1

From Home Small Aircraft Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Title: RC & Large Model Aircraft Pilot KBR's Mission Engineering Division delivers complex ... The ideal candidate is comfortable controlling fixed-wing or small UAS from an external vantage ...

$95K - $143K/yr

Title: RC & Large Model Aircraft Pilot KBR's Mission Engineering Division delivers complex ... The ideal candidate is comfortable controlling fixed-wing or small UAS from an external vantage ...

Aircraft Pilot 1 (Multi PCN)

Juneau, AK · On-site

$47.95 - $53.17/hr

The recruitment is exempt from the hiring freeze (Administrative Order 358) ** This recruitment is ... Aircraft Pilot 1's may fill the following positions based on location or operational need: Light ...

Aircraft Pilot 1 (12-2168)

Juneau, AK · On-site

$49.39 - $54.77/hr

The recruitment is exempt from the hiring freeze (Administrative Order 358) ** This recruitment is ... Aircraft Pilot 1's may fill the following positions based on location or operational need: Light ...

Sheriff Aircraft Pilot

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$93K - $115K/yr

Sheriff Aircraft Pilot About Kern County Kern County employees provide opportunities that are ... This examination will establish an eligible list from which immediate appointment(s) will be made ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

From Home Small Aircraft Pilot information

See salary details

$48K

$87.1K

$133K

How much do from home small aircraft pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for from home small aircraft pilot in the United States is $87,144.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,000.00 and $102,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a from home small aircraft pilot?

A From Home Small Aircraft Pilot is a licensed pilot who operates small aircraft, such as drones or light planes, and is able to coordinate flights, plan routes, and handle certain aspects of their job remotely from home. This role often involves pre-flight planning, flight simulations, communication with clients or agencies, and sometimes remote piloting of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The 'from home' aspect means that much of the administrative and planning work can be done remotely, but actual piloting of manned aircraft still requires presence at an airfield. This job is ideal for those with strong aviation knowledge and the ability to manage logistics virtually. It is increasingly in demand in fields like aerial photography, surveying, and inspection.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a small aircraft pilot?

To thrive as a Small Aircraft Pilot, you need strong aeronautical knowledge, hands-on flight training, and a valid pilot’s license such as a Private Pilot Certificate. Proficiency in using avionics systems, navigation tools, and flight planning software is typically required. Excellent situational awareness, decision-making, and communication skills help pilots handle in-flight challenges and coordinate with air traffic control. These competencies are crucial to ensure flight safety, regulatory compliance, and smooth operations in diverse flying conditions.

What are some common challenges faced by small aircraft pilots who work from home or operate independently?

Small aircraft pilots working from home or independently often face unique challenges such as managing their own schedules, ensuring regulatory compliance, and staying current with training requirements. Unlike pilots employed by larger organizations, independent pilots may need to handle their own maintenance coordination, flight planning, and client communications. Additionally, maintaining a strong network for contract opportunities and staying connected with industry updates can require extra effort when working remotely. However, this independence can also offer greater flexibility and autonomy in choosing assignments and clients.

What is the difference between From Home Small Aircraft Pilot vs From Home Commercial Drone Operator?

AspectFrom Home Small Aircraft PilotFrom Home Commercial Drone Operator
Required CertificationsPrivate Pilot License (PPL) or Commercial Pilot License (CPL)Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Work EnvironmentSmall aircraft, airports, airfieldsVarious locations, often indoors or outdoor sites
Industry UsageAviation, tourism, aerial photographyReal estate, surveying, media production

Both roles involve remote operation of aircraft, but From Home Small Aircraft Pilots typically require pilot licenses and operate small planes from airports, while From Home Commercial Drone Operators use certified remote pilots to conduct aerial tasks with drones, often from various locations. The choice depends on the type of aircraft and industry focus.

How much do from home small aircraft pilots make?

From home small aircraft pilots typically earn between $50,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the type of flights they conduct. Many pilots work as independent contractors or for charter companies, with earnings varying based on flight hours and operational complexity.

What cities are hiring for From Home Small Aircraft Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most From Home Small Aircraft Pilot job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Small Aircraft Pilot jobs?

The most popular types of Small Aircraft Pilot jobs are:

What states have the most From Home Small Aircraft Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for From Home Small Aircraft Pilot jobs include:

Infographic showing various From Home Small Aircraft Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,144 per year, or $41.9 per hour.

