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Part 91 Flying Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... flying various aircraft. RESPONSIBILITIES: * Serve as Pilot in Command, conducting domestic and ... Strong knowledge of FAR Part 91 operations and corporate aviation standards. * Excellent ...

Pilot in Command (PIC)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$225K - $325K/yr

... flying various aircraft. RESPONSIBILITIES: * Serve as Pilot in Command, conducting domestic and ... Strong knowledge of FAR Part 91 operations and corporate aviation standards. * Excellent ...

FPV Test Pilot

Torrance, CA · On-site

$91K - $127K/yr

Expert at acro FPV and LOS flying * Ability to detect subtle performance issues in equipment ... Part 107 Nice to have * 5+ years experience in FPV * Blackbox analysis and PID tuning

FPV Test Pilot

Torrance, CA · On-site

$91K - $127K/yr

Expert at acro FPV and LOS flying * Ability to detect subtle performance issues in equipment ... Part 107 Nice to have * 5+ years experience in FPV * Blackbox analysis and PID tuning

King Air 350 - Check Pilot

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$55K - $178K/yr

Flying assignments will support Advanced Air's Essential Air Service (EAS) routes and on-demand ... High-level working knowledge of FAR 91, 61 and AIM Part Sections 4 & 5 * Ability to work in ...

Showing results 21-40

Part 91 Flying information

See California salary details

$8

$31

$88

How much do part 91 flying jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for part 91 flying in California is $31.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.59 and $36.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is Part 91 flying?

Part 91 flying refers to operations conducted under Part 91 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), which govern general aviation in the United States. This includes private, non-commercial flying such as personal, business, and some corporate flights where the aircraft is not carrying people or property for compensation or hire. Pilots and operators under Part 91 have more flexibility and fewer regulatory requirements compared to commercial operators under Parts 121 or 135. However, they are still required to follow strict safety and maintenance rules set by the FAA.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Part 91 pilot?

To thrive as a Part 91 Pilot, you need a valid pilot’s license (typically a commercial or ATP certificate), strong aeronautical knowledge, and extensive flight experience. Familiarity with aircraft systems, avionics, and navigation tools such as GPS and flight management systems is essential, along with recurrent training and medical certification. Excellent decision-making, situational awareness, and strong communication skills are critical for ensuring safety and coordinating with passengers or crew. These skills and qualifications are vital for safe, efficient, and compliant operation of aircraft in a variety of private and corporate flying environments.

What are some common challenges pilots face when flying under Part 91 operations?

Pilots operating under Part 91 often encounter challenges such as managing more flexible scheduling, handling a broad variety of aircraft, and adapting quickly to changes in trip requirements. Part 91 pilots may also be responsible for their own flight planning, compliance with regulations, and sometimes even basic aircraft maintenance tasks. Unlike commercial operations, the level of support staff may be limited, so strong organizational and communication skills are essential to coordinate effectively with aircraft owners, dispatchers, and maintenance personnel.

What is the difference between Part 91 Flying vs Part 135 Charter Pilot?

AspectPart 91 FlyingPart 135 Charter Pilot
CertificationsPrivate Pilot License (PPL) or Commercial Pilot License (CPL)Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with additional certifications
Work EnvironmentPersonal or business flights, often private or corporateCommercial operations, passenger or cargo charter flights
UsageNon-commercial, personal use, or company flightsPaid passenger or cargo services

Part 91 Flying involves private or corporate flights with minimal regulatory requirements, focusing on non-commercial operations. In contrast, Part 135 Charter Pilots operate commercial flights, providing paid services under stricter regulations. Both roles require similar pilot certifications, but their work environments and legal obligations differ significantly.

How to become a Part 91 pilot?

To become a Part 91 pilot, you must obtain at least a private pilot certificate by completing FAA-approved flight training, passing written and practical exams, and accumulating the required flight hours. Additional certifications or ratings, such as an instrument or commercial pilot license, may be necessary depending on the type of flying and aircraft involved.

What are the most commonly searched types of Part 91 Flying jobs in California?

The most popular types of Part 91 Flying jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Part 91 Flying job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,770 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Pilot in Command (PIC) (Hawthorne)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$225K - $325K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal ofenabling human life on Mars.

PILOT IN COMMAND (PIC)

SpaceX is seeking an experienced Pilot in Command (PIC) to join our Aviation team. You will have the opportunity to fly both domestically and internationally from local airports while flying various aircraft.

RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Serve as Pilot in Command, conducting domestic and international flights in compliance with FAA regulations and company standards.
  • Perform pre-flight planning, including weather analysis, route optimization, and fuel management.
  • Ensure the safety and comfort of passengers, including SpaceX executives and team members.
  • Maintain aircraft logs, complete post-flight reports, and adhere to all maintenance and operational protocols.
  • Collaborate with crew, air traffic control, and ground support to execute flawless missions.
  • Participate in ongoing training and proficiency checks to stay current on aviation best practices.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate

4,000+ hours total flight time

  • First class medical certificate
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
  • Strong knowledge of FAR Part 91 operations and corporate aviation standards.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  • Boeing 737 Type Rating and/or Gulfstream G650 Type Rating.
  • 500+ hours in the Gulfstream GV series.
  • Experience in high-end corporate or executive transport operations.
  • Familiarity with advanced avionics and flight management systems.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Within 2-4 hour travel distance to LAX
  • Ability to work on an on-call basis
  • Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay Range:

Level 5: $225,000 - $325,000

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here .

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US