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Flight Hour Pilot Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Test Pilot

Concord, CA

$97K - $167K/yr

A minimum of 750 hours pilot in command (PIC) flight time and 100 hours of turbine time * Bachelor's degree in a STEM field, preferably Engineering * At least 5 years of experience in aviation ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Test Pilot

Concord, CA

$97K - $167K/yr

A minimum of 750 hours pilot in command (PIC) flight time and 100 hours of turbine time * Bachelor's degree in a STEM field, preferably Engineering * At least 5 years of experience in aviation ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Test Pilot

Concord, CA · On-site

$97K - $167K/yr

A minimum of 750 hours pilot in command (PIC) flight time and 100 hours of turbine time * Bachelor's degree in a STEM field, preferably Engineering * At least 5 years of experience in aviation ...

STS Technical Services

VFR Helicopter Pilot

Red Bluff, CA · On-site

$105K - $130K/yr

Pilots in this role operate Bell 407 aircraft in support of rapid patient transport across the ... Schedule: 7 days on / 7 days off rotation * 24 hour operational coverage * Day and night flight ...

Guardian Flight

Guardian Fixed Wing Pilot

Ridgecrest, CA · On-site

$109K - $119K/yr

Fixed Wing Pilot Location: Bishop, CA Airframe: Pilatus PC12 Schedule: 7 Days On 7 Days Off Annual ... Ability to provide logbooks listing all flight dates and corresponding hours, along with a ...

Guardian Flight

Guardian Fixed Wing Pilot

Big Pine, CA · On-site

$109K - $119K/yr

Fixed Wing Pilot Location: Bishop, CA Airframe: Pilatus PC12 Schedule: 7 Days On 7 Days Off Annual ... Ability to provide logbooks listing all flight dates and corresponding hours, along with a ...

Guardian Flight

Guardian Fixed Wing Pilot

Bishop, CA · On-site

$109K - $119K/yr

Fixed Wing Pilot Location: Bishop, CA Airframe: Pilatus PC12 Schedule: 7 Days On 7 Days Off Annual ... Ability to provide logbooks listing all flight dates and corresponding hours, along with a ...

Guardian Flight

$109K - $119K/yr

Fixed Wing Pilot Location: Bishop, CA Airframe: Pilatus PC12 Schedule: 7 Days On 7 Days Off Annual ... Ability to provide logbooks listing all flight dates and corresponding hours, along with a ...

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Flight Hour Pilot information

What is a flight hour pilot?

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

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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Flight Hour Pilot jobs in California?

For Flight Hour Pilot jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Flight Hour Pilot jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Flight Hour Pilot jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Flight Hour Pilot jobs?

Cities in California with the most Flight Hour Pilot job openings:

Flight Hour Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Hour Pilot job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 50% Full Time, 34% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 13% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Flight Research Test Pilot

Concord, CA

Joby Aviation
Aviation • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Joby Aviationexternal

$97K - $167K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Joby Flight Research designs, develops, and flight-tests novel aircraft using a software-first autonomy approach. We build and deploy autonomy, perception, planning, and radar systems across conventional, electric, and hydrogen-electric aircraft in both CTOL and VTOL configurations.


Joby Aviation’s Flight Research team is looking for a Test Pilot to operate research and development crewed and UAS platforms, with the primary focus of the Cessna Caravan program. Drawing on experience crewed and UAS the role will fulfill pilot command duties during developmental and operational flight testing. Joining a small, fast moving team this position will support the full spectrum of test pilot duties as well as supporting engineering development activities.

Location: Concord, CA with <25% travel, will travel to occasional deployed testing including participation in military exercises.


  • Act both as the airborne and remote pilot in command for various R&D aircraft platforms depending on the phase of the program
  • Uphold standard operating procedures and regulatory requirements
  • Uphold a strong safety culture
  • Create test plans, cards, and reports
  • Conduct data analysis
  • Collaborate with other crewmembers in preparation, execution, and post test activities
  • Provide detailed feedback and recommendations for system improvements
  • Play an active role in engineering design activities with a particular emphasis on human interfaces and airspace integration

  • FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate
  • Instrument Airplane rating
  • A minimum of 750 hours pilot in command (PIC) flight time and 100 hours of turbine time
  • Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field, preferably Engineering
  • At least 5 years of experience in aviation operations
  • At least 3 years of experience in as a test pilot
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work extended hours and travel as required
  • Read and speak English proficiently
  • Willingness to work extended hours
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally for business purposes

This position must meet US export control compliance requirements, therefore a candidate must qualify as a “US Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15. “US Person” includes US Citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees.


  • SETP recognized Test Pilot School Graduate
  • FAA certified flight instructor
  • Leadership positions in a flight test organization
  • C-208 experience
  • Experience in highly automated aircraft
  • Experience as an operator/pilot of UAS system(s)

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $97,000 - $167,000/yr. The compensation package will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.


Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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