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Skydiver Jump Pilot

Become a Jump Pilot

Turn altitude into opportunity. Fly skydivers. Build time fast.

Drop zones across the U.S. are busier than ever—and they need trained jump pilots. With roughly 265 U.S. drop zones conducting 3+ million jumps each year using nearly 400 aircraft, jump flying has become one of the most efficient and exciting ways to build experience, earn solid pay, and advance your aviation career.

Specialized Jump Pilot Training
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Holding a commercial certificate gets you eligible—specialized training gets you hired.

Why Fly Jumpers?

  • Fast time-building: Multiple short cycles mean hours add up quickly

  • Competitive pay: Get paid to fly—often while logging more time than traditional routes

  • Career momentum: Many pilots move up to turbine aircraft or onward to charter, corporate, or airlines

  • Hands-on flying: Precision climbs, energy management, and real-world decision-making

Whether you’re chasing turbines or an ATP, jump flying is a proven stepping stone.

Minimum Requirements

To fly jumpers, pilots must meet FAA requirements and DZ expectations:

Required

  • FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate (minimum 250 hours total time)

  • Second-Class FAA Medical Certificate (valid within the last 12 months)

  • Government-issued photo ID carried while flying

Commonly Expected (by aircraft owners/DZs)

  • More than 250 hours (often 500–1,000+ hours for turbine aircraft)

  • Aircraft-specific experience or checkout

  • Multi-engine rating for twin-engine jump ships

Jump Pilot Training

Flight Training Focus

  • Rapid climbs and energy management

  • High-altitude operations

  • Weight & balance with jumpers

  • Jump-door procedures

  • Emergency scenarios

Ground Instruction

  • Aircraft systems

  • ATC procedures for jump ops

  • Applicable FARs

  • Skydiving operations & safety basics

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Train with Buzzard’s Roost Aviation

Real aircraft. Real jump operations. Real results.

Buzzard’s Roost Aviation offers 2-day, 3-day, and 4-day tailored jump pilot courses designed to give you the skills, flight time, and operational confidence drop zones look for. Training includes focused ground instruction and flight training in a fully jump-capable aircraft, emphasizing realistic DZ procedures and safety.

Bonus: Upon completion, job placement assistance may be available to help connect you with drop zones seeking qualified jump pilots.

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 Call Patrick at 828-777-0719

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