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Second Command Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mission Support and Test Services, LLC

Pilot I

NV · On-site

Initially perform pilot duties as a Second in Command (Pilot 1, see below) in a King Air 350ER and AW139, with the intent to upgrade to Pilot in Command in both. Continued employment is contingent on ...

Imh

Fixed Wing Pilot in Command

Page, AZ

As a Mentor Pilot acting under the Company Pilot Development Program, acts as a mentor and resource for Second-in-Command Pilots employed by the company, and will complete all training and ...

Imh

Fixed Wing Pilot in Command

Cortez, CO · On-site

As a Mentor Pilot acting under the Company Pilot Development Program, acts as a mentor and resource for Second-in-Command Pilots employed by the company, and will complete all training and ...

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Second Command Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do second command pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for second command pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a second command pilot?

Second Command Pilots are experienced aviators who serve as the co-leader or deputy to the primary command pilot on an aircraft. Their responsibilities include assisting with flight planning, navigation, and decision-making, as well as taking over command if the primary pilot is unable to perform their duties. Second Command Pilots typically have significant flight hours and advanced certifications, ensuring the safety and efficiency of flight operations. Their role is crucial for both routine and emergency situations, providing an extra layer of leadership and expertise in the cockpit.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a second command pilot?

To thrive as a Second Command Pilot, you need a commercial pilot's license, extensive flight training, and a solid understanding of aviation regulations and safety procedures. Familiarity with advanced avionics, flight management systems, and, often, type ratings for specific aircraft are typically required. Strong situational awareness, teamwork, and decision-making skills distinguish outstanding pilots in this role. These competencies are critical for ensuring safe, efficient flight operations and effective collaboration with the captain and crew.

What challenges does a second command pilot face when supporting the captain during complex flight operations?

Second Command Pilots often encounter challenges such as adapting quickly to dynamic flight conditions, coordinating effectively with the Captain, and managing high workloads during critical phases like takeoff, landing, and in-flight emergencies. They must maintain situational awareness, anticipate the Captain's needs, and communicate clearly with the entire flight crew to ensure operational safety. Additionally, balancing training requirements and gaining enough flight hours for potential advancement can be demanding but is an essential part of the role.

What is the difference between Second Command Pilot vs First Officer?

AspectSecond Command PilotFirst Officer
CredentialsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), type ratings, airline-specific trainingSame as Second Command Pilot, often with additional experience
Work EnvironmentAircraft cockpit, airline operationsAircraft cockpit, airline operations
RoleAssists the Captain, may act as Pilot-in-Command in their absenceFlying the aircraft under Captain’s supervision, supporting flight operations

Both roles require similar certifications and work in airline cockpits. The Second Command Pilot often acts as a deputy to the Captain, while the First Officer is primarily responsible for flying the aircraft under supervision. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but the Second Command Pilot emphasizes a deputy role, whereas First Officer is the standard co-pilot position.

More about Second Command Pilot jobs

What states have the most Second Command Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Second Command Pilot jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Second Command Pilot jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Second Command Pilot jobs are:

Infographic showing various Second Command Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Command Pilot (PIC)

Billings Flying Service

Billings, MT • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 24 days ago

Billings Flying Service rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 67 rated aviation services

Job description

Summary

The Pilot-In-Command reports directly to the Chief Pilot/Assistant Chief Pilot and is responsible for the safe and efficient conduct of the flight assignment. The Chief Pilot/Assistant Chief Pilot may delegate certain functions to the PIC to be authorized to conduct business in the absence of the Chief Pilot/Assistant Chief Pilot to meet certain Company and FAA requirements. The PIC will be responsible for all duties and responsibilities required as a Pilot in Command in accordance with the BFS General Operations Manual (GOM).

Requirements

Qualifications

  • PIC must be able to maintain thorough understanding of Billings Flying Services policies and procedures and must embody, exhibit, and ensure Billings Flying Services core values in everyday work.
  • PIC must be highly knowledgeable of FAA regulations, Operations Specifications, Flight Manuals and to the content of all BFS General Operations Manual, Training Manual, Standard Operating Procedures, and Approved/Accepted FAA/USFS Manual.
  • Minimum of 3500 total time / 2500 PIC and 1500 Turbine. Tandem Rotor time a plus.
  • Must satisfy the applicable USFS hour requirements.
  • USFS Aerial Firefighting experience in Helicopters
  • Maintain a Second-Class Medical.
  • Type Rated in the CH-47D (BV234) is favorable.
  • Vertical Reference proficient
  • NVG qualified
  • Available for Domestic and International assignments.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Safety of Flight
  • Ability to maintain active Supervisory Responsibilities of field crew and copilots. Issue directives and notices to flight crews as required.
  • PIC may be requested to assist and perform OJT for flight crewmember training, PIC upgrade training, flight base audits/inspections, and any other aviation duties as directed by the Chief Pilot.
  • Participate in pilot training when qualified to do so.
  • Actively participate in ensuring Billings Flying Services Safety Management System (SMS) including reporting hazards and incidents encountered in daily operations; understanding, complying and promoting the Company Safety Policy and other safety duties as assigned.
  • Reviews flight assignments and obtain briefing information regarding the purpose of the flight, weather, operating procedures, and any special instructions.
  • Prepares or supervises preparation of flight plan considering such factors as altitude, terrain, weather, range, weight, cruise performance, airport facilities and navigational aids.
  • Ensures aircraft is preflight, inspected, loaded, equipped, and manned for the flight assignment.
  • Determine compliance with duty and flight time limitations, properly certificated, adequately rested and in proper dress.
  • Ensures that all required forms, equipment, and material are on board the aircraft prior to flight.
  • Records mechanical irregularities and discrepancies and ensures that maintenance personnel are informed of the item recorded.
  • Verifies before beginning any flight that recorded items have been procedurally complied with, deferred, or corrected by maintenance personnel in accordance with the approved Minimum Equipment List for that aircraft, as appropriate.
  • CFR 91.3 Responsibility and authority of pilot in command. The pilot in command of an aircraft is directly responsible for, and is the final authority as to, the operation of that aircraft, to include weather decisions.

Behavioral Competencies

· Embody BFS core values

  • Identifying hazardous or potentially hazardous situations and taking appropriate action to maintain a safe environment for self and others.
  • Working collaboratively with others to achieve organizational goals.
  • Dealing with situations and issues proactively and persistently, seizing opportunities that arise.
  • Listening and communicating openly, honestly, and respectfully with different audiences, promoting dialogue, and building consensus.
  • Treating others fairly, honestly, and respectfully, furthering the integrity of the organization and its relationships of trust with team members and the broader community.
  • Energizing and inspiring others to strive for excellence and commit to common goals and purposes, creating a sense of self-efficacy, resilience, and persistence in followers.
  • Assuming a leadership role in helping others achieve excellent results.
  • Recognizing the need for change, being open to new ideas and methods, and championing transformational change within the organization and beyond.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Work performed in austere field settings.
  • Exposure to shop environment such as noise, dust, odors, and fumes.
  • Occasionally required to lift items weighing as much as 50Lbs.
  • Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach and move about facilities.

Behavioral Competencies

· Embody BFS core values

  • Identifying hazardous or potentially hazardous situations and taking appropriate action to maintain a safe environment for self and others.
  • Working collaboratively with others to achieve organizational goals.
  • Dealing with situations and issues proactively and persistently, seizing opportunities that arise.
  • Listening and communicating openly, honestly, and respectfully with different audiences, promoting dialogue, and building consensus.
  • Treating others fairly, honestly, and respectfully, furthering the integrity of the organization and its relationships of trust with team members and the broader community.
  • Energizing and inspiring others to strive for excellence and commit to common goals and purposes, creating a sense of self-efficacy, resilience, and persistence in followers.
  • Assuming a leadership role in helping others achieve excellent results.
  • Recognizing the need for change, being open to new ideas and methods, and championing transformational change within the organization and beyond.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Work performed in austere field settings.
  • Exposure to shop environment such as noise, dust, odors, and fumes.
  • Occasionally required to lift items weighing as much as 50Lbs.
  • Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach and move about facilities.

Benefits

  • Full time employment with competitive compensation based on experience and credentials. Medical, dental and vision insurance. 401K with up to 4% company match.
  • These benefits are available after initial waiting period.

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