1

Temporary Pilot Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

TEMPORARY POSITION** AIR METHODS: GO ABOVE AND BEYOND HERE! As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us to serve our communities. We are ...

Helicopter Pilot

Visalia, CA · On-site

$82K - $93K/yr

TEMPORARY POSITION** AIR METHODS: GO ABOVE AND BEYOND HERE! As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us to serve our communities. We are ...

TEMPORARY POSITION** AIR METHODS: GO ABOVE AND BEYOND HERE! As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us to serve our communities. We are ...

TEMPORARY POSITION** AIR METHODS: GO ABOVE AND BEYOND HERE! As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us to serve our communities. We are ...

Helicopter Pilot

Visalia, CA · On-site

$82K - $93K/yr

TEMPORARY POSITION** AIR METHODS: GO ABOVE AND BEYOND HERE! As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us to serve our communities. We are ...

TEMPORARY POSITION** AIR METHODS: GO ABOVE AND BEYOND HERE! As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us to serve our communities. We are ...

Sheriff Aircraft Pilot

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$93K - $115K/yr

FAA Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot with Rotorcraft-Helicopter rating. Minimum 2000 hours PIC ... Other permanent and temporary appointments will be made as needed. Successful candidates will ...

Sheriff Aircraft Pilot

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$8.5K - $10K/mo

FAA Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot with Rotorcraft-Helicopter rating. * Minimum 2000 hours ... Other permanent and temporary appointments will be made as needed. Successful candidates will ...

This is a temporary position expected to last approximately 3 months, with a possibility of ... Collaborate with the pilot plant team for harvesting and maceration of plant biomass for processing.

FAA part 107 drone pilot- a plus Hourly Rate: $33 - 35/hr + OT Schedule: Monday-Friday - flexibility to work overnight shifts Duration: 3 Months (Temporary Position) Location: Within commuting ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Temporary Pilot information

What is a temporary pilot?

Temporary pilots are licensed aviators who are hired on a short-term or contract basis to operate aircraft. They may fill in for full-time pilots during peak periods, cover for absences, or assist with specific projects or flights. Temporary pilots must meet the same regulatory requirements and certifications as permanent pilots, including holding the appropriate licenses and medical clearances. Their assignments can range from a few days to several months, depending on the employer’s needs. This role is common in commercial aviation, charter services, and corporate flight departments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a temporary pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Temporary Pilot, you need a commercial or airline transport pilot license, strong knowledge of aviation regulations, and proven flight experience. Familiarity with aircraft-specific systems, flight planning software, and standard navigation tools is crucial. Excellent situational awareness, decision-making, and communication skills help manage dynamic flight environments and coordinate with crew and ground staff. These competencies are essential to ensure passenger safety, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency during temporary assignments.

What are some common challenges faced by temporary pilots when adapting to new aircraft and operational procedures?

Temporary pilots often need to quickly familiarize themselves with different aircraft models and the specific operational procedures of each airline or company they work with. This can be challenging, as every organization may have unique protocols, safety procedures, and cockpit workflows. Building rapport with new crew members rapidly and adapting to varying schedules are also common challenges. However, strong communication skills, a solid foundation in aviation best practices, and a flexible attitude can help temporary pilots succeed in these dynamic environments.

What is the difference between Temporary Pilot vs Commercial Pilot?

AspectTemporary PilotCommercial Pilot
CredentialsTemporary certification or limited licenseCommercial Pilot Certificate with specific ratings
Work EnvironmentShort-term assignments, varied locationsRegular employment, fixed routes or operations
Employer & IndustryCharter companies, flight schools, seasonal operatorsAirlines, cargo carriers, corporate flight services
Search & Comparison IntentTemporary flying roles, short-term pilot jobsFull-time pilot careers, commercial flying opportunities

Temporary pilots typically hold limited or temporary certifications and work on short-term assignments in various environments. Commercial pilots have full certifications and work in established roles within the airline or cargo industries. The main difference lies in certification level, job stability, and work scope.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot jobs in California? The most popular types of Pilot jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Temporary Pilot jobs? Cities in California with the most Temporary Pilot job openings:
Infographic showing various Temporary Pilot job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

AIRPLANE PILOT (ACCELERATED HIRE)

