Aerial Tour Pilot Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of travel and adventure, the role of aerial tour pilots is gaining increasing attention.

As the tourism industry evolves, the demand for skilled pilots who can guide, engage, and ensure the safety of passengers on breathtaking aerial tours is on the rise.

But what exactly is expected from an aerial tour pilot?

Whether you are:

A job seeker looking to understand the specifics of this role,
A hiring manager trying to define the perfect candidate,
Or simply fascinated by the unique nature of aerial tourism,

You’ve landed in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable aerial tour pilot job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s soar right into it.

Contents show

Aerial Tour Pilot Duties and Responsibilities

Aerial Tour Pilots are responsible for safely operating aircraft to provide passengers with aerial tours of various locations.

They must have a strong understanding of aviation rules and regulations, as well as excellent customer service skills.

The duties and responsibilities of an Aerial Tour Pilot include:

Conduct pre-flight inspections of aircraft systems and equipment
Operate aircraft safely and efficiently during take-off, flight and landing
Communicate with air traffic control throughout the flight
Provide passengers with information and commentary about the areas being flown over
Ensure the comfort and safety of all passengers
Respond to any emergency situations professionally and in line with training and safety protocols
Maintain detailed flight logs and records
Keep up to date with changes in aviation regulations and weather conditions
Perform basic aircraft maintenance and coordinate any necessary repairs

Aerial Tour Pilot Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled, experienced Aerial Tour Pilot to join our team.

In this role, you will provide our clients with unique, unforgettable flight experiences, showcasing the stunning vistas from above.

The Aerial Tour Pilot responsibilities include ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers, conducting pre-flight inspections, and providing informative and engaging commentary during flights.

Candidates should have a strong understanding of aviation safety guidelines, excellent piloting skills, and a commitment to outstanding customer service.

Responsibilities

Conduct pre-flight inspections to ensure aircraft safety
Plan flight paths and control aircraft along planned routes
Communicate with air traffic control to provide flight plans and get clearance for flights
Provide passengers with information and safety procedures
Deliver engaging commentary on notable sights during the flight
Manage in-flight emergencies and report any incidents or near misses
Maintain logbooks for flown hours, maintenance, and incidents
Provide excellent customer service and promote the company’s reputation

Qualifications

Valid commercial pilot’s license
Minimum of 500 hours logged pilot time
Knowledge of FAA regulations
Excellent communication skills
Ability to manage stressful situations
Previous experience in tour guiding or public speaking a plus
High school diploma or equivalent
First Aid and CPR certification is a plus

Benefits

Health insurance
Dental insurance
Retirement plan
Paid time off
Life Insurance
Opportunities for professional development and training

Additional Information

Job Title: Aerial Tour Pilot
Work Environment: Most work is conducted outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. Regular travel is required.
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Flight Operations Manager.
Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Pay Range: $48,000 minimum to $75,000 maximum
Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
Employment Type: Full-time
Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

What Does an Aerial Tour Pilot Do?

Aerial Tour Pilots are typically employed by aviation or tour companies to provide guests with thrilling and unique aerial views of various landmarks and landscapes.

They can also work independently if they own their own aircraft.

Their main duty is to fly aircraft in a manner that is safe and enjoyable for their passengers.

This involves not only navigating the plane but also providing commentary and information about the landmarks or areas being flown over.

They are responsible for pre-flight inspections, checking the weather, planning the flight route, and ensuring all safety procedures are followed.

In addition, they must communicate effectively with air traffic control during takeoff, flight, and landing.

Aerial Tour Pilots must also manage any in-flight emergencies and reassure passengers in such instances, maintaining calm and control.

Moreover, they may also be responsible for promoting the company’s aerial tour services, scheduling flights, and conducting basic maintenance or reporting any necessary repairs for their aircraft.

Ultimately, they strive to provide a memorable and exciting experience for their passengers while prioritizing safety at all times.

Aerial Tour Pilot Qualifications and Skills

An Aerial Tour Pilot should possess a mix of technical skills, interpersonal abilities, and specific knowledge of aviation, including:

Possessing a commercial pilot license or an Airline Transport Pilot license issued by the Federal Aviation Administration, along with an instrument rating.
Having a thorough knowledge of aircraft systems and procedures, aviation safety standards and protocols, and the ability to conduct pre-flight checks.
Excellent visual acuity and physical health to perform the duties that require precision and endurance.
Customer service skills to interact with passengers, addressing their concerns, and providing them a memorable tour experience.
Strong communication skills to relay important information to passengers and ground control, and to work effectively with co-pilots and crew members.
Ability to work under pressure and make quick decisions in unexpected situations, utilizing problem-solving skills.
Navigation skills to plan flight paths, interpret maps, and operate GPS and other navigational systems.

Aerial Tour Pilot Experience Requirements

To become an Aerial Tour Pilot, candidates typically need to earn a private pilot license from a flight school accredited by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

This requires a minimum of 40 hours of flight experience, including 20 hours of flight with an instructor and 10 hours of solo flight.

In addition, most Aerial Tour Operators prefer pilots with a commercial pilot license which requires a minimum of 250 flight hours.

These hours include both dual and solo flights, as well as cross-country and night flying experience.

The commercial license also requires the pilot to pass a written test and a flight test.

For more advanced or specialized aerial tour roles, such as those involving complex aircraft or challenging flight paths, operators often prefer pilots with an instrument rating.

This qualification requires additional flight hours and training on how to fly in different weather conditions using only the aircraft’s instruments for guidance.

Furthermore, pilots with more than 500 hours of flight experience, especially those who have already worked in a tour-related environment, are often preferred for aerial tour roles.

This level of experience suggests that they are familiar with the customer service aspects of the job and have a proven safety record.

Finally, for leadership or managerial roles in the aerial tour industry, employers often prefer candidates with many years of experience in a variety of pilot roles, a proven safety record, and some experience in supervising or training other pilots.

Aerial Tour Pilot Education and Training Requirements

To become an Aerial Tour Pilot, individuals must first have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Next, they must earn a private pilot’s license, which requires a minimum of 40 flight hours, including at least 20 hours with an instructor and 10 hours of solo flying.

Once this is achieved, they must attain a commercial pilot’s license.

This involves at least 250 hours of flight time, including specific time spent on maneuvers and operations relevant to commercial flying.

In addition, a pilot must pass a physical examination to ensure they meet the health and fitness requirements set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

While not a strict requirement, many aerial tour pilots also opt to earn an instrument rating certification.

This certification allows pilots to fly under instrument flight rules (IFR), which is often necessary due to the variable weather conditions they may encounter.

Furthermore, aerial tour pilots may choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree in aviation or a related field to deepen their knowledge about aviation and enhance their job prospects.

Lastly, aerial tour pilots must always be prepared to engage in lifelong learning, as the industry is constantly evolving and pilots must stay updated on the latest safety measures and flight technologies.

Aerial Tour Pilot Salary Expectations

An Aerial Tour Pilot can expect to earn an average salary of $74,482 (USD) per year.

However, the actual income can vary greatly depending on factors such as experience, the specific location of employment, and the company hiring the pilot.

Aerial Tour Pilot Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Aerial Tour Pilot need?

An Aerial Tour Pilot should have exceptional aviation skills, including handling and navigating the aircraft, understanding weather patterns, and responding quickly in emergency situations.

They also need excellent communication skills to explain flight details to passengers.

Interpersonal skills are vital for building rapport with passengers, and a strong sense of responsibility is necessary for the safety of all on board.

Do Aerial Tour Pilots need a specific degree or certification?

Aerial Tour Pilots don’t necessarily need a degree, but they must possess a commercial pilot’s license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Some companies might prefer pilots with a degree in aviation or a related field.

Additionally, pilots usually need an instrument rating, which allows them to fly under instrument flight rules (IFR), and a second-class medical certificate.

What should you look for in an Aerial Tour Pilot’s resume?

In addition to checking for a valid commercial pilot’s license and relevant ratings, look for flight hours logged as this is crucial to a pilot’s experience.

Also, look for any additional certifications or training, such as safety or emergency response training.

Previous experience in tourism or customer service can be an added advantage.

What qualities make a good Aerial Tour Pilot?

A good Aerial Tour Pilot should have strong decision-making skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

They should be detail-oriented to navigate and operate the aircraft safely.

Excellent communication and customer service skills are necessary to interact effectively with passengers.

Also, a good pilot should have a passion for flying and a friendly, outgoing personality to ensure a pleasant flight experience for passengers.

Is it difficult to hire Aerial Tour Pilots?

Hiring Aerial Tour Pilots can be challenging due to the specific qualifications and the level of experience required.

You need to find candidates who have the necessary skills, licenses, and flight hours.

Besides, the job also requires a particular personality type, as pilots need to interact with tourists effectively and ensure their comfort and safety throughout the tour.

Conclusion

So, here it is.

We’ve just given you the inside scoop on what it means to be an aerial tour pilot.

Surprise!

It’s not all about soaring through the skies.

It’s about providing breathtaking experiences, one flight at a time.

Armed with our detailed aerial tour pilot job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready for takeoff.

But don’t stop here.

Go the extra mile with our job description generator. It’s your next destination for creating spot-on listings or fine-tuning your resume for a perfect landing.

Remember:

Every flight is part of a bigger journey.

Let’s embark on that journey. Together.

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