Bush Pilot Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of aviation, the role of bush pilots is as challenging as it is exciting.

As transportation evolves, the demand for skilled pilots who can navigate, manage, and ensure the safety of small aircraft in remote areas grows.

So, what does it truly mean to be a bush pilot?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring pilot looking to understand the specifics of this job,
• An aviation company needing to profile the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the unique lifestyle of bush pilots,

You’ve landed in the right place.

Today, we present a tailored bush pilot job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s take off and explore.

Bush Pilot Duties and Responsibilities

Bush Pilots are responsible for flying small aircrafts often in remote or less developed regions.

They are involved in a variety of tasks including delivering supplies, transporting passengers, and providing emergency services.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Flying aircrafts to transport passengers, cargo or deliver supplies to remote locations
• Regularly maintaining and inspecting aircrafts to ensure safety and compliance with regulations
• Planning routes, considering factors such as weather conditions and fuel requirements
• Communicating with air traffic control to ensure safe and effective flights
• Performing emergency procedures in case of bad weather, engine failure, or other unfavorable conditions
• Providing flight instruction to other pilots or trainees
• Assisting in loading and unloading of cargo
• Participating in rescue operations and providing emergency services when needed
• Documenting flight logs, including details of departure, arrival, and any incidents during the flight

 

Bush Pilot Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled Bush Pilot to join our team.

The Bush Pilot’s responsibilities will include transporting passengers and cargo, ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers, and maintaining detailed flight reports.

The ideal candidate should be an experienced pilot with excellent navigational skills, who is also comfortable with unpredictable weather conditions and remote locations.

A strong understanding of safety regulations and emergency procedures is vital.

 

Responsibilities

• Conducting pre-flight inspections to ensure that the aircraft is safe for travel.
• Transporting cargo and passengers to designated areas.
• Planning flight paths and navigating through difficult terrain and weather.
• Maintaining flight logbooks, recording flight times, fuel consumption, and any maintenance or repair needs.
• Adhering to all aviation safety regulations and procedures.
• Conducting emergency procedures when necessary.
• Providing weather briefings and responding to air traffic control instructions.
• Performing minor aircraft maintenance and ensuring that the aircraft is clean and ready for flight.

 

Qualifications

• Valid pilot’s license and medical certificate.
• Proven experience as a bush pilot or similar role.
• Excellent communication and navigation skills.
• Familiarity with emergency procedures and safety regulations.
• Physical fitness and the ability to handle stressful situations.
• Ability to perform minor aircraft maintenance.
• Availability to travel to remote locations and work irregular hours.

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Bush Pilot
• Work Environment: Primarily outdoors, often in remote locations. The role includes regular travel.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Chief Pilot or Flight Operations Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $80,000 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 a Bush Pilot Do?

Bush Pilots are specialized pilots who fly to remote locations, often in underdeveloped countries or in rugged terrains like the bushlands, mountains, or forests.

They typically work for small aviation companies, government services, or humanitarian organizations, but some bush pilots are self-employed and offer charter services or scenic flights.

Their primary task is to transport people, deliver goods, or provide emergency services to places inaccessible by other means of transport.

This could include dropping supplies to remote communities, transporting wildlife conservationists, or aiding rescue missions.

Bush pilots must be highly skilled as they often fly under challenging weather conditions and land on unimproved airstrips, water, or open fields.

They are also responsible for the maintenance of their aircraft to ensure safety.

In addition, bush pilots may need to provide first aid or survival skills in emergency situations and communicate with air traffic control and clients to coordinate flights.

They also need to have excellent navigation skills as they often fly over regions without the help of traditional navigation aids.

 

Bush Pilot Qualifications and Skills

A competent bush pilot should have the skills and qualifications that are aligned with the job description, such as:

• Extensive flight training and experience, often evidenced by a specific number of logged flight hours.
• Possession of a valid pilot’s license, with a preference for those who have a commercial pilot’s license.
• Advanced navigational skills to compensate for the lack of traditional navigation aids in remote and wilderness areas.
• Strong mechanical knowledge to perform necessary maintenance and repairs on aircraft, particularly in remote settings where professional assistance may not be readily available.
• Excellent judgment and decision-making abilities to respond quickly and effectively to changing weather conditions and potentially hazardous situations.
• Superior physical fitness to handle the physical demands of flying in challenging conditions and to carry out physical tasks such as loading and unloading cargo.
• Exceptional communication skills to maintain contact with air traffic control and other relevant authorities, and to communicate effectively with passengers or clients.
• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to handle unexpected changes or delays while ensuring passenger safety and comfort.

 

Bush Pilot Experience Requirements

Bush pilots usually need to have completed an accredited flight school program, where they gain theoretical knowledge and practical flying experience.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires a minimum of 40 flight hours, including at least 20 hours of flight instruction and 10 hours of solo flight, for a private pilot’s license.

