What Is a Corporate/ Business Jet Pilot?

A Corporate (or Business Jet) Pilot operates private, charter, and company-owned aircraft to transport executives, high-value clients, medical teams, VIPs, and specialized personnel. Unlike airline flying, corporate aviation is on-demand, meaning pilots often fly unique missions to airports airlines don’t serve, with flexible schedules and high levels of customer interaction.

Corporate pilots operate aircraft such as the:

• Cessna Citation series (CJ, XLS, Latitude, Longitude)

• Embraer Phenom 300 / Praetor / Legacy

• Gulfstream G280, G500, G600, G650/G700

• Bombardier Challenger / Global series

• Dassault Falcon 7X, 8X

Their missions include business travel, medical transport, sports teams, entertainment industry charters, and government/VIP operations. Corporate pilots must demonstrate professionalism, polished customer service, and mastery of high-performance aircraft systems.

Their responsibilities include:

• Preflight planning for custom routes and unfamiliar airports

• Managing weight, balance, passenger requests, and cabin environment

• Flying into small, high-altitude, or short-runway airports

• Operating aircraft with advanced automation and long-range capabilities

• Coordinating with FBOs, fuel providers, and ground services

• Ensuring cabin safety and emergency preparedness

• Conducting international operations and customs procedures

• Maintaining flexibility for irregular schedules

• Upholding strict privacy and confidentiality standards

Corporate pilots blend airline-level flying skills with executive-level professionalism.

How to Start Your Journey as a Corporate/Business Jet Pilot

1. Meet basic eligibility requirements

• FAA Commercial Pilot License

• Instrument Rating

• Multi-engine rating

• First or Second-Class Medical (depending on operation)

• Strong communication and customer-service skills

• Professional appearance and discretion (client confidentiality is key)

2. Complete flight training

The traditional pilot path applies:

• Private Pilot License (PPL)

• Instrument Rating (IR)

 (critical for corporate ops)

• Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

• Multi-Engine Rating

 (many business jets are multi-engine)

Corporate pilots typically need:

• 1,000–2,000+ total flight hours

• Strong turbine experience

• Solid IFR/night flying history

3. Build flight time

Common ways to build time before entering corporate aviation include:

• Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII/MEI)

• Part 135 charter flying

• Aerial survey

• Pipeline patrol

• Cargo feeder ops

• Skydive, banners, or scenic tours

Many pilots transition to business jets after gaining multi-engine turbine experience.

4. Get hired by a corporate operator

Corporate flying exists in three main types of operations:

1. Part 91 (Private Corporate Departments)

These are company-owned jets used only for internal travel (no charter).

Examples:

• Fortune 500 flight departments

• Professional sports teams

• Private companies

• High-net-worth individuals (HNWI)

Pros:

• Highest pay

• Set salary and strong benefits

• Stable schedule

• Top-tier aircraft (Gulfstream/Challenger)

Cons:

• Hardest to get into; competitive

• Limited entry-level hiring

2. Part 135 (Charter / On-Demand Operations)

These flights are booked by customers as needed.

Examples:

• NetJets

• Flexjet

• Wheels Up

• PlaneSense

• XOJets

• Boutique charter companies

Pros:

• Many entry-level openings

• Diverse flying

• Fast turbine time accumulation

• Gateway to private companies

Cons:

• On-demand scheduling (nights, holidays possible)

• You handle passengers more directly

3. Fractional Ownership Companies

Customers “own” a share of an aircraft and pilots fly them on scheduled trips.

Examples:

• NetJets

• Flexjet

• Airshare

Pros:

• Airline-like structure with high pay

• Large fleets and consistent schedules

• Good work/life balance

Career Pathways Within Corporate Aviation

Entry-Level Business Jet Pilot (Light Jets)

Aircraft: CJ3, Phenom 300, Citation XLS.

Common with charter and fractional operators.

Responsibilities include:

• Multi-leg missions

• Short-runway operations

• High-volume passenger interaction

• Quick turnarounds and customized flights

Mid/Heavy Jet Pilot

Aircraft: Challenger 350, Legacy 450/500, Falcon 2000.

Responsibilities include:

• Longer domestic routes

• Private-client operations

• International trip planning exposure

• More advanced avionics and cabin systems

Ultra-Long-Range Captain

Aircraft: Gulfstream G650/700, Global 6000/7500, Falcon 8X.

Responsibilities include:

• Transoceanic and global operations

• ETOPS, oceanic clearances, NAT HLA procedures

• Managing cabin service expectations

• Leading fully crewed long-range trips

This is the highest level of corporate flying.

Top Schools for Corporate Pilot Training and How to Get Involved

• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Strong connections with NetJets, Flexjet, and major corporate operators.

• University of North Dakota (UND)

Large professional pilot program with turbine transition exposure.

• Purdue University

Well-respected for producing professional pilots for corporate aviation.

• Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)

Strong fleet, multi-engine training, and industry connections.

• ATP Flight School

Fast pathway to turbine time and 135 operators.

Tip: Corporate aviation values professionalism, appearance, communication, and client service as much as flight hours.

Trends & Opportunities in Corporate Aviation

• Surging demand for business travel and private jet usage

• Fleet expansion among charter and fractional companies

• High demand for qualified turbine pilots

• Corporate departments offering premium salaries and benefits

• Increased global operations (long-range Gulfstreams and Globals)

• Growth in medical transport and specialized missions

• Competitive upgrade times from FO → Captain

• Strong retirements creating long-term hiring needs

Final Thoughts

Corporate piloting is one of the most rewarding and dynamic paths in aviation. From flying high-performance business jets to landing at exclusive destinations, corporate pilots combine technical skill with professionalism and customer service. With strong salaries, diverse missions, and opportunities for global travel, this career is ideal for students seeking a flexible, high-end aviation lifestyle beyond airline operations.