The Ground Advisor Pilot ("Advisor") provides F-16 subject matter expertise and instruction to foreign F-16 pilots, specifically on the operations and employment of the aircraft. The Advisor will ...
Quick apply
The Ground Advisor Pilot ("Advisor") provides F-16 subject matter expertise and instruction to foreign F-16 pilots, specifically on the operations and employment of the aircraft. The Advisor will ...
The Ground Advisor Pilot ("Advisor") provides F-16 subject matter expertise and instruction to foreign F-16 pilots, specifically on the operations and employment of the aircraft. The Advisor will ...
Quick apply
The Ground Advisor Pilot ("Advisor") provides F-16 subject matter expertise and instruction to foreign F-16 pilots, specifically on the operations and employment of the aircraft. The Advisor will ...
The Ground Advisor Pilot ("Advisor") provides F-16 subject matter expertise and instruction to foreign F-16 pilots, specifically on the operations and employment of the aircraft. The Advisor will ...
Quick apply
The Ground Advisor Pilot ("Advisor") provides F-16 subject matter expertise and instruction to foreign F-16 pilots, specifically on the operations and employment of the aircraft. The Advisor will ...
The Ground Advisor Pilot ("Advisor") provides F-16 subject matter expertise and instruction to foreign F-16 pilots, specifically on the operations and employment of the aircraft. The Advisor will ...
Quick apply
The Ground Advisor Pilot ("Advisor") provides F-16 subject matter expertise and instruction to foreign F-16 pilots, specifically on the operations and employment of the aircraft. The Advisor will ...
The Ground Advisor Pilot ("Advisor") provides F-16 subject matter expertise and instruction to foreign F-16 pilots, specifically on the operations and employment of the aircraft. The Advisor will ...
Quick apply
The Ground Advisor Pilot ("Advisor") provides F-16 subject matter expertise and instruction to foreign F-16 pilots, specifically on the operations and employment of the aircraft. The Advisor will ...
The Ground Advisor Pilot ("Advisor") provides F-16 subject matter expertise and instruction to foreign F-16 pilots, specifically on the operations and employment of the aircraft. The Advisor will ...
Quick apply
The Ground Advisor Pilot ("Advisor") provides F-16 subject matter expertise and instruction to foreign F-16 pilots, specifically on the operations and employment of the aircraft. The Advisor will ...
Provide classroom training for new hire, upgrade, and recurrent pilots in accordance with the FSIMS and Mesa Airlines, Inc. ground training program requirements. Maintain courseware applicable to ...
Provide classroom training for new hire, upgrade, and recurrent pilots in accordance with the FSIMS and Mesa Airlines, Inc. ground training program requirements. Maintain courseware applicable to ...
Ground Instructor
Mesa, AZ · On-site
Provide classroom training for new hire, upgrade, and recurrent pilots in accordance with the FSIMS and Mesa Airlines, Inc. ground training program requirements. § Maintain courseware applicable to ...
Ground Instructor
Mesa, AZ · On-site
Provide classroom training for new hire, upgrade, and recurrent pilots in accordance with the FSIMS and Mesa Airlines, Inc. ground training program requirements. § Maintain courseware applicable to ...
The Ground Advisor Pilot ("Advisor") provides F-16 subject matter expertise and instruction to foreign F-16 pilots, specifically on the operations and employment of the aircraft. The Advisor will ...
The Ground Advisor Pilot ("Advisor") provides F-16 subject matter expertise and instruction to foreign F-16 pilots, specifically on the operations and employment of the aircraft. The Advisor will ...
Be Seen First
UAS Operator / Pilot
Phoenix, AZ · On-site
$75K - $135K/yr
Our pilots can serve as both Air Vehicle Operators and External/Safety Pilots, operating fixed-wing ... Deliver customer training on aircraft operation, mission planning software, payloads, and ground ...
Quick apply
Be Seen First
UAS Operator / Pilot
Phoenix, AZ · On-site
$75K - $135K/yr
Our pilots can serve as both Air Vehicle Operators and External/Safety Pilots, operating fixed-wing ... Deliver customer training on aircraft operation, mission planning software, payloads, and ground ...
Ground Crew Evaluator
Dallas, TX · On-site
Earn Part 135 Wing Ground Check Pilot (Ground Evaluator) designation and conduct role qualification evaluations ("check rides") for ground support operators and visual observers. * Conduct training ...
Ground Crew Evaluator
Dallas, TX · On-site
Earn Part 135 Wing Ground Check Pilot (Ground Evaluator) designation and conduct role qualification evaluations ("check rides") for ground support operators and visual observers. * Conduct training ...
Chief UAS Pilot
Sterling, VA · On-site
Conduct initial and refresher training for pilots and ground crew. * Administer final qualification checks and oversee continuation training for personnel. * Monitor and maintain flight crew records ...
Chief UAS Pilot
Sterling, VA · On-site
Conduct initial and refresher training for pilots and ground crew. * Administer final qualification checks and oversee continuation training for personnel. * Monitor and maintain flight crew records ...
Conduct initial and refresher training for pilots and ground crew. * Administer final qualification checks and oversee continuation training for personnel. * Monitor and maintain flight crew records ...
Quick apply
Conduct initial and refresher training for pilots and ground crew. * Administer final qualification checks and oversee continuation training for personnel. * Monitor and maintain flight crew records ...
Pilot
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$80 - $100/hr
Plan and coordinate ground operations, range logistics, and communications infrastructure for test campaigns * Inform the long-term operational strategy, including autonomous and remote-pilot ...
Pilot
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$80 - $100/hr
Plan and coordinate ground operations, range logistics, and communications infrastructure for test campaigns * Inform the long-term operational strategy, including autonomous and remote-pilot ...
Conduct initial and refresher training for pilots and ground crew. * Administer final qualification checks and oversee continuation training for personnel. * Monitor and maintain flight crew records ...
Conduct initial and refresher training for pilots and ground crew. * Administer final qualification checks and oversee continuation training for personnel. * Monitor and maintain flight crew records ...
Instructor Pilot
Bridgewater, VA · On-site
$75K - $85K/yr
... qualified pilots who promote a safe and professional flight crew environment. Compensation and ... Conduct advanced ground training for aircraft systems, mission equipment, and survival equipment ...
Instructor Pilot
Bridgewater, VA · On-site
$75K - $85K/yr
... qualified pilots who promote a safe and professional flight crew environment. Compensation and ... Conduct advanced ground training for aircraft systems, mission equipment, and survival equipment ...
Position Summary The Ground Training Instructor is responsible for ground school modules, recurrent ... Ensures new hire pilots have completed required time verifications, meet company minimums, and ...
Position Summary The Ground Training Instructor is responsible for ground school modules, recurrent ... Ensures new hire pilots have completed required time verifications, meet company minimums, and ...
Instructor Pilot
Bridgewater, VA · On-site
$75K - $85K/yr
... qualified pilots who promote a safe and professional flight crew environment. Compensation and ... Conduct advanced ground training for aircraft systems, mission equipment, and survival equipment ...
Instructor Pilot
Bridgewater, VA · On-site
$75K - $85K/yr
... qualified pilots who promote a safe and professional flight crew environment. Compensation and ... Conduct advanced ground training for aircraft systems, mission equipment, and survival equipment ...
Senior Pilot
Colorado Springs, CO · On-site
The Senior Pilot operates aircraft to fly aerial photo missions in support of mapping and LiDAR ... Annual ground and flight training required in King Air 300 series aircraft. * Operate King Air 300 ...
Quick apply
Senior Pilot
Colorado Springs, CO · On-site
The Senior Pilot operates aircraft to fly aerial photo missions in support of mapping and LiDAR ... Annual ground and flight training required in King Air 300 series aircraft. * Operate King Air 300 ...
Ground Pilot information
See salary details
$49.5K - $63.3K
10% of jobs
$63.3K - $77K
7% of jobs
$77K - $90.8K
3% of jobs
$101.1K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$90.8K - $104.6K
6% of jobs
$104.6K - $118.4K
7% of jobs
$118.4K - $132.1K
5% of jobs
The median wage is $140.7K / yr.
$132.1K - $145.9K
17% of jobs
$153.7K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$145.9K - $159.7K
33% of jobs
$159.7K - $173.5K
5% of jobs
$173.5K - $187.2K
3% of jobs
$187.2K - $201K
2% of jobs
$49.5K
$130.9K
$201K
How much do ground pilot jobs pay per year?
As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for ground 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 is a ground pilot?
A Ground Pilot is responsible for remotely operating unmanned vehicles, such as drones or autonomous ground vehicles, for various applications like logistics, surveillance, or inspections. They monitor vehicle performance, navigate routes, and ensure safe operations according to protocols. Ground Pilots often work in industries such as defense, transportation, and infrastructure, requiring technical skills and situational awareness.
What are the typical daily responsibilities of a ground pilot?
As a Ground Pilot, your day-to-day duties often include preparing and inspecting drones before flight, operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) remotely during missions, and ensuring all activities comply with safety and regulatory requirements. You’ll also be responsible for monitoring flight paths, troubleshooting technical issues, and maintaining accurate records of each flight. Collaboration with project managers, data analysts, or field crews is common for coordinating logistics and delivering collected data. The work environment may involve both outdoor fieldwork and office-based planning, offering a dynamic mix of hands-on and strategic tasks.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the ground pilot position, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Ground Pilot, you need a solid understanding of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), drone operations, and aviation safety protocols, typically backed by relevant certifications such as the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Familiarity with remote control systems, telemetry software, ground control stations, and mapping or inspection tools is essential. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to problem-solve quickly are vital soft skills for the role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operation of drone missions while coordinating effectively with team members and airspace authorities.
How do you become a ground pilot?
To become a ground pilot, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant training, and certification such as a ground school license or specific ground handling certifications. Experience with aircraft ground operations, safety procedures, and communication skills are also important for this role.
More about Ground Pilot jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Ground Pilot jobs?
The most popular types of Ground Pilot jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Ground Pilot jobs look for?
The top searched job categories for Ground Pilot jobs are:
Full-time
Posted 24 days ago
Job description
The Ground Advisor Pilot (“Advisor”) provides F-16 subject matter expertise and instruction to foreign F-16 pilots, specifically on the operations and employment of the aircraft. The Advisor will provide instructional support through complex procedures, reinforce standardization, and ensure learning objectives are achieved. Furthermore, the Advisor’s role is critical to flight safety, pilot proficiency, and operational readiness. The information below is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required for this position.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Instruct foreign pilots in the safe and effective employment of the F-16.
- Work with the host nation and other partners to ensure effective and efficient instructional content and adherence to the program schedule.
- Provide updates to leadership on the progress of instruction.
- Collect and disseminate lessons learned.
- Deploy as required to support mission requirements.
- Adhere to direction provided by the Chief Pilot and Pilot Site Lead.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALFICIATIONS
- Previously qualified F-16 Instructor Pilot, current within the past 5 Years.
- 1,500 hours Pilot-In-Command (PIC) of any fixed wing DoD (or Allied) fighter aircraft.
- Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines while fostering a positive attitude.
- Must have strong problem-solving abilities.
- Proficient in the English language with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Must be proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite.
- Must be able to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
- Must be able to travel within the US and internationally.
- Must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of a Ground Advisor Pilot in daily work performance.
- Must be able to work in various weather environments and conditions.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Previous F-16 FTU Instructor Pilot.
- 1,000 hours PIC in F-16.
- 500 hours Instructor Pilot in multiple blocks of the F-16.
- Previous Instructor Pilot for foreign partner F-16 training.
- Previous Foreign Military Sales (FMS) experience or Air Advisor training.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS and/or WORK CONDITIONS
- This is a rotational assignment requiring overseas deployment for periods from two to six months, during which the Advisor must reside and perform duties at the Company’s international location.
- Must demonstrate the ability to operate effectively and self-sufficiently in a foreign environment, including communication, local navigation, and personal sustainability.
SPECIAL WORK CONDITIONS:
- Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
- Must be able obtain and maintain a US Secret or NATO Secret clearance. Ongoing eligibility is subject to periodic review. Strict adherence to all security protocols, procedures, and training is required.
- Must possess a valid U.S. passport with no travel restrictions, limitations, or disqualifications, with a validity extending a minimum 6 months beyond the projected assignment completion date.
- Must be able to secure all required work authorizations, including a valid work visa for the host country. Any prior immigration violations, criminal offenses, or adverse travel history that may prevent entry or work authorization will not be considered.
- Adherence to the legal, regulatory, safety, and operational requirements of the host nation is mandatory throughout the duration of assignment.
Disclaimer: This role may be performed around loud noises and hazardous chemicals with exposure to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals. The extension of any offer and the commencement of employment for this position are contingent upon contract award.