Haslam II and currently led by CEO Adam Wright, our founding values, people-first culture and ...

Guest Services Leader

Madisonville, KY ยท On-site

$13.44 - $19.49/hr

Company Description Pilot Company is an industry-leading network of travel centers with more than ... Haslam II and currently led by CEO Adam Wright, our founding values, people-first culture and ...

Guest Services Leader

Waddy, KY ยท On-site

$14.16 - $20.58/hr

Company Description Pilot Company is an industry-leading network of travel centers with more than ... Haslam II and currently led by CEO Adam Wright, our founding values, people-first culture and ...

Guest Services Leader

Waddy, KY ยท On-site

$14.16 - $20.58/hr

Company Description Pilot Company is an industry-leading network of travel centers with more than ... Haslam II and currently led by CEO Adam Wright, our founding values, people-first culture and ...

Guest Services Leader

Mount Sterling, KY ยท On-site

$13.44 - $19.49/hr

Company Description Pilot Company is an industry-leading network of travel centers with more than ... Haslam II and currently led by CEO Adam Wright, our founding values, people-first culture and ...

Company Description Pilot Company is an industry-leading network of travel centers with more than ... Haslam II and currently led by CEO Adam Wright, our founding values, people-first culture and ...

Food Services Leader

Paducah, KY ยท On-site

$13.44 - $19.49/hr

Company Description Pilot Company is an industry-leading network of travel centers with more than ... Haslam II and currently led by CEO Adam Wright, our founding values, people-first culture and ...

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Showing results 1-20

First Officer Pilot information

See Kentucky salary details

$19.6K

$63.8K

$153.1K

How much do first officer pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for first officer pilot in Kentucky is $63,824.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,330.00 and $79,793.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a first officer pilot?

First Officer Pilots, also known as co-pilots, are licensed aviators who assist the Captain in operating an aircraft. They share responsibilities such as flying the plane, communicating with air traffic control, and performing safety checks before, during, and after flights. While the Captain has overall command, the First Officer is fully qualified to take control if needed and often alternates flying duties with the Captain. This role is critical for ensuring the safety and efficiency of commercial flights.

What does a first officer pilot do?

On commercial flights, the first officer pilot is the second pilot on the plane. Your responsibilities in this career are to assist the captain to fly the plane. As the co-pilot, if the captain is incapacitated, you take command of the plane. On many flights, the first officer and the captain share the duties of piloting the plane, taking turns while the other one monitors controls and provides backup as needed. In commercial airline command structure, there is also a designation for the senior first officer, which is typically someone who qualifies as a captain, but the airline does not have enough flights to make that person a captain.

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

To thrive as a First Officer Pilot, you need a commercial pilot license (CPL), strong aeronautical knowledge, and extensive flight training with logged flight hours. Proficiency with modern avionics, flight management systems (FMS), and aircraft-specific certifications like a type rating are typically required. Excellent situational awareness, teamwork, communication, and decision-making skills help a First Officer operate safely within a cockpit crew. These competencies are vital for ensuring passenger safety, regulatory compliance, and effective collaboration during routine and emergency situations.

What are some common challenges first officer pilots face during their initial years on the job?

First Officer Pilots often encounter challenges such as adapting to irregular work schedules, managing fatigue from long or overnight flights, and quickly learning to operate various aircraft types. Additionally, they must develop strong communication and coordination skills to work effectively with captains and cabin crew, often under time pressure. Building confidence in decision-making and handling unexpected situations, such as adverse weather or technical issues, is also a key part of the learning curve in this role.

What is the difference between First Officer Pilot vs Captain Pilot?

AspectFirst Officer PilotCaptain Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) often requiredSame as First Officer, but with additional experience and hours
Work EnvironmentFlight crew member assisting the captain, flying under supervisionLead pilot responsible for flight operations and decision-making
Roles & ResponsibilitiesAssist the captain, handle navigation, communication, and safety proceduresOversee the flight, make critical decisions, manage crew and safety

The main difference between a First Officer Pilot and a Captain Pilot lies in their roles and responsibilities. The First Officer assists the captain and operates under supervision, while the Captain leads the flight, makes final decisions, and manages the crew. Both roles require similar certifications, but the Captain typically has more experience and authority.

What are popular job titles related to First Officer Pilot jobs in Kentucky?

For First Officer Pilot jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching First Officer Pilot jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for First Officer Pilot jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for First Officer Pilot jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most First Officer Pilot job openings:

Infographic showing various First Officer Pilot job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,824 per year, or $30.7 per hour.

Flight Qualified Leader

UPS US

Louisville, KY โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Flight Qualified Leaders

Explore your next opportunity at a Fortune Global 500 organization. Envision innovative possibilities, experience our rewarding culture, and work with talented teams that help you become better every day. We know what it takes to lead UPS into tomorrowpeople with a unique combination of skill + passion. If you have the qualities and drive to lead yourself or teams, there are roles ready to cultivate your skills and take you to the next level.

