Ground Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Coming Summer 2026 - Future Opportunity Submission Job Ad

Job Description

This is not a commuter position. Pilots must live, or be willing to relocate, within 30 minutes of Rapid City SD. Workdays are typically Monday through Friday, with schedules aligned to the weekly flying window.

XSTAR Aviation is seeking experienced pilots to support flight operations and aircrew proficiency within the BSTAR aviation program. Pilots will conduct multi-engine flight operations in a dynamic operational environment designed to enhance airmanship, repetition, and overall flying proficiency for military aircrew.

This position operates under FAA Part 91 and requires sound aeronautical judgment, strong crew coordination, and the ability to safely execute operations in a fast-paced flight environment. Pilots will work closely with program leadership, operations support personnel, and maintenance teams to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable daily operations.

In addition to flight operations, pilots will periodically deliver ground-based instruction focused on the differences between FAA and USAF operating procedures, airspace, and regulatory frameworks to support pilot understanding and transition between environments.

Each pilot will also be assigned a ground duty aligned with site operations (e.g., safety, training coordination, or program administration). These roles support overall program execution and are integrated into standard duty responsibilities. Organizational structure and responsibilities are similar to a military flying unit.

Essential Functions

• Act as PIC and conduct safe and efficient multi-engine flight operations in accordance with FAA Part 91 regulations and company procedures.
• PICs will be responsible for all flight planning and profile selection, and will instruct aircrew on flight planning fundamentals, decision-making, and execution.
• PICs will mentor and instruct U.S. Air Force aviators on instrument procedures, out-and-back mission profiles, and terminal area operations.
• Execute proficiency-focused flight profiles designed to enhance airmanship, repetition, and overall pilot performance.
• Provide periodic ground-based instruction on FAA and USAF procedural, regulatory, and airspace differences to support pilot understanding and operational integration.
• Maintain a high standard of aeronautical decision-making, risk management, and crew coordination in all phases of flight.
• Collaborate with operations support personnel, maintenance teams, and program leadership to ensure effective daily flight execution.
• Perform assigned ground duty roles (e.g., safety, scheduling oversight, training coordination, or program administration) in support of site operations.
• Participate in safety programs, reporting processes, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain accurate and timely flight, training, and administrative records.
• Support operational planning, scheduling coordination, and program meetings as required.
• Represent XSTAR Aviation professionally in interactions with military personnel, government stakeholders, and industry partners.
• This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

Minimum Qualifications

1,500 hours total flight time. (Military pilots may apply a 1.5× conversion factor.)

750 hours of PIC time. (Military pilots may apply a 1.5× conversion factor.)

500 hours of instructor time. (Military pilots may apply a 1.5× conversion factor.)

500 hours of turbine time. (Military pilots may apply a 1.5× conversion factor.)

Prior military pilots who do not meet these minimums may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

One of the following:

· FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII) and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI), or

· Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with multi-engine privileges, or

· Commercial Pilot Certificate with multi-engine and instrument ratings (unrestricted) and prior instructional experience

Demonstrated experience providing flight instruction in multi-engine aircraft.

Current FAA Medical Certificate (Class II or higher).

Strong aeronautical decision-making and risk management skills.

Excellent communication and instructional ability.

Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented operational environment.

Minimum of 10 years of aviation experience.

HA-420 experience is highly sought after.

Preferred Qualifications

Multi-engine turbine experience.

Prior military aviation experience.

Prior instructor pilot experience in structured training programs.

Experience operating under FAA Part 91 or Part 135 environments.

HA-420 flight experience.

Bachelor's Degree.

Experience mentoring developing pilots in a training environment.

Physical Demands

Ability to operate aircraft safely and perform duties associated with flight operations.

Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA medical certificate (Class II or higher).

Prolonged periods sitting in aircraft and/or at a computer workstation.

Travel Required

Limited travel may be required for training, aircraft repositioning, or program coordination activities.

Work Authorization / Security Requirements

U.S. Citizen

Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance (Preferred)

Equal Opportunity Statement

XSTAR Aviation is an equal opportunity employer committed to equal opportunity in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristics as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.