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Remote Airline Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AIRPLANE PILOT

IL · On-site +1

$131K - $171K/yr

Other certificates that meet or exceed the requirements of the Commercial Pilot Certificate are also acceptable, e.g., an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate. NOTE: You must submit an AFTAR 209 or ...

Be Seen First

Remote work opportunities * Comprehensive training program * Ongoing mentorship and coaching ... full-time airline pilot. One of the reasons I was drawn to this industry is the flexibility it ...

Chief Pilot Part 135 (Remote)

Lima, NY · On-site +1

$160K - $180K/yr

Remote / Hybrid with Regular Travel Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced and safety ... Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate required. * Must meet all FAA qualifications for a Part ...

AIRPLANE PILOT (TITLE 32)

IL · On-site +1

$131K - $171K/yr

Pilot advanced, single or multi-engine military airplane, high performance military fighter ... remote sites, providing ground and flight training, and conducting night-vision operations or ...

S. Per Diem pilots are an on-call day rate part-time employee. The ideal candidate will need to be a team player while seeking excellence in every aspect of his/her performance. Join a hardworking ...

AIRCRAFT PILOT

Cheyenne, WY · On-site +1

$110K - $144K/yr

This National Guard position is for a AIRCRAFT PILOT , Position Description Number D0711000 and is part of the WY Army Aviation Support Facility , Wyoming Army National Guard. This is a Title 32 Dual ...

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 ...

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Remote Airline Pilot information

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$48K

$87.1K

$133K

How much do remote airline pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote airline pilot in the United States is $87,144.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,000.00 and $102,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a remote airline pilot?

A remote airline pilot is a professional who operates aircraft remotely, typically using advanced technology and control systems from a ground-based location rather than being physically on board the aircraft. This role is becoming more common with the rise of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) used for cargo transport, surveillance, or other specialized missions. Remote airline pilots must have extensive training, certifications, and a thorough understanding of aviation regulations, just like traditional pilots. Their responsibilities include monitoring flight systems, ensuring safety protocols, and communicating with air traffic control. This job offers the flexibility to work from remote locations while still performing critical piloting functions.

What pilots make $500,000 a year?

Experienced airline pilots, especially those flying international routes for major carriers, can earn annual salaries of $500,000 or more, often including bonuses and overtime. Such high earnings typically require seniority, extensive flight hours, and advanced certifications like an Airline Transport Pilot license. These salaries are more common among senior captains on large aircraft in the airline industry.

How do remote airline pilots typically collaborate with on-ground teams to ensure flight safety and efficiency?

Remote airline pilots work closely with on-ground teams such as dispatchers, air traffic controllers, and maintenance crews through secure communication channels and real-time data sharing platforms. Regular briefings, status updates, and coordinated decision-making are essential to maintain situational awareness and respond promptly to changing conditions. Building strong collaborative relationships and maintaining clear, timely communication are key to overcoming the unique challenges of remote operations and ensuring both flight safety and operational efficiency.

What is the difference between Remote Airline Pilot vs Remote Commercial Pilot?

AspectRemote Airline PilotRemote Commercial Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificateCommercial Pilot License (CPL), specific commercial certifications
Work EnvironmentPrimarily flying for airlines, often in scheduled routes, with some remote operations for training or monitoringFlying for various commercial operations like charter, cargo, or aerial work, with remote monitoring or planning roles
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, aviation companies, flight training organizationsCharter services, cargo companies, aerial survey firms

Remote Airline Pilots typically operate scheduled flights for airlines and hold specific airline certifications, while Remote Commercial Pilots work in diverse commercial aviation roles, often involving remote monitoring or planning. Both roles require a commercial pilot license but differ in work environment and employer types.

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

To thrive as a Remote Airline Pilot, you need an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), strong aviation knowledge, and extensive flight experience, often with specialized training in remote or unmanned aircraft systems. Familiarity with advanced avionics, flight simulation software, and remote piloting platforms is typically required. Exceptional situational awareness, communication, and decision-making skills help pilots respond effectively to dynamic situations from a distance. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable aircraft operations when piloting remotely.

Can I work remotely for an airline?

Remote airline pilot roles are extremely rare because piloting requires being physically present in the aircraft and at the airport for pre-flight checks, safety procedures, and in-flight operations. Most airline pilots work on-site at airports and operate aircraft in the air, with limited opportunities for remote work outside of administrative or training functions that can sometimes be done remotely. Certification, training, and adherence to safety regulations also necessitate in-person responsibilities.

