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Second In Pilot Jobs in California, MD (NOW HIRING)

MSP PILOT II

Saint Marys, MD · On-site

$112K - $157K/yr

Works in conjunction with the Second in-Command Pilot (SIC), medical personnel and other passengers that form the crew. May act as an SIC pilot. POSITION DUTIES Provides guidance to the MSP Pilot I ...

Second In Pilot information

See California, MD salary details

$47.4K

$125.5K

$192.6K

How much do second in pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for second in pilot in California, MD is $125,455.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,800.00 and $148,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Second In Pilot, and why are they important?

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 Second In Pilots?

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 cities near California, MD are hiring for Second In Pilot jobs? Cities near California, MD with the most Second In Pilot job openings:
MSP PILOT II

MSP PILOT II

State of Maryland

Saint Marys, MD • On-site

$112K - $157K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


State Of Maryland rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 125 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 50 rated states


Job description

Introduction
This is an INTERNAL RECRUITMENT restricted to current full-time, permanent and contractual Maryland State Police Employees only and full-time employees working with the Maryland State Police by contract.
PLEASE FILL OUT THE APPLICATION COMPLETELY.
  • The application is part of the examination process. Your answers will determine your eligibility to participate in the next phase of the selection process.
  • Clearly describe your qualifications in detail. Credit cannot be given for education, training, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities that you fail to indicate.
  • Do not leave any answer spaces blank; if a question does not apply, write "N/A".
  • Although you may attach a resume to further describe your qualification, it does not substitute for completing the application form. An incomplete application form may result in disqualification. Do NOT write "see resume" in your work history or responses to supplemental questions.
  • Failure to comply with these instructions may result in disqualification.
  • Read the Job Announcement carefully for specific filing instructions, supplemental questions, and final filing dates.

GRADE
PILT 0002
LOCATION OF POSITION
Trooper 7, Southern MD Section
St. Mary's Airport
44174 Airport Road, Suite 500
California, Maryland 20619
Main Purpose of Job
A MSP Pilot II is full performance level of civilian helicopter aircraft pilot work in the MSP Aviation Command (MSPAC). The pilot acts as the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) and shall be directly responsible for and the final authority over the operation of the aircraft assigned to him. This includes ground as well as flight operations. Responsible for ensuring all MSPAC and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regulations concerning operation of Department aircraft are strictly followed. Responsible for the aircraft being in a constant state of readiness and shall notify the appropriate supervisor of any discrepancy of a grounding nature. Responsible for all records concerning the aircraft and make recommendations on new equipment, procedures, innovations, etc., as appropriate, through channels to the Command's Commander. Review FAA Regulations and Air Traffic Control procedures for the area of operation. Works in conjunction with the Second in-Command Pilot (SIC), medical personnel and other passengers that form the crew. May act as an SIC pilot.
POSITION DUTIES
Provides guidance to the MSP Pilot I and any other pilot classification acting as second-in-command (SIC) regarding aircraft operations, MSP and Aviation Command operational procedures and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations;
Briefs crew member and passengers on aircraft protocol;
Flies authorized Aviation Command Aircraft as PIC or SIC for aero-medical missions, search and rescue missions, homeland security, disaster assessments, prisoner extradition, personnel transport and other law-enforcement related missions;
Conducts pre-flight and post-flight inspections in accordance with Aviation Command and FAA regulations and standards;
Performs maintenance functions to include cleaning aircraft interiors and exteriors, refueling and adding necessary fluids, and replacing light bulbs;
Performs routine maintenance of hangar and office facilities; Operates specialized flight-related equipment, such as tow motors;
Makes go/no-go flight decisions concerning weather conditions, maintenance, and other flight safety considerations;
Completes paperwork required by the Aviation Command and Maryland State Police such as flight operation logs, aircraft logs, and other documents;
Completes required training courses and exercises in compliance with FAA regulations;
Performs other related duties.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
Experience: Two thousand helicopter or fixed wing flight hours as a FAA certificated pilot.
Notes:
1. Twelve hundred helicopter or fixed wing flight hours as a FAA certificated pilot and three years of experience piloting Aviation Command's aircraft may be substituted for the required experience.
2. Fifteen hundred helicopter or fixed wing flight hours, three hundred of which consists of piloting Aviation Command's aircraft may be substituted for the required experience.
3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in Naval Aviation Pilot classifications or Rotary Wing Aviator, Pilot, or Pilots/Naval Flight Officers specialty codes in the Piloting field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.
SELECTIVE QUALIFICATIONS
Must have two thousand (2,000) helicopter flight hours as an FAA certified pilot.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Turbine Experience
2. Twin Turbine Experience
LIMITATIONS ON SELECTION
This is an INTERNAL RECRUITMENT restricted to current full-time, permanent and contractual Maryland State Police Employees only and full-time employees working with the Maryland State Police by contract.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
1. Employees in this classification must possess and maintain a FAA Commercial Helicopter or FAA Commercial Airplane multi-engine certification.
2. Employees in this classification must possess and maintain FAA 2nd Class Physical certification.
3. Employees in this classification must possess and maintain an acceptable Instrument Helicopter or Instrument Airplane Rating as determined by FAA regulations and required by the MSP Aviation Command.
4. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Candidates for positions in this classification will be subject to an initial drug screening and a complete criminal background investigation, to include a polygraph examination, by the Maryland State Police before permanent appointment can be made. A criminal conviction record may be grounds for rejection of the applicant.
2. Employees in this classification are subject to call-in on a 24 hour basis and must provide the employer with a phone number where they can be reached.
3. Employees in this classification are subject to substance abuse testing, in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulation 17.04.09, Testing for Illegal Use of Drugs.
4. Employees in this classification are subject to other FAA applicable drug testing requirements.
5. Employees in this classification are required to sign an Obligation Service Agreement as a condition of employment.
SELECTION PROCESS
The selection process for this recruitment will involve a review of each application. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be placed on an eligible list in the BEST, BETTER or QUALIFIED category. The list will be used by the hiring manager to select the individual to fill the vacancy. The list will be valid for one year.
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included for further evaluation. The evaluation will include rating your application based on education, training and experience as they relate to the requirements of the position.
EXAMINATION PROCESS
The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training and experience related to the requirements of the position. You may be required to complete a qualifications supplement, or the rating may be based on your application. Report all experience and education that is related to this position. Applicants may be given a physical examination and will be subject to an interview, background investigation, polygraph examination and substance abuse testing.
BENEFITS
STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
NOTE: Currently, applicants are limited to uploading one file. As a result, it is strongly urged that those applying upload ALL required and additional documents (undergraduate and graduate transcripts, resumes, etc.) as one file.
If you are unable to apply online, you may submit an application via mail. The Maryland State Application Form can be found online.
Completed applications, required documentation and any required addendums may be mailed to:
Maryland State Police, Aviation Command
3023 Strawberry Point Road
Middle River, MD 21230
Attn: Christina Blake
Contact Information: christina.blake@maryland.gov or 410-238-5843
TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay
We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply.
As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.
Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.
It is the policy of the Maryland State Police to comply with all applicable federal and state laws prohibiting employment discrimination and to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, gender, identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religious affiliation, belief or opinion, sex, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

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