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Jump Pilot Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Aery Aviation LLC

King Air 350 PIC (AUS)

Newport News, VA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Pilots may be required to live and work in austere conditions. The PIC will perform all operational ... Aviation jumps into higher gear asking, "How can we do this?" and then proceeds into problem ...

Aery Aviation LLC

King Air 350 SIC

Newport News, VA · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

About the role Aery Aviation, LLC currently has an opening for a Second-In-Command (Co-Pilot ... Aviation jumps into higher gear asking, "How can we do this?" and then proceeds into problem ...

All JobsJump Pilot JobsJump Pilot Jobs in Virginia

Jump Pilot information

See Virginia salary details

$49.1K

$129.8K

$199.3K

How much do jump pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for jump pilot in Virginia is $129,793.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,100.00 and $153,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a jump pilot?

Jump pilots are specially trained pilots responsible for flying aircraft that carry skydivers to altitude for parachute jumps. Their primary duties include maintaining flight safety, following precise flight patterns to designated drop zones, and communicating effectively with drop zone operators and jumpers. Jump pilots often work at skydiving centers and must be skilled at handling planes during short takeoffs, landings, and high-density operations. They play a crucial role in the safety and success of skydiving operations.

What does a jump pilot do?

Jump pilots fly aircraft for skydivers. In this role, you prepare the plane for each flight, monitor conditions in the air, and ensure the jumpers are secure and ready to dive out of the plane. Unlike commercial airline pilots, jump pilots make many flights each day, taking off and landing every fifteen to twenty minutes during their shift. You must communicate with air traffic controllers throughout the trip, make sure that the passengers are ready for the skydive, and notify them as you approach the drop zone. Jump pilots also relay any necessary information about wind, jump timing, and other factors that may affect the jump.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a jump pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Jump Pilot, you need a commercial pilot’s license, strong airmanship, and experience flying aircraft used in skydiving operations. Familiarity with jump aircraft such as Cessna Caravans, proficiency in weight and balance calculations, and a current FAA medical certificate are commonly required. Excellent communication, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills. These competencies ensure the safety of both skydivers and crew, efficient flight operations, and effective coordination during high-adrenaline situations.

What are some common challenges faced by jump pilots during busy skydiving operations?

Jump pilots often contend with tight turnaround times, rapidly changing weather conditions, and the need for precise coordination with ground crew and skydivers. Maintaining situational awareness is critical, especially when flying multiple loads in succession and operating out of smaller airfields. Additionally, jump pilots must be adept at handling unexpected situations, such as last-minute changes in jump runs or emergency procedures, while ensuring the safety of both passengers and aircraft.

What is the difference between Jump Pilot vs Skydiving Instructor?

AspectJump PilotSkydiving Instructor
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot Certificate, specific jump pilot ratingsUSPA Instructor Certification, skydiving licenses
Work EnvironmentAircraft cockpit, jump aircraft, airportsDrop zones, aircraft, training facilities
Employer & Industry UsageSkydiving companies, adventure sports operatorsSkydiving centers, adventure sports industry

Jump Pilots operate aircraft to transport skydivers and ensure safe jumps, requiring pilot certifications. Skydiving Instructors train and certify skydivers, focusing on safety and technique. While both roles are integral to the skydiving industry, Jump Pilots focus on flying, whereas Skydiving Instructors focus on training and safety instruction.

More about Jump Pilot jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Jump Pilot jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Jump Pilot jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Jump Pilot jobs in Virginia?

For Jump Pilot jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Jump Pilot jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Jump Pilot jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Jump Pilot jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Jump Pilot job openings:

Jump Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Jump Pilot job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $129,793 per year, or $62.4 per hour.

Chief Pilot - Part 135 Operations (PHF)

Aery Aviation LLC

Newport News, VA • On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Who We Are Looking For
Aery Aviation is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Chief Pilot to lead our flight operations team based at Williamsburg/Newport News International. This leadership position is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of our Part 135 flight department while supporting our growing charter and Special Mission Medical (SMM) operations.
The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, extensive Part 135 operational experience, and recent experience operating the Beechcraft Premier 1/1A and/or Learjet 45 series aircraft.
What You Will Be Doing
  • Serve as Chief Pilot in accordance with FAA Part 119 and Part 135 requirements.
  • Provide leadership, mentorship, and oversight to assigned flight crews.
  • Ensure compliance with all FAA regulations, company policies, OpSpecs, and Safety Management System (SMS) requirements.
  • Manage pilot hiring, training, standardization, and qualification programs.
  • Conduct pilot evaluations, line checks, and proficiency oversight.
  • Coordinate with Operations Control, Maintenance, Dispatch, and Safety personnel to ensure safe and efficient operations.
  • Promote a strong safety culture and proactive risk management throughout the organization.
  • Participate in client meetings, audits, accreditation efforts, and operational planning.
  • Support on-call operational needs and irregular operations as required.

You Must Have
  • ATP Certificate with appropriate category and class ratings.
  • Current FAA First Class Medical Certificate.
  • Eligible to serve as Chief Pilot under FAA Part 119 requirements.
  • Minimum 4,000 hours total flight time.
  • Minimum 2,000 hours PIC.
  • Minimum 500 hours turbine PIC.
  • Previous Part 135 operational experience.
  • Demonstrated leadership and crew management experience.
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills.
  • Must have logged operational experience in a Learjet 45/45XR and/or Beechcraft Premier 1/1A within the last 24 months.
  • Current type rating in the Learjet 45 series and/or Beechcraft Premier preferred; candidates with recent experience and ability to complete company training will also be considered.

Nice To Haves
  • Previous experience as a Chief Pilot, Assistant Chief Pilot, Check Airman, or Director of Operations.
  • Experience managing multi-aircraft Part 135 operations.
  • Experience with air ambulance, organ procurement, critical care transport, or special mission operations.
  • Experience working within a Safety Management System (SMS).
  • Experience with FAA inspections, audits, and accreditation programs.
  • Experience operating throughout the Midwest and Northeast United States.

Aery Aviation job descriptions are meant as summarizations only. They do not necessarily reflect all duties and responsibilities of a position.
If this opportunity excites you, come join our team!
For Aery Aviation, the question isn't: "Can we?" When others are limited in the common approach, Aery Aviation jumps into higher gear asking, "How can we do this?" and then proceeds into problem-solving for customers. This is what customers appreciate most about Aery Aviation - avid tenacity. It's not cookie cutter production that Aery Aviation is cultivating; it is projects that inspire the Aery Aviation work-family to come together and brainstorm, excited to come to work every day because there is always something inventive and interesting to work on.
Compensation and Benefits
  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
  • Performance bonus opportunities.
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Paid time off and company holidays.
  • 401(k) with company match.
  • Training and professional development opportunities.

Learn more about Aery Aviation, LLC at www.aeryaviation.com.
Aery Aviation, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer
At Aery Aviation, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
About Aery Aviation LLC
Aery Aviation, LLC is an aerospace engineering, aircraft modification, certification, manufacturing, and flight operations company headquartered in Newport News, Virginia. Aery provides integrated aviation solutions supporting defense, government, commercial, and special mission operators worldwide. The company holds FAA Part 135 and Part 145 certificates, AS9100D and ISO 9001 certifications, and provides engineering, aircraft integration, manufacturing, certification, maintenance, and flight operations supporting advanced aerospace programs.
The pay range for this role is:
145,000 - 175,000 USD per year (Aery Aviation LLC - PHF / Corporate Office)

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