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Flight Hour Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Helicopter Pilot

Yakima, WA · On-site

$106K/yr

Flight hour information MUST in the body of the resume. Your application packet MUST include a copy of certificates/military ratings. Flight hour requirements: Total flight time: 1750 hours; Pilot in ...

Helicopter Pilot

Yakima, WA · On-site +1

$106K - $138K/yr

Flight hour requirements: Total flight time: 1750 hours; Pilot in Command: 1150 hours; Night flying: 75 hours; Last 12 months: 100 hours; Heavy Helicopter: 500 hours; Instrument: 75 hours. Please ...

... hours total flight time • 1500 hours helicopter time • 1000 hours pilot in command • 1000 hours turbine • Minimum of 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours unaided with 100 hours aided • 200 ...

... hours total flight time 1500 hours helicopter time 1000 hours pilot in command 1000 hours turbine Minimum of 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours unaided with 100 hours aided 200 Instrument Hours ...

We offer currently comprehensive 30-40 hours of on-the-job training in house side by side with an ... Travels to satellite bases for flight relief duty as assigned. * Attends departmental and pilot ...

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Flight Hour Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do flight hour pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight hour 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Flight Hour Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Flight Hour Pilot, you need a commercial pilot license (CPL), strong aeronautical knowledge, and substantial flight experience. Familiarity with advanced avionics systems, flight management software, and adherence to regulatory requirements like FAA or EASA certifications is essential. Exceptional situational awareness, decision-making skills, and effective communication set top pilots apart. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and professional operation of flights, meeting both regulatory and employer standards.

What are some common challenges Flight Hour Pilots face when balancing flight schedules with regulatory rest requirements?

Flight Hour Pilots often encounter the challenge of managing demanding flight schedules while adhering to strict regulatory rest and duty time limitations. This can require adjusting personal routines and staying flexible as assignments may change due to weather, maintenance, or operational needs. Pilots must remain vigilant about fatigue management and proactively communicate with dispatch and crew scheduling teams to ensure safety and compliance. Effective time management and self-care are crucial for maintaining performance and meeting both company and regulatory standards.

What are Flight Hour Pilots?

Flight Hour Pilots are professional aviators who are responsible for operating aircraft and accumulating flight hours as part of their job requirements. These hours are often crucial for career advancement, licensing, and qualification for specific roles within the aviation industry. Flight Hour Pilots may work for commercial airlines, charter services, or private operators, and they must adhere to strict safety protocols and regulations. Gaining sufficient flight hours demonstrates a pilot's experience and proficiency, which are essential for ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. Typically, Flight Hour Pilots continue to build their hours to qualify for higher-ranking positions, such as captain or airline transport pilot.

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

AspectFlight Hour PilotFlight Instructor
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), Flight HoursCertified Flight Instructor (CFI), CPL, Flight Hours
Work EnvironmentAirlines, charter services, cargo carriersFlight schools, training aircraft, flight training environments
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, private operators, cargo companiesFlight training academies, flight schools

Flight Hour Pilots primarily accumulate flight hours for various aviation roles, often working for airlines or private operators. Flight Instructors, on the other hand, teach new pilots and help them gain necessary flight hours. While both roles require similar certifications, Flight Instructors focus on training, whereas Flight Hour Pilots focus on accumulating flight experience for career advancement.

More about Flight Hour Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Flight Hour Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Flight Hour Pilot job openings:
What states have the most Flight Hour Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Flight Hour Pilot jobs include:
Infographic showing various Flight Hour Pilot job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% Full Time, 82% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.
AIRPLANE PILOT (SIMULATOR INSTRUCTOR)

AIRPLANE PILOT (SIMULATOR INSTRUCTOR)

US Department of the Air Force

Columbus, MS

$103K/yr

Other

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.
The primary purpose of this position is to serve as an aircraft simulator and academic instructor for students enrolled in the United States Air Force (USAF) Undergraduate Flying Training (UFT) program.
Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Aircraft Operations Series 2181.
Note: Candidates establishing eligibility based on military flight experience must provide official orders, forms, or logbooks showing their status as a rated military pilot, flight instructor, or flight examiner, as appropriate. Other certificates that meet or exceed the requirements of the Commercial Pilot Certificate are also acceptable, e.g., an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.
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.
AND
Certificates and Ratings:
For all grade levels and specializations, candidates must possess a current Commercial Pilot Certificate or the appropriate military rating; both meet the intent of the requirement. If an agency decides, for example, not to accept the military rating, the rationale for the decision should be based upon the requirements of the position and should be thoroughly described in agency operating material. For flight instructor positions, the FAA Flight Instructor Certificate or the military equivalent rating is also required. The pilot certificate must include the rating(s) appropriate to the work of the position to be filled. For example, a position that involves flying a multi-engine airplane to various destinations under instrument flight rules would require the Commercial Pilot Certificate with the airplane, multi-engine, and instrument ratings or appropriate U.S. military ratings. Positions that require flying or instructing in flying both airplanes and helicopters require a rating in both categories. Only those ratings necessary to perform the work are required.
Flight Experience:
Candidates must demonstrate possession of the knowledge and skills required for the work by meeting certain minimum flight hour requirements, including recency of flight experience. The categories in which candidates are required to demonstrate proficiency relate to (1) the general knowledge and skills to pilot the aircraft, and (2) the specific knowledge and skills related to the particular position being filled. Only that flight experience that is directly related to the work of the position is required for purposes of establishing minimum eligibility.
Minimum Flight Hour Requirements:
The following flight hour requirements apply to all applicants:
Total Flight Time -- Flight time as pilot-in-command or copilot in aircraft of any weight or category is creditable for this requirement. For in-service placements actions, up to one-fourth of the total flight hours may by waived for candidates who have demonstrated possession of the knowledge and skills needed to perform the work, provided:
  • They hold the certificates and ratings required;
  • They have acquired the pilot-in-command hours and flight hours in other categories essential to performance of the work;
  • They meet the requirements in terms of level and quality of experience; and
  • Their flying history indicates they are qualified for the position.
  1. Pilot-In-Command -- Only flight hours acquired as pilot-in-command are creditable.
  2. Night Flying -- For in-service placement actions at the GS-11 level and above, 25 hours may be waived if the candidate demonstrates the ability to perform the work.
  3. Instrument -- At the GS-11 level and above, 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.
  4. Instructor Time -- Must be related to the nature of the instruction work and the category of aircraft operated (i.e., airplane or helicopter) in the position to be filled. If the purpose of the position is to provide instruction in instrument flight techniques, one-half of the flight time must have involved instrument instruction in either airplanes or helicopters.

Flight Hour Requirements: GS-11 and Above (Hours):
  • Total Flight Time - 1500 Hours
  • Pilot-In-Command - 250 Hours
  • Night Flying - 75 Hours
  • Instrument - 75 Hours
  • Instructor Time - 500 Instructor Hours

Note: You must submit proof of Flight Hours
Medical Requirements:
At the time of initial appointment, candidates for all pilot positions must possess a current first or second-class medical certificate in accordance with FAA regulations; both meet the intent of the requirement. If an agency decides, for example, not to accept the second-class medical certificate, the rationale for the decision should be based upon the requirements of the position and should be thoroughly described in agency operating material. Staff specialists not involved in the operation of aircraft need only have a medical examination indicating that they are able to perform the duties of the position to be filled. For flight test pilots, airspace system inspection pilots, and Customs pilots, all candidates must possess a current first-class medical certificate at the time of appointment.
FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-11 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-12 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
  1. Knowledge of aircraft systems and operating procedures, aerodynamics, flying fundamentals, aircraft instrumentation, ground and flight emergency procedures, and instrument and visual flight rules, as well as knowledge of training aircraft, and of the operation, characteristics, and limitations of the corresponding aircraft simulator.
  2. Knowledge of the methods, principles, practices, and programs related to curriculum development, instructional techniques, and training resources.
  3. Skill in the use of a variety of computer applications and software, to include simulator systems sufficient to meet desired learning objectives.
  4. Skill in demonstrating flying procedures and maneuvers in an aircraft simulator.
  5. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing, to include classroom instruction before large and small audiences.
  6. Ability to teach multiple academic courses while using computer-based teaching aides.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER