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Second In Pilot Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

CHLA Pilot

Van Nuys, CA ยท On-site

$37.40/hr

Helinet is a diversified helicopter service provider located in Van Nuys, California. We are a ... Current FAA Medical (2nd class ok at time of hire, but must be willing to obtain 1st class at next ...

Fixed Wing Pilot

Mammoth Lakes, CA ยท On-site

$109K - $119K/yr

If your passion is flying and you want to work in an environment where every second counts, contact us today! Position: Fixed Wing Pilot Location: Bishop, CA Airframe: Pilatus PC12 Schedule: 7 Days ...

Fixed Wing Pilot

Bishop, CA ยท On-site

$109K - $119K/yr

If your passion is flying and you want to work in an environment where every second counts, contact us today! Position: Fixed Wing Pilot Location: Bishop, CA Airframe: Pilatus PC12 Schedule: 7 Days ...

Fixed Wing Pilot

Big Pine, CA ยท On-site

$109K - $119K/yr

If your passion is flying and you want to work in an environment where every second counts, contact us today! Position: Fixed Wing Pilot Location: Bishop, CA Airframe: Pilatus PC12 Schedule: 7 Days ...

Fixed Wing Pilot

Lone Pine, CA ยท On-site

$109K - $119K/yr

If your passion is flying and you want to work in an environment where every second counts, contact us today! Position: Fixed Wing Pilot Location: Bishop, CA Airframe: Pilatus PC12 Schedule: 7 Days ...

If your passion is flying and you want to work in an environment where every second counts, contact us today! Position: Fixed Wing Pilot Location: Bishop, CA Airframe: Pilatus PC12 Schedule: 7 Days ...

Fixed Wing Pilot

Ridgecrest, CA ยท On-site

$109K - $119K/yr

If your passion is flying and you want to work in an environment where every second counts, contact us today! Position: Fixed Wing Pilot Location: Bishop, CA Airframe: Pilatus PC12 Schedule: 7 Days ...

$109K - $119K/yr

If your passion is flying and you want to work in an environment where every second counts, contact us today! Position: Fixed Wing Pilot Location: Bishop, CA Airframe: Pilatus PC12 Schedule: 7 Days ...

Fixed Wing Pilot

Bishop, CA ยท On-site

$109K - $119K/yr

If your passion is flying and you want to work in an environment where every second counts, contact us today! Position: Fixed Wing Pilot Location: Bishop, CA Airframe: Pilatus PC12 Schedule: 7 Days ...

If your passion is flying and you want to work in an environment where every second counts, contact us today! We're hiring a Helicopter Pilot to provide medical air transportation services to REACH ...

If your passion is flying and you want to work in an environment where every second counts, contact us today! Position: Fixed Wing Pilot Location: Bishop, CA Airframe: Pilatus PC12 Schedule: 7 Days ...

Fixed Wing Pilot

Bishop, CA ยท On-site

$109K - $119K/yr

If your passion is flying and you want to work in an environment where every second counts, contact us today! Position: Fixed Wing Pilot Location: Bishop, CA Airframe: Pilatus PC12 Schedule: 7 Days ...

Guardian Fixed Wing Pilot

Susanville, CA ยท On-site

$104K - $114K/yr

If your passion is flying and you want to work in an environment where every second counts, contact us today! Position: Fixed Wing Pilot Location: Reno, NV Airframe: Pilatus PC12 Schedule: 14 Days On ...

Guardian Fixed Wing Pilot

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$104K - $114K/yr

If your passion is flying and you want to work in an environment where every second counts, contact us today! Position: Fixed Wing Pilot Location: Reno, NV Airframe: Pilatus PC12 Schedule: 14 Days On ...

REACH Fixed Wing Pilot

Redding, CA ยท On-site

$113K - $125K/yr

If your passion is flying and you want to work in an environment where every second counts, contact us today! Position: Fixed Wing Pilot Location: Redding, California Airframe: King Air B200 Schedule ...

Guardian Fixed Wing Pilot

Stockton, CA ยท On-site

$104K - $114K/yr

If your passion is flying and you want to work in an environment where every second counts, contact us today! Position: Fixed Wing Pilot Location: Reno, NV Airframe: Pilatus PC12 Schedule: 14 Days On ...

Showing results 41-60

Second In Pilot information

What is a second in pilot?

A Second In Pilot, often referred to as a First Officer or Co-Pilot, is a licensed pilot who assists the Captain (Pilot in Command) in operating an aircraft. They share flying duties, help with navigation, communication, and monitoring aircraft systems. Second In Pilots are essential for ensuring flight safety, supporting the Captain, and stepping in to take control if necessary. They also play a significant role in pre-flight checks, emergency procedures, and communicating with air traffic control.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a second in pilot?