Prior to becoming a bush pilot, it is essential to gain experience in various challenging flight conditions.

Many bush pilots build up their flight hours in entry-level aviation roles such as flight instruction, aerial surveys, or cargo transportation.

While entry-level bush pilot roles may require 500 to 1,000 hours of flight time, more advanced or challenging positions in remote areas often require more than 1,500 hours of flight experience.

Bush pilots must also have an instrument rating to be able to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), which require additional training and flight hours.

Additionally, bush pilots are typically required to have specific experience in the type of aircraft they will be piloting, such as floatplanes or tailwheel aircraft.

This experience can often be gained through specific training programs or on-the-job experience.

Those with more than 5 years of bush flying experience may be ready for roles such as chief pilot or operations manager, which involve additional responsibilities and require advanced flight experience and a proven record of safety and reliability.

 

Bush Pilot Education and Training Requirements

Bush Pilots usually hold a high school diploma or equivalent.

However, becoming a pilot also requires significant training and licensure.

Prospective Bush Pilots must start by obtaining a private pilot license, which requires a minimum of 40 hours of flight experience, including 20 hours with an instructor and 10 hours of solo flight.

This process also requires passing a written exam and a flight test.

After obtaining a private pilot license, aspiring Bush Pilots then need to acquire an instrument rating, which allows pilots to fly under instrument flight rules.

This requires an additional 40 to 50 hours of flight time, as well as passing another written exam and flight test.

The next step is to obtain a commercial pilot license, which is necessary to get paid for flying.

This requires a minimum of 250 hours of flight time, including specific hours of cross-country, night, and instrument flying.

Many Bush Pilots also choose to obtain a flight instructor certificate, which requires passing yet another written exam and flight test.

This allows them to build up their hours by teaching others how to fly, which can be a cost-effective way of gaining the necessary experience to become a Bush Pilot.

Bush Pilots may also need additional training or certification depending on the specific nature of their work.

For example, those flying in Alaska may need training in wilderness survival and emergency procedures, while those flying for a specific company may need training on that company’s procedures and equipment.

Finally, Bush Pilots must maintain their skills and licensure through ongoing training and periodic medical and flight reviews.

 

Bush Pilot Salary Expectations

A Bush Pilot earns an average salary of $78,000 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings may vary based on factors such as flight hours, level of experience, the size and type of aircraft flown, and the location where the pilot is employed.

 

Bush Pilot Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Bush Pilot need?

Bush Pilots need exceptional flying skills, including taking off and landing in challenging, often remote environments.

They should have a strong understanding of aircraft mechanics and be able to perform minor repairs if needed.

In addition, they need excellent navigational skills, a keen awareness of weather conditions, and strong problem-solving abilities to handle unexpected situations.

Excellent communication skills are also essential for communicating with air traffic control and passengers.

 

Do Bush Pilots need specific qualifications?

Bush Pilots require a commercial pilot’s license and typically need a high school diploma or equivalent.

Many also have an instrument rating, which allows them to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).

Additionally, employers often prefer candidates with a significant amount of flight experience, particularly in small aircraft.

Some Bush Pilots also hold a flight instructor certification, which allows them to train other pilots.

 

What should you look for in a Bush Pilot’s resume?

A Bush Pilot’s resume should demonstrate a significant amount of flight experience, particularly in small aircraft and challenging environments.

It should also include their flight certifications, such as a commercial pilot’s license and instrument rating.

Experience in performing minor aircraft repairs can also be a significant advantage.

Additionally, look for any experience or qualifications in first aid or survival training, as Bush Pilots often operate in remote areas where such skills could be needed.

 

What qualities make a good Bush Pilot?

A good Bush Pilot is composed and level-headed, able to make critical decisions under pressure.

They are adaptable, prepared to handle a range of unexpected situations, and have a high level of physical fitness to deal with the physical demands of the job.

Excellent navigational skills are a must, and a good Bush Pilot should also be reliable and have a strong focus on safety.

 

Is it difficult to hire Bush Pilots?

Hiring Bush Pilots can be challenging due to the specific skills and experience required for the role.

Candidates must have a commercial pilot’s license and significant flight experience, particularly in challenging conditions.

However, with a thorough recruitment process and an attractive employment package, it is certainly possible to find qualified and dedicated Bush Pilots.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a glimpse into the exhilarating world of being a bush pilot.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about flying a plane.

It’s about navigating the uncharted skies, one flight at a time.

With our comprehensive bush pilot job description template and authentic examples, you’re ready to take flight.

But don’t just hover here.

Soar higher with our job description generator. It’s your next destination for creating pinpoint-accurate listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Always remember:

Every flight is a part of a bigger journey.

Let’s conquer the skies. Together.

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