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Freelance Light Aircraft Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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ER-2 Research Pilot

Edwards, CA · On-site

$170K - $185K/yr

AFRC aircraft are located at the main campus at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Deployed ... Light to medium work. * Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, see, hear, stoop, crouch, feel, handle ...

Fly Eagle Sport

Aircraft Mechanic

Glendale, AZ

$35K/yr

... Light Sport Aircraft experience · Prefer holding a Private Pilot Certificate or greater (or can obtain one with us) · Prefer a mechanic that wants to stay long term and grow with this company!

Fly Eagle Sport

Aircraft Mechanic

Glendale, AZ

$35K/yr

... Light Sport Aircraft experience · Prefer holding a Private Pilot Certificate or greater (or can obtain one with us) · Prefer a mechanic that wants to stay long term and grow with this company!

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Freelance Light Aircraft Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do freelance light aircraft pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance light aircraft 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 does a freelance light aircraft pilot do?

A freelance light aircraft pilot operates small aircraft on a contract or per-job basis, rather than working for a single employer. Their duties may include transporting passengers, delivering cargo, conducting aerial surveys, or providing flight instruction. Freelance pilots are responsible for planning flights, ensuring aircraft safety, and maintaining compliance with aviation regulations. They often work with various clients and must be adaptable to different types of missions and aircraft. Building a network and maintaining up-to-date licenses and certifications are essential for success in this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance light aircraft pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Light Aircraft Pilot, you need a valid pilot’s license (such as a PPL or CPL), thorough knowledge of aviation regulations, and strong flight training. Competence with avionics systems, GPS navigation, and flight planning software is typically required. Excellent situational awareness, decision-making, and communication skills help ensure safety and client satisfaction. These skills and qualifications are crucial for safely operating aircraft, managing diverse assignments, and building a reliable professional reputation.

What types of clients and assignments can a freelance light aircraft pilot expect to work with, and how does this impact daily responsibilities?

Freelance light aircraft pilots often work with a variety of clients, such as private individuals, small businesses, aerial survey companies, or flight schools. Assignments can range from short charter flights and sightseeing tours to aerial photography, agricultural spraying, or cargo delivery. This diversity means pilots must be adaptable, ready to handle varying flight plans, and able to communicate clearly with both clients and ground support. Daily responsibilities typically include pre-flight planning, weather evaluation, client coordination, and strict adherence to safety protocols. The freelance nature of the role also requires pilots to manage their own schedules, maintain necessary certifications, and ensure their aircraft are compliant with regulations.

What is the difference between Freelance Light Aircraft Pilot vs Commercial Pilot?

AspectFreelance Light Aircraft PilotCommercial Pilot
CertificationsPrivate Pilot License (PPL), possibly Commercial Pilot License (CPL) for paid workCommercial Pilot License (CPL) required
Work EnvironmentPrivate flights, aerial photography, sightseeing, charter servicesPassenger transport, cargo, aerial work, airline operations
Employer & IndustryIndependent clients, small charter companies, aerial service providersAirlines, charter companies, cargo carriers

Freelance Light Aircraft Pilots typically operate smaller aircraft for private, aerial, or charter services, often working independently or with small companies. Commercial Pilots operate larger aircraft within airline or cargo industries, requiring more advanced certifications and working for larger organizations. The main differences lie in certifications, work scope, and employment settings.

What cities are hiring for Freelance Light Aircraft Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Freelance Light Aircraft Pilot job openings:

What states have the most Freelance Light Aircraft Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Freelance Light Aircraft Pilot jobs include:

Freelance Light Aircraft Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Light Aircraft Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Instructor / Developmental Test Pilot (DTP)

CACI International, Inc.

Fort Campbell, KY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 hours ago

Job description

Job Title: Instructor / Developmental Test Pilot (DTP)
Job Category: Aviation
Time Type: Full time
Minimum Clearance Required to Start: Secret
Employee Type: Regular
Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 50%
Type of Travel: Continental US
* * *
The Opportunity:
CACI has an immediate opening for an Instructor / Developmental Test Pilot located in Fort Campbell, KY. As the selected Instructor / Developmental Test Pilot (DTP), you will assist in curriculum development for the MH-47 Active Parallel Actuator Subsystem (APAS) and follow-on instruction of the system to the operational force.
Responsibilities:
  • Develop, coordinate, and execute test plans, procedures, and reports.
  • Collaborate with program office, engineers, and developers to ensure system performance meets system specifications and user requirements.
  • Conduct developmental test flights on new or modified SOA helicopters and upgraded systems to evaluate performance, operational suitability, and safety.
  • May perform maintenance test flights (MTFs) on primary model aircraft which have undergone maintenance, modification, or overhaul, or on new production aircraft, where a follow-up/acceptance MTF is not performed by the Government.
  • Comply with all flight regulations, rules, and standards in accordance with (IAW) DCMA INST 8210.1D, AR 95-1, USASOC Sup 1 to AR 95-1, ARSOA 3-04.11, 160th RTSOP, and applicable ARSOA series Aircrew Training Manuals.
  • Provide flight instruction to students on topics within the flight instruction curriculum.
  • Train Commissioned Officers, Warrant Officers, Government, Partner Nation and Contractor rotary wing aviators in the basic mission skills to conduct night vision goggle (NVG) helicopter operations at terrain flight altitudes under various light and weather conditions to standard per the ARSOA-47 Aircrew Training Manual.
  • Qualify Commissioned Officers, Warrant Officers, Government, and Contractor rotary wing aviators for duty as a Basic Mission Qualified (BMQ) Pilot, Instructor Pilot, and/or Maintenance Test Pilot in the MH- 47G ARSOA rotary wing airframes.
  • Perform crew duties during training support flights, recovery flights, demonstration flights, and as co-pilot for maintenance test flights when approved by the GFR.
  • Assist with training schedules and aircraft scheduling.
  • Coordinate aircraft and resource scheduling to support POI training.
  • Responsible for project planning, coordination, execution, and reporting.
  • Represent the SOA user at conferences, meetings, and other industry events related to helicopter development, testing, and emerging technologies.

Qualifications:
Required:
  • Secret Security Clearance.
  • Minimum of 15 years' experience with military rotary wing aircraft.
  • Qualified in the MH-47 model aircraft.
  • Graduate of DoD course of instruction for Instructor Pilots
  • Current FAA commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating (Helicopter) as required by AR 95-20.
  • 2,000-hours minimum pilot/copilot experience in rotary wing aircraft.
  • 1,000 hours as a Pilot in Command (PIC).
  • 500 hours flying with Night Vision Goggles (NVG).
  • Minimum of 3 years' experience with current aircraft and aircraft related technical systems development, architecture, integration testing, fielding, and sustainment.
  • Bachelors' degree in technical or management field.
  • Minimum of two years' experience as a Fully Mission Qualified (FMQ), Flight Lead (FL), Standardization Instructor Pilot (SIP) or Instructor Pilot (IP) in Army Special Operations rotary wing helicopters.
  • Graduate of the US Army Instructor Pilot Course or have completed an equivalency evaluation conducted by the Directorate of Evaluation and Standardization, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence.

Desired:
  • Qualified in an approved Crew Dunker or equivalent.
  • Qualified on Emergency Breathing Device (HEEDS).

What You Can Expect:
A culture of integrity.
At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you'll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer's missions and driven by a higher purpose - to ensure the safety of our nation.
An environment of trust.
CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You'll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.
A focus on continuous growth.
Together, we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground - in your career and in our legacy.
Pay Range:
There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.
The proposed salary range for this position is:
$94,600 - $208,000
CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.

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