If you want freedom, flexibility, or want to get your foot in the door to the private aviation world, contract work might be a great way to get experience and make good money. Contract work, whether you are a pilot or flight attendant, allows you to work on a trip-by-trip basis, giving you a lot of control over your schedule, clients, and career.

So, how do you secure these contracts, and what sets you apart from others?

Let’s go through what you need to know to get hired as a contract pilot or contract flight attendant.

What Is Contract Aviation Work?

Contract work refers to a temporary hiring arrangement, such as for a single flight, multiple flights, or when a company is filling a position. At the same time, its regular full-time crew is unavailable. You could be employed by a private owner of a jet, a charter, or a management company where you have never flown.

For Pilots

• To fly under Part 91 or Part 135
• Often type-rated on specific jets ( e.g., Citation, Gulfstream, Challenger)
• Paid per day, not per hour

For Flight Attendants

• Prepare and serve in-flight meals
• Ensure the safety of passengers and the cleanliness of the cabin
• Represent high-level service (i.e., executive clients, celebrities, VIPs)
• Bonus: Experience with children is often requested, as many families fly with kids and want someone patient, professional, and family-friendly on board

 What Qualifications Do You Need?

For Pilots

• Commercial or ATP certificate
• 1,500+ hours often preferred
• Type ratings on in-demand aircraft (Challenger, Falcon, Gulfstream, etc.)
• Recent training or current on insurance minimums
• Clean background & drug-free history

For Flight Attendants

• Prior corporate aviation experience preferred
• Completion of a corporate FA training program (FlightSafety, FACTS, Aircare, etc.)
• CPR/First Aid/MedAire certifications
• Food safety and service experience is a big plus
• Experience working with children is a significant plus

 How to Create a Competitive Contract Resume

Think of your resume as a quick snapshot of what you have to offer – this is especially important in contract work, where the hiring process moves quickly.

Do:

• List your certifications & type ratings in clear format
• Include recency of experience (last flown/served onboard)
• Include soft skills (discretion, adaptability, team player)
• Include language skills or international experience

Don’t:

• Use long paragraphs – keep it clean and bullet point format
• List jobs not associated to aviation unless the job includes transferable skills
• Forget to include your location and willingness to travel

 Where to Look for Contract Jobs

Contract roles move fast and networking is key. Here are some resources to find work:

FlightLevelJobs.com—upload your resume, find job postings and get job alerts

Facebook Groups—many contract pilots and FAs connect through private groups

LinkedIn—be active and follow business jet companies

Crew Staffing Agencies—companies like Jet Professionals, ACASS, and Solairus often source contract work

How to Differentiate Yourself

• Stay Current: keep your training and documents current
• Be Professional: anything you do, either email or in person, should reflect the high standards of private aviation
• Be Available: Last-minute trips happen. If you are available and flexible, you will get called again
• Have a Digital Resume: save as a PDF, have a link handy, and be quick when an opportunity presents itself.

Final Thoughts

Working as a contract pilot or flight attendant allows you the flexibility of entering the world of private aviation without locking yourself into a full-time job. Yes, contract work can be very competitive, but it can also be extremely rewarding if you stay prepared, professional, and proactive.

If you are serious about getting your next (or first) contract job, have a competitive resume, current documents, and be on FlightLevelJobs.com, where aviation professionals can find real opportunities every day in a timely fashion.