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Remote Aircraft Pilot Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Remote Aircraft Pilot information

See Virginia salary details

$47.6K

$86.4K

$131.9K

How much do remote aircraft pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote aircraft pilot in Virginia is $86,397.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,400.00 and $101,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a remote aircraft pilot?

Remote Aircraft Pilots, also known as drone pilots or UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) operators, are professionals who control aircraft remotely without being onboard. They use specialized equipment and software to fly drones for various purposes, such as aerial photography, surveying, agriculture, delivery, or inspection. Remote Aircraft Pilots must understand aviation regulations, safety protocols, and the technical aspects of the drones they operate. Their work can support industries like filmmaking, construction, law enforcement, and environmental monitoring.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a remote aircraft pilot?

To thrive as a Remote Aircraft Pilot, you need strong piloting skills, familiarity with aviation regulations, and typically a remote pilot certificate such as the FAA Part 107. Proficiency with drone flight software, GPS navigation systems, and camera or sensor integration is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, compliant, and efficient remote aircraft operations in various environments.

What are common challenges faced by remote aircraft pilots, and how can they be addressed?

Remote Aircraft Pilots often encounter challenges such as communication delays with ground teams, adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, and managing long periods of focused attention during flight operations. To address these issues, pilots should develop strong situational awareness, maintain regular communication protocols, and participate in ongoing training to stay current with technology and regulations. Building good teamwork with support staff and staying up to date with best practices can help ensure safe and efficient operations in this dynamic field.

What is the difference between Remote Aircraft Pilot vs Drone Operator?

AspectRemote Aircraft PilotDrone Operator
CertificationsFAA Part 107 Remote Pilot CertificateFAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (often required)
Work EnvironmentCommercial, industrial, or government settings, often involving larger aircraft or specialized operationsMedia, photography, surveying, or recreational use, often with smaller drones
Employer & IndustryAirlines, government agencies, private companiesMedia companies, survey firms, hobbyists

Remote Aircraft Pilots and Drone Operators both require FAA Part 107 certification and operate remotely, but Remote Aircraft Pilots typically handle larger, more complex aircraft in commercial or industrial settings, while Drone Operators often focus on smaller drones for media, surveying, or recreational purposes. The roles overlap in certification and remote work environment but differ in aircraft size and industry application.

How do you become a remote aircraft pilot?

To become a remote aircraft pilot, you typically need to obtain a remote pilot certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) by passing a knowledge test and undergoing background checks. You must also be at least 16 years old, be vetted for compliance with regulations, and operate drones within the guidelines set for commercial or recreational use, often using specific remote control equipment and safety procedures.

How much do remote aircraft pilots make?

Remote aircraft pilots, often called drone pilots or UAV operators, typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the operations. Salaries can vary based on industry, such as filmmaking, surveying, or agriculture, and may include freelance or contract work with flexible schedules.

What are popular job titles related to Remote Aircraft Pilot jobs in Virginia?

For Remote Aircraft Pilot jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Remote Aircraft Pilot jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Remote Aircraft Pilot jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Remote Aircraft Pilot jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Remote Aircraft Pilot job openings:

Fixed Wing Aviation SME

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

Stafford, VA • On-site, Remote

$86K - $198K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Booz Allen Hamilton rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description


Remote Work:
No
Job Number:
R0245788
Location:
Stafford,VA,US
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Fixed Wing Aviation SME
The Opportunity:
As an expert in defense missions, your unique background inspires you to think bigger, push further, and ask questions others don't. We need your extensive industry knowledge and advisory skills to solve some of our clients' most complex problems and find solutions that keep our nation safe. As a defense mission expert, you'll bring your DOTMLPF expertise to work alongside thought leaders in analytics on projects for DoW. You'll use your skills and expertise to research, develop, analyze, assess, plan, and support exercises and experiments.
Work with us to identify, analyze, and evaluate systems and policies as part of service missions. Further your career while creating mission-forward solutions that matter.
Join us. The world can't wait.
You Have:
  • 10+ years of experience with Naval Aviation Subject Matter Expertise as a F-35 pilot, F-18 Pilot, Weapon Systems Officer (WSO), F-35 Contractor Instructor Pilot (CIP), or F-18 Contractor Instructor Pilot (CIP)
  • Experience accurately executing USMC Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures as well as radio and data link communications to support integrated operations within a joint force environment
  • Experience advising military leadership on integrating strike fighter assets into Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) or larger joint-force operations
  • Knowledge of 4th and 5th generation high-performance fighter aircraft and of mission systems, capability gaps, and basic concepts of employment in realistic combat environments
  • Knowledge of modern sensors, weapons, and multi domain threat environments
  • Ability to support events relating to aircraft operations and apply subject matter expertise
  • Ability to interface with other key stakeholders on issues related to allies and partners, international engagements, and strategic development
  • Ability to read, write, and communicate professionally and effectively across the civilian and military spectrum from the Action Officer to the General Officer and Flag Officer
  • TS/SCI clearance
  • Bachelor's degree

Nice If You Have:
  • 5+ years of experience working with senior executive-level officials
  • 2+ years of experience in a joint or Service Headquarters organization
  • Experience with conducting strategic-level planning and wargaming for the U.S. Marine Corps
  • Possession of excellent research, analytic, and writing skills
  • Master's degree
  • Graduate of the Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course, U.S. Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor Program (TOPGUN), or USAF Weapons School

Clearance:
Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information; TS/SCI clearance is required.
Compensation
At Booz Allen, we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and dependent care. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our values. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Booz Allen's benefit programs. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings, not inclusive of health benefits. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Resource page on our Careers site and reviewing Our Employee Benefits page.
Salary at Booz Allen is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $86,800.00 to $198,000.00 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Booz Allen's total compensation package for employees. This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.
Identity Statement
As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.
Candidate AI Usage Policy
AI is a part of our daily work at Booz Allen, and we are committed to the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. However, we want to ensure a fair candidate process based on your own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is prohibited unless permission is explicitly provided.
Work Model
Our people-first culture prioritizes the benefits of collaboration, whether it occurs in person or virtually. To support engagement and effective communication, employees working virtually are generally expected to have their cameras on during meetings.
  • Remote: If this position is listed as remote, there may still be occasions when you are required to work in person at a Booz Allen or customer facility.
  • Hybrid: If this position is listed as hybrid, you will be expected to work from a Booz Allen facility frequently, in alignment with leadership expectations and the needs of the role. You may also be required to work from or visit a customer facility.
  • Onsite: If this position is listed as onsite, work will primarily be performed at a Booz Allen office or customer facility, where employees will collaborate directly with colleagues and customers as required by the role.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.
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About Booz Allen Hamilton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Booz Allen Hamilton is a leading provider of management and technology consulting services to the US government in defense, intelligence, and civil markets. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, the firm also serves major corporations, institutions, and not-for-profit organizations. Founded in 1914 by Edwin G. Booz, the company has a long-standing tradition of helping clients achieve success by delivering a wide range of consulting services that include strategic planning, human capital and learning, communication, systems development, and others. The company's mission is to empower people to change the world, and it has a reputation for maintaining the highest standards of integrity and-excellence.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1914