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Full Time Retired Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GIS Specialists

Campus, IL ยท On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

No Standard Hours per Week 40 Full Time or Part Time? Full Time Shift Day Work Schedule Summary VP ... Pilots drones to capture campus aerial imagery and mosaic together to utilize for data analysis ...

No Standard Hours per Week 40 Full Time or Part Time? Full Time Shift Day Work Schedule Summary VP ... Pilots drones to capture campus aerial imagery and mosaic together to utilize for data analysis ...

GIS Specialists

Campus, IL ยท On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

No Standard Hours per Week 40 Full Time or Part Time? Full Time Shift Day Work Schedule Summary VP ... Pilots drones to capture campus aerial imagery and mosaic together to utilize for data analysis ...

GIS Specialists

Salt Lake City, UT ยท On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

No Standard Hours per Week 40 Full Time or Part Time? Full Time Shift Day Work Schedule Summary VP ... Pilots drones to capture campus aerial imagery and mosaic together to utilize for data analysis ...

GIS Specialists

Campus, IL ยท On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

No Standard Hours per Week 40 Full Time or Part Time? Full Time Shift Day Work Schedule Summary VP ... Pilots drones to capture campus aerial imagery and mosaic together to utilize for data analysis ...

IL ยท On-site

$116K - $150K/yr

Requisition Number: 28408 Required Travel: 0 - 10% Employment Type: Full Time/Salaried/Exempt ... Air National Guard or retired/separated U.S. military C-130/C-17/KC-135/KC-46/C-5 pilot or ...

Full Time Retired Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do full time retired pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time retired 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.

Why can't pilots fly after 65?

Full-time retired pilots are generally not allowed to fly commercially after age 65 due to regulations set by aviation authorities, which aim to ensure safety by limiting age-related cognitive and physical decline. These rules help maintain high safety standards in the aviation industry, and pilots must pass regular medical examinations to continue flying until that age limit.

What is the difference between Full Time Retired Pilot vs Part Time Corporate Pilot?

AspectFull Time Retired PilotPart Time Corporate Pilot
CredentialsCommercial Pilot License, Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, extensive flight hoursCommercial Pilot License, some flight hours, specific corporate flying certifications
Work EnvironmentRetired, no active flying duties, possibly involved in mentoring or consultingActive flying, corporate aircraft, flexible schedule
Industry UsagePrimarily retired from commercial airlines, no current employmentEmployed part-time in corporate aviation, flying private or business jets

Full Time Retired Pilots are no longer actively flying and typically have a background in commercial airline operations. In contrast, Part Time Corporate Pilots are actively flying corporate aircraft on a flexible schedule. The main difference lies in their current employment status and flying activity, with retired pilots focusing on mentorship or consulting, while corporate pilots are engaged in ongoing flights.

Which pilots make 500,000 a year?

Full-time retired pilots who previously worked for major airlines or corporate flight departments can earn high salaries, with some reaching or exceeding $500,000 annually through experience, seniority, and additional responsibilities. Active airline pilots, especially captains with many years of service and flying large aircraft, are more likely to earn this level of income. Salary varies based on airline, aircraft type, and geographic location, but top-tier pilots in the industry can achieve this compensation.

What is the 1500 rule for pilots?

The 1500-hour rule for pilots refers to the FAA requirement that airline transport pilots must have at least 1,500 flight hours to qualify for an ATP certificate, which is necessary to serve as a captain for scheduled airlines. This rule aims to ensure pilots have sufficient experience before operating commercial flights, often requiring additional training, certifications, and flight time accumulation. It is a standard regulation in the aviation industry to promote safety and competence among professional pilots.

What jobs can pilots do after retirement?

Retired pilots can pursue careers such as flight instructors, airline or corporate flight trainers, aircraft safety inspectors, or aviation consultants, leveraging their extensive flying experience and knowledge of aviation regulations. They may also work in roles related to aviation management, aircraft maintenance supervision, or aviation safety analysis, often requiring relevant certifications or licenses. These positions typically benefit from strong communication skills, technical expertise, and familiarity with aviation technology and procedures.
What cities are hiring for Full Time Retired Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Full Time Retired Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Retired Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Retired Pilot jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Full Time Retired Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Full Time Retired Pilot jobs are:

AIR COMMANDER (PILOT/NAVIGATOR)

