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Low Hour Aircraft Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Title: RC & Large Model Aircraft Pilot KBR's Mission Engineering Division delivers complex ... Formal education in test and evaluation is highly desired. * 500 hours operating Group 1 and 2 UAS ...

$95K - $143K/yr

Title: RC & Large Model Aircraft Pilot KBR's Mission Engineering Division delivers complex ... Formal education in test and evaluation is highly desired. * 500 hours operating Group 1 and 2 UAS ...

Aircraft Pilot 1-2

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$5.1K - $9.2K/mo

Aircraft Pilot 1 and 2 qualifies for an additional $1.73 per hour hazardous duty pay. Hazardous Duty Pay is only paid per hour worked. An LDAF vehicle and LDAF fuel card may be provided for ...

... with 500 hours of recorded flight time. 2. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airline ... Supervision of this position is received from the LDAF Aircraft Fleet Command Pilot or an LDAF ...

Must have a minimum of 1,250 hours tactical aircraft pilot time with 500 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC) * Must have previous experience as a test pilot in a developmental test program * Must have ...

Pilots corporate jets (Sabre 465 and Sabre 770) and non-jet aircraft (414 Cessna) to transport ... and non-jet aircraft. (one year of experience equals average of 900 hours of flight time)

PILOT

Memphis, TN · On-site

Pilots corporate jets (Sabre 465 and Sabre 770) and non-jet aircraft (414 Cessna) to transport ... and non-jet aircraft. (one year of experience equals average of 900 hours of flight time)

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Low Hour Aircraft Pilot information

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$48K

$87.1K

$133K

How much do low hour aircraft pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for low hour aircraft pilot in the United States is $87,144.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,000.00 and $102,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a low hour aircraft pilot?

A low hour aircraft pilot is someone who has recently obtained their pilot's license and has relatively few logged flight hours, typically less than 500 total hours. These pilots are usually at the early stages of their aviation careers and may be seeking their first professional flying job. They often build experience by working as flight instructors, banner tow pilots, or entry-level charter pilots. Employers may require additional training or specific hour thresholds for certain positions, so low hour pilots often focus on gaining more flight time to enhance their qualifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a low hour aircraft pilot?

To thrive as a Low Hour Aircraft Pilot, you need a valid commercial pilot license (CPL), fundamental flight training, and a strong grasp of aviation regulations, usually with 250-300+ logged flight hours. Familiarity with flight planning software, GPS navigation systems, and aircraft-specific avionics is typically required. Strong communication, situational awareness, and composure under pressure help pilots perform safely and work effectively with crew and air traffic control. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safety, building experience, and advancing in a highly regulated and demanding industry.

What are the common challenges faced by low hour aircraft pilots when transitioning into their first professional flying role?

Low hour aircraft pilots often face challenges such as adapting to more complex aircraft, navigating unfamiliar airspace, and working within structured team environments for the first time. Many employers expect new pilots to quickly learn standard operating procedures, communicate effectively with crew members, and manage workload under pressure. Building confidence and proficiency while accumulating flight hours is crucial, and networking within the aviation community can help in securing mentorship and future opportunities.

What is the difference between Low Hour Aircraft Pilot vs Private Pilot?

AspectLow Hour Aircraft PilotPrivate Pilot
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL) with limited flight hoursPrivate Pilot License (PPL)
Work EnvironmentCharter flights, flight training, aerial toursPersonal flying, recreational activities
Employer & Industry UsageFlight schools, charter companies, aerial servicesIndividual owners, recreational flying

Low Hour Aircraft Pilots typically hold a Commercial Pilot License with limited flight hours and work in charter, training, or aerial services. Private Pilots hold a Private Pilot License and mainly fly for personal or recreational purposes. The main difference lies in licensing, work environment, and industry usage, with Low Hour Aircraft Pilots often seeking to build hours for career advancement.

