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Temporary Ferry Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Temporary Ferry Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do temporary ferry pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for temporary ferry 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 temporary ferry pilot?

Temporary ferry pilots are licensed aviators who are hired on a short-term basis to transport aircraft from one location to another, often for delivery, maintenance, or repositioning purposes. They do not usually operate regular passenger or cargo flights, but instead specialize in moving planes that need to be relocated for operational reasons. Temporary ferry pilots must have strong flying experience and often require additional certifications or endorsements depending on the type of aircraft being ferried. Their assignments can vary in duration and may involve domestic or international flights. This role is crucial in ensuring aircraft are delivered safely and efficiently to their next destination.

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

To thrive as a Temporary Ferry Pilot, you generally need a commercial pilot license, extensive flight experience, and proficiency in flight planning and navigation. Familiarity with a range of aircraft types, GPS navigation systems, and up-to-date aviation charts is typically essential, and additional certifications like instrument ratings are highly valued. Strong problem-solving, adaptability, and clear communication skills help pilots manage unexpected situations and coordinate with ground crews and authorities. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure safe, efficient ferry flights across varying routes and conditions.

What are some common challenges faced by temporary ferry pilots during aircraft delivery assignments?

Temporary Ferry Pilots often encounter challenges such as adapting to unfamiliar aircraft types, navigating diverse weather conditions, and managing complex international flight regulations. Since each delivery route and aircraft may present unique operational considerations, pilots must be highly adaptable and detail-oriented. Additionally, working with new crews or solo, handling logistical arrangements, and ensuring compliance with all safety and regulatory requirements are essential aspects of the role. These factors require strong problem-solving skills and effective communication with operations teams and clients.

What is the difference between Temporary Ferry Pilot vs Commercial Ferry Captain?

AspectTemporary Ferry PilotCommercial Ferry Captain
Required CredentialsFerry pilot license, navigation certificationsCaptain license, maritime certifications
Work EnvironmentFerry routes, watercraft operationFerry vessels, passenger and vehicle transport
Employer & IndustryTransport companies, water transit servicesFerry operators, maritime transportation
Search & Comparison IntentTemporary ferry pilot roles, short-term ferry jobsFerry captain positions, maritime leadership roles

The main difference between a Temporary Ferry Pilot and a Commercial Ferry Captain lies in their employment status and responsibilities. Temporary Ferry Pilots typically work on short-term assignments, focusing on operating ferries under specific contracts, while Commercial Ferry Captains hold full-time positions with broader leadership duties. Both roles require maritime navigation certifications and involve watercraft operation within the ferry industry.

What cities are hiring for Temporary Ferry Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Temporary Ferry Pilot job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Ferry Pilot jobs?

The most popular types of Ferry Pilot jobs are:

What states have the most Temporary Ferry Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Temporary Ferry Pilot jobs include:

Temporary Ferry Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Ferry Pilot job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 10% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

F-16 Ferry Pilot - TEMPORARY

Top Aces Corporation

Mesa, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

F-16 Ferry Pilot is responsible for mission planning, briefing, execution, and debriefing missions in support of the safe and efficient movement of F-16 Aircraft between designated locations via preplanned routing and multiple sorties. As an experienced F-16 Pilot, this role will conduct aircraft delivery missions consisting of multiple sorties with individual flight durations of up to eight (8) hours. International operations may include departures, transits, arrivals, potential diversions, and landings at international airports throughout Europe, Africa, and South America. The information below is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required for this position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Perform mission planning in preparation for F-16 AOS movement as directed by authorized planning agency.
  • Accomplish necessary ground training prior to flights.
  • Deploy as required to support mission and contract requirements.
  • Act as or support personnel responsible for flight safety, training, scheduling, standardization and evaluation, or other Program Management duties as needed.
  • Adhere to all directions provided by the Chief Pilot, Director of OPS, AOS Director and Ferry Flight F-16 Flight Lead as well as the Contract Requesting Official (CRO).
  • Adhere to OSHA and OH&S requirements, demonstrate proper use of PPE, safety systems, and tools.
  • Report hazards (such as unsafe situations and activities) and other safety concerns as soon as humanly possible to supervisor and through Company’s Safety Management System (SMS).
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

  • Previously qualified US DoD-trained F-16 pilot or equivalent allied training program.
  • Previously qualified in Air-to-Air Refueling in the F-16.
  • 500 hours Pilot In Command (PIC) of any fixed wing DoD (or Allied) fighter aircraft.
  • TAC F-16 pilots will have valid U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) or military qualifications and currencies for F-16.
  • Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines while fostering a positive attitude.
  • Must have strong problem-solving abilities.
  • Proficient in the English language with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Must be proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Must be able to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
  • Must be able to travel within the US and internationally.
  • Must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of a F-16 Ferry Pilot in daily work performance.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a US security clearance at the secret level, or NATO equivalent.
  • Must not be barred from any military installation.

CERTIFICATIONS / LICENSES

  • FAA instrument Currency, EASA Instrument Currency, or DoD military F-16 currency.
  • Second Class Medical Certificate or DoD equivalent medical clearance.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • 1,000 hours PIC in F-16
  • 500 hours as an F-16 Instructor Pilot
  • Previous performance of a trans-oceanic fighter aircraft AOS movement as Pilot in Command
  • Functional Check Flight (FCF) qualification
  • Squadron Command experience
  • FAA CFI (I) Certificate

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Must be able to work in various weather environments and conditions.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
  • Must be able to stand, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, sit, talk, walk, hear, see, and reach with hands and arms.
  • This position requires close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
  • This role is performed around loud noises and hazardous chemicals with exposure to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risks of electrical shock. The F-16 Ferry Pilot must be able to work in environments with exposure to noise, chemicals, dust, and varying weather conditions.

TEMPORARY ASSIGNMENT NOTICE

This is a temporary position established to support the completion of specific contract-related deliverables. The assignment is anticipated to last approximately 9–14 days and is expected to conclude upon completion of the required deliverables. The anticipated duration is an estimate and may vary based on operational and contractual requirements.