Headquarters, Air Force Reserve Command

Mcconnell Air Force Base, KS โ€ข On-site, Remote

$157K - $197K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Summary
Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.
Air Reserve Technicians are full-time civilian employees who are also members of the Air Force Reserve unit in which they are employed. In addition to their civilian assignments, they are assigned to equivalent positions in the Reserve organization with a Reserve military rank or grade. Appointee's civilian assignments will consist of the following duties.
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Duties
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The primary purpose of this position is: as Air Reserve Technician (ART) officer to serve as the senior ART/Commander and as such, be responsible for planning, organizing, coordinating, directing, and controlling the full time activities and operations of the wing
  • As Commander of a Numbered Air Force (NAF), or Wing which is either a host organization or an organization tenanted on an Air Force installation of another command, plans, organizes, directs and controls the activities and operations of the unit through subordinate functional chief positions.
  • Responsible for accomplishment of the variety of functions comprising the unit.
  • Primary functions which characterize the unit commanded include aircraft maintenance, aircraft operations and training, and flying safety.
  • At host locations a variety of base operating support functions, e.g., civil engineering, supply, personnel, resource plans, procurement, comptroller, etc., also comprise the reserve wing or group commanded.
  • Directs through the subordinate supervisory structure, several hundred positions involved in accomplishment of the wide variety of functions essential to the fulfillment of the unit's mission.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • U.S. Citizenship is required
  • Must be a current member of the AF Reserves or willing/qualified to join
  • A security clearance may be required
  • If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
  • Total salary varies depending on location of position
  • This position is subject to provision of the DoD Priority Placement Program
  • Must sign a mobility agreement
  • Retired military are usually ineligible for membership in the Air Force Reserve. Retired military personnel who have active Air Force Reserve assignments may apply provided they show assignment (position and unit) on their application.
  • Position may be subject to random drug testing
  • Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays
  • Shift work and emergency overtime may be required
  • Employee must maintain current certifications
  • Disclosure of Political Appointments
  • Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.
  • Advance in hire may be authorized if there is demonstrable proof provided on your resume
  • Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for this position
  • Relocation Incentive may be authorized for this position
  • Leave accrual may be authorized upon request
  • Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
  • Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications
THIS IS AN AIR RESERVE TECHNICIAN OFFICER POSITION.
This is an Air Reserve Technician (ART) Officer position located at 931 AIR REFUELING WG with the military rank of Col/ O-6, AFSC: 091W0. For questions concerning military eligibility please contact the Air Force Reserve Qualification Center at 1-800-257-1212.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Three years of progressively responsible experience in a flying component of the US military establishment in assignments that would normally qualify for progression to the position of Wing Commander or its equivalent. Assignments should have been of kinds that enabled the applicant to have gained and demonstrated a knowledge of tactical or strategic warfare, including techniques of employment or appropriate type of aircraft, military administration, personnel management and logistics. At least one year of the specialized experience must have been of a level of difficulty and responsibility comparable to that of the GS-14 grade in the Federal service
SUBSTITUTION: - Completion of Air Force pilot or navigator training or equivalent training in other US military establishments for heavier-than-air aircraft may be substituted for one year of general experience.- Satisfactory completion of Air War College, Air Command and Staff College, or equivalent in another of the US military establishments, may be substituted for one year of specialized experience.- Each year of service in a Reserve component of the US military establishment in assignments that normally would result in progression into the position of Wing Commander, and in which the flying requirements specialized by Air Force regulation have been met, may be credited for three months of general or specialized experience. The substitution, may not be made for periods of Reserve service which occurred concurrently with periods of fulltime experience for which credit is assigned
CERTIFICATION: Must have been awarded or qualify for a USAF Command Pilot or USAF Command Navigator or USAF Master Combat Systems Officer (CSO) or Command RPA Pilot or Master Air Battle Manager rating or 15 years of total rated service and hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order. Minimum of 2,500Total Military Flight Time and Previous instructor qualification is required in any MDS..
MINIMUM INSTRUMENT HOURS REQUIRED: Must hold a valid USAF instrument rating or other equivalent military or civilian rating.
MINIMUM FLYING HOURS: Minimum of 2,500 Total Military Flight Time and Previous instructor qualification is required in any MDS.
Federal Time-In-Grade (TIG) Requirement for General Schedule (GS) Positions: Applicants must have served at least 52 weeks at the GS- 14 grade level or higher grade (or equivalent in an alternate pay system) within the Federal Civil Service to be considered for referral. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
  1. Knowledge of planning, organizing, coordinating, directing, and controlling activities, operations, and resources of a flying organization; and mentoring, motivating, and appraising a staff through subordinate supervisors. Knowledge of the operations of a wing, various Air Force Reserve entities, other MAJCOMs and Air Force, and their relationships in overall management and execution of military operations, evaluations, and missions.
  2. Knowledge of public relations and human relations as applicable to managing an organization. Knowledge of rated aviator expertise and skill in its application, as either a pilot or navigator.
  3. Knowledge of tactical and strategic warfare, and wartime readiness posture.
  4. Skill in effective oral and written communication and public speaking to manage the operations of the assigned wing, communicate issues to subordinates, other officials, and the public, and to advocate the Air Force Reserve.
  5. Skill in exercising tact and diplomacy in dealing various individuals when accomplishing duties.

OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS:
  1. Must be a rated aircraft commander/instructor/evaluator aircrew member (pilot or navigator) on flying status in unit to which attached. Must be highly knowledgeable in the capabilities, limitations, and techniques for employment of unit aircraft. As prescribed by regulations, must take and pass standardization/evaluation flight examinations which consist of both written tests and actual flight performance to demonstrate flight proficiency required by the position. Incumbent must participate on flights as an aircrew member.
  2. The incumbent is subject to the normal pressures, deadlines, and other conditions inherent in this position and others found in the aircrew occupation. May be exposed to gravity forces of three to seven depending upon aircraft to which assigned.
  3. The incumbent's regular assignments are primarily ART; however, the incumbent is assigned non-ART duties not to exceed 30 percent of total responsibilities.
  4. In order to meet special or essential unscheduled activities, may be required to work an uncommon tour of duty with brief advance notice.
  5. The incumbent may be required to fly in military and/or commercial aircraft to perform temporary duty assignments (TDY).
  6. This position is designated as a mobility position. The incumbent must be willing to move/transfer to another unit/location on a lateral or promotion basis as directed by HQ AFRC.
  7. Position requires incumbent to obtain and maintain a Secret, Top Secret, Top Secret/SIOP clearance based on position security access requirement.
  8. This is a drug testing designated position. The incumbent is subject to random testing for drug use.
  9. This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE:
Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
Additional information
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.
120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.
Current Federal Civilian employees may apply for temporary and term positions and if selected, a break in service may be required prior to appointment to the position.
Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement.
Incentives: Recruitment and/or retention incentives may or may not be used.
Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here.
If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens i...