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Flight Follower Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Skyways

Flight Operator

Austin, TX

The Opportunity As a Flight Operator on the Flight Team, you will be one of the people who make Skyways aircraft fly. You will plan and execute missions, run flight tests, troubleshoot in real time ...

World View

Flight Operator

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

$60,000 - $65,000 a year Flight Operator Onsite Tucson, AZ Company Overview: World View is a next-generation intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) provider delivering integrated, multi ...

Big Bend Community College

Flight Intern

Moses Lake, WA · On-site

$19.50 - $23.52/hr

Certified Flight Interns (CFI) work closely with full and part-time faculty to support the academic needs of students in the Big Bend Community College (BBCC) Aviation program. Individuals working in ...

QinetiQ US

Flight Director

Lajas, PR

Position Overview QinetiQ US is seeking an experienced Flight Director to support the DHS Customs & Border Protection Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS) program. The TARS program leverages ...

Skyways

Flight Operator

Austin, TX · On-site

The Opportunity As a Flight Operator on the Flight Team, you will be one of the people who make Skyways aircraft fly. You will plan and execute missions, run flight tests, troubleshoot in real time ...

World View

Flight Operator

Tucson, AZ

Flight Operator Onsite Tucson, AZ Company Overview: World View is a next-generation intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) provider delivering integrated, multi-domain solutions across ...

QinetiQ US

Flight Director

Lajas, PR

Position Overview QinetiQ US is seeking an experienced Flight Director to support the DHS Customs & Border Protection Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS) program. The TARS program leverages ...

Skyways

Flight Operator

Austin, TX · On-site

The Opportunity As a Flight Operator on the Flight Team, you will be one of the people who make Skyways aircraft fly. You will plan and execute missions, run flight tests, troubleshoot in real time ...

World View

Flight Operator

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

$60,000 - $65,000 a year Flight Operator Onsite Tucson, AZ Company Overview: World View is a next-generation intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) provider delivering integrated, multi ...

Wing

sUAS Flight Operator (FTC)

Dallas, TX

Wing is looking for a sUAS Flight Operator to join our Flight Operations team for a 36-month fixed term contract. In this role, you'll help us operate multiple highly autonomous small uncrewed ...

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Flight Follower information

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How much do flight follower jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight follower in the United States is $28.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do flight followers make?

Flight followers typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in larger or specialized operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Flight Follower position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Flight Follower, you need strong knowledge of aviation regulations, flight planning, communication protocols, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent; some employers may require FAA Aircraft Dispatcher certification. Proficiency with flight tracking systems, weather monitoring software, and airline operations platforms is commonly required. Attention to detail, quick decision-making, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure safe and efficient flight operations, prompt problem-solving, and seamless coordination with flight crews and other departments.

What are some common challenges faced by Flight Followers during a typical shift?

Flight Followers often encounter challenges such as monitoring multiple flights simultaneously, quickly responding to unexpected weather changes, and collaborating with pilots and ground teams to resolve issues in real time. Shifts can be fast-paced, especially during peak travel periods, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks under pressure. Close attention to regulatory compliance and safety protocols is essential, as even minor oversights can impact flight schedules and passenger safety. The role is integral to maintaining smooth day-to-day airline operations and supports both operational efficiency and safety.

What is a Flight Follower job?

A Flight Follower is responsible for monitoring and tracking aircraft movements, ensuring safety and compliance with regulations. They often use flight tracking software and communicate with pilots and air traffic control to coordinate flight operations, typically working in aviation or airline environments.

Do airline dispatchers make good money?

Airline dispatchers, also known as flight followers, typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000, with experienced professionals earning higher wages. Compensation varies based on experience, location, and airline size, and the role often requires certification and strong communication skills.

What is the difference between a Flight Follower and a dispatcher?

A Flight Follower monitors ongoing flights, ensuring safety and compliance by tracking aircraft positions and statuses, often using flight tracking tools. A dispatcher plans flight routes, calculates fuel needs, and prepares flight documentation to ensure safe and efficient operations before departure. Both roles require communication skills and knowledge of aviation regulations but focus on different stages of flight management.

What is a Flight Follower job?

A Flight Follower is responsible for monitoring and tracking aircraft during flight operations to ensure safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. They communicate with pilots, dispatchers, and air traffic control to provide real-time updates on weather, routing, and any operational concerns. Flight Followers play a key role in adjusting flight plans as needed and ensuring company policies and procedures are followed. This role is crucial in commercial, cargo, and charter aviation to maintain smooth and safe flight operations.

More about Flight Follower jobs
What cities are hiring for Flight Follower jobs? Cities with the most Flight Follower job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Follower jobs? The most popular types of Flight Follower jobs are:
What states have the most Flight Follower jobs? States with the most job openings for Flight Follower jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Flight Follower jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Follower jobs are:
Flight Follower jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Follower job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 6% As Needed, 8% Full Time, 80% Part Time, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,871 per year, or $28.3 per hour.
Flight Operator

Flight Operator

Skyways

Austin, TX

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Skyways designs, builds, and operates fully autonomous long-range cargo aircraft. Founded in 2017, the company has spent the last eight years developing and deploying autonomous logistics systems for real-world operations.

Our V2 aircraft carries 30 lbs up to 500 miles, while our next-generation V3 carries 100 lbs over 1,000+ miles with 20+ hours of endurance. Both use a hybrid-electric architecture that takes off like a helicopter and cruises like a plane, enabling long-range autonomous delivery without traditional runway infrastructure.

Today, Skyways aircraft operate across three continents in controlled national airspace under FAA oversight and in support of U.S. military operations. We are transitioning from prototype development to full-rate production and scaling toward large autonomous cargo fleets.

Backed by Y Combinator and a $37M AFWERX STRATFI award from the U.S. Air Force, Skyways is creating a new form of transportation to advance our civilization from Austin, Texas.

The Opportunity

As a Flight Operator on the Flight Team, you will be one of the people who make Skyways aircraft fly. You will plan and execute missions, run flight tests, troubleshoot in real time, and provide insights that shape our systems and procedures. Your work directly impacts the safety, reliability, and performance of our aircraft.

This is a hands-on, field-based role focused on real operations. You’ll work across the team to plan missions, test aircraft, and improve flight operations.

What You’ll Do:

  • Plan, execute, and document flight tests and operational missions.

  • Conduct preflight and postflight inspections and ensure compliance with FAA regulations.

  • Operate aircraft safely and effectively in a variety of conditions and mission profiles.

  • Support vehicle testing, system validation, and operational readiness reviews.

  • Troubleshoot issues in the field and collaborate with engineering to drive improvements.

  • Contribute to training materials, flight procedures, and operational best practices.

What You’ll Bring:

  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.

  • Experience flying drones (non-DJI) for commercial purposes.

  • Strong knowledge of airspace, flight safety, and regulations.

  • Excellent situational awareness and attention to detail.

  • Ability to adapt quickly in dynamic, real world flight environments.

  • Current FAA Third Class Medical or the ability to obtain one.

Bonus Points If You Have:

  • Experience with large (>55 lb AUW) UAVs.

  • Experience with ArduPilot or PX4 UAVs.

  • FAA Part 61 certificate(s).

  • Background in aviation or aerospace.

  • Instructional experience in an aviation or other technical context.

  • Technical skills in maintenance, troubleshooting, or data processing.

Want to join our mission? Apply to learn more!

Due to U.S. government contract requirements, this role is limited to U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, or candidates from specific countries authorized under applicable export control regulations.

Skyways is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other factor protected by applicable local, state or federal laws.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.