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Weekend Pilot Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Wells Enterprise

Pilot - Senior Captain

Le Mars, IA · On-site

The Senior Captain (Pilot) is responsible for the safe, efficient, and professional operation of ... Ability to work a flexible, on-call schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overnight ...

Air Methods Pilots

Helicopter Pilot

Clinton, IA

$3.0K/wk

As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us to serve our communities. We are committed to providing air medical transport resources to our ...

SAIC

DSM Remote Pilot Operator

Des Moines, IA · Remote

This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for Casual, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Des Moines ...

Air Methods Pilots

Helicopter Pilot

Davenport, IA · On-site

$82K - $93K/yr

As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us to serve our communities. We are committed to providing air medical transport resources to our ...

Latham Pool Products, Inc

Pilot Driver

De Witt, IA · On-site

$18.50 - $23/hr

A little about the position: ​​​The Pilot Driver is responsible for supporting the safe and efficient transport of wide-load fiberglass swimming pools from production to final delivery sites.

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Fort Madison, IA · On-site

Nav Mate Pilot River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet. American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East ...

SkySpecs

UAS Pilot

Des Moines, IA · On-site

As a UAS Pilot, you will: Join our team of operators in the United States as we scale to conquer the aerial inspection industry. You will combine a passion for autonomous flight operations and drone ...

SkySpecs

UAS Pilot

Des Moines, IA · On-site

As a UAS Pilot, you will: Join our team of operators in the United States as we scale to conquer the aerial inspection industry. You will combine a passion for autonomous flight operations and drone ...

Air Methods Pilots

Helicopter Pilot

Fort Dodge, IA · On-site

$3.0K/wk

As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us to serve our communities. We are committed to providing air medical transport resources to our ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Fort Madison, IA · On-site

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet. American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Fort Madison, IA · On-site

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet. American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska ...

SAIC

DSM Remote Pilot Operator

Des Moines, IA · On-site

This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for Casual, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Des Moines ...

Air Methods

Helicopter Pilot

Clinton, IA · On-site

$3.0K/wk

As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us to serve our communities. We are committed to providing air medical transport resources to our ...

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All JobsWeekend Pilot JobsWeekend Pilot Jobs in Iowa

Weekend Pilot information

See Iowa salary details

$46.5K

$123K

$188.8K

How much do weekend pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for weekend pilot in Iowa is $122,965.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,900.00 and $145,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Weekend Pilots?

Weekend Pilots are licensed aviators who typically fly aircraft on weekends, often working part-time or on a flexible schedule. They may fly for private individuals, charter companies, or recreational purposes, and sometimes assist with sightseeing tours, aerial photography, or transporting passengers and cargo. Weekend Pilots must meet the same licensing and training requirements as full-time pilots, but their flying hours are usually limited to Saturdays and Sundays. This role is ideal for experienced pilots seeking a part-time commitment or aviation enthusiasts looking to maintain their skills.

What are some common challenges weekend pilots face when balancing flying with other commitments?

Weekend pilots often juggle their flying schedules with full-time jobs or family responsibilities, which can make it difficult to log consistent flight hours and maintain proficiency. Weather delays, aircraft availability, and airspace congestion are typical challenges that can disrupt planned flights. To stay current and confident, many weekend pilots join flying clubs, coordinate with other pilots for shared rentals, and make use of online scheduling tools to maximize their time in the air while managing other commitments.

What Does a Weekend Pilot Do?

A weekend pilot has similar job duties as pilots who work during the week. The primary difference is they work over the weekend. Your specific job duties vary, depending on the kind of plane you fly and if you are a commercial or cargo pilot. General responsibilities for commercial pilots include studying weather reports and schedules, evaluating the fuel load requirements, preparing the flight plan, ensuring safety for passengers, and checking all hardware for plane safety and navigation equipment. Cargo pilots discuss the goods being transported with the shipping company and clarify where the load needs to be delivered. They ensure the shipment has been loaded completely and is adequately secured, and delivers it on time when possible. Weekend pilots work Saturdays and Sundays, but may also have shifts on Fridays or Mondays.

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

To thrive as a Weekend Pilot, you generally need a valid pilot’s license (such as a Private Pilot Certificate), strong knowledge of aviation regulations, and proficient flight skills. Familiarity with navigation systems, aircraft instrumentation, and weather assessment tools is crucial, and sometimes an FAA medical certificate or additional ratings may be required. Exceptional decision-making, communication, and situational awareness help pilots adapt to changing conditions and ensure passenger safety. These skills and qualifications are essential for safe, compliant, and effective operation of flights, especially when flying on tight schedules or in variable weekend conditions.

