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Safety Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Decisive Point

UAS Test Pilot, EP

San Diego, CA · On-site

$92 - $121/hr

Perform Safety Pilot duties during test and evaluation of new and existing UAS platforms * Ensure aircraft are flight-ready through pre-flight validation, configuration checks, and functional ...

SpektreWorks, Inc.

Be Seen First

UAS Operator / Pilot

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$75K - $135K/yr

Our pilots can serve as both Air Vehicle Operators and External/Safety Pilots, operating fixed-wing, VTOL, and multirotor aircraft in developmental, operational, and customer-facing environments. In ...

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Safety Pilot information

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$11K

$148K

How much do safety pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for safety pilot in the United States is $146,763.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $146,500.00 and $147,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a safety pilot?

A Safety Pilot is a licensed pilot who assists the flying pilot during specific operations, typically when the flying pilot is practicing under simulated instrument conditions. The Safety Pilot ensures that the aircraft remains clear of traffic and obstacles while the flying pilot focuses on instrument procedures. This role is commonly required when a pilot is logging instrument flight time without actual instrument conditions. The Safety Pilot must hold at least a private pilot certificate with the appropriate category and class ratings for the aircraft being flown.

What are the typical responsibilities of a safety pilot during a flight?

As a Safety Pilot, your main responsibility is to monitor the aircraft’s environment and flight path when the primary pilot is 'under the hood' or practicing instrument maneuvers, ensuring safety during simulated instrument conditions. You must maintain visual separation from other air traffic, communicate clearly with both the pilot and air traffic control, and be ready to assume control of the aircraft if necessary. This role often involves working collaboratively with flight instructors, students, or other professional pilots, providing an extra layer of safety and compliance. The Safety Pilot position offers valuable experience in flight deck teamwork and can serve as a stepping stone for more advanced pilot roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the safety pilot position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Safety Pilot, you need a valid commercial or airline transport pilot certificate with current medical clearance, strong situational awareness, and excellent aviation knowledge. Proficiency with flight control systems, navigation instruments, and aviation communication tools is important, along with adherence to FAA regulations. Dependability, quick decision-making, and clear communication are essential soft skills, as Safety Pilots often collaborate closely with other flight crew members. These abilities ensure safe and compliant flight operations, especially during training, check rides, or when primary pilots are occupied with instrument practice.

Can you get paid to be a safety pilot?

Yes, safety pilots are typically paid for their role in assisting with flight operations, especially during training or when acting as a qualified observer. Compensation varies depending on the employer, location, and specific duties, and safety pilots often need relevant certifications such as a private pilot license or higher. They may work on a schedule that includes flight hours, and safety is a key focus in their responsibilities.
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Safety Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Safety Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,763 per year, or $70.6 per hour.

Aviation Safety Inspector (Air Carrier Flight Oversight (AAPM))

Federal Aviation Administration

Irving, TX • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Federal Aviation Administration rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 154 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 297 rated public sector bodies

Job description

Job Title

Flight Oversight ASI

Duties

Help Flight Oversight ASIs do not conduct certification (pilot evaluating, testing, and checking) job functions as a required crewmember, including safety pilot. The incumbent will not, in any scenario, act as a required crewmember or safety pilot of an aircraft. Flight Oversight ASIs apply a broad knowledge of the aviation industry, aviation safety, and Federal aviation laws, regulations, and policies.

Under the direction of the Aircrew Program Manager, accomplishes the following duties:

  • Technical Administration
  • Develops a work program to insure periodic surveillance of designated pilot and flight engineer examiners, pilot and flight engineer check airmen, and company training programs.
  • Assures the assigned air carrier conducts flight crew training and testing required by Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR), FAA-approved training programs, and current testing standards. Oversees company check airmen and APDs. Serves as the technical advisor to the principal inspector on assigned areas of the company training and testing programs. Coordinates technical instructions, policy orders, and procedures through the principal inspector to assure uniformity of training and testing activities.
  • Conducts enforcement investigations and prepares final reports and recommendations on disposition. Performs or assists in the emergency suspension of airmen certificates. Conducts re-examination of certificated airmen.
  • Conducts investigations of public complaints, congressional inquiries, and aircraft incidents and accidents.
  • Provides verbal and/or written technical assistance to legal counsel, testifies at court trials and formal hearings, and gives depositions.
  • Coordinates with geographic inspectors for the accomplishment of nonroutine air carrier surveillance.
  • Certification
  • Recommends the designation of APDs and pilot examiners. Conducts flight tests, additional type ratings, and flight engineer certification; proficiency tests; initial qualification tests, and line-oriented flight training.
  • Assures standardization of check airmen and designated examiners and recommends to the Principal Inspector any changes which are considered necessary.
  • Surveillance
  • Monitors assigned areas of the flight crew training program and associated records to ensure compliance with 14 CFR, national and regional directives, and safe operating practices.
  • Monitors assigned air carrier ground and flight training. Attends certificate holder's company and safety meetings.
  • Evaluates training programs to ensure that they meet the requirements of 14 CFR. Approves or disapproves these training programs including flight simulators, training devices, or other such equipment used in these programs. May require amendments to previously approved manuals to accomplish the following: correct any conflict with regulatory requirements; eliminate unsafe practices; and/or improve the specificity of instruction.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

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