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Pilot Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Chief Pilot Department: Flight Operations Reports To : Chief Pilot POSITION PURPOSE: Manage the day-to-day functions of all pilots as directed by the Chief Pilot. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND ...

Assistant Chief Pilot

Naples, FL · On-site

$175K - $225K/yr

Assistant Chief Pilot Based in Naples, FL We are searching for a highly skilled Assistant Chief Pilot to oversee Part 91 and Part 135 flight operations in Naples, FL. The ideal candidate will possess ...

Assistant Chief Pilot Based in Naples, FL We are searching for a highly skilled Assistant Chief Pilot to oversee Part 91 and Part 135 flight operations in Naples, FL. The ideal candidate will possess ...

Pilot

South Point, OH · On-site

$350 - $700/day

... assist vessels in distress, or for other emergency conditions. * j) The Pilot has the authority to request the company's help whenever they deem necessary. Pilot for Fleet or Line Haul Operations The ...

Pilot

South Point, OH

$350 - $700/day

... assist vessels in distress, or for other emergency conditions. * j) The Pilot has the authority to request the company's help whenever they deem necessary. Pilot for Fleet or Line Haul Operations The ...

Pilot will be a subject matter expert for H-47 aircraft. Assist in planning, coordinating, executing tests and test support missions. The Pilot will assist in technical writing and review of ...

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Pilot Assistant information

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$9

$28

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How much do pilot assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for pilot assistant in the United States is $28.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $34.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What pilots make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced airline pilots, especially those flying international routes for major carriers, can earn annual salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000, including base pay, bonuses, and overtime. Corporate and private jet pilots with extensive flight hours and specialized certifications may also reach this level of income. These roles typically require advanced licenses, significant flight experience, and often involve irregular schedules and high responsibility.

How much does a pilot's assistant make?

A pilot assistant, often called a flight operations or flight support specialist, typically earns between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. The role may require knowledge of aviation procedures and communication tools, with some positions offering additional benefits or overtime pay.

What are Pilot Assistants?

Pilot Assistants are professionals who support pilots before, during, and after flights by handling various operational and administrative tasks. Their responsibilities often include preparing flight documentation, assisting with flight planning, coordinating with ground crews, and ensuring that pilots have all necessary resources for a safe and efficient flight. They play a critical role in ensuring that flight operations run smoothly by managing communications, scheduling, and sometimes aiding in navigation and compliance procedures. Pilot Assistants work closely with flight crews and airline operations teams, contributing to both safety and efficiency in aviation.

Is 30 too late to become a pilot?

Pilot assistants, or individuals pursuing careers as pilots, can start training at any age, and many successful pilots begin in their 30s or later. While early training can be advantageous, age is not a strict barrier, and obtaining necessary certifications like a private pilot license (PPL) or commercial pilot license (CPL) is the primary requirement regardless of age.

What is the difference between Pilot Assistant vs Flight Dispatcher?

AspectPilot AssistantFlight Dispatcher
Required CredentialsOften requires aviation-related certifications or training, such as a Pilot Assistant certificate or relevant experienceRequires FAA certification as a Flight Dispatcher and relevant licensing
Work EnvironmentSupports pilots in the cockpit or ground operations, often working closely with flight crewsWorks primarily in airline offices or operations centers, planning and coordinating flights
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by airlines, charter companies, and private aviation firmsEmployed by airlines, cargo carriers, and aviation companies for flight planning

While both roles support flight operations, a Pilot Assistant primarily assists pilots with pre-flight and in-flight tasks, whereas a Flight Dispatcher handles flight planning, weather analysis, and regulatory compliance. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the aviation industry.

How does a Pilot Assistant typically collaborate with the flight crew during a flight?

A Pilot Assistant works closely with the pilot and co-pilot to ensure smooth flight operations. They assist in monitoring flight instruments, managing communication with air traffic control, and handling navigation or documentation tasks as required. Collaboration is key, as the Pilot Assistant may also help with pre-flight checks and in-flight troubleshooting, supporting the crew to maintain safety and efficiency. This teamwork is essential to adapt quickly to changing conditions and ensure a successful flight.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Pilot Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pilot Assistant, you need a solid understanding of aviation operations, flight planning, and communication protocols, often supported by relevant coursework or certifications in aviation or flight operations. Familiarity with flight management systems, navigation software, and radio communication equipment is typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities are vital soft skills for this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient flight operations and effective support for pilots in dynamic and high-pressure environments.

What is an assistant pilot?

An assistant pilot, often called a co-pilot or first officer, supports the main pilot in operating an aircraft. They help with navigation, communication, and safety procedures, and typically hold a commercial pilot license or higher. The role requires strong flying skills, teamwork, and adherence to aviation regulations.
More about Pilot Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Pilot Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Pilot Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Pilot Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Pilot Assistant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Pilot Assistant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,092 per year, or $28.9 per hour.
Command Pilot (PIC)

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago


Billings Flying Service rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 54 rated aviation services


Job description

Summary

The Pilot-In-Command reports directly to the Chief Pilot/Assistant Chief Pilot and is responsible for the safe and efficient conduct of the flight assignment.  The Chief Pilot/Assistant Chief Pilot may delegate certain functions to the PIC to be authorized to conduct business in the absence of the Chief Pilot/Assistant Chief Pilot to meet certain Company and FAA requirements. The PIC will be responsible for all duties and responsibilities required as a Pilot in Command in accordance with the BFS General Operations Manual (GOM).