What is the difference between Weekend Pilot vs Part-Time Flight Attendant?

AspectWeekend PilotPart-Time Flight Attendant
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), FAA medical certificateFlight Attendant Certification, CPR/First Aid
Work EnvironmentAircraft cockpit, airports, flight operationsPassenger cabin, airports, in-flight service
Employer & IndustryAirlines, charter companiesAirlines, private jet services
Common Search & ComparisonWeekend Pilot vs Part-Time Flight Attendant

Weekend Pilots typically hold commercial pilot licenses and operate aircraft, focusing on flying duties during weekends. Part-Time Flight Attendants primarily provide passenger service and safety onboard, often working part-time hours. Both roles are essential in the aviation industry but differ in responsibilities, certifications, and work environment.

More about Weekend Pilot jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Pilot jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Weekend Pilot jobs in Iowa? For Weekend Pilot jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Weekend Pilot jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Weekend Pilot jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Weekend Pilot jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Weekend Pilot job openings:
Weekend Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weekend Pilot job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,965 per year, or $59.1 per hour.
Pilot - Senior Captain

Pilot - Senior Captain

Wells Enterprise

Le Mars, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Wells Enterprises rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

153rd of 389 rated food and drinks producers

Job description


The Senior Captain (Pilot) is responsible for the safe, efficient, and professional operation of company aircraft in a Part 91 corporate flight environment. This role serves as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) with final authority over assigned flights and is the most visible representative of the company to passengers. This position requires exceptional communication, technical expertise, sound judgment, and a strong commitment to safety, service, and professionalism.
Responsibilities Include:
Flight Operations & Safety
  • Serve as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) with final authority for aircraft operation and passenger safety
  • Plan and execute flights in compliance with FAA regulations, company SOPs, and international standards
  • Perform comprehensive flight planning, including routing, fuel optimization, weather analysis, and alternate planning
  • Evaluate conditions and make decisions to delay, reroute, or cancel flights as necessary
  • Maintain situational awareness and exercise sound judgment in all phases of flight

Aircraft Readiness & Compliance
  • Ensure aircraft is airworthy, properly maintained, and fully prepared for each flight
  • Conduct and oversee preflight inspections
  • Maintain compliance with FARs, NOTAMs, and operational limitations, including weight and balance
  • Ensure all required documentation and paperwork are accurate and complete

Crew Environment
  • Work effectively in a Co-Captain Environment
  • Ability to act as a mentor and trainer, supporting crew development and training requirements
  • Promote effective Crew Resource Management (CRM) practices
  • Focus on continuous improvement

Passenger Experience & Service
  • Deliver exceptional customer service to passengers
  • Coordinate passenger requests (transportation, catering, baggage handling)
  • Ensure passengers receive required safety briefings
  • Maintain aircraft cleanliness, cabin readiness, and comfort standards

Operational Support
  • Assist with aircraft towing, fueling, cleaning, and hangar upkeep
  • Maintain hangar facilities (interior/exterior)
  • Participate in recurrent and company-required training
  • Support Safety Management Systems (SMS)

Qualifications
Education & Certifications
  • Bachelors Degree in Aviation preferred. Required to have a commercial certificate with an instrument rating. Hold an airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate with appropriate type ratings.
  • Minimum of 10 years of flight experience, .
  • Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate required (or ability to obtain)
  • Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating required
  • Type rating in Citation XLS+ (CE560XL) preferred
  • Current FAA First-Class Medical Certificate
  • Valid passport with ability to travel internationally

Experience
  • Minimum of 4000 total flight hours, 2000 hours multi-engine and 500 hours turbine. Hold a first-class medical certificate. Served as a safety officer or equivalent for a minimum of 1 year.
  • Knowledge of all Federal Aviation Regulations pertaining to Corporate flight operations Knowledge and ability to pass an instrument competency check in the category of aircraft to be flown. Knowledge of and meet all currency requirements regarding instrument flight time and night landings. Strong safety orientation with an in-depth knowledge of Safety Management Systems (SMS) Programs.

Knowledge
  • Extensive knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs)
  • Strong understanding of Safety Management Systems (SMS)
  • Expertise in aircraft systems, meteorology, and flight operations
  • Meets all currency and proficiency requirements

Skills
  • Strong crew leadership and decision-making abilities
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • High attention to detail and safety focus
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Abilities
  • Ability to work a flexible, on-call schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overnight trips
  • Ability to maintain professional demeanor with executive-level clientele
  • Ability to live within commutable distance (or within one hour) of Le Mars, IA
  • Ability to travel worldwide without restriction

Wells Enterprises is an EEO/AA employer M/F/Vet/Dis

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