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Pilot Training Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Rotor Wing Pilot

Alexandria, MN · On-site

$54.06 - $74.83/hr

As a Rotor Wing Pilot at Life Link III, you'll be part of an elite air medical team, flying ... Tuition/Training reimbursement program * 12-hour shifts with a 7 on 7 off schedule * Annual $100 ...

Rotor Wing Pilot

Hibbing, MN · On-site

$54.06 - $74.83/hr

As a Rotor Wing Pilot at Life Link III, you'll be part of an elite air medical team, flying ... Tuition/Training reimbursement program * 12-hour shifts with a 7 on 7 off schedule * Annual $100 ...

Rotor Wing Pilot

Alexandria, MN · On-site

$54.06 - $74.83/hr

As a Rotor Wing Pilot at Life Link III, you'll be part of an elite air medical team, flying ... Tuition/Training reimbursement program * 12-hour shifts with a 7 on 7 off schedule * Annual $100 ...

Rotor Wing Pilot

Hibbing, MN · On-site

$54.06 - $74.83/hr

As a Rotor Wing Pilot at Life Link III, you'll be part of an elite air medical team, flying ... Tuition/Training reimbursement program * 12-hour shifts with a 7 on 7 off schedule * Annual $100 ...

As a Rotor Wing Pilot at Life Link III, you'll be part of an elite air medical team, flying ... Tuition/Training reimbursement program * 12-hour shifts with a 7 on 7 off schedule * Annual $100 ...

Rotor Wing Relief Pilot

Alexandria, MN · On-site

$54.06 - $74.83/hr

As a Rotor Wing Pilot at Life Link III, you'll be part of an elite air medical team, flying ... Tuition/Training reimbursement program * 12-hour shifts with a 7 on 7 off schedule * Annual $100 ...

Rotor Wing Relief Pilot

Brainerd, MN · On-site

$54.06 - $74.83/hr

As a Rotor Wing Pilot at Life Link III, you'll be part of an elite air medical team, flying ... Tuition/Training reimbursement program * 12-hour shifts with a 7 on 7 off schedule * Annual $100 ...

Rotor Wing Relief Pilot

Hibbing, MN · On-site

$54.06 - $74.83/hr

As a Rotor Wing Pilot at Life Link III, you'll be part of an elite air medical team, flying ... Tuition/Training reimbursement program * 12-hour shifts with a 7 on 7 off schedule * Annual $100 ...

Pilot Plant Technician

Le Sueur, MN · On-site

$22.65 - $28.68/hr

This position is responsible for Pilot Plant equipment and conducting all routine activities as ... training. Cambria offers a competitive benefits package that encompasses Health and Dental ...

Pilot Plant Technician

Le Sueur, MN · On-site

$22.65 - $28.68/hr

This position is responsible for Pilot Plant equipment and conducting all routine activities as ... training. Cambria offers a competitive benefits package that encompasses Health and Dental ...

Showing results 21-40

Pilot Training information

See Minnesota salary details

$48.5K

$128.2K

$196.9K

How much do pilot training jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for pilot training in Minnesota is $128,221.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,900.00 and $151,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is pilot training?

Pilot training is the process of learning the skills and knowledge needed to operate aircraft safely and effectively. It typically involves both ground school, where students study subjects like aerodynamics, navigation, and weather, and flight training, where they practice flying with an instructor. The training prepares students to obtain various pilot licenses, starting with a Private Pilot License (PPL) and potentially advancing to Commercial Pilot License (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). The process includes passing written exams, flight tests, and accumulating a minimum number of flight hours. Pilot training is rigorous and ensures that pilots are well-prepared to handle real-world flying situations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in pilot training?

To thrive in Pilot Training, you need a solid understanding of aeronautical principles, mathematics, and physics, typically backed by at least a high school diploma and meeting regulatory medical and age requirements. Familiarity with flight simulators, aviation navigation systems, and knowledge of FAA or relevant aviation authority regulations are essential. Strong situational awareness, discipline, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help candidates excel in both solo and team environments. These competencies ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and reliable decision-making in the demanding context of aviation.

What are some common challenges faced during pilot training, and how can trainees effectively overcome them?

During pilot training, trainees often encounter challenges such as mastering complex flight maneuvers, managing workload under pressure, and adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions. Staying organized, maintaining open communication with instructors, and dedicating extra time to simulator practice can help build confidence and proficiency. Seeking feedback and actively participating in study groups also foster a supportive learning environment, making it easier to overcome obstacles and develop strong piloting skills.

What is the difference between Pilot Training vs Flight Instructor?

AspectPilot TrainingFlight Instructor
Required CertificationsPrivate Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), often holds CPL or ATP
Work EnvironmentFlight schools, airlines, charter servicesFlight schools, training academies, individual students
Industry UsageInitial pilot qualification and career progressionTraining new pilots and providing instruction

While Pilot Training focuses on obtaining licenses and skills to become a pilot, Flight Instructors specialize in teaching and certifying new pilots. Both roles require similar certifications initially, but their work environments and career paths differ significantly.

