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Pilot In Command Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

The UAS Pilot II will act as pilot in command (PIC) of MQ-9A aircraft and provide safe operation of the aircraft in CONUS and/or OCONUS locations. Essential Responsibilities: * Participate in all ...

The UAS Pilot II will act as pilot in command (PIC) of MQ-9A aircraft and provide safe operation of the aircraft in CONUS and/or OCONUS locations. Essential Responsibilities: * Participate in all ...

Flight Research Remote Pilot

Yuma, AZ · Remote

$91K - $125K/yr

Act as the remote pilot in command for various R&D aircraft platforms * Conduct preflight planning and inspections of the system * Support test planning and take part in test rehearsals * Post flight ...

PILOT - LR60 PIC

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

The Pilot-in-Command will function as the primary face of Cutter Aviation and must be an exceptional relationship builder with the drive to provide world‑class customer service to our clients. The ...

First Class FAA Medical Flight Experience Requirements * 2,000 Total Flight Hours * 1,500 Helicopter Flight Hours * 1,000 Hours Pilot in Command Helicopters * 500 Hours Turbine Helicopter Time * 100 ...

The Pilot-in-Command will function as the primary face of Cutter Aviation and must be an exceptional relationship builder with the drive to provide world-class customer service to our clients. The ...

The Pilot-in-Command will function as the primary face of Cutter Aviation and must be an exceptional relationship builder with the drive to provide world-class customer service to our clients. The ...

The Pilot-in-Command will function as the primary face of Cutter Aviation and must be an exceptional relationship builder with the drive to provide world-class customer service to our clients. The ...

Cutter Aviation has an immediate need for an energetic and knowledgeable aviation professional to serve as Pilot-in-Command [PIC] of a new PC-12 Pilatus based at our Phoenix Sky Harbor location. This ...

Showing results 21-40

Pilot In Command information

See Arizona salary details

$46.1K

$122K

$187.3K

How much do pilot in command jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for pilot in command in Arizona is $121,999.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,200.00 and $144,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Pilot In Command vs Co-Pilot?

AspectPilot In CommandCo-Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificateCommercial Pilot License (CPL), often with additional type ratings
Work EnvironmentLeads flight operations, makes final decisions, responsible for safetyAssists Pilot In Command, manages navigation and communication tasks
Roles & ResponsibilitiesOverall flight responsibility, decision-making authoritySupports Pilot In Command, shares flying duties

The Pilot In Command holds the primary responsibility for flight safety and decision-making, while the Co-Pilot assists and shares flying duties. Both roles require similar certifications, but the Pilot In Command has ultimate authority and accountability during flights.

What are the responsibilities of a pilot in command?

A Pilot In Command (PIC) is the person legally responsible for the operation and safety of an aircraft during flight. The PIC has final authority over all decisions related to the flight, including navigation, communication, and emergency procedures. This role involves pre-flight planning, ensuring compliance with aviation regulations, and managing the crew and passengers. The PIC must also assess weather conditions, check the aircraft's mechanical status, and coordinate with air traffic control to ensure a safe and efficient flight.

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

To thrive as a Pilot In Command, you need advanced aeronautical knowledge, an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license, and significant flight hours. Mastery of avionics systems, flight management computers, and navigation tools is standard, along with recurrent simulator training. Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills are essential for managing crew and ensuring passenger safety. These skills and qualifications are crucial for safe, efficient flight operations and effective handling of in-flight challenges.

What are some common challenges faced by a pilot in command during multi-crew operations?

As a Pilot In Command (PIC) in multi-crew operations, one of the main challenges is effective communication and decision-making under time pressure. The PIC must balance delegating tasks while maintaining overall responsibility for flight safety and compliance with regulations. Managing workload, especially during irregular operations or emergencies, requires strong leadership and trust within the crew. Additionally, adapting to varying personalities and experience levels among crew members is essential to ensure smooth collaboration and safe outcomes.

What does a pilot in command do?

A pilot in command is responsible for the safety and operation of the aircraft during flight. They make decisions, navigate, communicate with air traffic control, and ensure compliance with regulations, often holding certifications such as an Airline Transport Pilot license. The pilot in command oversees crew and passenger safety throughout the flight.

