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Sport Pilot Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Sport Pilot information

See Michigan salary details

$43.1K

$114.1K

$175.2K

How much do sport pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for sport pilot in Michigan is $114,106.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,200.00 and $135,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sport pilot?

A Sport Pilot is a certified pilot who operates light-sport aircraft (LSA) for personal or recreational purposes. Unlike commercial pilots, sport pilots have fewer training requirements and can fly smaller aircraft during daylight hours and in good weather conditions. They are restricted from flying in controlled airspace without additional endorsements. This certification is ideal for aviation enthusiasts who want to fly with fewer regulatory requirements compared to private or commercial pilots.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sport pilot?

To thrive as a Sport Pilot, you need strong piloting skills, situational awareness, basic aeronautical knowledge, and a current FAA Sport Pilot Certificate. Familiarity with light-sport aircraft (LSA) systems, navigation tools, and adherence to airspace regulations are essential. Excellent decision-making, communication, and attention to detail help ensure safety and effective interaction with air traffic control, instructors, and peers. These skills are crucial for safe, enjoyable flight operations and professional growth in recreational aviation.

What are some common challenges a sport pilot might face on the job?

Sport Pilots often face challenges such as changing weather conditions, strict adherence to regulations governing light-sport aircraft, and staying up to date with evolving FAA policies. Maintaining proficiency and confidence during infrequent flights or navigating unfamiliar airspace can also be difficult. Additionally, many Sport Pilots operate independently, so strong self-motivation and situational awareness are important for staying safe and prepared. Over time, these challenges can be rewarding learning experiences, helping pilots build skills that support both personal satisfaction and career development in aviation.

What can you do as a sport pilot?

A sport pilot is qualified to fly light-sport aircraft that meet specific weight and performance limits. They can operate aircraft during daylight hours and in visual flight conditions, often for recreational purposes. The role requires knowledge of basic aeronautics, navigation, and safety procedures, and typically involves flying in controlled airspace under visual flight rules (VFR).

What are popular job titles related to Sport Pilot jobs in Michigan?

For Sport Pilot jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Sport Pilot jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Sport Pilot jobs in Michigan are:

Infographic showing various Sport Pilot job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,106 per year, or $54.9 per hour.

Director, Innovation & Commercialization

Ilitch Charities, Inc.

Detroit, MI • On-site

$140 - $190/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead innovation initiatives from concept through commercialization to develop scalable, franchisee‑ready solutions that improve operations, guest satisfaction, and competitive advantage.

  • Identify, develop, test, and scale new access, channel, and service solutions, business models, and operational capabilities.

  • Partner cross‑functionally with various departments to ensure successful launches and establish measurable success criteria for innovation projects.


Job description

Build a Bigger, Better, Bolder Future At Little Caesars, innovation is about creating breakthrough solutions that improve guest experience, enhance restaurant operations, generate franchisee value, and drive profitable growth. As Director, Innovation & Commercialization, you will identify, develop, test, and scale the next generation of access, channel & service solutions, business models, and operational capabilities that shape the future of the business. You will lead the journey from idea to commercialization, transforming emerging concepts into measurable enterprise value. Reporting to the Vice President of Innovation, this leader will serve as a key catalyst for growth by managing a portfolio of strategic innovation initiatives focused on restaurant solutions, automation, delivery, operational excellence, and emerging business opportunities. Your Mission: Lead innovation initiatives from concept through commercialization, ensuring that promising ideas become scalable, franchisee‑ready solutions that improve operations, drive guest satisfaction, and create competitive advantage. This role combines strategic thinking, business case development, pilot execution, change management, and cross‑functional leadership to accelerate innovation across Little Caesars.

How You’ll Make an Impact
  • Help build and execute an enterprise innovation roadmap in partnership with VP.
  • Identify emerging technologies, consumer needs/trends, and market opportunities; analyze the vendor and competitive landscape; and evaluate their potential impact on restaurant operations and the corporate enterprise.
  • Prioritize innovation investments using financial, operational, and consumer impact criteria.
  • Develop business cases supporting new technologies, solutions, and business models.
  • Own the process of moving innovation from pilot to enterprise deployment and establish measurable success criteria and go/no‑go decision frameworks.
  • Develop commercialization strategies for new services, technologies, and operational capabilities.
  • Partner cross‑functionally with Operations, Franchise Services, IT, Supply Chain, Training, R&D, Equipment, Marketing, Finance, and Legal to ensure successful launches.
  • Build relationships with startups, technology providers, venture networks, incubators, universities, and industry organizations.
  • Coach team members on innovation methodologies, project management, commercialization, and stakeholder engagement.
  • Foster a culture of experimentation, learning, accountability, and execution.
Who You Are
  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Operations, Technology, or related field, MBA preferred.
  • 10+ years of progressive experience in innovation, commercialization, strategy, operations, consulting, product development, or technology leadership.
  • 5+ years leading cross‑functional teams or direct reports.
  • Experience developing and scaling new products, technologies, services, or business models.
  • Experience managing pilots, proof-of-concepts, and/or enterprise implementations.
  • QSR, retail, consumer products, logistics, technology, or franchise business experience preferred.
Competencies
  • Strategic thinking and business acumen
  • Data‑driven decision making
  • Project and program management
  • Excellent communicator (written and verbal)
  • Strong presentation skills within a large or small group setting.
  • Proficient with AI and computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point
Where You’ll Work

A state‑of‑the‑art building with a modern‑day, open environment in the heart of The District Detroit. A colleague fitness center, work café and an outdoor patio with grills. Over 60 different meeting spaces to help promote a collaborative environment. Occasional travel (~25% of time)

Benefits and Perks
  • Medical insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid holidays
  • Paid time off
  • Legal and counseling services
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Disability benefits
  • Adoption benefits
  • Perks of being associated with professional sports teams
  • Access to events at Little Caesars Arena and Comerica Park in our hometown of Detroit, Michigan

Blue Line Distribution is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to that individual’s race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law. The Company will strive to provide reasonable accommodations to permit qualified applicants who have a need for an accommodation to participate in the hiring process (e.g., accommodations for a job interview) if so requested. This company participates in E-Verify.

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