What Jobs Can You Get After Pilot School?

Becoming a pilot is a dream for many, and with good reason. The skills and training pilots receive are some of the most rigorous and comprehensive in the world. But what can you do once you've completed pilot school? Keep reading to learn about some of the most common jobs for pilots. You might be surprised at how many options are out there.

Traditional Airline Pilot

The most obvious career choice for a pilot is to become an airline pilot for a commercial airline. This is the traditional pilot that we are all used to seeing.

You would initially work for smaller regional airlines before moving onto the major airlines, such as American Airlines or Delta Airlines.

Airline pilots typically work on a rotating schedule that includes days, nights, and weekends. They may be away from home for several days at a time, and they often have to deal with bad weather and other delays. But despite the challenges, being an airline pilot is a rewarding career that allows you to see the world while doing what you love.

Air Ambulance Pilot

Air ambulance pilots play a vital role in saving lives every day, and their work is often very demanding.

Air ambulance crews are typically composed of a pilot, a nurse, and a paramedic, and they are responsible for transporting critically ill or injured patients to hospitals.

Due to the nature of their work, air ambulance pilots must be able to quickly assess a variety of complex situations and make split-second decisions. They also need to be familiar with a wide range of aircraft, as each type has its own strengths and weaknesses.

This level of expertise comes at a price, however, as air ambulance pilots often work long hours on call and are constantly on standby in case an emergency arises.

Despite the challenges, being an air ambulance pilot is perceived by many as one of the most important jobs a pilot can be assigned with. It is a highly rewarding profession that serves an essential function in society.

Business Jet Pilot

Business jet pilots typically fly small to medium-sized aircraft and are more heavily involved in trip planning than airline pilots. This includes filing flight plans, arranging for destination ground transportation, and so on.

Turnaround on these flights is normally not as stressful as it is for airline pilots, since they usually wait for their customers to return from business meetings before flying back to their origin or onward to another destination. 

Being a business jet pilot is said to be a lifestyle as much as a profession. This is because pilots are expected to be flexible and provide exceptional service to their clients. In return, they get to go to new and exciting places while experiencing them in a different way than most other people.

If you're thinking of becoming a business jet pilot, know that it will require a significant commitment but that the rewards can be great.

Freight Pilot

Freight pilots play a vital role in the global economy, transporting cargo to and from every corner of the world.

While passenger issues are not a concern, freight pilots must be laser-focused on the type of cargo and load onboard. This can vary greatly from flight to flight, so pilots must be constantly aware of any changes.

Night flying is very common in the freight world, so if you're not a morning person this could be the perfect pilot job for you.

Flight Instructor

Flight instructors have one of the most unique and rewarding careers in aviation. Not only do they get to teach students how to fly airplanes, but they also become more experienced and proficient pilots themselves.

Since all students are different, flight instructors need to be experts in explaining theoretical concepts and describing flying maneuvers in a variety of ways. This way, they can provide an optimal learning experience for students with different learning styles.

Pilots with teaching experience are also highly attractive candidates when airlines start recruiting. This is because they have more Pilot in Command time and flying experience, which enables them to become Captains in a shorter period of time.

Air Taxi

Imagine this: you're on a beautiful island, the sun is shining, and you get to spend your day flying around in a small airplane. Doesn't that sound like the perfect job? That's what you can expect if you become an air taxi pilot.

Air taxi pilots fly shorter flights and typically carry smaller loads than other types of pilots. But what they lack in size, they make up for in views. Seaplane pilots often have the best seat in the house, with stunning views of whatever island they are visiting. And, because they fly smaller airplanes, they can land in places that bigger planes can't. That means that seaplane pilots often get to visit some of the most beautiful places in the world. If you're looking for an exciting and unique career, seaplane piloting might be the perfect choice for you.