How much do remotely piloted aircraft pilots make?

Remotely piloted aircraft pilots, also known as drone pilots, typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and certification level. Experienced pilots working in commercial sectors or for government agencies tend to earn higher salaries, often with additional benefits and specialized training in operating remote aircraft systems.

Can you be a pilot with bipolar?

Remote airline pilots must meet medical certification standards set by aviation authorities, which typically include mental health assessments. Having bipolar disorder may require treatment and stable management, but individuals should consult with an aviation medical examiner to determine eligibility, as each case is evaluated individually. Proper documentation and ongoing health management are essential for maintaining certification and employment eligibility in the aviation industry.
More about Remote Airline Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Remote Airline Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Remote Airline Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Airline Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Airline Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Remote Airline Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Remote Airline Pilot jobs include:
Infographic showing various Remote Airline Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,144 per year, or $41.9 per hour.

$140K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Summary
Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.
Air Reserve Technicians are full-time civilian employees who are also members of the Air Force Reserve unit in which they are employed. In addition to their civilian assignments, they are assigned to equivalent positions in the Reserve organization with a Reserve military rank or grade. Appointee's civilian assignments will consist of the following duties.
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Duties
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The primary purpose of this position is: to serve as an Air Reserve Technician (ART) officer and manages the overall mishap prevention program for the commander, to direct, monitor, and coordinate all unit safety program activities and function as a flight instructor/evaluator on unit assigned aircraft.
  • Accomplishes a variety of administrative duties related to flight instruction and mission accomplishments such as scheduling, squadron operations management, combat mission planning, and training.
  • Analyzes and interprets unit goals, mission, metrics, policies and objectives. Ensure that the unit meets or exceeds readiness requirements and is capable of supporting upgraded/modified/new aircraft as indicated, recommending new or changed programs to maintain wartime capability.
  • Performs pilot and pilot in command duties in assigned aircraft and provides a full range of ground and airborne flight instruction to Reservist, instructors, flight examiners, and assigned personnel in unit type aircraft.
  • Reviews mission tasking, intelligence, and weather information.
  • Performs mission planning, preparation and filing of flight plan, and crew briefing.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • U.S. Citizenship is required
  • Must be a current member of the AF Reserves or willing/qualified to join
  • A security clearance may be required
  • If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
  • Total salary varies depending on location of position
  • This posn is subject to provision of the DoD Priority Placement Program
  • Must sign a mobility agreement
  • Position may be subject to random drug testing
  • Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays
  • Shift work and emergency overtime may be required
  • Employee must maintain current certifications
  • Disclosure of Political Appointments
  • Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit
  • Advance in hire may be authorized if there is demonstrable proof provided on your resume
  • Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for this position
  • Relocation Incentive may be authorized for this position
  • Leave accrual may be authorized upon request
  • Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
  • Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications
THIS IS AN AIR RESERVE TECHNICIAN OFFICER POSITION.
This is an Air Reserve Technician (ART) Officer position located at 512 AIRLIFT WG with the military rank of Lt Col/O-5, AFSC: 011M3S. For questions concerning military eligibility please contact the Air Force Reserve Qualification Center at 1-800-257-1212.
EXPERIENCE: No specific length of experience required. The qualifications of Airplane/Helicopter Pilots or Airplane/Helicopter Flight Instructors in an Air Force active duty and Reserve force are directly related to the completion of prerequisite training and number of flying hours rather than years of experience.
GS-13:Must have logged 1,000 or more total pilot time (i.e., accumulation of primary, secondary, instructor, evaluator, simulator and student time). (Note: For position requiring the piloting of fighter jet aircraft (e.g., F-16, A-10, F-15, F-22), each hours as First Pilot and/or Instructor Pilot in a fighter jet aircraft may be counted as two hours of flying time when determining total hours of pilot time or primary and/or instructor pilot time. Training aircraft (T-37/T-38) should be considered when giving double credit but only for those hours in which candidates logged either instructor/evaluator pilot or primary pilot time. Flying hours logged as a student pilot will be credited one-for-one when calculating total time.)
Candidates destablishing eligibility based on military flight experience must provide official orders, forms, or logbooks showing their status as a rated military pilot, flight instructor, or flight examiner, as appropriate. Other certificates that meet or exceed the requirements of the Commercial Pilot Certificate are also acceptable, e.g., an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.
NOTE: You must submit an AFTAR 209 or any official flying hour report and any official document that shows date received aviation service aeronautical order. Please upload your documents in the supporting documents section under Other. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN AN INELIGBILE RATING.
Federal Time-In-Grade (TIG) Requirement for General Schedule (GS) Positions: Applicants must have served at least 52 weeks at the next lower grade level or higher grade (or equivalent in an alternate system) within the Federal Civil Service to be considered for referral. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
  1. Knowledge, skill. ability, and experience as a rated pilot on flying status.
  2. Knowledge of and ability to formulate plans and courses pertaining to flying operations and unit flying training activities.
  3. Knowledge of established safety principles, practices, procedures, laws, regulations, related to overall military safety programs.
  4. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  5. Ability to independently plan and organize work, and meet deadlines.

