A career pilot blends adventure, precision and responsibility in ways few jobs do. You get paid to travel the world, witnessing sunrises and sunsets from the best seat in the house.
Find your Career at Higher Altitudes
Think about the camaraderie — every flight crew becomes a tight-knit team navigating challenges together. Then there’s the cutting-edge technology you’re exposed to. You’re not just flying; you’re operating some of the most advanced machines ever created. Plus, piloting teaches you discipline and calm under pressure.
Training You for the Future
You’ll fly daily in one of our 30+ well-maintained aircraft – managed by our onsite, certified A&P mechanics – to help you go from zero hours to the minimum 1,500 hours needed to command a professional flight deck in about three years.* We’re committed to helping you finish on time and with the knowledge and proficiency you need to get ahead. When you’re not flying we encourage you to take advantage of our spacious office to study and connect with fellow student aviators.
The Riggin Way
Your experience with us is important. That’s why our friendly and knowledgeable instructors meet you where you are in your training. Are you a new pilot? No problem! We will take you from no flight experience and launch you into your piloting career.
If you have experience, we start the training by reviewing your logbook(s) and the FAR/AIM together. Then, we create an action plan for the remaining tasks you must complete to get you to your checkride with our onsite Designated Pilot Examiner, who can administer the FAA flight exam onsite.
We support you by removing some of the barriers to getting started or moving forward in your training:
- Use of a shared car for transportation, provided by Riggin.
- Affordable housing options available on a first come, first serve basis.
- Program financing options discussed.
“I didn’t want to leave home. But when I got here, it felt like home. We have a tight group of people, and we fly 7 days a week!” – Ben Bergquist, Chief Flight Instructor at Riggin
The Career Pilot Timeline
The graphic below illustrates how you will move through the career program from zero hours of flight time and prepare to become a professional pilot. Your path may look different if you already have some flight training under your belt, but we’ll work with you to pick up where you left off and continue on your aviation journey.
Contact us to learn about requirements before beginning your training, such as acquiring a medical certificate.
Career Options Abound
There’s virtually no upper limit when it comes to choosing how to get paid to fly.
- Agricultural Pilot: Experience the call of the outdoors. You’ll spray crops, while at the same time growing your piloting skills.
- Aerial Survey Pilot: Conduct surveys for agriculture, real estate or environmental research.
- Airline Pilot: Fly for commercial airlines, criss-crossing the globe with passengers.
- Cargo Pilot: Move goods and packages, often flying to a range of destinations.
- Corporate Pilot: Fly private jets for businesses, medical transport or VIP clients.
- Charter Pilot: Provide on-demand flights, sometimes to remote or unique locations.
- Flight Instructor: Teach others the art of flying, helping new pilots earn their wings.
We’re here to answer your questions! Contact us to learn more about our excellent training options and your program costs.