1

Pilot In Command Jobs in Fairfax, VA (NOW HIRING)

The UAS Pilot will support the final assembly, integration, functional checkout, and flight ... Participate in flight planning, briefs, debriefs, test-card development, and flight-test ...

The UAS Pilot will support the final assembly, integration, functional checkout, and flight ... Participate in flight planning, briefs, debriefs, test-card development, and flight-test ...

Chief UAS Pilot Company: Heven AeroTech Location: Sterling, Virginia FLSA: Exempt Reports To: U.S ... As a recognized leader in hydrogen-powered drones, we've earned recognition for creating a ...

Chief UAS Pilot Company: Heven AeroTech Location: Sterling, Virginia FLSA: Exempt Reports To: U.S ... As a recognized leader in hydrogen-powered drones, we've earned recognition for creating a ...

Chief UAS Pilot Company: Heven AeroTech Location: Sterling, Virginia FLSA: Exempt Reports To: U.S ... As a recognized leader in hydrogen-powered drones, we've earned recognition for creating a ...

At PSA we are defining the standard in regional aviation by focusing on The PSA Standard - our ... Your eligibility begins once you complete your Private Pilot Certificate. * Successfully complete ...

Our vision is to be the worldwide partner of choice in defense and security, and civil aviation by ... Provides KC-135 Pilot procedures instruction in aircraft, classroom, and simulator or other ...

Our vision is to be the worldwide partner of choice in defense and security, and civil aviation by ... Provides KC-135 Pilot procedures instruction in aircraft, classroom, and simulator or other ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Pilot In Command information

See Fairfax, VA salary details

$50.6K

$133.8K

$205.5K

How much do pilot in command jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for pilot in command in Fairfax, VA is $133,818.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,200.00 and $158,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

What rank is a pilot in command?

A Pilot in Command (PIC) is typically a captain or the senior pilot responsible for the flight's safety and operation. The specific rank can vary depending on the airline or organization, but it generally signifies the highest level of pilot authority on a flight. Achieving PIC status requires extensive flight hours, certifications, and experience.

What job categories do people searching Pilot In Command jobs in Fairfax, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Pilot In Command jobs in Fairfax, VA are:

What cities near Fairfax, VA are hiring for Pilot In Command jobs?

Cities near Fairfax, VA with the most Pilot In Command job openings:

Infographic showing various Pilot In Command job openings in Fairfax, VA 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 $133,818 per year, or $64.3 per hour.

Supervisory Air Interdiction Agent (Director)

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Manassas, VA

$175K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


U.S. Customs and Border Protection rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

176th of 851 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air & Marine Operations in the following locations:
  • Buffalo, NY
  • Manassas, VA
  • El Paso, TX
  • Grand Forks, ND
  • Jacksonville, FL
Additional selections may be made to include other organizational divisions and/or units within the duty location(s) listed above.Qualifications:Basic Requirements:
  • 1. A current FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with the following ratings: airplane, single engine and multi-engine land and instrument; OR rotorcraft helicopter and instrument. Appropriate U.S. military ratings may be substituted. Other certificates that meet or exceed the requirements of the Commercial Pilot Certificate are also acceptable (e.g., an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate).
  • 2. A current FAA Class II Medical Certificate is acceptable for applicants who currently occupy Customs and Border Protection Air Interdiction Agent positions. For initial entry or re-entry into the occupation, a current FAA Class II Medical Certificate is acceptable for application purposes; however you MUST have a Class I by the time of your interview.
  • 3. A documented log reflecting a minimum of 1500 hours total flight time, 75 hours instrument, 75 hours night, and 250 hours pilot-in-command.
Experience: You qualify for the GS-15 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:
  • Planning and directing broad aviation enforcement operations of national or international scope.
  • Directing and implementing an agency-wide (or equivalent) aviation enforcement program.
  • Serving as an agency-level (or equivalent) technical expert on aviation enforcement issues.
  • Planning and conducting broad studies involving an in-depth analysis and evaluation of aviation enforcement issues; developing policies and alternative approaches to resolving complex aviation enforcement problems of national significance.
  • Representing the organization as a recognized authority in the aviation enforcement field in conferences, meetings, and presentations involving issues of considerable importance.

NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements.
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, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
You must:
  • Meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and
  • Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 08/28/2026.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances. For additional information on the preemployment process, review the following link: Applicant Resources | CBP Careers
Polygraph Examination: The Supervisory Air Interdiction Agent (Director) position is a polygraph-required position. If you are not a current CBP employee in a law enforcement position, you may be required to take a polygraph exam and have favorable results in order to continue in the pre-employment process. Please see Polygraph Examination.
Polygraph Reciprocity: CBP may accept the results of a prior federal polygraph exam in lieu of a CBP polygraph exam. You will receive information to request reciprocity in your Background Investigation Package.
Polygraph Waiver: Certain veterans may be eligible to obtain a polygraph waiver. You will receive information to request a waiver in your Background Investigation Package.
Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions:
  • Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military
  • A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government
  • Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university
  • Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. government
Probationary Period: All employees new to the federal government must serve a one year probationary period during the first year of his/her initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment. Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period.
Leadership Training: All newly appointed GS-15s are required to complete mandatory training. The training will be scheduled by the Office of Training and Development within the first 90 days of appointment. The duration of the training will include 5 weeks of in residence training in Harpers Ferry, WV. Note: This training may be waived if previously completed.
Medical/physical: Successful candidates must meet the medical standards and physical requirements for the position. Any medical or psychiatric condition that could affect the ability of the individual to safely and efficiently perform the functions of the position may result in medical disqualification. Medical standards and physical requirements may include, but are not limited to, vision, hearing, and lifting requirements. Determinations are made on a case-by case basis.Education:Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position.Employment Type: OTHER

What U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


U.S. Customs and Border Protection logo

About U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

U.S. Customs and Border Protection serves and protects America with a workforce of more than 60,000 law enforcement and support professionals. We're united by our mission to guard our borders from threats and illicit activities while facilitating legitimate trade and travel.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

2003