Low Time Pilot Jobs

Absolutely! Here's a comprehensive guide to low-time pilot jobs (typically requiring fewer than 500 hours) to help you build experience and advance your aviation career:

✈️ Low-Time Pilot Job Opportunities

1. Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)

• Typical Requirements: Commercial Pilot License (CPL), CFI certificate

• Locations: Nationwide; flight schools and academies

• Pay: $20–$45/hour

• Notes: One of the most common paths to build hours; high demand in many regions (Florida, CA)

2. Skydiving Jump Pilot

• Typical Requirements: CPL, 250–500 hours TT

• Locations: Various drop zones across the U.S.

• Pay: $25–$40 per load; some offer daily minimums

• Notes: High-frequency flights; excellent for building hours quickly. Weather dependent

3. Aerial Survey Pilot

• Typical Requirements: CPL, 250–500 hours TT

• Locations: Nationwide; companies like SolAerial Survey and Keystone Aerial Survey

• Pay: Varies; often salaried or hourly

• Notes: Involves flying precise patterns; may require travel

4. Banner Tow Pilot

• Typical Requirements: CPL, tailwheel endorsement

• Locations: Coastal areas and regions with frequent events

• Pay: $25–$55/hour

• Notes: Seasonal work; requires tailwheel usually

5. Glider Tow Pilot

• Typical Requirements: CPL, tailwheel experience

• Locations: Glider clubs and schools nationwide

• Pay: Varies; often per tow

• Notes: Good for building tailwheel time; often part-time

6. Aerial Tour Pilot

• Typical Requirements: CPL, 250+ hours TT

• Locations: Tourist destinations (e.g., Grand Canyon, Hawaii)

• Pay: $25–$60/hour

• Notes: Seasonal demand; excellent for customer interaction experience

7. Pipeline/Powerline Patrol Pilot

• Typical Requirements: CPL, 250–500 hours TT

• Locations: Regions with extensive infrastructure (e.g., Texas, Midwest)

• Pay: $23–$50/hour

• Notes: Low-altitude flying; often requires long hours

8. Part 135 Charter Co-Pilot

• Typical Requirements: CPL, Instrument Rating, 500–900 hours TT

• Locations: Regional charter companies

• Pay: $40,000–$70,000/year (entry level)

• Notes: Competitive; may require relocation

📍 Notable Employers & Opportunities

• Skydive Yosemite (CA): Cessna 182 pilots; 400TT require

• SolAerial Survey: Aerial survey positions; 450TT and 80ME hours require

• Southern Airways Express: Hires pilots with 250TT; 500TT is competitive

• Makers Air: Based in Florida; hires at 250T

🧭 Tips for Aspiring Low-Time Pilots

• Network: Attend aviation events and join pilot forums to connect with industry professional.

• Stay Flexible: Be open to relocating for opportunitie.

• Apply Proactively: Even if you don't meet all listed requirements, express your enthusiasm and willingness to lear.

• Maintain Professionalism: Keep your resume updated and be prepared for interview.

If you're interested in a weekly roundup of current low-time pilot job openings, feel free to let me know!