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On Call Cargo Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Float Fixed Wing Pilot

Boise, ID · On-site

$138K - $159K/yr

... on call shifts. Our float positions are full-time. The purpose of our float pilot is to cover open ... Safely plan flights; load passengers (including patients), baggage and cargo; and analyze weather ...

Fixed Wing Pilot

Boise, ID · On-site

$120K - $141K/yr

... available for on call shifts. QUALIFICATIONS: * High School diploma or equivalent required ... Safely plan flights; load passengers (including patients), baggage and cargo; and analyze weather ...

Fixed Wing Pilot

Reno, NV · On-site

$116K - $137K/yr

... available for on call shifts. This position offers relocation assistance of up to $10,000 ... Safely plan flights; load passengers (including patients), baggage and cargo; and analyze weather ...

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On Call Cargo Pilot information

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$12

$18

$24

How much do on call cargo pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for on call cargo pilot in the United States is $18.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an on call cargo pilot?

On call cargo pilots are professional pilots who are available to fly cargo aircraft on short notice, typically to transport freight for logistics companies or businesses. Unlike regularly scheduled pilots, they do not have set flight times and may be contacted at any time to cover urgent shipments, medical supplies, or unexpected crew shortages. On call cargo pilots must be flexible, adaptable, and ready to travel at a moment’s notice, often flying at night or in challenging weather conditions. Their main responsibility is to ensure the safe and timely delivery of cargo while adhering to aviation regulations and safety procedures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an on call cargo pilot?

To thrive as an On Call Cargo Pilot, you need a commercial pilot license with instrument and multi-engine ratings, strong flight experience, and knowledge of aviation regulations. Familiarity with flight management systems, navigation tools, and cargo handling procedures is typically required, along with adherence to safety protocols. Excellent decision-making, adaptability, and communication skills help pilots manage irregular schedules and unforeseen challenges. These competencies ensure safe, efficient deliveries and reliability in a demanding, time-sensitive industry.

What are some common challenges faced by on call cargo pilots, and how can they prepare for them?

On call cargo pilots often face unpredictable schedules, which can lead to irregular sleep patterns and require flexibility in personal planning. Weather conditions, last-minute route changes, and handling time-sensitive cargo are frequent challenges in this role. To succeed, pilots should maintain a high level of readiness, prioritize effective communication with dispatch and ground crews, and stay current with regulatory and company procedures. Building resilience and good time-management skills can help manage the demands and uncertainties of on call assignments.

What is the difference between On Call Cargo Pilot vs Commercial Cargo Pilot?

AspectOn Call Cargo PilotCommercial Cargo Pilot
CredentialsCommercial pilot license, second-class medicalCommercial pilot license, second-class medical
Work EnvironmentOn-demand, flexible schedule, often irregular hoursScheduled flights, regular routes, company-controlled hours
Employer & Industry UsageFreight companies, on-call basisAirlines, scheduled cargo services
Search & Comparison IntentHigh overlap in certifications, similar work setting, flexible scheduling

On Call Cargo Pilots typically operate on an as-needed basis with flexible hours, often working irregular schedules for freight companies. Commercial Cargo Pilots usually follow scheduled routes and work regular hours for airlines or cargo carriers. Both roles require similar certifications but differ mainly in scheduling and employment structure.

What cities are hiring for On Call Cargo Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most On Call Cargo Pilot job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Cargo Pilot jobs?

The most popular types of Cargo Pilot jobs are:

What states have the most On Call Cargo Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for On Call Cargo Pilot jobs include:

Infographic showing various On Call Cargo Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,524 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Second in Command Pilot - Dornier

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$91K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Description:

Who We Are:


Advanced Air, LLC is an innovative, service-oriented aviation company headquartered in Hawthorne, California. We were founded in 2005 by our President, Levi Stockton, as an FAA approved, Part 135, On-Demand Air Carrier focused on superlative aircraft management and on demand charter.


Today, Advanced Air has more than 30 aircraft, operated in both scheduled and on-demand service, and a diversified portfolio of flying services in turboprop aircraft, business jets and regional passenger jets. Serving communities throughout the United States, Advanced Air has a deep commitment to operational excellence and metered, sustainable growth.


Our successful growth is driven by our adherence to our core values, safety, security, teamwork, and reliability. We are in this business for the long run and take a disciplined, thoughtful approach to growth opportunities.


About the Role and About You:


The Dornier 328 Jet Second in Command position is based out of Hawthorne, CA. This position requires a strong ability to multi-task, make high level complex decisions, all while completing a variety of aviation related tasks. The flying for this position will support the Advanced Air on-demand charter operations, as well as scheduled service routes to the Mammoth and Crescent City communities. The Second in Command reports to Advanced Air’s Chief Pilot and in his absence the Director of Operations.


You are excited about aviation, looking to grow, and willing to make a one-year commitment to Advanced Air, LLC. You will also have all the required flight minimums and certifications and live within two hours of your base airport.


What You Will Do:

  • Perform a visual Pre and Post Flight (walk-around) inspection prior and after each flight.
  • Assist the Pilot-in-Command during all phases of flight in accordance with operating P&P.
  • Assume primary responsibility for the safety of the passengers, crewmembers, cargo, and the aircraft should the pilot-in-command become incapacitated or unable to perform his/her duties.
  • Review thoroughly and brief the pilot-in-command specifically on all customer service items including, but not limited to passenger pick up, passenger drop off, refueling, customs, private hangar pick up/drop off, private hangar communications requirements, and passenger catering.
  • Have primary operational responsibility for successfully completing the customer service portions of each leg as outlined in the P&P manual.
  • Comply with all Federal Aviation Regulations, Company Operations Manual, Operations Specifications, Standard Operating Procedures, and Company Policies and Procedures.
  • Update flight and duty records, determine eligibility for the next flight assignment and ensure any aircraft maintenance discrepancies are reported to the Captain and reported in accordance with operating policy and procedure.
  • Participate proactively in safety and quality systems by identifying, reporting, and mitigating hazards and quality issues.
Requirements:

What We Are Looking For:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • ATP Multi Required
    • 1,500 hours Total Time.
      • 500 hours Cross Country Time.
      • 250 hours PIC Time.
      • 100 hours Nighttime.
      • 75 hours instrumental flight (50 hours actual)
      • 50 multi-Engine
      • And 300 hours PIC-Turbine.
  • Successfully pass oral/written exam administered by FAA approved Advanced Air, LLC Check Airman, or a representative of the Administrator within the preceding 12 calendar months as required by FAR 135.293(a)
  • Successfully complete competency check administered in the type of airplane within the preceding 12 calendar months conducted by a FAA approved Advanced Air, LLC Check Airman, or an FAA Inspector, as required by FAR 135.293(b)
  • Must have completed the 6-month IFR proficiency check given by an FAA inspector or a FAA approved Advanced Air, LLC Check Airman (FAR 135.297)
  • Demonstrated enroute, arrival and departure procedures by completing an enroute check (FAR 135.299) with an FAA inspector or a FAA approved Advanced Air, LLC Check Airmen
  • Ability to work in confined spaces and to manipulate, push, pull, and lift heavy objects in excess of 150 lbs.
  • Ability to climb onto and off of an airplane wing as part of the preflight, post flight, or during an over wing emergency exit.
  • Digital dexterity for aircraft preflight and post flight
  • Ability to execute flights of up to 4.5 hours up to a total flight time of 10 hours per day during a 14-hour duty period.

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.


What you Can Expect:

  • Flight crews can expect to average 65 flight hours a month.
  • Rotation schedule for this position is based off an 8 Days on, 6 Days off model.
  • On Call periods will require flight crew to be within approximate two hours of the airport and in a fit to fly state.
  • Days OFF, the pilot will not be expected to be available for Advanced Air.

Why You Should Work with Us:


We can tell you all about how great we are, but you probably want to know what is in it for you, so we have compiled a list of our standout benefits:

  • Competitive Salary
  • 401(k) plan with dollar-for-dollar employer match up to 4%
  • 100% Company Paid Health Insurance including Medical, Dental, Vision and $15,000 in life insurance for yourself.
  • KCM for your personal travel
  • $3.12 Domestic, $4.16 International Per diem pay for all hours associated with Flight Duty
  • Easy to use Flight/Travel Benefits; current contracts include Delta, Alaska, and Southwest

FYI:


We believe a diversity of perspectives and experiences is what makes a strong team. The stronger our team, the closer we are to our mission. So come join us! We are looking for people of all genders, races, ethnicities, orientations, abilities, and disabilities to come sit at our tables and fly our planes.


Physical Demands and Work Environment:


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 frequently stooping, climbing, bending, kneeling, lifting (minimum 50 lbs.) and operating machinery with repetitive motions.

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. The work environment includes working outdoors and in all weather conditions. May incur exposure to constant or intermittent sounds of a pitch or level significant enough to cause marked distraction or possible hearing loss while performing operations on the airfield ramp. Exposure to fumes, dust, loud noise, and/or outdoor weather conditions.


Selection Guidelines:


Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interviews and reference check; job-related tests may be required. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.


The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.