The pilot job market right now
Special mission and utility flying covers the jobs that do not fit the airline or corporate jet mould: aerial firefighting and air tanker work, aerial survey and mapping, agricultural and spray flying, seaplane and float operations, skydive and jump runs, pipeline and powerline patrol, and search and rescue. These roles reward pilots who want hands on, varied flying rather than a fixed route network.
Requirements vary widely. Many of these operators hire low time pilots and build them up, especially for survey, jump and patrol work, while firefighting and float jobs often want specific experience. The flying is seasonal in places, busiest in summer for firefighting and agriculture, and it often takes you to airfields and backcountry strips that airlines never see.
AeroScout pulls these openings together from operators worldwide, so you can find specialised flying in one place instead of hunting across dozens of niche company career pages. Each listing links straight to the operator's own application.
There are currently 38 open pilot roles on AeroScout across 31 employers. The most active employers hiring right now are Aerometrex Ltd, GFK Flight Support and Kinniburgh Spray. Advertised salaries are typically $73k to $140k. 2 roles offer visa sponsorship.
- 31 airlines and operators hiring now
- Salaries typically $73k to $140k
- 2 roles with visa sponsorship
