Part 135 Charter Pilot Job Description [Updated for 2025]

part 135 charter pilot job description

In the world of aviation, the spotlight on Part 135 charter pilots has never been more intense.

As the demand for private air travel increases, there is a growing need for skilled pilots who can navigate, operate, and ensure the safety of our air charter services.

But let’s dig deeper: What’s truly expected from a Part 135 charter pilot?

Whether you are:

  • A job seeker trying to understand the essence of this role,
  • A hiring manager creating the profile of the ideal candidate,
  • Or simply intrigued by the inner workings of charter aviation,

You’ve landed in the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable Part 135 charter pilot job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s take off into it.

Part 135 Charter Pilot Duties and Responsibilities

Part 135 Charter Pilots play a crucial role in the aviation industry, operating smaller aircraft for private charter flights, air taxis, or other non-scheduled commercial services.

They are responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of their aircraft, with daily duties and responsibilities including:

  • Conduct pre-flight inspections to ensure the aircraft is safe to operate
  • Create flight plans in accordance with weather conditions and fuel requirements
  • Communicate with air traffic control during flight
  • Transport passengers or cargo to their destinations safely and efficiently
  • Comply with all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and guidelines
  • Check and monitor aircraft performance, systems, and technical aspects before, during and after the flight
  • Ensure the safety and comfort of passengers and crew
  • Conduct post-flight inspections to assess the condition of the aircraft
  • Maintain detailed records of flight hours, maintenance, and issues encountered during flight
  • Perform emergency procedures if necessary

 

Part 135 Charter Pilot Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a reliable and experienced Part 135 Charter Pilot to join our team.

The Charter Pilot will be responsible for operating aircraft safely and efficiently while providing an exceptional customer experience.

Part 135 Charter Pilot responsibilities include planning flights, conducting pre-flight inspections, navigating, maintaining aircraft systems, and complying with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.

Ideal candidates should be detail-oriented, demonstrate exceptional communication skills, and hold a deep commitment to safety.

 

Responsibilities

  • Conduct pre-flight inspections to ensure that all aircraft systems are functioning properly
  • Navigate the aircraft by using cockpit instruments and visual references
  • Communicate with air traffic control during take-off, flight, and landing
  • Ensure the safety and comfort of passengers and crew members
  • Prepare and submit flight plans
  • Adhere to all FAA regulations and company policies
  • Keep detailed records of flights, including departure and arrival times, and any incidents or mechanical issues
  • Perform post-flight inspections and report any mechanical concerns

 

Qualifications

  • Valid FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating
  • Valid FAA First or Second Class Medical Certificate
  • Experience flying multi-engine aircraft, preferably in a charter environment
  • Thorough knowledge of FAA regulations
  • Ability to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations
  • Excellent communication and customer service skills
  • Ability to pass a background check and drug test

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

  • Job Title: Part 135 Charter Pilot
  • Work Environment: This role requires spending long hours in the cockpit and frequent travel, often including nights, weekends, and holidays. Regular physical activity, such as lifting and carrying luggage, is also required.
  • Reporting Structure: Reports to the Chief Pilot or Director of Operations.
  • Salary: Salary is based on flight hours, experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
  • Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $100,000 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, pilot certificate, medical certificate, and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Part 135 Charter Pilot Do?

Part 135 Charter Pilots are specialized aviators who fly under the FAA’s Part 135 regulations, operating smaller aircrafts for charter flights, air taxi jobs, and other non-scheduled flight services.

Their primary responsibility is to fly the aircraft safely and efficiently from one location to another, ensuring passenger safety at all times.

This includes checking weather conditions, inspecting the aircraft before each flight to make sure it’s safe to fly, and operating the controls during the flight.

In addition to flying, Part 135 Charter Pilots often handle administrative tasks.

They coordinate with air traffic controllers for takeoff and landing instructions, create flight plans, and maintain logbooks to document their flights and any maintenance issues.

A significant aspect of their job is providing excellent customer service.

They interact directly with their passengers, assisting them with boarding and deboarding, explaining safety procedures, and often catering to specific requests to ensure a comfortable and pleasant flight experience.

Lastly, they keep themselves updated with the latest safety procedures, FAA regulations, and advancements in aviation technology.

They also participate in regular training sessions and flight simulations to keep their skills sharp.

 

Part 135 Charter Pilot Qualifications and Skills

A Part 135 Charter Pilot must possess a unique combination of technical knowledge, practical skills and personal attributes, including:

  • Airman’s Certificate with an Instrument rating and a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) to certify their ability to operate aircrafts.
  • Thorough understanding of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, specifically Part 135, to ensure adherence to safety and procedural rules.
  • Flight experience, including a specific number of flight hours, to have practical exposure and experience in flying different types of aircrafts.
  • Physical fitness and health, as certified by regular medical examinations, to handle the physical and mental stresses of flying.
  • Strong attention to detail to monitor numerous cockpit instruments and systems simultaneously.
  • Exceptional communication skills for interacting with air traffic control, crew members, and passengers, and for dealing with emergencies.
  • Problem-solving and decision-making abilities to handle unforeseen situations and make split-second decisions.
  • Ability to work in a team, coordinating effectively with co-pilots, flight attendants, and ground crew for smooth operations.

