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First Pilot Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Fixed Wing Pilot Location: Iron Mountain, MI Airframe: Pilatus PC12 Schedule: 14 Days On 14 Days ... Current FAA First- or Second-Class Medical Certificate. * 2,500 Total Flight hours. * 2,000 Fixed ...

Fixed Wing Pilot Location: Iron Mountain, MI Airframe: Pilatus PC12 Schedule: 14 Days On 14 Days ... Current FAA First- or Second-Class Medical Certificate. * 2,500 Total Flight hours. * 2,000 Fixed ...

Fixed Wing Pilot

Kingsford, MI · On-site

$94K - $104K/yr

Fixed Wing Pilot Location: Iron Mountain, MI Airframe: Pilatus PC12 Schedule: 14 Days On 14 Days ... Current FAA First- or Second-Class Medical Certificate. * 2,500 Total Flight hours. * 2,000 Fixed ...

Fixed Wing Pilot Location: Iron Mountain, MI Airframe: Pilatus PC12 Schedule: 14 Days On 14 Days ... Current FAA First- or Second-Class Medical Certificate. * 2,500 Total Flight hours. * 2,000 Fixed ...

This role offers the unique opportunity to work with a talented team of 15 pilots and 5 cabin ... FAA First Class medical certification required * Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 Benefits ...

Apply Early

First Officer Department: Flight Operations Reports To ... Chief Pilot POSITION PURPOSE: Safely assist the Captain and crew, through the use of Crew Resource ...

First Class Medical * FAA Commercial Pilot License with an Instrument Rating * FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit Experience & Skills: * 2,000+ hours total time * 1,000+ Multi-engine time

New

First Class Medical * FAA Commercial Pilot License with an Instrument Rating * FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit Experience & Skills: * 2,000+ hours total time * 1,000+ Multi-engine time

First Class Medical * FAA Commercial Pilot License with an Instrument Rating * FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit Experience & Skills: * 2,000+ hours total time * 1,000+ Multi-engine time

Apply Early

First Class Medical * FAA Commercial Pilot License with an Instrument Rating * FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit Experience & Skills: * 2,000+ hours total time * 1,000+ Multi-engine time

First Class Medical * FAA Commercial Pilot License with an Instrument Rating * FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit Experience & Skills: * 2,000+ hours total time * 1,000+ Multi-engine time

Serve as the first-line engineering lead for pilot plant operations * Rapidly troubleshoot process and equipment issues to minimize downtime and restore operations * Provide technical leadership ...

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Showing results 1-20

First Pilot information

See Michigan salary details

$43.1K

$114.1K

$175.2K

How much do first pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for first pilot in Michigan is $114,106.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,200.00 and $135,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How long does it take to make $200,000 as a pilot?

First pilots typically earn lower initial salaries, often between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, but experienced commercial pilots can earn over $100,000 per year. Reaching a $200,000 income generally requires several years of experience, additional certifications, and flying for major airlines or private clients, which can take 5 to 10 years or more depending on career progression and opportunities.

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 pilots make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced airline pilots, especially captains flying long-haul international routes for major carriers, can earn $500,000 or more annually, including base salary, bonuses, and overtime. These roles typically require extensive flight hours, seniority, and advanced certifications such as an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license.

Is it hard to get your first job as a pilot?

Securing a first pilot job can be challenging due to the competitive nature of the industry and the requirement for relevant certifications such as a commercial pilot license and flight hours. Building experience through flight training, internships, or entry-level positions is often necessary before qualifying for more advanced roles.

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 are entry level pilot jobs?

Entry-level pilot jobs typically include positions such as flight instructor, charter pilot, or regional airline first officer. These roles often require a commercial pilot license, a minimum number of flight hours, and sometimes additional certifications or training. They serve as starting points for pilots to gain experience and advance to larger aircraft or airline roles.

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.
What job categories do people searching First Pilot jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for First Pilot jobs in Michigan are:

$77K/yr

Other

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Direct hiring authority for the 2181 series is being used to fill this position. Public Notices serve as a resume repository, and positions may or may not be filled from this announcement.

