Pilot Employment

Optic Air is hiring commercially rated pilots for our fleet of Piper Aztec and Cessna 172 aircraft. We are an aerial survey company flying projects throughout the United States and Canada. Most of our hiring takes place in August, with class dates beginning in October. We may have an immediate need for summer work. Get a jump start and be the first in line for the fall, apply now. Please note – all pilot positions require long periods away from home with a minimum one-year commitment. If your personal life allows for this type of commitment, you meet all minimum requirements, and you are interested in the position, we invite you to send your resume and other documentation as listed on our How to Apply tab.

  • Fly the contiguous 48 US states and Canadian provinces.

  • Well-maintained aircraft

  • Company issued credit card

  • Competitive salary guarantee

  • Company-paid single-occupancy room

  • Company paid transportation while deployed

Core Responsibilities

  • Relentless monitoring of weather and other factors or conditions that ensure safe, efficient and timely flights

  • Timely planning of solo pilot aerial survey missions, including some pre-coordination with ATC

  • On time execution of flights

  • Precision capture and delivery of quality imagery

  • Navigating heavily congested airspace

  • Inspection and monitoring of aircraft, powerplant, systems and equipment

  • Organization, neatness, and cleanliness of aircraft and equipment

  • On time scheduling of aircraft maintenance (working with management)

  • Cross country flight planning plus scheduling of lodging and rental cars

  • Frequent communications with stakeholders and daily submission of reports

  • Comply with company safety standards, company policies & procedures, FARs, and standards applicable to Part 91 of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations

Required Qualifications

  • Professional, business-minded, disciplined, and self-starter

  • Positive, honest with self and others, and coachable

  • Possesses a strong business acumen and/or committed to learning business concepts

  • Strong communication skills

  • Ability to manage life away from home for weeks at a time

  • Extremely flexible and able to change plans quickly

  • Computer/technical skills including spreadsheet, file management, various apps

  • Confidence flying in busy Class C and Class B airspace for extended periods of time

  • Class 2 medical (an expired or class 3 medical does not qualify)

  • Valid driver’s license

  • Clean driving record

  • Valid US passport

  • Covid 19 vaccination is preferred (required for Canada)

  • Candidates must be 21 years of age or older by their scheduled class date

Additional Qualifications for Cessna Pilots

  • ASEL commercial rating

  • Instrument rating

  • 10+ hours in type – recency important

Additional Qualifications for Aztec Pilots

  • AMEL and ASEL commercial rating

  • Instrument rating

  • Minimum 500 hours total time & 15 hours multi-time Recency important

  • Complex and high-performance endorsements are a plus