What Does A Corporate Pilot Do (including Their Typical Day at Work)

Alyssa OmandacCareer, Overview

Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

Corporate Pilots

The primary responsibility of a Corporate Pilot is to transport people by plane for a company. They can work full time for a company with a corporate jet, or they might fly for a company that rents planes to companies.

Salary
$99600
Personality
Interest Match


Corporate Pilots fly company aircraft. They transport people on corporate trips, and they have responsibilities that include directing the flight crew, meeting with passengers, filing the itinerary and the flight plans, and they make sure that everything is functional and ready to go for the flight.

A Corporate Pilot usually works for a large business that owns a corporate jet or a private airline that rents planes to companies for travel when they need it. Most Corporate Pilots have a Bachelor’s Degree, often in Aerospace Engineering or Aeronautics, although it’s not necessary. They also complete flight school, which can take as much as four years.

What they do

The primary responsibility of a Corporate Pilot is to transport people by plane for a company. They can work full time for a company with a corporate jet, or they might fly for a company that rents planes to companies.

Fly Corporate Jets

A Corporate Pilot’s main job is to fly corporate jets and transport company passengers on business trips. They often work for large corporations that own their own jets or they work for private companies that are hired by corporations. They manage the passengers and make sure that the flight goes smoothly for them.

Devise and File a Flight Plan

Corporate Pilots have to file a flight plan for all of their flights. The flight might be a single round trip flight, or they could have multiple stops along the way. There may be layovers that last for a few days, or they could be quick trips that last for the day. It is important to include all of the details in the flight plan, and you need to have attention to detail to do it well.

Make Sure the Plane Is Safe and Ready for Flight

One of the most important jobs that a Corporate Pilot has is to make sure that the plane is safe and prepared for flight. They need to perform a number of preflight safety checks to make sure that all of the systems are functioning correctly. In addition, the pilot will check the plane after it lands and make sure that everything is put away correctly.

Load Cargo and Make Sure Plane Is Balanced

Corporate Pilots also load the cargo and baggage and make sure that the plane is balanced. This is important because planes need to maintain certain weights, and the pilot will be able to make sure that it doesn’t go over the right amount. They will also help the clients and make sure that they are comfortable and have everything they need.

What is the job like

Pros

You get to fly planes every day

If you enjoy flying planes, you will have an opportunity to fly them every day.

You can make a good living

Corporate Pilots can make a good living in this high paying job.

You get to travel a lot

You get to travel to a lot of places, and you will often stay overnight. If you enjoy traveling, this is a great job for you.

You have downtime to relax

When you take people to a location, you will usually remain there until they leave. Once you have finished with the flight and the plane is safe, you will have time off until it is time to return.

Cons

You might work weekends and holidays

This is not a five day a week job; your schedule will depend on when the company needs you, and you will work on weekends and holidays a lot of the time.

You might experience stress

This can be a stressful job because you need to get people where they want to go when they want to be there. You need to fly the plane and do your job well, and you need to make sure that your passengers are comfortable and happy.

Where they work

Large corporations
Corporate aircraft company
Government

Corporate Pilots can work for large corporations where they fly people who work for the company wherever they need to go. They can also work for private companies that rent planes to businesses. They can work for smaller businesses as well, or they may work for the government or other organizations.

How to become one

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree (Optional)

You do not have to have a Bachelor’s Degree to work as a Corporate Pilot, but you will need one if you ever decide to go further in your flying. You can major in Aerospace Engineering or Aeronautics, and take flying lessons in your free time.

Step 2: Get Your Certification

You need to have a pilot, commercial, or airline certification to get a job as a Corporate Pilot. This is required by the FAA, and for each of the different certifications, you will need a different number of hours and instruction. You will need to attend flight school and take written and flying exams, and you must pass a medical test as well. You may need a specific license depending on what kind of aircraft the corporation has for you to fly.

Step 3: Apply for Jobs

Once you have your license, you can apply for jobs. You can apply to private corporations, government agencies, charter companies, or other organizations.

Should you become one

Best personality type for this career

The Builder

People with this personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

Corporate Pilots are outgoing, friendly, and polite. They will interact with the passengers, and they need to be professional. A Corporate Pilot needs to have confidence and be good at making decisions under pressure. They are adventurous and enjoy having different scenery each day, and they are meticulous and have an eye for detail.

Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.

FAQ


Don’t know which career to pursue?

Take the career quiz to find careers that match your personality type.

Take The Career Quiz