Ferry Pilot Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the fast-paced world of aviation, the role of a ferry pilot has never been more crucial.

As global travel networks continue to expand, the demand for highly skilled individuals who can transport, deliver, and navigate our aviation landscape is on the rise.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a ferry pilot?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager creating the profile of an ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of aviation and piloting,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable ferry pilot job description template, crafted for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Ferry Pilot Duties and Responsibilities

Ferry Pilots are responsible for delivering aircraft from one location to another, often across countries or continents.

They must ensure safe and efficient flight operations, and are often required to adapt to different types of aircraft, routes, and weather conditions.

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

• Thorough pre-flight inspections of the aircraft to ensure it is safe for travel
• Planning the most efficient route, taking into consideration factors like weather conditions, fuel stops, and regulations of different countries
• Operating a variety of aircraft types safely and efficiently
• Communicating effectively with air traffic control during the flight
• Ensuring all necessary flight paperwork, such as customs forms, are completed and submitted
• Maintaining accurate flight logs for record-keeping and reporting
• Observing all relevant safety procedures and regulations
• Adapting to changes and delays in flight plans, and making the necessary arrangements
• Handling any in-flight emergencies or unexpected situations effectively

 

Ferry Pilot Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a reliable and skilled Ferry Pilot to join our dynamic team.

The Ferry Pilot’s responsibilities include delivering aircraft from one location to another, ensuring the safety of the aircraft and passengers, preparing flight plans, performing thorough aircraft inspections, and handling any in-flight emergencies.

The ideal candidate should be an excellent communicator, able to work in stressful situations and have a deep understanding of flight operations.

Proven experience as a commercial pilot is essential for this role.

 

Responsibilities

• Deliver aircraft from one location to another safely and efficiently.
• Prepare and submit flight plans, considering factors such as altitude, terrain, weather, range, weight, cruise control data, airport facilities, and navigation aids.
• Perform pre-flight and post-flight inspections to ensure the safety of the aircraft.
• Coordinate with air traffic control personnel during flight and ground movement operations.
• Handle in-flight emergencies in a calm and efficient manner.
• Maintain an accurate record of flight hours and aircraft maintenance activities.
• Comply with all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and guidelines.

 

Qualifications

• Valid commercial pilot’s license and medical certificate.
• Proven work experience as a commercial pilot or Ferry Pilot.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to handle stressful situations and act quickly during emergencies.
• Understanding of air navigation, interpretation of meteorological reports, operating electronic and mechanical systems.
• Ability to fly for long hours without breaks.
• High school diploma or equivalent. Degree in aviation or related field is a plus.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Ferry Pilot
• Work Environment: The majority of work is conducted in-flight. Some travel will be required.
• 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: $60,000 minimum to $90,000 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 Ferry Pilot Do?

Ferry Pilots are specialized aviators who are responsible for delivering aircraft from one location to another.

They can work for airlines, private companies, military or aircraft manufacturers.

They are typically required to fly different types of aircraft including commercial airplanes, private jets, or military aircraft, depending on the client’s needs.

Their main role is to ensure the safe and efficient transfer of the aircraft by planning the flight path, monitoring the aircraft’s condition, and communicating with air traffic control.

Ferry Pilots may also be responsible for conducting pre-flight inspections, maintaining records of their flights, and troubleshooting any issues that may arise during the journey.

Although they fly alone most of the time, they have to work closely with ground crews, flight planners, and other airline staff to ensure that each aircraft transfer goes smoothly.

Ferry Pilots may also provide feedback on the performance of the aircraft to the airlines or manufacturers, helping them make necessary adjustments or improvements.

 

Ferry Pilot Qualifications and Skills

Ferry Pilots must possess a broad set of technical skills and personal qualities in order to carry out their duties efficiently and safely.

These include:

• Extensive knowledge of aviation, including aircraft systems, weather, navigation, and air traffic control procedures, to ensure safe and efficient flights.
• Superior flying skills, including take-off and landing, in-flight maneuvers, emergency procedures, and instrument flight rules (IFR) operations.
• Physical fitness and stamina to tolerate long hours of flight time, often under stressful conditions.
• Strong communication skills to efficiently coordinate with air traffic control, ground crew, passengers, and other pilots, as well as to report any issues or incidents during flights.
• Attention to detail to accurately read and interpret flight plans, weather reports, and aircraft performance data, and to perform pre-flight checks on aircraft systems and equipment.
• Problem-solving skills to handle unexpected situations or emergencies during flights.
• Ability to work independently and make critical decisions quickly and confidently.
• Must hold a valid commercial pilot license and, in many cases, an instrument rating.

 

Ferry Pilot Experience Requirements

To become a Ferry Pilot, one needs to have at least a few hundred hours of flying experience, with the exact number varying depending on the employer or the type of aircraft being ferried.

This experience can be gained through flight training, as a flight instructor, or other roles in the aviation industry that offer flight time.

Entry-level Ferry Pilots are typically required to have at least a Commercial Pilot License, while more experienced pilots may be required to have an Airline Transport Pilot License.

In both cases, these licenses require significant flight experience and a thorough understanding of aircraft operations and safety regulations.

In addition to these licenses, Ferry Pilots are often required to have specific ratings for the type of aircraft they will be flying.

These ratings require additional flight experience and training in the particular aircraft.

For example, a pilot ferrying multi-engine aircraft would require a Multi-Engine Rating, while a pilot ferrying instrument flight rules (IFR) would need an IFR Rating.

Ferry Pilots with more than 5 years of experience or a significant number of flight hours may be considered for more complex ferry assignments, which may involve longer distances, more challenging weather conditions, or more sophisticated aircraft.

These pilots may also have leadership experience and could potentially oversee other pilots or manage ferry operations.

 

Ferry Pilot Education and Training Requirements

Becoming a Ferry Pilot requires a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), which mandates a minimum of 250 hours of flight time.

This includes 100 hours of pilot-in-command time and 50 hours of cross-country flight.

Before obtaining a CPL, one must first earn a Private Pilot License (PPL).

The PPL training includes 40-60 hours of flight time, and a thorough understanding of aircraft operations, navigation, and meteorology.

Ferry Pilots often have Instrument Rating (IR) and Multi-Engine Rating (MER) certifications.

The IR certification involves an additional 40-50 hours of training and ensures that the pilot can handle aircraft under any weather conditions.

The MER is necessary for operating aircraft with more than one engine.

A high school diploma or equivalent is usually required, and a bachelor’s degree in aviation or a related field can be beneficial.

Physical fitness and regular medical check-ups are also mandatory as per Federal Aviation Administration regulations.

Continued training and education are critical for Ferry Pilots to keep up with technological advances and regulatory changes.

Many pilots also pursue advanced certifications to broaden their career opportunities and increase their skill set.

 

Ferry Pilot Salary Expectations

A Ferry Pilot can expect to earn an average salary of $85,000 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can fluctuate based on flight hours, years of experience, certification levels, and the specific company hiring.

The location can also play a significant role in determining the pay.

 

Ferry Pilot Job Description FAQs

What skills does a ferry pilot need?

Ferry pilots need to have excellent flight skills and the ability to pilot a wide variety of aircraft, as they will be transporting many different types of planes from one location to another.

They should also have good navigation skills and the ability to fly long distances, often internationally.

Strong communication skills are also necessary, as they need to maintain constant contact with air traffic control and possibly the owners of the aircraft.

 

Do ferry pilots need a specific degree?

Ferry pilots do not necessarily need a specific degree, but they must have the appropriate pilot’s license.

This usually requires a significant amount of flight training and passing a series of tests.

Many ferry pilots have a degree in aviation or a related field, which can provide valuable knowledge and skills for the job.

 

What should you look for in a ferry pilot resume?

When looking at a ferry pilot resume, important factors to consider include the pilot’s flight hours and the types of aircraft they are certified to fly.

The more experience and qualifications they have, the better.

Additional things to look for may include any international experience, as ferry pilots often need to navigate international airspace, and any endorsements or certifications they may have.

 

What qualities make a good ferry pilot?

A good ferry pilot is highly responsible and reliable, as they are entrusted with valuable aircraft and must ensure it reaches its destination safely.

They must be adaptable and able to handle any situation that may arise during flight.

Good physical health and stamina is also important, as ferry pilots often fly long distances and may have to deal with jet lag.

 

Is it difficult to hire ferry pilots?

Hiring ferry pilots can be challenging due to the specialized skills and qualifications required for the job.

There may be a smaller pool of candidates who have the necessary flight hours and aircraft certifications.

It can also be more difficult to hire for international ferry pilot positions, as these require additional knowledge and experience.

However, offering competitive pay and benefits can help attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve navigated through the real essence of being a ferry pilot.

Guess what?

It’s not just about steering the ship.

It’s about charting the course for travel, one sea mile at a time.

With our reliable ferry pilot job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to embark on a new journey.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate guide to creating precision-crafted listings or tailoring your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every sea mile is a part of the larger journey.

Let’s navigate the seas. Together.

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