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On Call Air Tractor Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sherpa Air

Chief Pilot

The Chief Pilot is responsible for pilot training, maintenance test and functional flights, pilot ... Remains on-call for internal flight requirements supporting company * Manages Sherpa Air ...

Sherpa Air

Chief Pilot

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

The Chief Pilot is responsible for Sherpa Air flight operations to include overall compliance ... Remains on-call for internal flight requirements supporting company * Manages Sherpa Air ...

Boston MedFlight

RW Pilot

Bedford, MA · On-site

$123K - $178K/yr

Air ambulance helicopter pilot responsible for the safe and efficient operation of helicopter air ... Willingness to work a rotating schedule including nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call ...

C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc.

Pilot

Keene, NH · On-site

To be successful, you will be able to support an on-call schedule, overnight travel and ... Federal Air Regulations (FARs) and this Flight Operations Manual. * Requiring to maintain the ...

Guardian Flight

Aviation Maintenance Pilot

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$100K/yr

Ability and willingness to participate in the after-hours and on-call support of aircraft ... FAA Mechanic's Certificate with Airframe and Powerplant Ratings * 100 hours as PIC in King Air or ...

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On Call Air Tractor Pilot information

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How much do on call air tractor pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for on call air tractor pilot in the United States is $20.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an on call air tractor pilot?

On Call Air Tractor Pilots are licensed aviators trained to operate Air Tractor aircraft, typically for agricultural spraying, firefighting, or other specialized aerial missions. 'On call' means they are available to respond to jobs as needed, often on short notice, depending on factors like weather or emergency situations. These pilots must have strong flying skills, a flexible schedule, and knowledge of regulations and safety procedures. Their work is crucial for efficient and timely completion of tasks such as crop dusting or wildfire suppression.

What is the difference between On Call Air Tractor Pilot vs Crop Duster Pilot?

AspectOn Call Air Tractor PilotCrop Duster Pilot
CredentialsCommercial Pilot License, Ag Pilot CertificationCommercial Pilot License, Ag Pilot Certification
Work EnvironmentAir tractor aircraft, agricultural fields, flexible schedulingCrop fields, seasonal work, often on-call basis
Employer & IndustryAgricultural companies, aerial application servicesFarming operations, aerial spraying companies

Both On Call Air Tractor Pilots and Crop Duster Pilots require similar certifications and work in agricultural aerial application. The main difference lies in the scheduling flexibility and specific job roles, with On Call Air Tractor Pilots often working on an as-needed basis for various clients, while Crop Duster Pilots typically focus on seasonal crop spraying for farming operations.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an on call air tractor pilot?

To thrive as an On Call Air Tractor Pilot, you need a commercial pilot’s license, substantial flight hours (often in agricultural or firefighting operations), and specialized training in low-level flying. Familiarity with GPS guidance systems, aerial application equipment, and adherence to FAA regulations are typically required. Excellent situational awareness, decision-making under pressure, and strong communication skills are crucial for safety and coordination. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure precise operations, rapid response in dynamic environments, and the safe handling of challenging aerial tasks.

What does an on call air tractor pilot's typical work schedule look like, and how are assignments communicated?

As an On Call Air Tractor Pilot, your schedule is highly variable and often depends on operational needs such as weather conditions, crop cycles, or emergency response situations like wildfire support. Assignments are typically communicated with short notice via phone or dispatch systems, requiring flexibility and readiness to mobilize quickly. You'll work closely with dispatch coordinators and ground crew, and during peak seasons, expect to be on standby for extended periods. This role demands adaptability, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage irregular hours while maintaining safety standards.
More about On Call Air Tractor Pilot jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Air Tractor Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Air Tractor Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most On Call Air Tractor Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for On Call Air Tractor Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching On Call Air Tractor Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for On Call Air Tractor Pilot jobs are:
On Call Air Tractor Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various On Call Air Tractor Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,123 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Chief Pilot

Sherpa Air

Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
The Chief Pilot is responsible for Sherpa Air flight operations to include overall compliance related to scheduling, operations, maintenance coordination and safety procedures. The Chief Pilot is responsible for pilot training, maintenance test and functional flights, pilot records, and operational standards for all pilot personnel operating under FAA Part 135.
Must be able to operate independently in differing environments to include domestic and worldwide. Will interface with government and private sector customers on a daily basis.
Responsibilities:
  • Reports directly to the Director of Operations
  • Enforces operational standards of all company flight operations manuals across all aircraft and ensures compliance by all assigned company pilots
  • Implements and administers company standard operating procedures to ensure the highest standards of safety and quality of service
  • Directs and guides flight operations to ensure they are conducted in accordance with established company practices and procedures and in compliance with applicable government, FAA and contract regulations
  • Ensures that flights are manned by technically competent and legally qualified crew members to include review and approval of all Sherpa Air flight crews
  • Supervises activities and performance of Sherpa Air pilots and provides periodic written evaluations
  • Remains on-call for internal flight requirements supporting company
  • Manages Sherpa Air Dispatchers for domestic and international flights
  • Maintains PIC qualifications on at least one company aircraft
  • Ensures all Sherpa Air-owned or managed aircraft are properly equipped with aeronautical charts, Navigational Aids, etc. required for safe flight through various vendor subscriptions
  • Ensures that all flight crews document aircraft discrepancies and reports equipment malfunctions to appropriate personnel in a timely and accurate manner
  • Maintains records of activities, flight logs and training in accordance with company and FAA regulatory compliance requirements
  • Represents Sherpa Air by supporting our customers and presenting a professional pilot image to customers and the general public.
  • Exhibits a positive attitude and can adapt to change
  • Responsible for all pilots and flight crew personnel assigned to fly Sherpa Air operated aircraft
  • This job may operate in various field locations. This role routinely uses standard office equipment. Travel and deployment could be required.

Requirements
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree preferred or relevant combination of education and experience
  • Must meet the Part 119 experience requirements listed in FAR 119.71(c)
  • FAA, ATP and Multi-Engine Fixed Wing ratings
  • FAA Class I Medical Certificate
  • Flight time experience: total time of 5,000 hours of which 2,000 must be multi-engine turbine
  • Must have 2,500 hours as PIC
  • Possess a valid US driver's license
  • Capable of lifting at least 50 pounds
  • Possess a current US Passport
  • Able to secure necessary VISA(s)
  • Self-motivated and able to work efficiently without direct supervision
  • Able to receive DoD or DHS SECRET Security clearance if applicable
  • Must be a US citizen
  • Must pass a background check and drug screening

Preferred Qualifications:
  • FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFl) and/or Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFIl)
  • Experience with international flight operations
  • Experience with intemational flight operations NAT North Atlantic High Altitude
  • Hawker 1000 type rating

Background Screening/Check/Investigation:
Successful completion of a background screening/check/investigation will/may be required as a condition of hire.
ADA:
Sherpa Air will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act 1990
EEO/AA:
Sherpa Air does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, Height, weight, or marital status in employment or the provision of services and is an equal access/opportunity/affirmative action employer.
Benefits:
We offer a competitive benefits package, covering the cost of medical for you and your family; we also offer dental, vision, health and wellness benefits and a generous retirement savings plan. We believe that our employees can manage their workload and their personal life, therefore we extend a generous PTO policy. This allows our employees to balance their lives as they see fit.

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