Exploring Career Paths in Aviation

When training to become a pilot, it may seem like a career in the airlines is the only option. But the good news is that there are so many career paths for aspiring pilots, both in the airlines and beyond!

To help you on your aviation journey, we’ve put together this list of pilot career options. Some are obvious, some not so much!

Careers in Aviation

Certified Flight Instructor

Certified flight instructors, or CFIs, are pilots authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to teach student pilots to operate an aircraft. They conduct ground school, instruct students in the air and evaluate decision-making, and recommend students for checkrides. Many CFIs work for flight schools, though they may also work independently as free agents.

Charter Pilot

Charter pilots transport passengers on private aircraft. These pilots fly to a variety of locations on non-scheduled flights, flying whenever and wherever the client wants to go. Along with carrying out regular flight operations, charter pilots are also responsible for providing personalized customer service and ensuring client comfort. 

Corporate Pilot

Corporate pilots operate company-owned or chartered aircraft to transport business executives and clients. Their schedule requires flexibility and a readiness to fly on short notice. Corporate pilots are responsible for all aspects of the flight from pre-flight checks to in-flight operations and customer service.

Cargo Pilot

Cargo pilots fly aircraft transporting freight, mail, and other goods, rather than passengers. They often fly at night or in the early morning to deliver items around the world. These pilots may also monitor weight and balance, oversee the loading and unloading of freight, or sign off on shipments upon arrival.

Agricultural Pilot

Agricultural pilots, also known as crop dusters, fly small aircraft specially equipped to spray fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides on crops and farmland. They are skilled at precision flying, able to operate aircraft at low altitudes and high speeds, and are responsible for mixing, loading, and managing the chemicals.

Aerial Survey Pilot

Survey pilots fly specialized aircraft equipped with cameras, sensors, or LiDAR to capture imagery or geospatial data of the Earth’s surface. They follow precise, grid-like patterns to collect data for mapping and analysis.

Government Service Pilot

Government pilots operate aircraft for local, state, and federal government agencies. They may conduct aerial surveillance or border patrol, search and rescue operations, disaster relief, or transport government officials and personnel.

Law Enforcement Pilot

Law enforcement pilots operate aircraft to support police officers on the ground. They conduct aerial surveillance during pursuits and criminal investigations, aid in search and rescue operations, support SWAT teams, and transport officers and personnel. These pilots often begin as sworn police officers.

Experimental Test Pilot

Test pilots are responsible for flying and evaluating new, modified, or experimental aircraft by flying them through rigorous, sometimes dangerous, maneuvers to assess performance, handling, and safety. These pilots work closely with engineers, identifying design flaws and recommending improvements before aircraft are cleared for operational use.

Medical and Air Ambulance Pilot

Medical pilots, also called EMS pilots, fly operate aircraft for emergency medical services, transporting patients, medical teams, and organs. They generally offer transport from emergency scenes to trauma centers or between hospitals. These pilots provide quick but safe transportation and often need to be able to fly at all times of day and in all conditions.

Aerial Firefighter

Aerial firefighters work to slow the spread of wildfires by dropping water or fire retardant from an aircraft so firefighters on the ground can contain them. They have specialized knowledge of how wildfires spread and how they can be contained. These pilots also conduct reconnaissance of new fires and transport personnel and supplies to fire zones.

News Helicopter Pilot

News pilots operate helicopters for television stations to gather live, aerial footage of breaking news like traffic accidents, fires, or police chases and conduct routine patrols for traffic reporting. They may also be deployed for scheduled filming of things like sporting events.

Stunt Pilot

Stunt pilots specialize in performing dangerous, high-skill aerial maneuvers for entertainment, airshows, or film production. They perform displays like spins, loops, rolls, and inverted flight to entertain crowds. A career as a stunt pilot requires intense training and is rare due to its highly risky and demanding nature.

Banner Tow Pilot

Banner tow pilots fly single-engine aircraft pulling large banners with advertisements or messages over targeted audiences, often at beaches and sporting events. These pilots are trained to grab the banner mid-flight with a specialized hook and rope to lift the banner without having to land.

Scenic Tour Pilot

Scenic tour pilots operate helicopters or small planes for aerial sightseeing tours, focusing on passenger comfort and entertainment. They often narrate points of interest throughout the flight and provide high-level customer service to maintain customer satisfaction and comfort.

Ferry Pilot

Ferry pilots move aircraft from one location to another, oftentimes without passengers or cargo. This includes delivering new aircraft from manufacturers to buyers, transporting aircraft to new owners, or transporting aircraft to maintenance facilities. These pilots fly a wide range of aircraft and often work as independent contractors.

Bush Pilot

Bush pilots are specially trained to fly small aircraft into remote areas lacking paved runways, air traffic control, or adequate infrastructure. These pilots are versatile, able to land aircraft on short and unpaved airstrips, in dirt fields, on frozen lakes, or in water.

Careers in the Airlines

Flying for the airlines isn't all that bad, though. They generally offer higher pay, structured schedules, and greater job stability. Here are a couple of options for pilots aspiring to fly in the airlines!

Major Airline Pilot

Major airline pilots fly for the industry’s flagship airlines, like American, Delta, and United, operating larger domestic and international networks with larger aircraft. These pilots often have less frequent takeoffs and landings and longer layovers.

Regional Airline Pilot

Regional airline pilots operate smaller jets and shorter routes for regional carriers like SkyWest, Envoy, and Republic. Regional pilots often have more frequent takeoffs and landings and may spend more time away from home.

Get Started With Flight School at AIRO

Are you interested in a career in aviation, but aren’t sure where to start? We’ve got you covered! AIRO has flight schools in Northwest Arkansas and Kansas City with expert pilots trained to provide high-level instruction so that you can reach your aviation goals. To take that first step, book a discovery flight with us and see firsthand what it’s like to train at AIRO!

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