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Flight Demonstration Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ideal Aerosmith

RC Pilot

MD · Remote

The RC Pilot will serve as a pilot and hands-on technical member of Ideal Aerosmith's UAS flight ... This position requires demonstrated flight experience with both Group 2 and Group 3 fixed-wing UAS ...

SpektreWorks, Inc.

Be Seen First

UAS Operator / Pilot

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$75K - $135K/yr

Our pilots can serve as both Air Vehicle Operators and External/Safety Pilots, operating fixed-wing ... Perform developmental flight testing, functional check flights, customer demonstrations, training ...

Grandforksiscooler

The UAS Pilot will serve as a pilot and hands‑on technical member of Ideal Aerosmith's UAS flight ... This position requires demonstrated flight experience with both Group 2 and Group 3 fixed-wing UAS ...

Ideal Aerosmith

UAS Pilot

Rockville, MD · On-site

The UAS Pilot will serve as a pilot and hands-on technical member of Ideal Aerosmith's UAS flight ... This position requires demonstrated flight experience with both Group 2 and Group 3 fixed-wing UAS ...

Poseidon Aerospace

Pilot

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Operate Poseidon aircraft as the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) during flight testing and operational demonstrations * Lead flight readiness reviews, preflight briefings, and postflight debriefings ...

Poseidon Aerospace

Pilot

Berkeley, CA · On-site

As a Pilot at Poseidon Aerospace, you will serve as the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) for our next ... flight testing and operational demonstrations * Execute flight test cards with precision ...

New

Nokturnal AI

UAS Pilot Engineer

Clearwater, FL · On-site

$132K - $198K/yr

Ability and willingness to travel frequently in support of customer demonstrations, flight testing ... FAA Private Pilot Certificate or higher. * Experience conducting engineering flight tests.

All Aviation Jobs

Pilot

Alameda, CA · On-site

As a Pilot at Poseidon Aerospace, you will serve as the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) for our next ... flight testing and operational demonstrations * Execute flight test cards with precision ...

New

RAVN Group, Inc

WI · On-site

Department Summary The RAVN Aerospace Flight Operations Department is a mission-focused team of ... Demonstrated leadership, initiative, ownership, integrity, and sound judgment. * Ability to support ...

Sanborn Map

Senior Pilot

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

The pilot will lead flight operations for airborne data acquisition, primarily under FAA Part 91 ... regulations. This position requires extensive travel and overnight deployments, with absences from ...

RAVN Group

WI · On-site

Department Summary The RAVN Aerospace Flight Operations Department is a mission-focused team of ... Demonstrated commitment to safety, professionalism, sound judgment, and mission accomplishment.

New

RAVN Group, Inc

Pilot (FT)

San Antonio, TX · On-site

Department Summary The RAVN Aerospace Flight Operations Department is a mission-focused team of ... Demonstrated leadership, initiative, ownership, integrity, and sound judgment. * Ability to support ...

New

RAVN Aero

Pilot (FT)

San Antonio, TX · On-site

Department Summary The RAVN Aerospace Flight Operations Department is a mission-focused team of ... Demonstrated leadership, initiative, ownership, integrity, and sound judgment. * Ability to support ...

Sanborn Map Company

Senior Pilot

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

The pilot will lead flight operations for airborne data acquisition, primarily under FAA Part 91 ... regulations. This position requires extensive travel and overnight deployments, with absences from ...

RAVN Aerospace

Pilot (PT)

Houston, TX · On-site

Department Summary The RAVN Aerospace Flight Operations Department is a mission-focused team of ... Demonstrated commitment to safety, professionalism, sound judgment, and mission accomplishment.

RAVN Aerospace

Pilot (PT)

Houston, TX

Department Summary The RAVN Aerospace Flight Operations Department is a mission-focused team of ... Demonstrated commitment to safety, professionalism, sound judgment, and mission accomplishment.

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Flight Demonstration Pilot information

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$18

$28

$44

How much do flight demonstration pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight demonstration pilot in the United States is $28.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $35.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a flight demonstration pilot?

