Search and Rescue (SAR) Pilot Career Guide
What Is a Search and Rescue Pilot? A Search and Rescue (SAR) pilot flies missions designed to locate and rescue people in danger. SAR pilots are often called during emergencies …
Commercial Pilots
Firefighting Pilot Career Guide
What Is a Firefighting Pilot? A firefighting pilot, sometimes called an aerial firefighting pilot or air attack pilot, flies aircraft that help combat wildfires and protect communities. These pilots are …
Police Pilot Career Guide
What Is a Police Pilot? A police pilot is a professional aviator who works with law enforcement agencies to support public safety operations from the air. Police pilots fly helicopters …
Disaster Relief Pilot (Medical Support) Career Guide
What Does a Disaster Relief Pilot Do? Disaster relief pilots provide aviation support during emergencies such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, wildfires, and humanitarian crises. These pilots transport: Medical teams Emergency …
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Medical Outreach Pilot Career Guide
What Is a Medical Outreach Pilot? Medical outreach pilots fly missions that deliver healthcare access, medical supplies, doctors, and humanitarian aid to underserved communities. These pilots often work in remote …
Organ Transport Pilot Career Guide
What Does an Organ Transport Pilot Do? Organ transport pilots fly life-saving missions carrying donated organs, transplant teams, and medical equipment between hospitals and transplant centers. Time is incredibly important …
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Pilot Career Guide
What Is an EMS Pilot? Emergency Medical Services (EMS) pilots specialize in flying helicopters or aircraft that support emergency medical response operations. EMS pilots are closely connected to air ambulance …
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Air Ambulance Pilot Career Guide
What Does an Air Ambulance Pilot Do? Air ambulance pilots are highly trained aviation professionals who transport critically ill or injured patients by helicopter or airplane to hospitals, trauma centers, …
Master Certified Flight Instructor (MCFI)
What Is an MCFI? A Master Certified Flight Instructor (MCFI) is one of the highest recognitions available for aviation instructors. The designation recognizes instructors who demonstrate exceptional professionalism, continuing education, …
Type Rating Instructor (TRI)
What Is a Type Rating Instructor? A Type Rating Instructor (TRI) trains pilots to operate specific aircraft types, such as the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320. Large and complex aircraft …
Assistant Chief Flight Instructor
What Is an Assistant Chief Flight Instructor? An Assistant Chief Flight Instructor helps manage a flight school’s training operations and supports the Chief Flight Instructor. This role is often considered …
Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI)
What Is an AGI? An Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI) is certified by the FAA to teach aviation ground school subjects. AGIs focus on classroom instruction rather than flight instruction. They …
Drone Pilot (UAS Operator) Career Guide
What Is a Drone Pilot? Drone Pilots, also called Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Operators, remotely operate drones for commercial, industrial, governmental, and creative applications. This is one of the fastest-growing …
Basic Ground Instructor (BGI)
What Is a BGI? A Basic Ground Instructor (BGI) teaches beginner aviation ground school subjects. BGIs primarily focus on private pilot training topics. Roles and Responsibilities BGIs: Teach entry-level aviation …
Glider Pilot
What Does a Glider Pilot Do? Glider pilots fly engineless aircraft called sailplanes or gliders. These aircraft rely on rising air currents called thermals to remain airborne. Glider flying is …
Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE)
What Is a DPE? A Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) is an experienced pilot authorized by the FAA to conduct practical tests, commonly known as checkrides. DPEs evaluate whether pilot applicants …
Chief Flight Instructor
What Is a Chief Flight Instructor? A Chief Flight Instructor oversees all flight training operations at a flight school or aviation program. They are responsible for ensuring training quality, regulatory …
Missionary Pilot Career Guide
What Is a Missionary Pilot? Missionary Pilots use aviation to transport people, supplies, medical aid, and humanitarian resources to remote communities around the world. These pilots often serve in areas …
Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI)
What Is an MEI? A Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) is a flight instructor certified to teach pilots how to operate aircraft with more than one engine. Multi-engine flying introduces more complexity, …
Balloon Pilot
What Does a Balloon Pilot Do? Balloon pilots operate hot air balloons for recreational flights, tourism experiences, competitions, festivals, and private events. Unlike airplane pilots, balloon pilots rely on wind …