What cities are hiring for Low Hour Aircraft Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Low Hour Aircraft Pilot job openings:

What states have the most Low Hour Aircraft Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Low Hour Aircraft Pilot jobs include:

RC & Large Model Aircraft Pilot

Lexington Park, MD • On-site


KBR
IT Services • 10K+ employees

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

143rd of 450 rated engineering

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$95K - $143K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Title:

RC & Large Model Aircraft Pilot

KBR's Mission Engineering Division delivers complex technical solutions and expert support to the U.S. Department of War, specializing in modeling and simulation, cyber transformation, air vehicle mission integration, and lifecycle support. As a trusted partner with a proven history in mission technology, KBR collaborates closely with clients to develop innovative and effective solutions. With a strong ethical framework, KBR prioritizes data security, privacy, and responsible information management to ensure mission success.

We are seeking an RC & Large Model Aircraft Pilot - UAS External Pilot (Manual LOS Flight) to conduct manual, line-of-sight (LOS) flight operations for Group 1 & 2 unmanned aircraft systems in a test and operational environment. This role emphasizes hands-on stick-and-rudder flying, including manual takeoffs, pattern work, and landings, rather than automated or waypoint-based mission execution. The ideal candidate is comfortable controlling fixed-wing or small UAS from an external vantage point using traditional RC-style transmitters or manual ground control interfaces, with a strong ability to maintain orientation, manage energy, and execute stable approaches in varying conditions. Unlike many modern UAS roles, this position requires direct manual control of the aircraft rather than reliance on GPS waypoint navigation or automated flight modes. Candidates with radio control (RC), giant-scale model aircraft, aerobatic, or other manual flight backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

This position supports Air Test and Evaluation Squadron TWO FOUR (UX24) at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), Webster Field, MD. As part of the world's largest independent flight test organization, supporting both US Government and commercial agencies, you will be joining a highly talented and experienced aircrew services team that has provided over 40 continuous years of aircrew support for NAVAIR. As a long-term incumbent and leader in test aircrew expertise, the selected applicant will work within the Counter UAS and Unmanned Autonomy Robotics Technology teams composed of government, military, contractor, and industry personnel.

Roles & Responsibilities:

  • Operate Group 1-2 UAS and/or RC equivalent aircraft utilizing a transmitter/control box/tablet generally within line of sight of the air vehicle.
  • Execute ground launch and recovery activities, including support equipment setup, aircraft staging, and post-flight safing actions when not actively controlling an aircraft.
  • Operate remote-controlled fixed-wing aircraft and/or multirotor aircraft using a handheld transmitter/controller or control interface, typically within visual line of sight, to meet daily test objectives.
  • Serves as a UAS Pilot and provide all aspects of project officer duties for the Counter UAS and Unmanned Autonomy Robotics Technology programs, including operation of various air vehicles, instructor duties for new unqualified aircrew, and maintenance and repair of assigned UAS.
  • This position may include supervisory duties.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Education: High School Graduate.
  • Experience: Experience flying remote-controlled fixed-wing aircraft and/or multirotor aircraft (hobby, club, competitive, or professional). Certain military UAS may also apply.
  • Clearance & Citizenship: Secret Clearance or ability to obtain and maintain. Must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Certifications/Designations Required: Must be able to obtain and maintain an FAA Third-Class Medical Certificate.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • An Associate's degree or higher in a UAS, aviation, or engineering-related field is highly desired. Formal education in test and evaluation is highly desired.
  • 500 hours operating Group 1 and 2 UAS or equivalent-sized model aircraft is desired. Two years of RDT&E flight test experience is desired.
  • Demonstrated familiarity with prototype autopilot systems (e.g., Pixhawk or similar), Ground Control Stations, and UAS integration and modification is highly desired.
  • Past designation as an FAA Commercial Pilot or Military Pilot/UAS Air Vehicle Pilot by the U.S. Armed Forces is desired.
  • Familiarity with operations from Webster Outlying Field and UAS operations in the surrounding airspace is highly desired.
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is desired.

Applicant selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Basic Compensation: $95,400 - $143,600. The salary range posted is based on the national average. The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate's location, knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or experience, contract affordability, and in consideration of internal parity.

Additional Compensation: KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels, per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of sign on bonus, relocation benefits, short term incentives, long term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

Benefits: KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include a 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.


KBR logo

About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998


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Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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