Flight Demonstration Pilots are highly skilled aviators who perform aerial maneuvers and showcase the capabilities of aircraft at airshows, industry events, or for prospective buyers. They are often employed by military teams, aircraft manufacturers, or aviation organizations. Their demonstrations highlight the performance, safety, and unique features of various aircraft while adhering to strict safety protocols. These pilots must have extensive flying experience, specialized training, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations. In addition to flying, they may also brief audiences and interact with the public to promote aviation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a flight demonstration pilot?

To thrive as a Flight Demonstration Pilot, you need an advanced pilot’s license, exceptional flying proficiency, deep understanding of aerodynamics, and often a military or aerobatic background. Mastery of specific aircraft systems, safety protocols, and, in some cases, certifications like an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate are typically required. Standout soft skills include quick decision-making, strong situational awareness, and effective public communication for engaging with audiences and representing organizations. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure both safety and the ability to perform complex maneuvers that showcase aircraft capabilities to clients or the public.

What are some common challenges faced by flight demonstration pilots during airshows or customer demonstrations?

Flight Demonstration Pilots often encounter challenges such as adapting routines to varying weather conditions, managing high levels of precision under significant public and client scrutiny, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols while performing complex maneuvers. These pilots must also be prepared to communicate effectively with ground crews and event organizers to ensure seamless operations. Flexibility, situational awareness, and the ability to make quick decisions are crucial for overcoming these challenges and delivering a successful demonstration.

What is the difference between Flight Demonstration Pilot vs Flight Instructor?

AspectFlight Demonstration PilotFlight Instructor
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) often preferredCommercial Pilot License, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Work EnvironmentAirshows, aircraft demonstrations, promotional eventsFlight schools, training aircraft, one-on-one instruction
Employer & IndustryAerospace companies, airshow organizers, aircraft manufacturersFlight schools, aviation training centers

Flight Demonstration Pilots and Flight Instructors both require similar certifications, such as a Commercial Pilot License and often a CFI. However, Flight Demonstration Pilots focus on showcasing aircraft capabilities at airshows and promotional events, while Flight Instructors primarily train students in flight schools. Both roles are essential in the aviation industry but serve different purposes and environments.

What are popular job titles related to Flight Demonstration Pilot jobs?

For Flight Demonstration Pilot jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Flight Demonstration Pilot job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,715 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

RC Pilot

MD • Remote

Ideal Aerosmith
Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Component Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Ideal Aerosmithexternal

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Ideal Aerosmith is a leading supplier of precision inertial guidance test systems, flight motion simulators, and a premier provider of aerospace test engineering services, ATE system engineering, and quality contract manufacturing services to the aerospace industry. We're experts and we earn that title everyday with our customers through innovative engineering, manufacturing, and sustainment of world-class motion and electric test solutions and services. 

Here, we don’t just solve complex problems - we redefine what’s possible. Every role at Ideal Aerosmith supports a lean culture through continuous improvement - ongoing, incremental enhancements to products, processes, or services aimed at reducing waste and boosting efficiency, customer service, and performance. With a team of skilled problem solvers and a culture that thrives on tackling challenges head-on, we are dedicated to our clients' success. Enjoy competitive benefits, a supportive work environment, and every other Friday off to recharge.

The RC Pilot will serve as a pilot and hands-on technical member of Ideal Aerosmith’s UAS flight operations team, supporting developmental flight testing, aircraft production, and customer operations. This position requires demonstrated flight experience with both Group 2 and Group 3 fixed-wing UAS, including strong manual flight proficiency using RC-style transmitters or equivalent external flight controls.

This role will support the final assembly, integration, functional checkout, and flight-readiness verification of aircraft and associated systems. Flight responsibilities will include functional check flights, internal research and development (R&D) sorties, developmental flight testing, and current and future customer demonstrations.

When not conducting flight operations, the UAS Pilot will work directly alongside engineering and production teams to assemble, inspect, troubleshoot, integrate, and prepare aircraft for flight. The ideal candidate combines professional aviation discipline, advanced fixed-wing UAS piloting skills, and the technical aptitude to contribute directly to aircraft development and production.

Job Responsibilities

  • Serve as a UAS Pilot for Group 2 and Group 3 fixed-wing aircraft, supporting functional check flights, developmental flight testing, internal R&D sorties, and customer demonstrations.
  • Manually operate fixed-wing UAS during launch, recovery, flight test, and abnormal or emergency situations as required.
  • Support final aircraft assembly, system integration, functional checkout, and flight-readiness verification prior to aircraft release for flight operations.
  • Conduct and support aircraft ground checks, pre-flight inspections, functional check flights, post-flight inspections, and discrepancy resolution.
  • Work directly with engineering and production teams to troubleshoot aircraft and subsystem issues and support corrective actions and design improvements.
  • Provide pilot and operational feedback to engineering during aircraft development, integration, and test.
  • Assist with mechanical, electrical, avionics, payload, and flight-control system integration.
  • Support aircraft maintenance, servicing, repairs, modifications, and configuration changes.
  • Participate in flight planning, briefs, debriefs, test-card development, and flight-test documentation.
  • Document discrepancies, maintenance actions, configuration changes, and flight-test observations.
  • Assist with development and refinement of flight procedures, checklists, and operational documentation.
  • Support customer demonstrations and field deployments, including aircraft preparation, transportation, setup, flight operations, and recovery.
  • Maintain professional aviation discipline and comply with company flight operations procedures, safety requirements, and applicable regulatory guidance.

Qualification Requirements 

  • 3+ years of professional UAS, aviation, aerospace, flight-test, or closely related experience preferred.
  • Demonstrated flight experience operating both Group 2 and Group 3 fixed-wing UAS required.
  • Demonstrated proficiency manually flying Group 2 and Group 3 fixed-wing UAS using RC-style transmitters or equivalent external flight controls required.
  • Experience with launch, recovery, and manual control of large fixed-wing UAS required.
  • Military UAS flight experience involving direct manual control of fixed-wing aircraft using handheld transmitters or equivalent external pilot controls highly desired.
  • Experience with high-performance RC aircraft, turbine-powered RC aircraft, aerial targets, developmental UAS, or similar platforms highly desired.
  • Education or professional experience in an engineering discipline, including aerospace, mechanical, electrical, systems, avionics, or a related field, desired.
  • Experience with aircraft assembly, integration, inspection, maintenance, modification, troubleshooting, and functional checkout preferred.
  • Experience supporting developmental flight test, functional check flights, or aircraft acceptance activities highly desired.
  • Experience operating in a disciplined military, aviation, aerospace, or professional flight-test environment strongly preferred.
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively across engineering, production, and flight operations teams.
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally and obtain a passport.
  • Due to federal contract requirements applicable to this position, candidates must be U.S. citizens.

Skill Requirements 

  • Advanced fixed-wing manual flight skills and strong understanding of fixed-wing aircraft handling and aerodynamics.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on technical skills.
  • Ability to use common hand tools, power tools, and aircraft support equipment safely and effectively.
  • Familiarity with aircraft systems, wiring, electronics, avionics, flight controls, or mechanical assemblies.
  • Ability to follow technical instructions, assembly procedures, flight procedures, and operational checklists.
  • Strong situational awareness, judgment, attention to detail, and ability to operate effectively in a developmental flight-test environment.
  • Ability to identify, document, and communicate aircraft discrepancies and provide meaningful operational feedback to engineering teams.
  • Effective communication and teamwork skills.
  • Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office products.

Physical Requirements

  • Must have the ability to lift and/or carry 45 lbs.
  • Ability to work for extended periods at computer workstation/keyboard.
  • Ability to type accurately and efficiently.
  • The position will require walking, standing, squatting, crouching, stooping, lifting, climbing, pulling, pushing, sitting, repetitive motion and kneeling.

Ideal Aerosmith is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our goal is to create a work environment that celebrates diversity and inclusion, where all employees feel respected and valued. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and strive to provide equal employment opportunities to everyone.