How to Hire a Contract Pilot

Start with a precise brief. A pilot needs enough operational context to understand what they are being asked to do, and an operator needs a consistent basis for comparing responses.

For a practical checklist of what to include in the opportunity itself, see What to Include in a Contract Pilot Job Posting.

• Aircraft make and model
• PIC or SIC role
• Trip or assignment dates
• Whether the need is contract or longer-term
• Base or departure location
• Expected schedule and positioning or travel expectations
• Compensation structure and required qualifications

Qualification requirements depend on the aircraft, operation, and assignment. Define what is required before reviewing candidates, while keeping operator-specific requirements separate from assumptions about a pilot’s general experience.

• The appropriate pilot certificate
• An applicable type rating
• Aircraft or model-specific experience
• PIC or SIC experience for the role
• Recurrent or current training when required
• Total flight experience
• Requirements specific to the operator, insurance, or operation

On PilotMP, operators can search professional crew profiles and review aircraft experience, qualifications, training, and availability before deciding whom to invite to an opportunity. Search and matching tools help narrow the field based on the requirements of the assignment.

• Search professional crew profiles
• Filter by aircraft experience, type rating, base, or availability
• Use matching to identify potentially relevant crew
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A profile is a starting point for due diligence, not a substitute for it. Compare candidates against the assignment brief and ask for the information your operation requires before selecting anyone.

• Professional experience and aircraft-specific experience
• Qualifications, training, and availability
• Quote and compensation terms
• Documents shared through the platform, where applicable
• Previous reviews or ratings, where available and relevant
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Contract arrangements should make the financial and time commitment understandable to both sides. Use the same definitions throughout the conversation and confirm what is included before accepting terms.

• Flight day rate
• Non-flight day rate, where applicable
• Per diem
• Travel reimbursement or fixed travel terms
• Positioning days and return travel
• Total commitment period
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Once the operator and crew member agree, keep a clear record of the accepted assignment, dates, role, compensation, and other agreed terms. A documented confirmation helps both sides work from the same information as the trip approaches.

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After an assignment is confirmed, the operator and crew member can coordinate the operational details directly through the existing workflow. PilotMP facilitates the connection and records the assignment; it does not operate the flight or manage the crew.

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Operators remain responsible for deciding whether a pilot is appropriate and qualified for their operation. As applicable, verify certificates, type ratings, training, recency or currency, insurance requirements, and company requirements. Follow applicable regulations and company procedures, and seek professional or legal guidance when necessary. PilotMP is a marketplace, not the operator’s legal or compliance advisor, and is not the employer.

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