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Freelance Part 135 Pilot Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

Part 135 Line Pilot

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Responsibilities In your role as Part 135 Line Pilot, you will operate with the highest regard for safety, compliance, and customer service. Your role will be critical in ensuring each flight is ...

Responsibilities In your role as Part 135 Line Pilot, you will operate with the highest regard for safety, compliance, and customer service. Your role will be critical in ensuring each flight is ...

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Freelance Part 135 Pilot information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$14

$44

$124

How much do freelance part 135 pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance part 135 pilot in Rio Rancho, NM is $44.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.84 and $58.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Part 135 Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Part 135 Pilot, you need a commercial pilot certificate, instrument rating, and sufficient flight experience, often meeting or exceeding FAA minimum requirements. Familiarity with advanced avionics, flight planning software, and maintaining compliance with FAA 135 regulations is essential. Strong decision-making, adaptability, and effective communication stand out as vital soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient operations and the ability to handle diverse flight scenarios and client expectations under regulatory oversight.

What is the difference between Freelance Part 135 Pilot vs Charter Pilot?

AspectFreelance Part 135 PilotCharter Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot Certificate, Part 135 trainingCommercial Pilot Certificate, often Part 135 experience
Work EnvironmentOn-demand flights, multiple operatorsScheduled or on-demand charter flights
EmployerIndependent contractor or multiple operatorsPart of a charter company or operator

Both Freelance Part 135 Pilots and Charter Pilots operate under Part 135 regulations, requiring similar certifications. Freelance pilots typically work independently across various operators, offering flexible schedules. Charter pilots are usually employed by a specific charter company, flying scheduled or on-demand flights. The main difference lies in employment structure and work setup, with freelance pilots enjoying more independence and charter pilots working within a company environment.

What are some common challenges freelance Part 135 pilots face regarding scheduling and maintaining flight currency?

Freelance Part 135 pilots often encounter challenges in securing a consistent flight schedule, as trip availability can be unpredictable and dependent on client demand. Maintaining flight currency and compliance with FAA regulations requires proactive planning, such as seeking out opportunities to fly regularly and staying updated on training requirements. Additionally, freelancers must efficiently manage communication with operators and clients, often juggling last-minute requests and adapting to changing itineraries. Building strong professional relationships with multiple operators can help mitigate these challenges and increase opportunities for steady work.

What is a Freelance Part 135 Pilot?

A Freelance Part 135 Pilot is a professional pilot who operates under Part 135 of the Federal Aviation Regulations as an independent contractor rather than as a full-time employee. Part 135 governs non-scheduled air charter and commuter operations, including transporting passengers or cargo for hire. Freelance pilots are hired by different operators as needed, offering flexibility in their work schedule and the opportunity to fly various aircraft. They must meet specific FAA requirements, including certifications, experience, and regular training, to maintain their eligibility to fly under Part 135. This role is ideal for experienced pilots seeking variety and the ability to manage their own workload.
What are the most commonly searched types of Part 135 Pilot jobs in Rio Rancho, NM? The most popular types of Part 135 Pilot jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Part 135 Pilot jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Part 135 Pilot jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
Part 135 Line Pilot

Part 135 Line Pilot

Reliable Robotics

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

We're building safety-enhancing technology for aviation that will save lives. Automated aviation systems will enable a future where air transportation is safer, more convenient and fundamentally transformative to the way goods - and eventually people - move around the planet. We are a team of mission-driven engineers with experience across aerospace, robotics and self-driving cars working to make this future a reality.
Reliable Airlines is a cargo feeder operator, operating for a major cargo carrier since June 2022 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Our world-class leadership team holds extensive strategic and operational experience in the air cargo industry. We are building a high performance team and hiring at all levels within the organization.
You will be part of a broader organization that is seeking to enable a future where air transportation is safer, more convenient and fundamentally transformative to the way goods - and eventually people - move around the planet. We are a team of mission-driven engineers and operators with experience across aerospace, robotics and self-driving cars working to make this future a reality.
As a Caravan Captain at Reliable Airlines, you will be part of the airline's team and report directly to the Chief Pilot. Your role will be critical in maintaining operational integrity and execution of cargo feeder operations within an exciting new air carrier seeking to efficiently move cargo and establish the future of remote operations.
Responsibilities
In your role as Part 135 Line Pilot, you will operate with the highest regard for safety, compliance, and customer service. Your role will be critical in ensuring each flight is conducted in full compliance of all applicable FAA regulations, aircraft limitations, and company procedures. As the Pilot in Command, you will be responsible to monitor the loading of cargo and ensure a comprehensive preflight and weight & balance is accomplished before each flight.
Basic Success Criteria
  • Proficient single pilot IFR skills
  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to work in an ever-changing safety oriented environment
  • Applicants are subject to FAA/DOT drug and alcohol testing program
  • Applicants must possess the legal right to work in the United States of America

Part 135 Requirements
  • FAA First or Second Class Medical
  • Must meet the FAR Part 135.243(c) IFR requirements:
  • Commercial pilot certificate - Single-Engine Land
  • Instrument rating
  • 1,200 hours total time
  • 500 hours cross country
  • 100 hours night
  • 75 hours actual or simulated instrument time (50 hours in actual flight)

Preferred Criteria
  • Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) rating
  • Impeccable safety record
  • Cessna C208 Caravan experience
  • 1,000 hours PIC
  • Previous experience operating under 14 CFR 135

Reliable Airlines is taking off and we need YOUR help. Get in early and help us shape the future! This is an exciting and rewarding opportunity to contribute to defining a new paradigm of the future of aviation.
This position is based in Albuquerque, NM. Must be willing to travel up to 75% of the time
This position requires access to information that is subject to U.S. export controls. An offer of employment will be contingent upon the applicant's capacity to perform in compliance with U.S. export control laws.
All applicants are asked to provide documentation that legally establishes status as a U.S. person or non-U.S. person (and nationalities in the case of a non-U.S. person). Where the applicant is not a U.S. person, meaning not a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident, (iii) refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or not otherwise permitted to access the export-controlled technology without U.S. government authorization, the Company reserves the right not to apply for an export license for such applicants whose access to export-controlled technology or software source code requires authorization and may decline to proceed with the application process and any offer of employment on that basis.
At Reliable Robotics, our goal is to be a diverse and inclusive workforce. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, ancestry, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability or medical conditions, national origin, military or veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other basis covered by applicable law. All employment and promotion is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to work@reliable.co