General Aviation Pilot
General Aviation Pilot
Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft on nonscheduled air carrier routes or helicopters.
About the Career
The General Aviation (GA) Pilot performs a variety of flying jobs. This will vary depending on the type of aircraft being flown and the type of mission.
On the job:
You may fly missions related to:
- Aerial photography and advertising
- Aerial advertising
- Sightseeing
- Geological survey
- Fish and game census
- Highway patrol
- Checking federal airways and navigational aids
For people who wish to fly for a living but prefer not to work for a large corporation, GA Pilot may be the way to go. GA Pilots (also referred to as charter pilots or corporate pilots) enjoy the benefits of doing something they love. GA Pilots may transport corporate executives from city to city, transport professional sports teams to their next games or take celebrities to a movie shoot. Because of the nature of the work, GA Pilots frequently get to know and bond with people who use their services.
Details
Average Salary: $87,948
Salary Range: $55,222 - $107,105
Education: 4 Year Degree
Outlook: Great (11% - 20% growth)
Total Jobs (2020)1,840
Education and Training
Anyone who wishes to fly professionally must obtain a commercial pilot's license. Doing so requires hundreds of hours of training, including time spent operating a variety of different aircraft. Many GA Pilots begin their training at flight schools which offer flying lessons to newcomers to the industry. Companies hiring GA Pilots usually require a bachelor's degree in any field, however a degree in aeronautical sciences or aviation is a huge benefit.
Note: Helicopter and General Aviation Pilot career and jobs data are reported as the same from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.
Employers
Information provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Descriptions are based on general guidelines and industry standards and job duties may vary by employer and specific industry. Labor projections utilize data for the North Central Texas region and may vary from national statistics.
Critical Skills
Operation and Control
Operation Monitoring
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Flexible Schedule