RC & Large Model Aircraft Pilot

KBR

Lexington Park, MD • On-site

$95K - $143K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

142nd of 449 rated engineering


Job description

Title:

RC & Large Model Aircraft Pilot

KBR's Mission Engineering Division delivers complex technical solutions and expert support to the U.S. Department of War, specializing in modeling and simulation, cyber transformation, air vehicle mission integration, and lifecycle support. As a trusted partner with a proven history in mission technology, KBR collaborates closely with clients to develop innovative and effective solutions. With a strong ethical framework, KBR prioritizes data security, privacy, and responsible information management to ensure mission success.

We are seeking an RC & Large Model Aircraft Pilot - UAS External Pilot (Manual LOS Flight) to conduct manual, line-of-sight (LOS) flight operations for Group 1 & 2 unmanned aircraft systems in a test and operational environment. This role emphasizes hands-on stick-and-rudder flying, including manual takeoffs, pattern work, and landings, rather than automated or waypoint-based mission execution. The ideal candidate is comfortable controlling fixed-wing or small UAS from an external vantage point using traditional RC-style transmitters or manual ground control interfaces, with a strong ability to maintain orientation, manage energy, and execute stable approaches in varying conditions. Unlike many modern UAS roles, this position requires direct manual control of the aircraft rather than reliance on GPS waypoint navigation or automated flight modes. Candidates with radio control (RC), giant-scale model aircraft, aerobatic, or other manual flight backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

This position supports Air Test and Evaluation Squadron TWO FOUR (UX24) at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), Webster Field, MD. As part of the world's largest independent flight test organization, supporting both US Government and commercial agencies, you will be joining a highly talented and experienced aircrew services team that has provided over 40 continuous years of aircrew support for NAVAIR. As a long-term incumbent and leader in test aircrew expertise, the selected applicant will work within the Counter UAS and Unmanned Autonomy Robotics Technology teams composed of government, military, contractor, and industry personnel.

Roles & Responsibilities:

  • Operate Group 1-2 UAS and/or RC equivalent aircraft utilizing a transmitter/control box/tablet generally within line of sight of the air vehicle.
  • Execute ground launch and recovery activities, including support equipment setup, aircraft staging, and post-flight safing actions when not actively controlling an aircraft.
  • Operate remote-controlled fixed-wing aircraft and/or multirotor aircraft using a handheld transmitter/controller or control interface, typically within visual line of sight, to meet daily test objectives.
  • Serves as a UAS Pilot and provide all aspects of project officer duties for the Counter UAS and Unmanned Autonomy Robotics Technology programs, including operation of various air vehicles, instructor duties for new unqualified aircrew, and maintenance and repair of assigned UAS.
  • This position may include supervisory duties.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Education: High School Graduate.
  • Experience: Experience flying remote-controlled fixed-wing aircraft and/or multirotor aircraft (hobby, club, competitive, or professional). Certain military UAS may also apply.
  • Clearance & Citizenship: Secret Clearance or ability to obtain and maintain. Must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Certifications/Designations Required: Must be able to obtain and maintain an FAA Third-Class Medical Certificate.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • An Associate's degree or higher in a UAS, aviation, or engineering-related field is highly desired. Formal education in test and evaluation is highly desired.
  • 500 hours operating Group 1 and 2 UAS or equivalent-sized model aircraft is desired. Two years of RDT&E flight test experience is desired.
  • Demonstrated familiarity with prototype autopilot systems (e.g., Pixhawk or similar), Ground Control Stations, and UAS integration and modification is highly desired.
  • Past designation as an FAA Commercial Pilot or Military Pilot/UAS Air Vehicle Pilot by the U.S. Armed Forces is desired.
  • Familiarity with operations from Webster Outlying Field and UAS operations in the surrounding airspace is highly desired.
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is desired.

Applicant selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Basic Compensation: $95,400 - $143,600. The salary range posted is based on the national average. The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate's location, knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or experience, contract affordability, and in consideration of internal parity.

Additional Compensation: KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels, per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of sign on bonus, relocation benefits, short term incentives, long term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

Benefits: KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include a 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.


What KBR employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


KBR logo

About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998