 

Part 135 Charter Pilot Experience Requirements

To become a Part 135 Charter Pilot, one must have an extensive amount of flight experience.

This often starts with earning a private pilot license, which requires at least 40-60 hours of flight time, including both instruction and solo flights.

Beyond the private pilot license, potential Charter Pilots must also earn their Instrument Rating and Commercial Pilot License.

The Instrument Rating requires a minimum of 40 hours of instrument flight time, while the Commercial License demands at least 250 hours of total flight time.

Entry-level positions as a Charter Pilot typically require a minimum of 500 hours of flight time.

This experience can be gained through various roles like flight instructing, banner towing, or pipeline patrol.

Candidates aiming for more responsible roles or to fly larger aircraft may need to have an Airline Transport Pilot License which requires a minimum of 1,500 hours of flight time.

Finally, it’s important to note that all pilots, including Part 135 Charter Pilots, must maintain their skills and flight hours with regular flights and training sessions.

These requirements ensure that pilots are always ready to handle their complex and demanding responsibilities.

 

Part 135 Charter Pilot Education and Training Requirements

Part 135 Charter Pilots are required to hold a high school diploma or equivalent education as a basic educational requirement.

It is highly recommended that they further their education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in aeronautics or a related field.

To become a Part 135 Charter Pilot, a Commercial Pilot Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is a must.

The certificate requires an individual to have at least 250 hours of flight experience including 100 hours of pilot-in-command time and 50 hours of cross-country flight.

Part 135 Charter Pilots also need an Instrument Rating, which requires a written exam and a practical test, to be able to fly under instrument flight rules (IFR).

For carrying passengers for hire at night or beyond 50 nautical miles, a Part 135 Charter Pilot must have at least 500 hours of flight time, of which 100 hours must be cross-country flight time.

Additionally, to meet the requirements of Part 135 operators, these pilots often need a Second-Class Medical Certificate from the FAA.

A type rating may also be necessary if the pilot is flying aircraft that require it, such as jets or multi-engine airplanes.

This requires additional specialized training and passing a type-rating check ride.

Continual learning and skill development is crucial in this profession to keep up with advances in aviation technology and regulations.

Many pilots choose to pursue further certifications or ratings, such as a Flight Instructor Certificate, to broaden their career options and enhance their expertise.

 

Part 135 Charter Pilot Salary Expectations

A Part 135 Charter Pilot earns an average salary of $70,000 (USD) per year.

However, this salary can vary greatly based on factors such as accumulated flight hours, type of aircraft flown, geographical location, and the charter company’s scale of operations.

 

Part 135 Charter Pilot Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Part 135 Charter Pilot need?

Part 135 Charter Pilots need strong technical skills to manage complex flight systems.

They should also have excellent navigation skills, physical stamina, and the ability to make quick decisions in high-stress situations.

Good communication skills are crucial for conveying information clearly to passengers and crew members.

They should also be knowledgeable in meteorology to understand weather conditions.

 

What qualifications does a Part 135 Charter Pilot need?

A Part 135 Charter Pilot must have a commercial pilot’s license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and they usually need a high school diploma or equivalent.

Many airlines prefer pilots with a bachelor’s degree in a field such as aviation or a related field.

They should also have a certain amount of flight experience.

 

What should you look for in a Part 135 Charter Pilot resume?

When reviewing a Part 135 Charter Pilot resume, ensure they have a valid commercial pilot’s license and the required flight hours.

Previous experience as a charter pilot or in a similar role would be beneficial.

Check for any additional certifications such as instrument and multi-engine ratings.

Also, look for mentions of physical fitness, good vision and hearing, and the ability to pass a rigorous health exam.

 

What qualities make a good Part 135 Charter Pilot?

A good Part 135 Charter Pilot should demonstrate excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills, as they will need to make quick, life-saving decisions in emergencies.

They should also have good interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with passengers and crew members.

Being able to maintain composure under stress is also crucial.

The pilot should show a high degree of responsibility and reliability.

 

Is it challenging to hire a Part 135 Charter Pilot?

The hiring process for a Part 135 Charter Pilot can be challenging due to the specific qualifications and flight experience required.

Not only do they need to be skilled pilots, but they also need to pass rigorous health and security checks.

Therefore, finding qualified candidates can be time-consuming and may require offering competitive salaries and benefits.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a glimpse into the high-flying world of a Part 135 Charter Pilot.

Surprised?

Being a charter pilot isn’t just about steering the controls.

It’s about charting new horizons and making journeys memorable, one flight at a time.

With our comprehensive Part 135 Charter Pilot job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take off.

But why stop there?

Soar even higher with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate co-pilot in crafting top-notch job listings or perfecting your resume.

Remember:

Every flight route is part of a bigger journey.

Let’s navigate that airspace. Together.

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