Other Significant Facts pertaining to this position are:
  1. This is an Air Reserve Technician (ART) officer position. The incumbent is required to meet and maintain Air Force Reserve requirements. Work schedule will be aligned to allow the incumbent to fully participate in unit training assemblies. The incumbent's regular assignments are primarily ART duties; however, the incumbent may also be assigned non-ART duties, generally not to exceed 30 percent of total responsibilities.
  2. Periodically, as prescribed by regulations, must take and pass standardization/evaluation flight examinations which consist of both written tests and actual flight performance to demonstrate flight knowledge and abilities required by the position. Incumbent must participate in regular, frequent flights, as directed by the supervisor, over and above the flights required by the position.
  3. This is an AFRC key management position, in which, the incumbent is required to formulate determine, and/or influence policies. Must be highly knowledgeable of the AFRC mission and responsibilities. As a designated key position, the term "key" as it is used here relates to the ART program that defines the position as critical to mobilization capability (i.e., formulates, determines or influences policies of the unit to which assigned), and has no relationship to the term "key" as defined in AFI 36-507.defined in AFI 36-507.
  4. The incumbent must possess demonstrated leadership and managerial abilities essential to successful accomplishment of responsibilities inherent in this position.
  5. The incumbent must obtain and retain the appropriate security clearance level designated for the position.
  6. This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The employee is subject to random drug testing. The incumbent is subject to pre-employment drug testing and participation in random drug testing as a condition of employment. Drug Test requirement was modified with AFI 90-508, Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program, 28 August 2014; Certified Current 18 December 2015 which supersedes AFI 44-107, 7 April 2010. Positions covered by this SPD must be reviewed for proper "Testing Designated Position (TDP)" coding to comply with the AF Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program (AFI 90-508). Drug testing is a condition of employment.
  7. This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position.
  8. Incumbent must formulate plans and policies pertaining to operations and unit flying training activities.
  9. The incumbent is subject to the normal pressures, deadlines, and other conditions inherent in this position and others found in the aircrew occupation. May be exposed to gravity forces of three to seven depending upon aircraft to which assigned.
  10. The incumbent of the position must become instructor qualified within two years from the date of appointment to the position. This is a condition of employment.
  11. In order to meet special or essential unscheduled activities, may be required to work an uncommon tour of duty with brief advance notice. The incumbent may be required to work overtime to meet workload demands.
  12. The incumbent may be required to fly in military and/or commercial aircraft to perform temporary duty assignments (TOY) away from the normal duty station.
  13. This position is designated as a mobility position. Incumbent must be willing to move/transfer to another unit/location on a lateral or promotion basis as directed by HQ AFRC. AFRC command-wide geographic mobility is a condition of employment for all ART Officer positions. The employee must sign a mobility agreement.
  14. Performs other duties as assigned.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE:
Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
RETIRED MILITARY ARE USUALLY INELIGIBLE FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE AIR FORCE RESERVE. RETIRED MILITARY PERSONNEL WHO HAVE ACTIVE AIR FORCE RESERVE ASSIGNMENTS MAY APPLY PROVIDED THEY SHOW ASSIGNMENT (POSITION AND UNIT) ON THEIR APPLICATION.
Additional information
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.
120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.
Current Federal Civilian employees may apply for temporary and term positions and if selected, a break in service may be required prior to appointment to the position.
Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement.
Incentives: Recruitment and/or retention incentives may or may not be used.
Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here
If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, pa