Corporate aviation offers a distinct career path from its airline counterpart, characterized by diverse destinations, smaller flight crews, and a unique level of interaction with passengers. A corporate pilot, also known as a private jet pilot, is responsible for safely operating aircraft owned by a company, individual, or charter service. This role involves flying clients to a wide array of locations, often on short notice, and blends technical flying skill with personal service.
Foundational Pilot Requirements
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates that a commercial pilot must be at least 18 years old. Aspiring pilots must also be U.S. citizens or receive specific approval from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to undergo flight training as a non-citizen. A valid FAA Medical Certificate is required before a student pilot can fly an aircraft solo.
While a Third-Class certificate is sufficient for private pilots, corporate flight departments require at least a Second-Class medical for commercial operations. Many employers prefer a First-Class certificate, the same standard required for airline transport pilots. An Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) conducts the exam, which assesses vision, hearing, and overall health to ensure a pilot is fit for flight. While a high school diploma is the minimum educational requirement, a bachelor’s degree in aviation or a related field can make a candidate more competitive.
The Flight Training Pathway
Private Pilot License
The first step is earning a Private Pilot License (PPL). This foundational certificate permits a pilot to act as the pilot-in-command of an aircraft and carry passengers, though not for compensation. Achieving a PPL involves ground school to learn aeronautical principles and flight training with a certified instructor. Students must pass a written knowledge exam, an oral exam, and a practical flight test, known as a checkride, to demonstrate their proficiency to an FAA examiner.
Instrument Rating
An Instrument Rating (IR) is a requirement for any professional pilot, as it authorizes flight under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). IFR allows a pilot to operate in weather with low visibility, such as clouds or rain, by relying solely on the aircraft’s instruments for navigation and control. Corporate aviation demands this capability, as flights cannot be canceled simply due to poor weather. The training focuses on precision flying, instrument navigation, and emergency procedures in simulated low-visibility environments.
Commercial Pilot License
To legally fly for compensation, a pilot must earn a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). The training for the CPL builds upon the skills developed during the PPL and IR, with an emphasis on a higher standard of airmanship, precision, and knowledge. The flight maneuvers and aeronautical knowledge standards for the commercial checkride are more demanding. This license marks the transition from an enthusiast to a professional.
Multi-Engine Rating
A Multi-Engine Rating (MER) is necessary as most corporate jets have more than one engine. This rating is added to an existing pilot license and certifies a pilot to operate aircraft with multiple engines. Training for the MER focuses on the unique aerodynamic principles and emergency procedures associated with multi-engine aircraft, particularly handling an engine failure.
Building Flight Experience
Corporate flight departments have flight hour minimums for insurance purposes, often ranging from 1,000 to 2,500 total flight hours. This experience is needed to handle complex aircraft and demanding operational environments.
One of the most common routes to build hours is becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). This role allows a pilot to log hours while teaching new students how to fly. Other time-building jobs include:
- Banner towing
- Conducting aerial surveys
- Pipeline patrol
- Flying for small air taxi operations
- Flying for skydiving operations
Advanced Qualifications and Skills
To become a competitive candidate, pilots must pursue qualifications beyond the CPL. The Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate is the highest level of pilot certification in the United States. It is a requirement for pilots acting as captain in most commercial operations and is the standard for corporate aviation professionals. Achieving the ATP certificate requires a pilot to be at least 23 years old and have a minimum of 1,500 flight hours.
Beyond the ATP, corporate pilots need a “type rating” for the specific make and model of jet they intend to fly. For example, a pilot hired to fly a Gulfstream G650 must complete an intensive, model-specific training program and pass a checkride to receive a G650 type rating on their pilot certificate. These ratings are often paid for by the hiring company. Important non-technical skills include:
- Professionalism and discretion
- A strong customer service orientation
- Flexibility to adapt to constantly changing schedules and destinations
Finding a Corporate Pilot Job
Openings are often posted on industry-specific job boards such as BizJetJobs and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) jobs board. These platforms are dedicated to business aviation and attract listings from top corporate flight departments and charter companies. A professional pilot resume should clearly highlight total flight time, specific ratings held, and any relevant experience in customer-facing roles.
Networking is effective within the business aviation community. Attending industry conferences and regional aviation events provides opportunities to meet flight department managers and chief pilots. Building a professional network can lead to job opportunities that are never publicly advertised.
What to Expect in the Role
The life of a corporate pilot varies based on the type of operation. Pilots in Part 91 operations fly for a single company or owner, which can lead to a more predictable lifestyle, though it still requires flexibility. In contrast, Part 135 operations involve flying for a charter company that serves a wide variety of clients, which is often a more dynamic and on-demand role.
The responsibilities of a corporate pilot extend well beyond the cockpit. Duties frequently include:
- Flight planning
- Arranging international permits
- Coordinating with ground services
- Ensuring the aircraft is stocked with the passengers’ preferred catering
The job demands a high level of passenger interaction and service. Career progression involves moving from a first officer (second-in-command) to a captain role, with opportunities to transition to larger, more complex aircraft or move into management positions like chief pilot or flight department manager.