Qualifications:

Eligible candidates will be evaluated based on their responses within the application package and Supplemental Qualifications Statement, FAA Form 3330-47-3 ASIP (10/98).

Minimum Eligibility Requirements: Minimum eligibility requirements for positions in this occupation are based on possession of the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificates and/or appropriate military ratings, meeting the applicable flight hour requirements, and possession of the knowledge and skills required for the positions.

Certificates and Ratings: All applicants must possess either a valid Commercial pilot certificate with airplane, multi-engine land AND instrument ratings OR an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with multi-engine land rating. *Selected candidates without an ATP certificate will be required to successfully complete the ATP written exam within 60 days of appointment.* In addition, all applicants must possess either a valid first or second-class medical certificate. *Selected candidates must obtain a first class medical certificate prior to appointment.*

TOTAL FLIGHT TIME - 1500 Hours

Flight time as a pilot in command or copilot in aircraft of any weight or category is creditable for this requirement. For in-service placement actions, up to one-fourth of the total flight hours may be waived for candidates who have demonstrated possession of the knowledge and skills needed to perform the work, provided: 1) applicant holds the required certificates and ratings; 2) applicant has acquired the pilot-in-command hours and flight hours in other categories essential to performance of the work; 3) applicant meets the requirements in terms of level and quality of experience; and 4) applicant's flying history indicates they are qualified for the position.

PILOT-IN-COMMAND TIME - 250 Hours

Only flight hours acquired as pilot-in-command are creditable.

NIGHT FLYING TIME - 75 Hours

For in-service placement actions, 25 hours may be waived if the applicant demonstrates the ability to perform the work.

FLYING TIME, LAST 12 MONTHS - 100 Hours

For in-service placement actions, up to one-half of the flight hours may be waived provided the applicant's total background reflects the ability to perform the duties of the position safely. NOTE: Flight time in an FAA approved level C or D full flight simulator is creditable towards meeting the recency of flight experience. If applicable, applicant must document time in the Airplane PIC or SIC blocks of the Total in Last 12 Months section of the FAA Form 3330-47-3.

MULTIENGINE AIRPLANE TIME - 500 Hours

Experience may have been in either light or heavy multi-engine airplanes.

INSTRUMENT TIME - 75 Hours

At least 10 of the required hours must have been logged in actual instrument weather. The balance may have been acquired in a flight simulator or as other types of instrument flight time, e.g., hood instrument.

In order to verify your flight hours, applicants MUST provide FAA Form 3330-47-3. Click here to obtain a copy of the required form.

AND

Selective Placement Factor (SPF): To qualify for this position, applicants must possess a Commercial Pilot Certificate or Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (ATP) and either a valid First or Second Class Medical Certificate. Selected candidates must obtain a First Class Medical Certificate prior to appointment.

NOTE: To qualify at the FV-J (FG-14) level, applicants must possess an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (ATP) AND possess an Airspace Inspection Pilot (ASIP) Credential.

AND

In addition to the basic requirements, there may be specialized experience requirements at the next lower level for the position(s) being filled. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.

Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement. Applicants should include specialized experience in their Work History. Applicants may be asked to verify information on their application for employment with the FAA.

Education:

KSA INFORMATION:

As a part of the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative (streamlining the hiring process), the FAA is committed to eliminating the use of the Knowledge, Skills and Ability (KSA) narratives from the initial application in the hiring process for all announcements. Therefore, as an applicant for this announcement, you are NOT required to provide a narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA.

In lieu of providing a KSA narrative response in the text box listed below each Knowledge, Skills and Ability (KSA), in your work history, please include information that provides specific examples of how you meet the response level or answer you chose for each KSA. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability. Your KSA answers will be evaluated further to validate whether the level that you selected is appropriate based on the work history and experience you provided. Your answers may be adjusted by a Human Resource Specialist as appropriate.

Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements and selective factor(s), if applicable, may be further evaluated on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA); Quality Ranking Factor(s) or Other Factors listed in the announcement. Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories: score order, category grouping, or alphabetical and referred to the selecting official for consideration.

Employment Type: OTHER