Requirements

Qualifications

  • PIC must be able to maintain thorough understanding of Billings Flying Services policies and procedures and must embody, exhibit, and ensure Billings Flying Services core values in everyday work.
  • PIC must be highly knowledgeable of FAA regulations, Operations Specifications, Flight Manuals and to the content of all BFS General Operations Manual, Training Manual, Standard Operating Procedures, and Approved/Accepted FAA/USFS Manual.
  • Minimum of 3500 total time / 2500 PIC and 1500 Turbine. Tandem Rotor time a plus.
  • Must satisfy the applicable USFS hour requirements.
  • USFS Aerial Firefighting experience in Helicopters
  • Maintain a Second-Class Medical.
  • Type Rated in the CH-47D (BV234) is favorable.
  • Vertical Reference proficient
  • NVG qualified
  • Available for Domestic and International assignments.

Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Safety of Flight
  • Ability to maintain active Supervisory Responsibilities of field crew and copilots.  Issue directives and notices to flight crews as required.
  • PIC may be requested to assist and perform OJT for flight crewmember training, PIC upgrade training, flight base audits/inspections, and any other aviation duties as directed by the Chief Pilot.
  • Participate in pilot training when qualified to do so.
  • Actively participate in ensuring Billings Flying Services Safety Management System (SMS) including reporting hazards and incidents encountered in daily operations; understanding, complying and promoting the Company Safety Policy and other safety duties as assigned.
  • Reviews flight assignments and obtain briefing information regarding the purpose of the flight, weather, operating procedures, and any special instructions.
  • Prepares or supervises preparation of flight plan considering such factors as altitude, terrain, weather, range, weight, cruise performance, airport facilities and navigational aids.
  • Ensures aircraft is preflight, inspected, loaded, equipped, and manned for the flight assignment.
  • Determine compliance with duty and flight time limitations, properly certificated, adequately rested and in proper dress.
  • Ensures that all required forms, equipment, and material are on board the aircraft prior to flight.
  • Records mechanical irregularities and discrepancies and ensures that maintenance personnel are informed of the item recorded.
  • Verifies before beginning any flight that recorded items have been procedurally complied with, deferred, or corrected by maintenance personnel in accordance with the approved Minimum Equipment List for that aircraft, as appropriate.
  • CFR 91.3 Responsibility and authority of pilot in command. The pilot in command of an aircraft is directly responsible for, and is the final authority as to, the operation of that aircraft, to include weather decisions.

Behavioral Competencies

         Embody BFS core values

  • Identifying hazardous or potentially hazardous situations and taking appropriate action to maintain a safe environment for self and others.
  • Working collaboratively with others to achieve organizational goals.
  • Dealing with situations and issues proactively and persistently, seizing opportunities that arise.
  • Listening and communicating openly, honestly, and respectfully with different audiences, promoting dialogue, and building consensus.
  • Treating others fairly, honestly, and respectfully, furthering the integrity of the organization and its relationships of trust with team members and the broader community.
  • Energizing and inspiring others to strive for excellence and commit to common goals and purposes, creating a sense of self-efficacy, resilience, and persistence in followers.
  • Assuming a leadership role in helping others achieve excellent results.
  • Recognizing the need for change, being open to new ideas and methods, and championing transformational change within the organization and beyond.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

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.

  • Work performed in austere field settings.
  • Exposure to shop environment such as noise, dust, odors, and fumes.
  • Occasionally required to lift items weighing as much as 50Lbs.
  • Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach and move about facilities.

Behavioral Competencies

         Embody BFS core values

  • Identifying hazardous or potentially hazardous situations and taking appropriate action to maintain a safe environment for self and others.
  • Working collaboratively with others to achieve organizational goals.
  • Dealing with situations and issues proactively and persistently, seizing opportunities that arise.
  • Listening and communicating openly, honestly, and respectfully with different audiences, promoting dialogue, and building consensus.
  • Treating others fairly, honestly, and respectfully, furthering the integrity of the organization and its relationships of trust with team members and the broader community.
  • Energizing and inspiring others to strive for excellence and commit to common goals and purposes, creating a sense of self-efficacy, resilience, and persistence in followers.
  • Assuming a leadership role in helping others achieve excellent results.
  • Recognizing the need for change, being open to new ideas and methods, and championing transformational change within the organization and beyond.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

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.

  • Work performed in austere field settings.
  • Exposure to shop environment such as noise, dust, odors, and fumes.
  • Occasionally required to lift items weighing as much as 50Lbs.
  • Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach and move about facilities.

Benefits

  • Full time employment with competitive compensation based on experience and credentials. Medical, dental and vision insurance. 401K with up to 4% company match.
  • These benefits are available after initial waiting period.

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