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Second In Pilot Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Define and drive implementation of deterministic handoff patterns (assign/escalate/co-pilot/co ... Bachelor's in CS/AI/ML/Data Science or equivalent experience required. * Master's preferred * 10 ...

Define and drive implementation of deterministic handoff patterns (assign/escalate/co-pilot/co ... Bachelor's in CS/AI/ML/Data Science or equivalent experience required. * Master's preferred * 10 ...

Assembler - Hiring Now

Niles, IL · On-site

$15.83 - $24.65/hr

Level I: $15.83 - $24.65 * 2nd Shift Hours: 4:00pm-12:30am * Training on 1st shift first two weeks ... All members included in annual cash bonus opportunity * 401(k) match (4.5%) * Annual Woodward stock ...

Showing results 41-60

Second In Pilot information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$51K

$134.9K

$207.1K

How much do second in pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for second in pilot in Chicago, IL is $134,863.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,000.00 and $159,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 88% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,863 per year, or $64.8 per hour.

Aviation Safety Inspector (ACM), Assistant Partial Program Manager (APPM)

Chicago, IL

$90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

The Assistant Partial Program Manager (Maintenance) Part 121 serves as a full assistant to a Partial Program Manager (Maintenance) Part 121 who is assigned a portion of the airworthiness program performing inspections, surveillance, and certification duties for air carriers, air operators, air agencies, airmen, and designees.

Qualifications:

General Requirements for All Positions:

  1. Not more than two separate incidents involving Federal aviation regulations violations in the last 5 years;
  2. Valid State driver's license;
  3. Fluency in the English language;
  4. No chemical dependencies or drug abuse that could interfere with job performance; and
  5. High school diploma or equivalent.

Medical Requirements: Applicants must be physically able to perform the duties of the Aviation Safety Inspector position in a safe and efficient manner, and must meet all of the following requirements:

  1. Have good distant vision in each eye and be able to read printed materials the size of typewritten characters (glasses and contact lenses permitted) without strain;
  2. Have the ability to hear the conversational voice (hearing aid permitted);
  3. Not have any physical condition that would cause them to be a hazard to themselves or others or that would interfere with their ability to fly as passengers in a variety of aircraft.

In addition, applicants for positions that require participation in the operation of aircraft must:

  1. Possess a valid second-class medical certificate in accordance with Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) regulations; and
  2. Pass recurrent medical examinations as prescribed by the FAA.

Applicants not requiring valid second-class medical certificates who are tentatively selected will be required to:

  1. Provide documentation from a board-certified physician certifying that they meet the minimal medical requirements; or
  2. Individuals who do not meet the minimum medical requirements but who are otherwise qualified will receive an individualized assessment to determine whether they can perform the essential functions of the position.

When the predominant work involves air carrier maintenance, applicants for Aviation Safety Inspector (Airworthiness) positions must meet all of the following requirements.

  1. Experience involving the maintenance and repair of airframes, power plants, and systems of multi-engine aircraft of more than 12,500 pounds maximum certificated takeoff weight maintained under an airworthiness maintenance and inspection program.
  2. Aircraft maintenance experience in a repair station; air carrier or airline repair facility; military repair facility; or local, state, or Federal governmental agency.
  3. Experience involving the maintenance and repair of airframes, power plants, and aircraft systems with responsibility for certifying airworthiness.
  4. Aircraft maintenance work experience within the last 3 years.
  5. FAA Mechanic Certificate with airframe and power plant ratings.

To qualify for this position you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to FV-H, FG/GS-12 grade level as an Aviation Safety Inspector. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. Specialized experience includes, but is not limited to: 1) Evaluates and decides upon proposals to change the authorized programs of organizations; 2) Monitors, plans or conducts inspection programs; 3) Assures that assigned organizations are properly and adequately organized, staffed, and equipped; have and conduct an adequate training program, including an acceptable record keeping system; and have facilities and procedures that meet all regulatory requirements; 4) Conducts enforcement of investigations and preparation of final reports and recommendations on disposition.

For more information regarding the minimum eligibility requirements for Aviation Safety Inspector's please visit the following website: https://www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/IORs/gs1800/1825.htm

NOTE: Recency of specialized experience and the need for a valid second-class FAA medical certificate is waived for employees in the 1825 series.

As a part of the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative (streamlining the hiring process), the FAA is committed to eliminating the use of the Knowledge, Skills and Ability (KSA) narratives from the initial application in the hiring process for all announcements. Therefore, as an applicant for this announcement, you are NOT required to provide a narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA.

In lieu of providing a KSA narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA, in your work history, please include information that provides specific examples of how you meet the response level or answer you chose for each KSA. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability. Your KSA answers will be evaluated further to validate whether the level that you selected is appropriate based on the work history and experience you provided. Your answers may be adjusted by a Human Resource Specialist as appropriate.

Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements and selective factor(s), if applicable, may be further evaluated on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA); listed in the announcement. Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories: score order, category grouping, or alphabetical and referred to the selecting official for consideration.

Education:Employment Type: OTHER