Who Exactly Are Our Flight Qualified Leaders?

It's a talented group of individuals who are passionate about managing and leading a Flight Operations team. These aviation professionals fly UPS aircraft and help manage and oversee the UPS Airlines FAA Operating Certificate. They are a part of our Technical and Safety Teams, Daily Operations Team, Chief Pilot Division, and/or our Flight Training Division. Join them and you'll certify as a Flight Qualified Captain or First Officer, depending on experience, on one of the UPS aircraft fleet types (B747, B757/B767, or A300), where you'll be assigned a position based on your experience, qualifications, and available openings.

What Does It Take To Move The World Forward As Part Of Our Aviation Team In This Position?
  • Strong desire to be a leader that owns a culture of safety and service, by being a professional who embraces continuous learning through teamwork
  • Previous leadership/management experience in the military or aviation industry
  • Current unrestricted ATP certificate with an airplane category multi-engine class rating and English proficiency endorsement
  • Must have a minimum of 4,000 total flight hours
  • Minimum of 1,000 hours Pilot in Command (PIC) hours in fixed-wing jet and/or fixed-wing multi-engine turboprop per 14 CFR 1.1 and 14 CFR 121.436
  • Current FAA First Class Medical Certificate
  • FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit
  • Valid passport and documentation allowing for entry into the U.S. after an international flight
  • Authorization to work in the U.S.

In accordance with 14 CFR 121.436, a prospective Pilot in Command (PIC) may apply flight experience accrued in Part 121 operations prior to July 31, 2013 toward meeting the regulatory requirements for PIC qualification.

Specifically, 121.436(d) permits the use of PIC flight time obtained before this date to satisfy the 1,000-hour experience threshold required under 121.436(a)(3). The regulation outlines the following key provisions:

  • PIC Experience Requirement ( 121.436(a)(3)) To qualify as PIC in Part 121 operations, a pilot must have accumulated at least 1,000 hours of applicable flight experience, which may include:

    • Second-in-Command (SIC) time in Part 121 operations
    • PIC time in Part 91, Part 135, or eligible on-demand operations
    • Any combination of the above
  • Recognition of Pre-July 31, 2013 Experience ( 121.436(d)) PIC flight time in Part 121 operations accrued prior to July 31, 2013 may be credited toward the 1,000-hour requirement.

  • Grandfather Provision ( 121.436(e)) Pilots who were actively serving as PIC in Part 121 operations on July 31, 2013 are exempt from the 1,000-hour experience requirement.

  • For the purpose of satisfying the flight hour requirement in paragraph (a)(3) of this section, a pilot may credit 500 hours of military flight time provided the flight time was obtained

    • (1) As pilot in command in a multiengine, turbine-powered, fixed-wing airplane or powered-lift aircraft, or any combination thereof;
    • (2) In an operation requiring more than one pilot.

Supporting Regulatory References

  • 121.436(a)(3): Establishes the 1,000-hour experience requirement for PIC eligibility in Part 121 operations.
  • 121.436(d): Authorizes the use of PIC experience obtained prior to July 31, 2013 to meet the experience requirement.
  • 121.436(e): Provides an exemption for pilots who held PIC positions in Part 121 operations as of July 31, 2013.

Note: Candidates that meet all of the other requirements to be considered but do not meet the requirements of 121.436 (a)(3) as stated above can apply and may be considered based on overall aviation experience initially in a management First Officer role.

UPS will allow military candidates to add a plus (.3) per sortie factor to flight times.

Preferred Skills
  • Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
  • Previous training/instructor experience in the military or aviation industry
  • 14 CFR Part 121 airline or other turbojet/turboprop instructor experience and/or airline or equivalent military management experience is desired
  • Willingness to self-relocate to job location
Additional Notes

As part of the UPS pre-employment process for a safety sensitive position, a drug screen is required. UPS must receive a negative test result before you can be put into a safety sensitive position (14 CFR Part 120.107).

Please be advised that you will be tested in accordance with 14 CFR Part 120.109(a)(5) and 14 CFR 120 Subpart E to determine the presence of marijuana, cocaine, opiates (including codeine, heroin-6AM, morphine), opioids- hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxycodone & oxymorphone, phencyclidine (PCP), and amphetamines/methamphetamines (including MDMA, MDA) or metabolites of these drugs.

UPS is committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. UPS is an equal opportunity employer. UPS does not discriminate on the basis of race/color/religion/sex/national origin/veteran/disability/age/sexual orientation/gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.

Basic Qualifications: Must be a U.S. Citizen or National of the U.S., an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, or an alien authorized to work in the U.S. for this employer.