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Independent Contractor 250 Hour Commercial Pilot Jobs

Pilot

Abilene, TX ยท On-site

$110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Current FAA Multi-Engine Commercial pilot license with Instrument Rating * FAA Class II Medical ... hours Cross Country * 250 hours in Make and Model * Minimum 100 PIC night hours * 75 hours ...

Independent Contractor We are seeking experienced Independent Contractor Drivers for both household ... Safely operate a commercial vehicle hauling household goods and dry van freight * Properly load ...

Pilot

Abilene, TX ยท On-site

$110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Current FAA Multi-Engine Commercial pilot license with Instrument Rating * FAA Class II Medical ... hours Cross Country * 250 hours in Make and Model * Minimum 100 PIC night hours * 75 hours ...

Pilot

Abilene, TX ยท On-site

$110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Current FAA Multi-Engine Commercial pilot license with Instrument Rating * FAA Class II Medical ... hours Cross Country * 250 hours in Make and Model * Minimum 100 PIC night hours * 75 hours ...

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Independent Contractor 250 Hour Commercial Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do independent contractor 250 hour commercial pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for independent contractor 250 hour commercial 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 an independent contractor 250 hour commercial pilot?

Independent Contractor 250 Hour Commercial Pilots are licensed aviators who have completed at least 250 hours of flight time and work on a contract basis rather than as full-time employees. They are typically hired for specific assignments, such as ferrying aircraft, charter flights, or aerial surveys. These pilots hold a commercial pilot certificate, allowing them to be compensated for their flying services, but may still be building hours and experience for more advanced positions. Working as an independent contractor provides flexibility, but also requires managing one's own taxes, insurance, and scheduling.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an independent contractor 250 hour commercial pilot?

To thrive as an Independent Contractor 250 Hour Commercial Pilot, you need a current FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate, at least 250 hours of flight time, and a strong grasp of aeronautical knowledge and safety procedures. Familiarity with aircraft-specific avionics, Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs), and completion of required medical certifications are standard. Exceptional situational awareness, decision-making, and communication skills are crucial for operating safely and professionally, especially when flying solo or with clients. These competencies are vital to ensure regulatory compliance, operational safety, and customer satisfaction in a dynamic aviation environment.

What are some common challenges faced by independent contractor 250 hour commercial pilots when starting out, and how can they be addressed?

Independent Contractor 250 Hour Commercial Pilots often face challenges such as building a strong client network, securing consistent flight assignments, and adapting to varied operational procedures across different operators. Since many positions are project-based or seasonal, maintaining flexibility and proactive communication is essential. New pilots can address these challenges by networking within aviation communities, staying current with certifications and regulations, and being open to a range of assignments to gain diverse experience. Building a solid reputation for reliability and safety will also help in securing repeat contracts.

What is the difference between Independent Contractor 250 Hour Commercial Pilot vs Part 135 Charter Pilot?

AspectIndependent Contractor 250 Hour Commercial PilotPart 135 Charter Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot Certificate, 250 flight hoursCommercial Pilot Certificate, often with additional type ratings
Work EnvironmentSelf-employed, on-demand flights, flexible scheduleEmployed by a charter company, scheduled flights
Employer/Industry UsageWorks independently or contracts with operatorsWorks for Part 135 operators providing charter services

While both roles require a Commercial Pilot Certificate and similar flight hours, an Independent Contractor 250 Hour Commercial Pilot operates independently, often on a freelance basis, whereas a Part 135 Charter Pilot is employed by a charter company with scheduled flights. The key difference lies in employment structure and work environment.

More about Independent Contractor 250 Hour Commercial Pilot jobs

What cities are hiring for Independent Contractor 250 Hour Commercial Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Independent Contractor 250 Hour Commercial Pilot job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of 250 Hour Commercial Pilot jobs?

The most popular types of 250 Hour Commercial Pilot jobs are:

What states have the most Independent Contractor 250 Hour Commercial Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Independent Contractor 250 Hour Commercial Pilot jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor 250 Hour Commercial Pilot jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor 250 Hour Commercial Pilot jobs are:

Infographic showing various Independent Contractor 250 Hour Commercial Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 49% Full Time, 35% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 13% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
Responsible for acting as the pilot flying Helicopter for our tours, VFR day/night/NVG by performing the following duties.
Responsibilities:
Reporting directly to the Chief Pilot or Lead Pilot
Responsible for the safe conduct of flights to which assigned
Has the final authority in the operation of the aircraft
PICs must ensure compliance with all federal, state, local and foreign regulations, as well as the policies and procedures specified in the company operations manual
Providing excellent customer service
Complying with schedules and other directives governing the aircraft's operation
Ensuring the preflight inspection is completer before each departure
Ensures passengers have been briefed in accordance as per 14 CFR 135.117
Ensures that each flight is conducted in accordance with 14 CFR 135 or 91 as appropriate
Checking all applicable NOTAMs, studying weather conditions at destination, enroute, alternate airports and departure points
Preparing flight plans as appropriate
Ensuring that the aircraft is clean and prepared for flight
Ensuring that the aircraft is airworthy, duly registered and that all required documentation is on board the aircraft
Reviewing and calculating the aircraft weight and balance, fuel and oxygen requirements and performance charts
Using checklists and operating procedures noted in this manual
Making decisions necessary to start, delay, or cancel flights and deviate the flight from planned route or destination when operating conditions dictate
Notify authorities of any accident, suspected communicable disease, acts of unlawful interference, or landing at an airport other than planned or as caused by circumstances beyond the control of the PIC
Completing all post flight duties, including flight logs, deferred item sheet, notification to the company of any deviation from the planned itinerary or overnight location
When necessary, utilizes the authority to refuse transportation of any person or object if the carriage poses any risk to the safety of the aircraft or its occupants
Ensuring that he/she is current and qualified to operate the aircraft to which he/she is assigned. This includes, but is not limited to: training, testing, compliance with flight time restrictions and rest requirements, maintaining a current medical certificate as required and notifies the chief pilot if any medical (physical or mental) condition exists that may impair his/her ability to perform as a crewmember, and all other applicable Federal Aviation Regulations.
Assists with cleaning of aircraft and work areas
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Language Ability:
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
Math Ability:
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Reasoning Ability:
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of word processing software, spreadsheet software, and internet software.
Education/Experience:
High school diploma or general education degree (GED); and eight to ten years related experience and/or training; 2000 hours as a pilot; 1000 hours as a PIC, 250 hours cross country time; 250 hours at night un-aided; or equivalent combination of education and experience. NVG experience preferred.
Specialized Training:
  • Helicopter pilot training
  • Commercial helicopter training
  • Individual aircraft training

Certificates and Licenses:
  • FAA Commercial Helicopter, with instrument rating
  • FAA Class 2 Medical

Equipment:
  • Flight helmet
  • Flight suit
  • Black leather boots above ankle
  • Night Vision Goggles (NVG)

Knowledge, Skills and Other Abilities:
Ability to work with a diverse group of co-workers and customers
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, ability to adjust focus, and ability to see color.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to work near moving mechanical parts; work in high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; extreme cold (non-weather); extreme heat (non-weather); and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions (non-weather) and risk of electrical shock.
The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud.