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Temporary Fixed Wing Pilot Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Ideal Aerosmith

UAS Pilot

Rockville, MD · On-site

Manually operate fixed-wing UAS during launch, recovery, flight test, and abnormal or emergency ... Provide pilot and operational feedback to engineering during aircraft development, integration, and ...

Ideal Aerosmith

UAS Pilot

Rockville, MD · On-site

Manually operate fixed-wing UAS during launch, recovery, flight test, and abnormal or emergency ... Provide pilot and operational feedback to engineering during aircraft development, integration, and ...

Heven AeroTech

Chief UAS Pilot

Sterling, VA · On-site

Chief UAS Pilot Company: Heven AeroTech Location: Sterling, Virginia FLSA: Exempt Reports To: U.S ... Experience with Group II and/or Group III fixed wing UAS. * Proficiency in Microsoft Office. * Self ...

Heven AeroTech

Chief UAS Pilot

Sterling, VA

Chief UAS Pilot Company: Heven AeroTech Location: Sterling, Virginia FLSA: Exempt Reports To: U.S ... Experience with Group II and/or Group III fixed wing UAS. * Proficiency in Microsoft Office. * Self ...

Heven AeroTech

Chief UAS Pilot

Sterling, VA · On-site

Chief UAS Pilot Company: Heven AeroTech Location: Sterling, Virginia FLSA: Exempt Reports To: U.S ... Experience with Group II and/or Group III fixed wing UAS. * Proficiency in Microsoft Office. * Self ...

DC Government Careers

Aircraft Mechanic

Washington, DC · On-site

$70K - $92K/yr

Performs temporary and permanent repairs to airframes and operates ground-handling equipment to ... pilot on test flights of aircraft to make visual and audio checks of the aircraft. Performs ...

VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

Dental Hygienist

Washington, DC · On-site

$43 - $56.50/hr

... temporary fillings in teeth. * Handles instruments safely. * Cleans dental prosthesis, fixed and ... Exposes radiographs on patients including bite wing, periapical and panoramic x[1]rays. Adjusts ...

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Temporary Fixed Wing Pilot information

What is a temporary fixed wing pilot?

A Temporary Fixed Wing Pilot is a licensed pilot hired on a short-term or contract basis to operate fixed-wing aircraft, such as airplanes, rather than helicopters. These pilots may be employed for seasonal work, special projects, or to cover staffing shortages. Their duties include conducting pre-flight checks, ensuring the safety of passengers and cargo, and navigating flights according to regulations. Temporary positions may be found in industries like agriculture, firefighting, surveying, or charter services. The role typically requires relevant pilot certifications and, depending on the job, specific experience or ratings.

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

To thrive as a Temporary Fixed Wing Pilot, you need a commercial pilot license, strong flight hours, and comprehensive knowledge of aviation regulations. Familiarity with cockpit instrumentation, flight planning software, and navigation systems is typically required, along with relevant type ratings or certifications for specific aircraft. Strong situational awareness, decision-making, and clear communication are critical soft skills for ensuring safety and effective teamwork. These skills and qualifications are essential for safely managing flights, complying with regulations, and adapting quickly to various assignments or changing conditions.

What are some common challenges temporary fixed wing pilots face when adapting to new aircraft or operations on short notice?

Temporary Fixed Wing Pilots often need to quickly familiarize themselves with different aircraft models, operating procedures, and company protocols, which can be challenging in short-term assignments. They must be adept at fast learning, adapting to unfamiliar team dynamics, and maintaining high safety standards despite variable schedules or work environments. Strong communication skills and the ability to follow detailed checklists are essential for ensuring smooth collaboration with ground crews and air traffic control, while also meeting the expectations of diverse employers.

What is the difference between Temporary Fixed Wing Pilot vs Commercial Fixed Wing Pilot?

AspectTemporary Fixed Wing PilotCommercial Fixed Wing Pilot
CertificationsPrivate Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL) often requiredCommercial Pilot License (CPL), Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) often required
Work EnvironmentShort-term contracts, charter flights, aerial surveysScheduled flights, cargo, passenger transport
Employer & IndustryCharter companies, aerial services, private clientsAirlines, cargo carriers, tour operators

Temporary Fixed Wing Pilots typically hold private or commercial licenses and work on short-term contracts in various industries like charter and aerial surveys. Commercial Fixed Wing Pilots usually have advanced certifications and operate scheduled flights for airlines or cargo companies. Both roles require similar certifications but differ mainly in job scope, environment, and employer type.

What are the most commonly searched types of Fixed Wing Pilot jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Fixed Wing Pilot jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Temporary Fixed Wing Pilot jobs in Washington?

For Temporary Fixed Wing Pilot jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Temporary Fixed Wing Pilot jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Temporary Fixed Wing Pilot jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Temporary Fixed Wing Pilot jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Temporary Fixed Wing Pilot job openings:

Temporary Fixed Wing Pilot jobs near you

UAS Pilot

Ideal Aerosmith

Rockville, MD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Ideal Aerosmith is a leading supplier of precision inertial guidance test systems, flight motion simulators, and a premier provider of aerospace test engineering services, ATE system engineering, and quality contract manufacturing services to the aerospace industry. We're experts and we earn that title everyday with our customers through innovative engineering, manufacturing, and sustainment of world-class motion and electric test solutions and services. 

Here, we don’t just solve complex problems - we redefine what’s possible. Every role at Ideal Aerosmith supports a lean culture through continuous improvement - ongoing, incremental enhancements to products, processes, or services aimed at reducing waste and boosting efficiency, customer service, and performance. With a team of skilled problem solvers and a culture that thrives on tackling challenges head-on, we are dedicated to our clients' success. Enjoy competitive benefits, a supportive work environment, and every other Friday off to recharge.

The UAS Pilot will serve as a pilot and hands-on technical member of Ideal Aerosmith’s UAS flight operations team, supporting developmental flight testing, aircraft production, and customer operations. This position requires demonstrated flight experience with both Group 2 and Group 3 fixed-wing UAS, including strong manual flight proficiency using RC-style transmitters or equivalent external flight controls.

The UAS Pilot will support the final assembly, integration, functional checkout, and flight-readiness verification of aircraft and associated systems. Flight responsibilities will include functional check flights, internal research and development (R&D) sorties, developmental flight testing, and current and future customer demonstrations.

When not conducting flight operations, the UAS Pilot will work directly alongside engineering and production teams to assemble, inspect, troubleshoot, integrate, and prepare aircraft for flight. The ideal candidate combines professional aviation discipline, advanced fixed-wing UAS piloting skills, and the technical aptitude to contribute directly to aircraft development and production.

Job Responsibilities

  • Serve as a UAS Pilot for Group 2 and Group 3 fixed-wing aircraft, supporting functional check flights, developmental flight testing, internal R&D sorties, and customer demonstrations.
  • Manually operate fixed-wing UAS during launch, recovery, flight test, and abnormal or emergency situations as required.
  • Support final aircraft assembly, system integration, functional checkout, and flight-readiness verification prior to aircraft release for flight operations.
  • Conduct and support aircraft ground checks, pre-flight inspections, functional check flights, post-flight inspections, and discrepancy resolution.
  • Work directly with engineering and production teams to troubleshoot aircraft and subsystem issues and support corrective actions and design improvements.
  • Provide pilot and operational feedback to engineering during aircraft development, integration, and test.
  • Assist with mechanical, electrical, avionics, payload, and flight-control system integration.
  • Support aircraft maintenance, servicing, repairs, modifications, and configuration changes.
  • Participate in flight planning, briefs, debriefs, test-card development, and flight-test documentation.
  • Document discrepancies, maintenance actions, configuration changes, and flight-test observations.
  • Assist with development and refinement of flight procedures, checklists, and operational documentation.
  • Support customer demonstrations and field deployments, including aircraft preparation, transportation, setup, flight operations, and recovery.
  • Maintain professional aviation discipline and comply with company flight operations procedures, safety requirements, and applicable regulatory guidance.

Qualification Requirements 

  • 3+ years of professional UAS, aviation, aerospace, flight-test, or closely related experience preferred.
  • Demonstrated flight experience operating both Group 2 and Group 3 fixed-wing UAS required.
  • Demonstrated proficiency manually flying Group 2 and Group 3 fixed-wing UAS using RC-style transmitters or equivalent external flight controls required.
  • Experience with launch, recovery, and manual control of large fixed-wing UAS required.
  • Military UAS flight experience involving direct manual control of fixed-wing aircraft using handheld transmitters or equivalent external pilot controls highly desired.
  • Experience with high-performance RC aircraft, turbine-powered RC aircraft, aerial targets, developmental UAS, or similar platforms highly desired.
  • Education or professional experience in an engineering discipline, including aerospace, mechanical, electrical, systems, avionics, or a related field, desired.
  • Experience with aircraft assembly, integration, inspection, maintenance, modification, troubleshooting, and functional checkout preferred.
  • Experience supporting developmental flight test, functional check flights, or aircraft acceptance activities highly desired.
  • Experience operating in a disciplined military, aviation, aerospace, or professional flight-test environment strongly preferred.
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively across engineering, production, and flight operations teams.
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally and obtain a passport.
  • Due to federal contract requirements applicable to this position, candidates must be U.S. citizens.

Skill Requirements 

  • Advanced fixed-wing manual flight skills and strong understanding of fixed-wing aircraft handling and aerodynamics.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on technical skills.
  • Ability to use common hand tools, power tools, and aircraft support equipment safely and effectively.
  • Familiarity with aircraft systems, wiring, electronics, avionics, flight controls, or mechanical assemblies.
  • Ability to follow technical instructions, assembly procedures, flight procedures, and operational checklists.
  • Strong situational awareness, judgment, attention to detail, and ability to operate effectively in a developmental flight-test environment.
  • Ability to identify, document, and communicate aircraft discrepancies and provide meaningful operational feedback to engineering teams.
  • Effective communication and teamwork skills.
  • Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office products.

Physical Requirements

  • Must have the ability to lift and/or carry 45 lbs.
  • Ability to work for extended periods at computer workstation/keyboard.
  • Ability to type accurately and efficiently.
  • The position will require walking, standing, squatting, crouching, stooping, lifting, climbing, pulling, pushing, sitting, repetitive motion and kneeling.

Ideal Aerosmith is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our goal is to create a work environment that celebrates diversity and inclusion, where all employees feel respected and valued. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and strive to provide equal employment opportunities to everyone.

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