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First Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Talon Air, Inc.

Pilot

East Farmingdale, NY · Remote

FAA First Class Medical * Valid Passport * Ability to obtain and maintain CANPASS authorization for unrestricted commercial pilot travel to/from Canada * ICAO Annex I - 2.1.10 compliant for ...

Talon Air

Pilot

Farmingdale, NY · Remote

$75K - $250K/yr

FAA First Class Medical * Valid Passport * Ability to obtain and maintain CANPASS authorization for unrestricted commercial pilot travel to/from Canada * ICAO Annex I - 2.1.10 compliant for ...

USAJOBS

AIRPLANE PILOT

Andrews Air Force Base, MD · On-site

$142K/yr

For position requiring the piloting of fighter jet aircraft (e.g., F-16, A-10, F-15, F-22), each hours as First Pilot and/or Instructor Pilot in a fighter jet aircraft may be counted as two hours of ...

Rio Staffing

Regional Chief Pilot

White Plains, NY

$160K - $180K/yr

This specific role is the ultimate next step for a charismatic, people-first pilot looking to transition into a highly visible, stable management position. As the Northeast Regional Chief Pilot, you ...

New

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Staff Test Pilot

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$204K - $306K/yr

Minimum 1500 hours First Pilot (USN/USMC) or Primary (USAF) flight time in turbojet, turbofan or ... turboprop aircraft * Current ACTIVE DoD Secret clearance or higher within the past two years with a ...

Department of the Air Force

For position requiring the piloting of fighter jet aircraft (e.g., F-16, A-10, F-15, F-22), each hours as First Pilot and/or Instructor Pilot in a fighter jet aircraft may be counted as two hours of ...

Pae

Functional Flight Check Pilot

Andrews, MD

$92.37/hr

Must have a minimum of 1,500 hours first pilot with 500 hours experience in helicopters of which at least 300 hours must have been in the UH-1 or commercial equivalent prior to performing functional ...

Amentum

Functional Flight Check Pilot

Andrews, MD · On-site

$92.37/hr

Must have a minimum of 1,500 hours first pilot with 500 hours experience in helicopters of which at least 300 hours must have been in the UH-1 or commercial equivalent prior to performing functional ...

Lockheed Martin

U-2 Pilot - Skunk Works

Palmdale, CA · On-site

S. passport • TOP SECRET security clearance Desired skills • 1,000 hours first pilot time. • Graduate of a formal Test Pilot School. • Experience in all flight test disciplines to include ...

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First Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do first pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for first pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges First Pilots face during long-haul flights, and how are these managed on the job?

First Pilots on long-haul flights often face challenges such as fatigue management, maintaining situational awareness over extended periods, and adapting to rapidly changing weather or air traffic conditions. These are managed through regulated rest periods, effective crew resource management, and strict adherence to safety protocols. Collaboration with co-pilots, cabin crew, and air traffic controllers is essential to ensure safe and efficient operations throughout the flight. Continuous training and simulation exercises also help First Pilots stay prepared for unexpected situations.

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

To thrive as a First Pilot, you need an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), strong aeronautical knowledge, and extensive flight experience. Familiarity with advanced avionics, flight management systems, and regulatory compliance tools is essential. Excellent decision-making, situational awareness, and communication skills set top pilots apart in the cockpit. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring passenger safety, efficient flight operations, and effective teamwork in high-pressure environments.

What is the difference between First Pilot vs Co-Pilot?

AspectFirst PilotCo-Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificateCommercial Pilot License (CPL), often with additional type ratings
Work EnvironmentLeads flight operations, makes critical decisions, oversees crewAssists the First Pilot, manages navigation and communication
ResponsibilitiesOverall flight command, safety, and decision-makingSupports the First Pilot, handles specific flight tasks

The First Pilot is the primary authority during flights, responsible for safety and decision-making, while the Co-Pilot assists and supports the First Pilot in operating the aircraft. Both roles require similar certifications, but the First Pilot holds the lead position in flight operations.

What are First Pilots?

First Pilots, also known as captains, are the lead pilots responsible for commanding an aircraft during flights. They oversee all aspects of flight operations, including navigation, communication with air traffic control, and ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. First Pilots have the highest authority on the aircraft and make critical decisions, especially in emergency situations. They are required to have extensive flying experience, advanced training, and must hold an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). Their leadership and expertise are essential for the safe and efficient operation of commercial and cargo flights.
More about First Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for First Pilot jobs? Cities with the most First Pilot job openings:
What states have the most First Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for First Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching First Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for First Pilot jobs are:
First Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Pilot job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.
Pilot

Pilot

Talon Air, Inc.

East Farmingdale, NY • Remote

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Talon Air is seeking qualified and professional PICs and SICs to join our growing fleet supporting Part 135 and Part 91 operations. With a diverse fleet of modern business aircraft, home-based opportunities, and competitive schedules, Talon Air offers pilots the opportunity to build a long-term career within a safety-first, pilot-focused organization.

Why Talon Air

Talon Air is a leading aircraft management and charter operator with FAA Part 135, Part 91, and Part 145 Repair Station capabilities. With a growing fleet of more than 40 aircraft, Talon Air offers pilots the stability of an established operation combined with the opportunities that come from continued growth and expansion.

Our team is committed to operational excellence, safety, and providing crews with the tools and support needed to succeed. Pilots benefit from a collaborative culture, modern fleet, strong maintenance infrastructure, and long-term career advancement opportunities.

Current Opportunities

Talon Air is currently hiring PICs and SICs for the following aircraft:

  • Hawker 4000
  • Falcon 2000
  • Falcon 2000 LXS
  • G200
  • Challenger 604
  • GV 
  • GIV
  • G450
  • Global 6000
  • Global 5000

Most positions are home-based, and the majority of our fleets operate on a 12 on / 8 off rotation schedule. Please note that days 1 and 12 are considered both travel and workdays.

PIC Qualifications
  • ATP Certificate
  • Type Rating required for PIC positions
  • 3,500+ Total Flight Time
  • 2,000+ PIC Time
  • 3,000+ Multi-Engine Land (MEL)
  • 1,500+ MEL PIC Time
  • FAA First Class Medical
  • Valid Passport
  • Ability to obtain and maintain CANPASS authorization for unrestricted commercial pilot travel to/from Canada
  • ICAO Annex I – 2.1.10 compliant for international commercial air transport operations requiring more than one pilot
  • One year of Part 135 experience required
SIC Qualifications
  • 1,500+ Total Flight Time
  • 1,000+ PIC Time
  • 500+ Multi-Engine Land (MEL)
  • Jet or Turboprop experience required
  • FAA First Class Medical
  • Valid Passport
  • Ability to obtain and maintain CANPASS authorization for unrestricted commercial pilot travel to/from Canada
  • ICAO Annex I – 2.1.10 compliant for international commercial air transport operations requiring more than one pilot
  • One year of Part 135 experience preferred
  • Type Rating not required
Schedule & Compensation
  • Home-Based Opportunities Available
  • 12 On / 8 Off Rotation Schedule on Most Fleets
  • Competitive Salary and Benefits Package
  • Performance-Based Incentive Opportunities

If you are a motivated aviation professional seeking the opportunity to join a growing operation with a strong culture of safety, professionalism, and operational excellence, we encourage you to apply.

 
 
 
 

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