1

Flight Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Naval Flight Officers are the navigators, the lookouts and the weapon operators inside naval aviation. Whether you're hunting submarines from a P-8 Poseidon, navigating an E-2 Hawkeye through enemy ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Flight Officer information

See salary details

$14

$28

$47

How much do flight officer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight officer 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.

What is a flight officer?

Flight Officers are trained aviation professionals responsible for assisting pilots in operating aircraft, primarily focusing on navigation, systems management, and communication duties. They play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of flights, especially on military or commercial aircraft with complex operations. Depending on the airline or military branch, Flight Officers may also be known as co-pilots, navigators, or flight engineers. Their responsibilities can include monitoring flight instruments, calculating flight paths, and managing onboard systems. Flight Officers work closely with the pilot and cabin crew to deliver a safe and successful flight experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a flight officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Flight Officer, you need a thorough understanding of aeronautics, navigation, meteorology, and typically a bachelor’s degree along with relevant aviation certifications. Familiarity with flight planning software, navigation systems, and communication equipment is standard in this role. Attention to detail, quick decision-making, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure safe, efficient flight operations and help manage the complexities of air navigation and crew coordination.

What are some common challenges flight officers face when working as part of a flight crew?

Flight Officers often encounter challenges related to effective communication and coordination with other crew members, especially during high-pressure situations such as adverse weather or in-flight emergencies. Maintaining situational awareness and adhering to strict protocols while managing navigation, systems monitoring, and flight planning can be demanding. Working across different time zones and adapting to irregular schedules may also impact work-life balance, making teamwork and resilience essential in this role.

How do you become a flight officer?

To become a flight officer, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree, often in aviation, aerospace, or related fields, and must complete specialized flight training and obtain necessary certifications such as a commercial pilot license. They also undergo rigorous physical and background checks, and gain experience through flight hours or military service, depending on the employer. Strong communication, decision-making skills, and proficiency with aviation tools are essential.

What does a flight officer do?

A flight officer is responsible for assisting the pilot in operating an aircraft, often handling navigation, communication, and monitoring systems during flights. They typically hold specialized training and certifications, such as a commercial pilot license or military flight training, and work in various aviation environments including commercial, military, or cargo flights.
More about Flight Officer jobs

What are popular job titles related to Flight Officer jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Flight Officer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,871 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Tactical Flight Officer

Bunnell, FL • On-site

Flagler County Sheriff's Office
Police Protection • 201 - 500 employees

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Tactical Flight Officer (TFO) is a member of the Flight Operations Section responsible for air-ground coordination of law enforcement operations. As a member of the flight crew, the TFO primarily operates aircraft onboard surveillance and observation equipment.
Tactical Flight Officer Responsibilities:
  • Operates thermal imaging cameras, mapping systems, radio systems, searchlights, and digital video recorders;
  • Operates radios between helicopters, ground units, dispatch and other agencies;
  • Assists the pilot with navigation, monitoring weather conditions, identifying obstacles and performing emergency procedures;
  • Completes flight logs, mission reports, records video footage, documents evidence and testifies in court;
  • Provides real time intelligence on suspect locations, vehicle pursuits, and perimeter management to

K-9 and ground personnel;
  • Provides basic lifesaving support to transported patients as necessary;
  • Assist with conducting pre-flight inspections of aircraft and ground equipment;
  • Performs all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Selection Criteria:
  • Law enforcement experience is not required as this is a Professional Support Role (but preferred);
  • Must have a valid FL Drivers License.

Special Selection Criteria:
  • Candidate must complete flight competency assessment and physical assessment prior to selection;
  • Due to flight capability restrictions of the aircraft, candidates must be within height and weight to ensure airworthiness. *Recommended: Under 6-feet tall and equal to or less than 190 pounds;
  • The Candidate will be required to complete a Tactical Flight Officer (Phase I TFO Training) program, Emergency Flight Procedures Training (Phase II TFO Training) and PFD / HEEDs familiarization;
  • Must successfully demonstrate during the training period, the ability to use all TFO related equipment installed on board the aircraft, and the ability to multi-task under actual or simulated mission conditions;
  • Must be able to function in all-weather / environmental conditions, be exposed to noise, fumes and the physiological effects of flight;
  • Must be able to swim and tread water while wearing flight gear;
  • Must be able to climb up and down on aircraft during preflight to a height of approximately 12 feet;
  • Must be able to position aircraft (with assistance from others) with the use of ground handling equipment;
  • Must have basic computer skills to facilitate flight and call data entry, complete reports, etc.;
  • Must be able to gain access to the FCIC/ NCIC system;
  • Must have excellent written communications skills, ability to accurately complete detailed reports and correctly maintain logs and activity reports;
  • Must demonstrate good oral communication skills with a high proficiency in radio procedures during high stressful situations;
  • Must be willing to complete TAC-Med training upon selection;
  • This position requires you to work rotating shifts, nights, weekends, holidays and change work schedules on short notice;
  • Must be able to maintain physical standards to ensure weight and balance of aircraft;
  • Pilot certifications are preferred but not required as a qualification for this assignment.

The Flagler County Sheriff's Office is committed to providing its citizens with a diverse, competent, trained and professional workforce by hiring highly qualified candidates. The FCSO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strives to reflect the diversity found in the community we serve.