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Part Time Pilot Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Part Time Pilot information

See Kentucky salary details

$43K

$113.7K

$174.6K

How much do part time pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for part time pilot in Kentucky is $113,704.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,900.00 and $134,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a part time pilot?

Part time pilots are licensed aviation professionals who fly aircraft on a non-full-time basis, often working flexible hours or on an as-needed schedule. They may be employed by airlines, private charter companies, or corporations and typically handle flights that do not require a full-time crew. Part time pilots must meet the same certification and training requirements as full-time pilots, including holding a valid pilot’s license and maintaining their flight hours and medical certifications. This role can be ideal for experienced pilots seeking a better work-life balance or retirees who want to continue flying occasionally. The job offers flexibility but may involve irregular hours and on-call shifts depending on the employer's needs.

What does a part time pilot do?

If you are an experienced pilot, you can work part-time in various roles. One option is to work for a fractional flight airline that manages a fleet of civilian aircraft. In this role, your duties include providing aerial transportation to customers who each own shares of a plane. You can also pilot unmanned drones, provide crop dusting services to farms, work for state agencies taking aerial photos, or work as a certified flight instructor. As an instructor, your responsibilities include teaching others the skills needed to fly a single- or multi-engine plane, read instruments, and follow appropriate FAA regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a part time pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Part Time Pilot, you need a valid pilot’s license (such as a Private or Commercial Pilot Certificate), strong aeronautical knowledge, and a clean flight record. Familiarity with aircraft navigation systems, flight planning software, and compliance with FAA regulations is typically required. Excellent decision-making, situational awareness, and strong communication skills help pilots manage in-flight challenges and coordinate with crew and air traffic control. These competencies ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and effective operations during every flight.

What are some common challenges part time pilots face when balancing flying with other work or personal commitments?

Part-time pilots often need to carefully manage their schedules to accommodate flight assignments alongside other jobs or personal responsibilities. One common challenge is maintaining required flight hours and staying up to date with certifications, which can be more difficult without a consistent flying schedule. Additionally, part-time pilots may need to be flexible and available on short notice, as flights can be weather-dependent or subject to last-minute changes. Building strong communication with employers and staying proactive with ongoing training helps mitigate these challenges and ensures career progression.

What is the difference between Part Time Pilot vs Flight Instructor?

AspectPart Time PilotFlight Instructor
Required CredentialsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), possibly a private pilot licenseCertified Flight Instructor (CFI) certification, often holds CPL
Work EnvironmentAirlines, charter services, private flights, or aerial workFlight schools, training aircraft, and student pilots
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, charter companies, private operatorsFlight training academies, flight schools

Part Time Pilots typically operate aircraft for various commercial or private purposes, often with a CPL, while Flight Instructors focus on training student pilots and hold a CFI certification. Both roles require aviation credentials but serve different functions within the aviation industry.

Is it possible to be a part-time pilot?

Part-time pilot positions are available in certain sectors such as charter, flight instruction, or corporate flying, often requiring specific certifications like a commercial pilot license. These roles typically involve flexible schedules but may require maintaining currency and meeting regulatory standards set by aviation authorities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot jobs in Kentucky?

The most popular types of Pilot jobs in Kentucky are:

What are popular job titles related to Part Time Pilot jobs in Kentucky?

For Part Time Pilot jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Part Time Pilot jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Part Time Pilot jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Part Time Pilot jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Part Time Pilot job openings:

Infographic showing various Part Time Pilot job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,704 per year, or $54.7 per hour.

Supervisory Helicopter Pilot

Versailles, KY • On-site

$89K/yr

Part-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Supervisory Helicopter Pilot, provides supervision and guidance to pilots, working with the Aviation Program Manager, the Aviation Fleet Manager and Operations and Logistics Managers to collaboratively deliver aviation services to WS cooperators and stakeholders within the east, supervising up to 30 intermittent and part-time pilots.Qualifications:Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
Minimum eligibility requirements for positions in this occupation are based on possession of the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificates and/or appropriate military ratings, meeting the applicable flight hour requirements, and possession of the knowledge and skills required for the positions.
Medical Requirements
At the time of initial appointment, candidates for all pilot positions must possess a current first or second-class medical certificate in accordance with FAA regulations; both meet the intent of the requirement. If an agency decides, for example, not to accept the second-class medical certificate, the rationale for the decision should be based upon the requirements of the position, and should be thoroughly described in agency operating material. Staff specialists not involved in the operation of aircraft need only have a medical examination indicating that they are able to perform the duties of the position to be filled. For flight test pilots, airspace system inspection pilots, and Customs pilots, all candidates must possess a current first class medical certificate at the time of appointment.
Certificates and Ratings:
For all grade levels and specializations, candidates must possess a current Commercial Pilot Certificate or the appropriate military rating; both meet the intent of the requirement. If an agency decides, for example, not to accept the military rating, the rationale for the decision should be based upon the requirements of the position and should be thoroughly described in agency operating material. The pilot certificate must include the rating(s) appropriate to the work of the position to be filled. For example, a position that involves flying light helicopters, such as Bell or MD helicopters, to various destinations under instrument flight rules would require the Commercial Pilot Certificate with helicopter and instrument ratings or appropriate U.S. military ratings.
Note:
Candidates establishing eligibility based on military flight experience must provide official orders, forms, or logbooks showing their status as a rated military pilot, flight instructor, or flight examiner, as appropriate. Other certificates that meet or exceed the requirements of the Commercial Pilot Certificate are also acceptable, e.g., an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.
Minimum Flight Hour Requirements:
  1. Total Flight Time --1500 HRS- Flight time as pilot-in-command or copilot in aircraft of any weight or category is creditable for this requirement.
  2. Pilot-In-Command -- 250 HRS- Only flight hours acquired as pilot-in-command are creditable.
  3. Night Flying -- 75 HRS-- For in service placement actions at the GS-11 level and above, 25 hours may be waived if the candidate demonstrates the ability to perform the work.
  4. Flying Time, Last 12 Months --100 HRS-- Required only for positions that involve flying. The flight hours specified apply to competitive appointments.
In addition to the meeting the above criteria you must also show the specialized experience below:
FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:
  • Operating light helicopters at low altitudes (100 feet above ground level) in varying terrains and cover types.
  • Aerial predator or feral swine control operations in mountainous environments.
  • Low level flight experience with a Bell or MD helicopter or a make and model of helicopter or similar type (i.e. Single Engine Piston). Please ensure the aircraft type that meets this experience is listed in your resume along with total hours Pilot in Command (PIC), PIC time for the preceding 12 months, and total hours spent as PIC for wildlife damage or similar operations.
  • Experience in supervising other pilots or aerial crewmembers.

Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:Please see above for education qualification requirement information.Employment Type: OTHER