What is a Private Jet Pilot and what are his responsibilities?

Some individuals, professional sport teams, cooperate executives and others would like to have a private flight experience on a jet. As such, the services of a private jet pilot are required. He is responsible for operating a private aircraft which might be owned by an individual or organization. He has a lot of or other duties unlike his commercial counterpart. Read on to find out more.

Private Jet Pilots: Understanding the Job

In the aviation industry, a pilot is a person whose primary assignment is the transportation of goods and services from one place to another. Pilots are usually hired by commercial transport airlines, corporations and even the government. Sometimes, these pilots are self-sufficient or hired by individuals to provide air transport services in small aircraft or private jets.

On the other hand, private jet pilots usually referred to as “charter Pilots” render their services to individual customers and often times, a small group for private trips. Their clientele usually consists of celebrities, corporate executives as well as professional sports teams. They make sure these people enjoy their travels across the country or globe.

You should know that some pilots possess a private pilot certificate for the sole purpose of enjoying their leisure or free time and as such are not qualified for payments.

How much does a Private Jet Pilot Earn?

The average salary of a pilot is estimated around $ 100 000–250 000 per year. This is because they are usually paid an hourly wage for every flight. This means they get paid for every hour covered during a flight period not including the everyday expenses for periods between flights.

For a private jet pilot, the salary cannot be average because his job includes unpredictable schedules which give him longer hours spent on flights and off-flight destinations.

Private jet pilots also do not stick to the 40–60 hours’ work week. This is caused by the constant changes in the airline planned route, and frequent shift in schedule.

​A private jet pilot on average might cover twice the weekly hours of a commercial pilot and sometimes might not even cover an hour at all since the pilot has to adhere to the passengers schedules.

What are the Duties of a Private Jet Pilot?

There are several duties and responsibilities to be carried out by private jet pilots. They include:

• Flying to a select group of locations according to the primary demands of a customer.
• Traveling for longer hours than usual.
• Obtaining flight schedules and sticking to changes.
• Preparing and waiting for passengers, catering for passengers’ needs.
• Being responsible for fueling the aircraft.
• Making sure the jet is cleaned and made ready for flight anytime.
• Making hotel reservations and other transport options between flights.
• Contacting air traffic control for landing or take-off instructions.

These are some basic responsibilities of a private jet pilot which differentiate him from a commercial pilot. Some other differences may include: licensing, alternate career options, working hours, training, travel and leisure opportunities and time away from home.

On average, a private jet pilot spends more time away. This is because, he would have to stay with the passenger at their destination. Such a stay may last a very long period of time unlike the commercial flight pilot who might be able to fly back home on most days. Ultimately, the private jet pilot spends more time at work.