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Low Hour Aircraft Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Northrop Grumman

Sr Staff Test Pilot

Melbourne, FL

$201K - $302K/yr

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 ...

Bryce Corporation

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)

Bryce Corporation

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)

State of Nevada (NV)

PILOT 3

Carson City, NV · On-site

$76K - $114K/yr

Pilots fly missions and aircraft which vary with the department to which the position is assigned ... Flight experience must include 250 hours low-level flight; 250 hours conducting external load ...

Guardian Flight

Aircraft Maintenance Pilot

Ogden, UT · On-site

$100K/yr

Position: Aviation Maintenance Pilot Location: Ogden Regional Maintenance Facility, Ogden, UT ... Ability and willingness to participate in the after-hours and on-call support of aircraft ...

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

As of Sep 4, 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:

Low Hour Aircraft Pilot jobs near you

Sr Staff Test Pilot

Northrop Grumman

Melbourne, FL

$201K - $302K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 545 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescription At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Please note that this opportunity is contingent on program funding.  Start dates are determined after funding confirmation.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Senior Staff Pilot Test to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Test and Evaluation organization.  This role is located in Melbourne, FL.

The Chief Test Pilot (CTP) is a key contributor to the program and sits on the program leadership team. The CTP will support the design, development, and certification of the aircraft and air system. The CTP will work closely with other Integrated Product Teams, the Chief Engineer, as well as systems engineers including Safety, Airworthiness, and Human Factors teams to validate and verify aircraft design and performance. The CTP is a key participant in the flight test risk management process.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Building and sustaining a cadre of skilled test pilots and production pilots to safely execute the flight test program
  • Ensure early and effective contributions to air vehicle design, cockpit/crew station design and Pilot Vehicle Interface areas
  • Support the Chief Engineer on various design trades and analysis
  • Chair the pilot working group
  • Provide flight experienced leadership in critical program phases and reviews, such as SRR, PDR, CDR, FRR, and TRR
  • Provide direction to engineers on design definition, simulator flights, test planning, test card writing, flight test techniques, test conduct, test reporting, and proposal preparation
  • Ensure effective test pilot training, FTE training, MCR training and ensuring proficiency of staff
  • Perform initial flights on prototypes and test articles for new clean sheet air vehicles
  • Plan, develop, and perform flight tests to verify air worthiness, performance capabilities, and mission effectiveness using various simulators, surrogate aircraft, test-bed aircraft, and the program air vehicle.
  • Partner closely with the Directors of Test and Safety to ensure that the test team is conducting safe and effective ground and flight test operations
  • Collaborate with Service test pilots as well as Integrated Test Team personnel
  • Develop standards and protocols and ensure lessons learned are communicated with appropriate teams
  • Develop and manage the test vehicle pilot handbook and eventual NATOPS manual

Basic Qualifications:

  • Must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Science and 14 years of experience or a Master’s Degree in Science and 12 years of experience or a PhD and 10 years of experience for Senior Staff level position
  • Military Test Pilot School graduate of USNTPS, USAFTPS, Empire Test Pilots School, or EPNER
  • Your ability to transfer and maintain the final adjudicated government Top Secret clearance (DoD must be in-scope or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation) and any program access(es) required for the position within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Company.
  •  Must have the ability to obtain and hold an FAA Second Class medical certificate
  • 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 aircraft carrier pilot experience (>150 arrested landings)
  • Must have strong leadership and communication skills with relevant flight test leadership experience

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Weapons School graduate
  • Must have 5th Generation fighter flight hours
  • Multi-Engine Land and Single Engine Land FAA Commercial pilot license
  • 737 Type Certification
  • Knowledge and experience with risk management and mitigation
  • Previous experience leading a military or corporate test organization
  • Master’s degree in a related STEM field

#AS-FA3

Primary Level Salary Range: $201,400.00 - $302,200.00 The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business. The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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