How to hire a co pilot

How to hire a co pilot, step by step

Here's a step-by-step co pilot hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a co pilot job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new co pilot
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The co pilot hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect co pilot also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   Here's a comparison of co pilot salaries for various roles:

   Type of Co Pilot	Description	Hourly rate
   Co Pilot	Airline and commercial pilots fly and navigate airplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft. Airline pilots fly for airlines that transport people and cargo on a fixed schedule... Show more	$34-58
   Aviator	An aviator, also known as a pilot, operates aircraft for commercial or private use. Although their duties vary upon their company or industry of employment, it usually entails performing regular inspections before and after every flight, coordinating with staff, maintaining an active communication line with air traffic controller, determining routes and schedules, analyzing flight plans, and monitoring the weather conditions... Show more	$36-58
   Pilot Instructor	The key role of a Pilot Instructor is to teach students procedures and techniques about how to fly aircraft. They offer instruction for both on the ground and in the sky, prepare lesson plans, and assess and monitor students performance.	$28-63

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • FAA
   • PIC
   • Flight Operations
   • SIC
   • ISR
   • Corporate Aircraft

   Responsibilities:

   • Lead performance analysis, plan test sequences, document test details, and liaise with engineers and FAA representatives.
   • Operate company-owned aircraft in compliance with all FAA regulations and international procedures.
   • Assist with all aspects of administration, logistics and equipment inventory, ensuring successful financial execution.
   • Conduct pilot proficiency and standardization evaluations in both A320 aircraft and simulator.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your co pilot job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A co pilot salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, co pilots' average salary in minnesota is 39% less than in new jersey.
   • Seniority. Entry-level co pilots earn 40% less than senior-level co pilots.
   • Certifications. A co pilot with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a co pilot's salary.

   Average co pilot salary

   $93,703yearly

   $45.05 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level co pilot salary

   $72,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 15, 2025

4. Writing a co pilot job description

   A good co pilot job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a co pilot job description:

   Co pilot job description example

   **HOW MIGHT YOU DEFY IMAGINATION?**
   
   Do more with the knowledge you're working hard to acquire and the passion you already have. At Amgen, our shared mission-to serve patients-drives all that we do. It is key to our becoming one of the world's leading biotechnology companies, reaching over 10 million patients worldwide. Through this program, you will acquire the valuable hands-on skills and foundational experience to become the professional you are meant to be in your chosen field.
   
   **Undergrad Co-Op Pilot Plant**
   
   **Live**
   
   **This could be your everyday**
   
   Let's do this. Let's change the world. During this program, you will acquire valuable hands-on skills and foundational experience needed to become the professional you are meant to be in your chosen field.
   
   We are seeking hard working individuals to join the Pilot Plant Network as Undergrad University Co-ops. This invaluable co-op provides an understanding of the biopharmaceutical industry today, as well as the challenges and opportunities that will drive the development of new medicines in the future. This co-op will be approximately 26 weeks that includes both project- based and experiential learning. Amgen provides a state-of-the-art workspace and promotes collaboration with senior leadership through a series of formal and informal events. Co-ops will be encouraged to spend time participating in activities and networking with staff across the organization.
   
   As an undergrad co-op you will apply coursework concepts to real-world situations working alongside and guided by industry professionals while gaining valuable experience working for a world-class global biomanufacturing company. You will become part of the Pilot Plant Network - Amgen's Center of Excellence for advancing new technologies - and will be mentored by senior staff members.
   
   During this 6-month program, you will have the opportunity to work closely with a multi-disciplinary team in our state-of-the-art Mammalian Cell Culture and Purification Pilot Plants. Some of the projects you may find yourself working on include:
   
   + Developing and integrating process analytical technologies such as biomass sensors, real-time metabolite analyzers, Raman spectroscopy probes, internet-of-things and others to enable real-time process monitoring and automated bioreactor control (feeding reactors, bleeding reactors, shifting setpoints, continuous manufacturing)
   
   + Developing and deploying new digital capabilities including methods for real-time data collection and visualization utilizing cloud-based architecture
   
   + Characterization of new and existing assets, identifying boundary limits and critical parameters within a defined operating space
   
   + Process modeling utilizing multivariate weak signals to predict equipment failure or process deviation and enable proactive remediation
   
   + Real-time in-situ particle size analysis to establish the ability to measure particles as they naturally exist in processes to dramatically improve the understanding, optimization and control of dispersed systems (suspensions and solutions)
   
   + Developing advanced automation strategies for cell culture and purification equipment being applied to Amgen's next generation manufacturing platforms (new technology development)
   
   **Win**
   
   **Here's what it takes to Win**
   
   We are all different, yet we all use our unique contributions to serve patients. The kind of individual we seek is a hands-on self-starter with these qualifications:
   
   **Basic Qualifications**
   
   Amgen requires that all individuals applying for a grad internship or a co-op assignment at Amgen must meet the following criteria:
   
   + 18 years or older
   
   + Currently enrolled in a full-time Bachelor's Degree program from an accredited college or university with a 3.0 minimum GPA or equivalent
   
   + Completion of one year of study from an accredited college or university prior to the internship commencing
   
   + Enrolled in a full-time Bachelor's degree program following the potential internship or co-op assignment with an accredited college or university
   
   + Must not be employed at the time the internship starts
   
   + Student must be located in the United States for the duration of the co-op
   
   **Preferred Qualifications**
   
   + Previous Co-op or Internship experience
   
   + Junior or Senior
   
   **Thrive**
   
   **Some of the vast rewards of working here**
   
   As we work to develop treatments that take care of others, we also work to care for our teammates' professional and personal growth in addition to their well-being:
   
   + Build a network of colleagues that will endure and grow throughout your time with us and beyond.
   
   + Bring your authentic self to the table and become the professional you're inspired to be through accepting a culture that values the diversity of thought and experience and will flex to your strengths and possibilities.
   
   + Participate in executive and social networking events, as well as community volunteer projects.
   
   **Apply now**
   
   **for an internship/co-op that defies imagination**
   
   If you feel like you're part of something bigger, it's because you are. Join us.
   
   **careers.amgen.com** **Please search for Keyword XXXXX**
   
   Amgen is an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider you without regard to your race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.
   
   We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request an accommodation.
   
   Amgen requires all staff in the United States and Puerto Rico to be vaccinated from COVID 19 as a condition of employment. In accordance with applicable law, Amgen will provide reasonable accommodations to staff members who qualify on the basis of a medical reason or a sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance. Such accommodation may not pose an undue hardship to Amgen, its operations, or its staff.
   
   Join Us
   
   If you're seeking a career where you can truly make a difference in the lives of others, a career where you can work at the absolute forefront of biotechnology with the top minds in the field, you'll find it at Amgen.
   
   Amgen, a biotechnology pioneer, discovers, develops and delivers innovative human therapeutics. Our medicines have helped millions of patients in the fight against cancer, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis and other serious illnesses.
   
   As an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people around the world, Amgen fosters an inclusive environment of diverse, ethical, committed and highly accomplished people who respect each other but compete intensely to win. Together, we live the Amgen values as we continue advancing science to serve patients.
   
   Amgen is an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.
   
   We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
   
   Amgen requires all staff in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada to be vaccinated from COVID 19 as a condition of employment. In accordance with applicable law, Amgen will provide reasonable accommodations to staff members who qualify on the basis of a medical reason or a sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance. Such accommodation may not pose an undue hardship to Amgen, its operations, or its staff.

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5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find co pilots for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your co pilot job on Zippia to find and recruit co pilot candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting co pilots requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new co pilot

   Once you've selected the best co pilot candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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