What pilot training jobs are best for beginners?

Entry-level pilot training jobs for beginners include flight instructor positions, which provide hands-on experience and help build flight hours required for advanced certifications. Other options include banner towing or aerial survey work, which offer practical flying experience while often requiring a private pilot license and basic flight training. These roles serve as stepping stones toward commercial pilot careers.

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Pilot Training jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Pilot Training job openings:

Infographic showing various Pilot Training job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,221 per year, or $61.6 per hour.

Engineering Flight Test Pilot Principal

Cirrus Aircraft

Duluth, MN • On-site

$170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Cirrus Aircraft rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Overview
The Flight Test Pilot, Principalis a senior technical role responsible for the strategic planning, execution,and analysis of flight test programs for complex aerospace vehicles andsystems. This position involves high-level coordination, ensuring regulatorycompliance, leading large-scale testing efforts, and contributing to thecontinuous improvement of testing methodologies. As a key technical authority,the Flight Test Pilot Principle plays a pivotal role in ensuring the success ofcritical flight test operations. This role requires expertise inexperimental flight testing to support aircraft development and regulatorycompliance.
Responsibilities
  • Acts as the Platform Lead Flight Test Pilot and provides technical oversight of all platform flight test projects.
  • Maintain a high level of pilot proficiency in both jet and propeller aircraft models.
  • Safely conduct experimental flight tests for aircraft development and certification projects.
  • Leads the planning and execution of multi-faceted flight test programs, including defining objectives, testing requirements, success criteria, and timelines.
  • Collaborate with senior management, project teams, and regulatory bodies to ensure test activities align with corporate goals and safety standards.
  • Serve as the primary pilot authority during test operations, providing technical guidance, monitoring test data, and making in the-moment adjustments to ensure data accuracy and safety.
  • Act as a liaison between the Engineering Flight Test team, engineers, and other support teams to facilitate effective communication and decision-making during testing.
  • Address complex technical challenges in real time, utilizing advanced problem-solving skills to adapt and respond to dynamic testing conditions.
  • Participate in test safety review process to ensure tests are conducted safely and appropriate safety mitigations are in place before flight.
  • Generate detailed technical reports that highlight test results, identify variances, and offer actionable insights for design refinement or procedural adjustments.
  • Develop, implement, and continuously improve safety protocols and risk assessment procedures for all test activities.
  • Collaborate with safety officers and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with industry standards and mitigate potential risks.
  • Foster a culture of safety and continuous improvement, conducting thorough reviews of test procedures and outcomes to minimize risks.
  • Provide training and development opportunities for team members, helping to advance their technical skills and industry knowledge.
  • Work with engineering, design, manufacturing, and regulatory teams to align testing requirements and ensure consistency with project objectives.
  • Act as a pilot subject matter expert, providing insights and recommendations to cross-functional teams and senior management.
  • Participate in strategic planning discussions to improve test efficiency, data accuracy, and test program success.
  • Perform other departmental duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
  • 10+ years experimental flight test experience.
  • 7 years flight test pilot experience.
  • Pilot Experience 1500 hours total, 500 hours turbine, 100 hours in the last 12 months.
  • Previous turbojet type rating preferred.
  • Experience with FAA/TCCA/EASA Certification programs preferred.
  • Graduate of an accredited test pilot school long course or equivalent flight test pilot experience.
  • FAA DER/UM/ODA Flight Test Pilot experience preferred.
  • Knowledgeable in flight dynamics, aerodynamics, propulsion systems, avionics, and aircraft systems.
  • Comprehensive understanding of industry regulations and standards (e.g., FAA, EASA, MIL-STD) and safety protocols.
  • Experience in risk management and mitigation strategies for flight test programs.
  • Proven leadership skills leading cross-functional test teams.
  • Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present complex technical findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Ability to maintain flexibility and a positive attitude and flexibility in dynamic test program environment.

Our Benefits: Cirrus provides a range of exciting benefits, including:
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, vision, dental, with additional dependent coverage options
  • Employer-Paid Coverages: Group term life, short- and long-term disability insurance
  • Flexible Spending Accounts: FSA and HSA offerings with company contributions to HSA
  • Well-being: Calm Health, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness incentives through medical provider
  • 401(k) Plan: Dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% after 90 days, with 100% vesting at 1 year of service
  • PTO: Various PTO plans starting at 100 hours accrued within the first year
  • Additional Time off Benefits: Paid holidays, 2 weeks of Paid Parental leave, paid time for funeral leave and jury duty
  • Career Development: Tuition reimbursement program and professional growth opportunities
  • Exclusive Discounts: Cirrus Store, partner and marketplace discounts available
  • Community & Engagement: Company and employee clubs at various locations

These benefits are designed to support your well-being, growth, and enjoyment at Cirrus!
Pay Range
Salary Range: USD $170,145.26/Yr. - USD $255,217.88/Yr.

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