To excel as a Second In Pilot (First Officer), you need a valid commercial pilot license, strong aeronautical knowledge, and experience with flight operations. Familiarity with flight management systems (FMS), aircraft-specific avionics, and regulatory compliance tools is typically required, along with certifications such as an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). Excellent communication, teamwork, and decision-making skills help you coordinate effectively with the captain and crew, especially under pressure. These competencies are crucial for ensuring flight safety, regulatory adherence, and smooth operation of commercial flights.

What are common challenges faced by a second in pilot, and how can they be addressed?

Second In Pilots often face challenges such as adapting to varying flight schedules, maintaining situational awareness under pressure, and efficiently communicating with the Captain and crew. It's essential to stay up-to-date with standard operating procedures and regularly participate in simulator training to sharpen decision-making skills. Building strong teamwork and clear communication habits with other crew members also helps address these challenges and supports safe, efficient flight operations.

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

AspectSecond In PilotFirst Officer
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), Second In Pilot certificationCommercial Pilot License (CPL), First Officer certification
Work EnvironmentAssists the Captain, operates as part of the flight crewShares flying duties, supports the Captain
Role in FlightSupports the Captain, may handle specific flight segmentsPrimary pilot during flight, responsible for navigation and safety

The Second In Pilot and First Officer roles are both essential flight crew positions requiring similar certifications. The Second In Pilot typically assists the Captain and may operate specific flight segments, while the First Officer is the primary pilot during flight, sharing flying duties and decision-making responsibilities. Both roles work closely within the cockpit, but the First Officer often has more flying authority and experience.

What is a good second career for a second in pilot?

A second in pilot can transition to careers such as airline captain, flight instructor, or corporate pilot, leveraging their flying experience and knowledge of aviation regulations. Skills in navigation, safety procedures, and communication are valuable in roles like aviation safety inspector or aircraft maintenance supervisor. Additional certifications or ratings may be required for some positions.
Infographic showing various Second In Pilot job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

CHLA Pilot

Van Nuys, CA โ€ข On-site

Helinet Aviation
Aviationย โ€ขย 51 - 200 employees

$37.40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Helinet is a diversified helicopter service provider located in Van Nuys, California. We are a dynamic, fast-paced company that provides services to a wide range of markets, including VIP charter, air medical, electronic news gathering, motion picture production, utility, and public safety. Throughout the industry and around the world, we are known for an unparalleled quality of service, an outstanding safety record, and a highly respected staff of aviation professionals.
We are seeking qualified pilots for our Children's Hospital of Los Angeles (CHLA) contract.
The CHLA Pilot will include the following general duties:
  • Responsible for the safe operation of the aircraft
  • Prior to flight, the pilot will familiarize himself/herself with all available information concerning the flight, including the current inspection status and aircraft discrepancy log, MEL deferral log and maintenance release, if appropriate
  • Responsible for the safety of his/her passengers and crew, if required delegates functions
  • Before flight, obtains briefing information regarding the purpose of the flight, including weather, NOTAMs, PIREPs, and operating procedures
  • Completes pre-flight risk assessments
  • Participates in company SMS program
  • Ensures the aircraft is pre-flighted, inspected, loaded, equipped, manned and legal for the flight assignment
  • Supervises loading and distribution of cargo and passengers and determines that weight and balance is within prescribed limitations and cargo is properly secured
  • Ensures proper preparation of flight logs, records, and maintenance forms
  • Attends and successfully completes initial and recurrent training and evaluations
  • Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements:
  • Current FAA Commercial Pilot's License with Instrument Rating
  • Current FAA Medical (2nd class ok at time of hire, but must be willing to obtain 1st class at next renewal)
  • Prior Part 135 / Helicopter Air Ambulance experience preferred
  • 3,000 total flight hours; 2,000 hours PIC Helicopter preferred
  • Experience in S76 preferred
  • Knowledgeable about FAA regulations, Company's General Operations Manual, and Operations Specifications
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office
  • High School Diploma
  • Must be able to work in a team environment
  • Must be customer service oriented

Benefits:
  • Competitive pay
  • Health, dental, vision
  • 401k
  • Cell phone reimbursement
  • Employee assistance program
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Income Benefits
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Telemedicine
  • Aflac

Helinet is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that no one should be discriminated against for any reason. All Helinet employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions), national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law to include Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring (LCIHO) LCIHO Link. Helinet is also committed to providing veteran employment opportunities to members of the armed forces.