How much do pilots in command make?

Pilots in command, also known as captains, typically earn between $80,000 and $200,000 annually, depending on factors such as airline, experience, aircraft type, and flight hours. Experienced captains flying for major airlines or on long-haul international routes tend to earn higher salaries, often supplemented by benefits and per diem allowances.
Infographic showing various Pilot In Command job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,999 per year, or $58.7 per hour.

MQ-9 Launch and Recovery Pilot II

Albers Aerospace

Yuma, AZ • On-site

$70 - $75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Our core competencies include systems engineering, program management, logistics, production support, aircraft maintenance, and aviation/aerospace services. We were founded in 2015 and since our establishment, we have been attracting the best talent in our fields of interest enabling us to provide cutting-edge solutions and support to our warfighters. We understand and provide expert consultation on weapons systems acquisition programs, maintenance/modernization programs, and sustainment programs. We know defense and we know aircraft systems.
Albers Aerospace is seeking a candidate for a Launch and Recovery MQ-9 Pilot to support USMC aviation operations. This job is in Yuma, Arizona and the candidate must reside/relocate or deploy to Yuma, AZ.
Essential Job Functions:
  • Act as pilot in command (PIC) of MQ-9 aircraft and provide safe Launch and Recovery operations of aircraft.
  • Participate in all phases of flight to include planning/briefing, execution, debrief and crew resource management.
  • Adhere to specific military, civilian and ICAO flight rules to include compliance with FAA regulations.
  • Provides expertise in the operation of unmanned aircraft. Develop briefing and training materials to support flight operations.
  • Plans and performs a wide range of in-process analog, digital, microwave, optical and mechanical systems and equipment under ambient and environmental conditions.
  • Technical knowledge and experience with UAS operations to facilitate their integration safely and efficiently into the NAS.
  • This effort requires collaboration with US Government organizations and the Original Equipment manufacturer.
  • Ultimately, technical knowledge and experience to support UAS integration into the NAS without reducing existing capacity, decreasing safety, negatively impacting current operators, or increasing the risk to airspace users or persons and property on the ground any more than the integration of comparable new and novel technologies

Note: The duties and responsibilities described on this document are not necessarily a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time; and the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands.
Required Qualifications:
  • Qualified C-Band Launch and Recovery MQ-9 Pilot or previously qualified Launch and Recovery MQ-9 Pilot (Form 8 within last 3 years)
  • Must have at least 200 hours as MQ-9 Pilot-in-Command (PIC)
  • Must possess current FAA Class II Medical Certificate or DoD equivalent
  • Must have the ability to travel in CONUS
  • Maintaining a DoD Secret Security Clearance is required
  • Prior DoD pilot training, specifically the USAF's Undergraduate Pilot Training, or USA, USN, USMC, or USCG equivalent fixed wing training program
  • Bachelor Degree (maybe substituted for experience)

or
  • Initial Formal Training Upgrade (IFTU) training in the MQ-9 via the 18X pipeline or the following FAA certificate/rating: Commercial Pilot Certificate with an Airplane Category Rating and Instrument-Airplane Rating
  • For non-military pilots, copies of: Commercial Pilot Certificate with an Airplane Category Rating and Instrument-Airplane Rating or Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with an Airplane Category Rating

Preferred Qualifications:
  • MQ-9 Launch and Recovery Instructor/Evaluator Pilot experience
  • 500 MQ-9 flight hours
  • Last flight within 180 days

Physical Requirements:
  • Able to lift 40 pounds and carry without assistance

Reasonable Accommodations
To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
What We Offer:
Teammates at Albers Aerospace receive a robust benefits package which includes medical, dental and vision plans, matching 401k, 10 days of PTO the first year and 15 after that, 11 holidays, employer paid term life, AD&D, long and short-term disability, and education and certification reimbursement.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
Benefits:
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Parental leave
  • Referral program
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Vision insurance

The pay range for this role is:
70 - 75 USD per hour (Global Deployer- YUMA)