Air National Guard Units

Fresno, CA • On-site, Remote

$130K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Air National Guard rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Summary
This AIRPLANE PILOT (ACCELERATED HIRE) position, is located at unit level in the Air National Guard (ANG) Aviation Wing, Operations Group at flying units in the ANGand is part of the CA 144 FW.
This is an open until filled announcement. The announcement will be posted until all positions have been filled. Applications will be reviewed every 30 days and you will receive an email regarding your application status when reviewed.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
THIS IS A T32 EXCEPTED SERVICE, PERMANENT, INDEFINITE OR TEMPORARY POSITION.
Indefinite Positions: Selectee may be non-competitively converted to permanent status if/when funding becomes available or position becomes unencumbered.
Temporary Positions: Selectee may be non-competitively extended up to 4 years if/when funding becomes available in accordance with CNG FPH 001.
The primary purpose of the AIRPLANE PILOT (ACCELERATED HIRE), GS-2181-13, is to pilot a unit-equipped (UE) airplane. In addition to piloting responsibilities, performs administrative tasks in support of the Air Operations program.
May make additional selections within 90 days of eligible(s) issuance.
Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
CALIFORNIA NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED: This is an excepted service position that requires membership in the California National Guard. Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform. Acceptance of an excepted service position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment. If you are interested in joining the California National Guard, please contact a California National Guard recruiter prior to applying for this position. https://state.nationalguard.com/california
Compatible Military Assignment and Grade are required. Military technicians must be assigned to a military position in the same unit which they are employed or, in a unit that is supported by the employing activity. Military technicians must hold the military grade specified for the position.
Areas(s) of Consideration:
Consideration is given to the areas below.
AREA I= Current California National Guard employees who are serving on a Permanent/Indefinite/Temporary appointment.
AREA II= Current California National Guard members.
AREA III= Current military members of the Air Force/Army National Guard, Air Force/Army Reserve or Air Force/Army Active Duty. (Applicants who are currently in other Air/Army branches and NOT currently a member of the California National Guard (CNG) must become a member of a compatible unit of assignment within the Air Force CNG commensurate with the military grade listed in this announcement prior to federal assignment).
Military Grades: O-1 through O-6
Recruitment/Relocation
Recruitment/Relocation Incentive MAY BE authorized, subject to funding and approval.
PCS
Relocation Costs MAY BE authorized subject to provisions of the Joint Travel Regulation, funding, and an agency determination that a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move is in the Government's best interest.
Must maintain appropriate level of security clearance.
Must wear appropriate military uniform including required grooming standards.
Must maintain a compatible military unit, grade and job assignment as required by current directives.
Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
Qualifications
General Experience: Must have a Federal Aviation Administration certification awarded from an accredited civilian aviation program or have a aviation certification from an accredited military aviation school AND have one year on-the-job experience in the grade (or comparable military rank) immediately below the next higher level.
AIRPLANE PILOT (ACCELERATED HIRE), GS-2181-13: Must have at least 36 months specialized competencies in operating a specific main-frame military aircraft, mission planning, and mission preparation; Experience reviewing and analyzing mission tasking, intelligence, and weather information; Experience filing flight plans and conducting crew briefings; Experience with aircraft preflight inspections, aircraft loading, and equipment assessments; Experience performing or supervising work procedures involved in navigation, in-flight refueling, search and rescue operations or surveillance and reconnaissance; Experience conducting or supervising the training of crew members in simple to complex mission specific tasks; Experience developing plans and policies, monitoring operations, and advising commanders; Experience with flight theory, air navigation, meteorology, flying directives, mission tactics, and operating procedures; Experience with unit flying, explosive, and ground safety programs in accordance with Department of Defense, Department of the Army, National Guard Bureau, and/or Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, regulations, and directives.
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies:
  • Education and Training Program Administration
  • Operation and Control
  • Planning and Evaluating
  • Safety and Security

Education
Must have a Federal Aviation Administration certification awarded from an accredited civilian aviation program or have a aviation certification from an accredited military aviation school.
When there is a positive education or certification requirement, or you are using education to qualify as a substitution for experience, copies of transcripts (unofficial) and/or certificates are required at the time of application to verify that you meet the educational/certification requirement or substitution. Failure to provide transcripts and/or certificates at the time of application will result in automatic disqualification.
Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html.
Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
Additional information
MILITARY MEMBERS WITH BONUSES: Upon acceptance of a military technician position military members who are currently receiving a military Reenlistment/Extension Bonus (REB) or GI Bill-SR Kicker may lose incentive eligibility and may be subject to termination or suspension of incentive (includes indefinite and temporary technicians on assignment for more than 180 days in any continuous 12-month period).
If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, please email ng.ca.caarng.list.j1-hro-recruitfedjobs-usas@army.mil or Fax to 916-854-3439
Expand Hide additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

What Air National Guard employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom